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Volume 40, Issue 1 (2025)
GeoRes 2025, 40(1): 95-101 |
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Received: 2025/03/20 | Accepted: 2025/04/28 | Published: 2025/05/4
Received: 2025/03/20 | Accepted: 2025/04/28 | Published: 2025/05/4
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Hoseini Lahoordi M, Mansori M, Shafipour Yourdshahi P. Relationship Between Urban Space Quality and Different Levels of Sense of Place in District 22 of Tehran. GeoRes 2025; 40 (1) :95-101
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1- Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahr Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shar-e-Qods, Iran
2- Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of civil Engineering and Architecture, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of civil Engineering and Architecture, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
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Background
In recent years, urban quality of life has become increasingly linked to the vitality of public spaces. Despite attention to physical dimensions, urban design policies have often overlooked social and symbolic aspects, leading to a diminished sense of place attachment.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have shown that the sense of place attachment is a complex and multidimensional concept influenced by physical, social, and environmental factors. Some research has emphasized the importance of physical elements such as legibility, visual identity, and functional coherence [Frost & Catney, 2020; Shamsuddin & Ujang, 2008], while others have highlighted the stronger role of social factors like security, social participation, and nostalgia [Tan et al., 2018; Forouzangohar, 2022; Akhlaghi & Shafizadeh, 2025]. Many studies have focused on historical contexts or deteriorated urban neighborhoods [Soltanitehrani et al., 2024; Korjani et al., 2023] or have examined only one of the social or physical dimensions. Additionally, some research has addressed individual and psychological factors in shaping place attachment [Ujang, 2017; Raffaetà & Duff, 2013; Khandan & Rezaei, 2021]; however, the distribution of different levels of place attachment in new urban areas has received less attention.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the influential components of urban spaces in enhancing the sense of place attachment in the public spaces of District 22, Tehran.
Research Type
This study was applied in terms of research objective and analytical-descriptive in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
The research population consisted of all residents of District 22 in Tehran, which, according to the latest census [Statistical Center of Iran, 2016], had a population of 175,398. The study was conducted in District 22, one of the newest urban development areas, characterized by features such as new land uses, presence of natural elements, high-rise residential complexes, and modern commercial centers. The study was carried out in the 2024 (Iranian calendar).
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was simple random sampling, considering the geographical distribution of the population across different neighborhoods in District 22 of Tehran. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula with a 5% error level and was determined to be 387 individuals.
Used Devices & Materials
The main data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire, designed based on theoretical foundations, empirical studies, and the seven-stage model of sense of place. The questionnaire consisted of two main parts: Evaluation of public space quality across three dimensions of physical, social, and semantic (with indicators such as urban furniture, safety, and memorability). And, assessment of levels of place attachment across seven stages (from indifference to sacrifice), using items based on a five-point Likert scale.
For data analysis, AMOS version 24 and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method were used. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a value of 0.846.
Findings by Text
Initially, the model fit indices were assessed using AMOS software, and the preliminary results indicated a poor model fit. After implementing the suggested modifications, the model fit improved, with CMIN/DF = 2.751, GFI = 0.930, CFI = 0.946, and NFI = 0.920, all indicating an acceptable fit of the conceptual model. Path analysis revealed that all hypothesized relationships were statistically significant. Among the dimensions, the social component had the greatest impact on the quality of urban space. Regarding the levels of place attachment, the "merging with the goals of the place" level showed the highest influence, while "place dependence" had the lowest. Other levels, such as indifference, awareness, attachment, presence, and sacrifice also played significant roles in strengthening place attachment. Factor loadings indicated that all components, except for "place dependence," had loadings above 0.6, confirming the structural model’s validity (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Model fit of the conceptual framework in AMOS
Moreover, correlation results demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between place attachment and the quality of public space, with significant correlations across semantic, social, and physical dimensions. Among the components of place attachment, "merging" and "awareness" showed the highest correlations with public space quality, while "place dependence" showed the weakest. These findings highlighted the critical role of social and semantic factors in fostering a sense of place attachment (Table 1).
Table 1. Correlation results of the components
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
Similar studies have shown that the social dimensions of public spaces, such as sociability, safety, and social interaction play a key role in enhancing urban space quality and strengthening the sense of place attachment [Soltanitehrani et al., 2024; Ranjbari et al., 2023; Khandan & Rezaei, 2021]. The findings of this study also emphasized that the social component has the greatest impact on the perceived quality of urban spaces, and improving it can enhance residents’ perception of their environment. Additionally, the alignment between personal goals and the goals of a place ("merging with place goals") had the highest influence on place attachment, which aligns with prior research highlighting the importance of participation and social integration [Mehta & Nogalski, 2024; Askarizad & Safari, 2020; Carmona, 2019]. Contrary to common belief, emotional dependence on a place had a relatively low effect on place attachment and played a limited role without active engagement and awareness. Strong and positive correlations between spatial quality (physical, social, and semantic) and place attachment were also confirmed, consistent with previous studies on the role of spatial quality in enhancing social capital and place bonding [Daneshpayeh & Habib, 2017]. This study indicated that simultaneously strengthening all three dimensions of social, physical, and semantic is essential for enhancing place attachment.
Suggestions
Future research should include comparative studies in different urban areas or cities in Iran to explore contextual differences in place attachment. Using qualitative methods like interviews or participant observation is also recommended to enrich quantitative results. Additionally, examining how personal factors (e.g., age, gender, residence duration, social participation) and temporary cultural events influence the relationship between public space quality and place attachment would provide valuable insights.
Conclusion
The quality of public space plays a crucial role in enhancing place attachment in District 22 of Tehran. In particular, the social dimension of space and the component of "merging with place goals" were identified as the most influential factors.
Acknowledgments: None reported by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None reported by the authors.
