Persian
Language
Geographical Research is Published in Persian Fulltext.
Volume 39, Issue 3 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(3): 253-258 |
Back to browse issues page
Article Type:
Subject:
History
Received: 2024/03/21 | Accepted: 2024/04/23 | Published: 2024/05/15
Received: 2024/03/21 | Accepted: 2024/04/23 | Published: 2024/05/15
How to cite this article
Mansourian T, Shams M, Malek Hhoseini A. Analysis of Factors Influencing the Physical Development of Ilam City. GeoRes 2024; 39 (3) :253-258
URL: http://georesearch.ir/article-1-1604-en.html
URL: http://georesearch.ir/article-1-1604-en.html
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Rights and permissions
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Qeshm International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm, Iran
2- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Malayer Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
2- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Malayer Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran
Full-Text (HTML) (3 Views)
Background
In recent decades, the rapid growth of population and urbanization in Iran, particularly in cities such as Ilam, has occurred without balanced and well-planned physical development. This trend has led to physical and functional problems in cities, highlighting the urgent need for studying and guiding urban development.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have addressed various dimensions of urban physical development and its associated challenges. Nazarian (2001) highlights the global increase in urban population and its consequences, while Salehi Amiri and Mohammad (2010) have emphasized the mismatch between urbanization and urban development in Iran. Ferdowsi (2005) identify the rapid and unplanned physical expansion of cities as a factor contributing to spatial imbalance. Servati et al. (2009) and Mohammadzadeh (2007) have stressed the importance of recognizing both natural and human factors influencing urban development. Pourahmad (1998) examines the role of economic and legal factors in shaping urban physical growth and underscored the impact of urban form on sustainability. Nasiri and Naser Moghbel (2014) introduce physical development as influenced by both