Authors’ Contributions: Hoseini Lahoori M (First author), Main Researcher/Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (40%); Mansori M (Second author), Main Researcher/Methodologist/Discussion Writer (35%); Shafipour Yourdshahi P (Third author), Main Researcher/Statistical Analyst (25%).
Funding: None reported by the authors.
In recent years, urban quality of life has become increasingly linked to the vitality of public spaces. Despite attention to physical dimensions, urban design policies have often overlooked social and symbolic aspects, leading to a diminished sense of place attachment.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have shown that the sense of place attachment is a complex and multidimensional concept influenced by physical, social, and environmental factors. Some research has emphasized the importance of physical elements such as legibility, visual identity, and functional coherence [Frost & Catney, 2020; Shamsuddin & Ujang, 2008], while others have highlighted the stronger role of social factors like security, social participation, and nostalgia [Tan et al., 2018; Forouzangohar, 2022; Akhlaghi & Shafizadeh, 2025]. Many studies have focused on historical contexts or deteriorated urban neighborhoods [Soltanitehrani et al., 2024; Korjani et al., 2023] or have examined only one of the social or physical dimensions. Additionally, some research has addressed individual and psychological factors in shaping place attachment [Ujang, 2017; Raffaetà & Duff, 2013; Khandan & Rezaei, 2021]; however, the distribution of different levels of place attachment in new urban areas has received less attention.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the influential components of urban spaces in enhancing the sense of place attachment in the public spaces of District 22, Tehran.
Research Type
This study was applied in terms of research objective and analytical-descriptive in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
The research population consisted of all residents of District 22 in Tehran, which, according to the latest census [Statistical Center of Iran, 2016], had a population of 175,398. The study was conducted in District 22, one of the newest urban development areas, characterized by features such as new land uses, presence of natural elements, high-rise residential complexes, and modern commercial centers. The study was carried out in the 2024 (Iranian calendar).
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was simple random sampling, considering the geographical distribution of the population across different neighborhoods in District 22 of Tehran. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula with a 5% error level and was determined to be 387 individuals.
Used Devices & Materials
The main data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire, designed based on theoretical foundations, empirical studies, and the seven-stage model of sense of place. The questionnaire consisted of two main parts: Evaluation of public space quality across three dimensions of physical, social, and semantic (with indicators such as urban furniture, safety, and memorability). And, assessment of levels of place attachment across seven stages (from indifference to sacrifice), using items based on a five-point Likert scale.
For data analysis, AMOS version 24 and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method were used. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a value of 0.846.
Findings by Text
Initially, the model fit indices were assessed using AMOS software, and the preliminary results indicated a poor model fit. After implementing the suggested modifications, the model fit improved, with CMIN/DF = 2.751, GFI = 0.930, CFI = 0.946, and NFI = 0.920, all indicating an acceptable fit of the conceptual model. Path analysis revealed that all hypothesized relationships were statistically significant. Among the dimensions, the social component had the greatest impact on the quality of urban space. Regarding the levels of place attachment, the "merging with the goals of the place" level showed the highest influence, while "place dependence" had the lowest. Other levels, such as indifference, awareness, attachment, presence, and sacrifice also played significant roles in strengthening place attachment. Factor loadings indicated that all components, except for "place dependence," had loadings above 0.6, confirming the structural model’s validity (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Model fit of the conceptual framework in AMOS
Moreover, correlation results demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between place attachment and the quality of public space, with significant correlations across semantic, social, and physical dimensions. Among the components of place attachment, "merging" and "awareness" showed the highest correlations with public space quality, while "place dependence" showed the weakest. These findings highlighted the critical role of social and semantic factors in fostering a sense of place attachment (Table 1).
Table 1. Correlation results of the components
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
Similar studies have shown that the social dimensions of public spaces, such as sociability, safety, and social interaction play a key role in enhancing urban space quality and strengthening the sense of place attachment [Soltanitehrani et al., 2024; Ranjbari et al., 2023; Khandan & Rezaei, 2021]. The findings of this study also emphasized that the social component has the greatest impact on the perceived quality of urban spaces, and improving it can enhance residents’ perception of their environment. Additionally, the alignment between personal goals and the goals of a place ("merging with place goals") had the highest influence on place attachment, which aligns with prior research highlighting the importance of participation and social integration [Mehta & Nogalski, 2024; Askarizad & Safari, 2020; Carmona, 2019]. Contrary to common belief, emotional dependence on a place had a relatively low effect on place attachment and played a limited role without active engagement and awareness. Strong and positive correlations between spatial quality (physical, social, and semantic) and place attachment were also confirmed, consistent with previous studies on the role of spatial quality in enhancing social capital and place bonding [Daneshpayeh & Habib, 2017]. This study indicated that simultaneously strengthening all three dimensions of social, physical, and semantic is essential for enhancing place attachment.
Suggestions
Future research should include comparative studies in different urban areas or cities in Iran to explore contextual differences in place attachment. Using qualitative methods like interviews or participant observation is also recommended to enrich quantitative results. Additionally, examining how personal factors (e.g., age, gender, residence duration, social participation) and temporary cultural events influence the relationship between public space quality and place attachment would provide valuable insights.
Conclusion
The quality of public space plays a crucial role in enhancing place attachment in District 22 of Tehran. In particular, the social dimension of space and the component of "merging with place goals" were identified as the most influential factors.
Acknowledgments: None reported by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: None reported by the authors.
Authors’ Contributions: Hoseini Lahoori M (First author), Main Researcher/Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (40%); Mansori M (Second author), Main Researcher/Methodologist/Discussion Writer (35%); Shafipour Yourdshahi P (Third author), Main Researcher/Statistical Analyst (25%).
Funding: None reported by the authors.
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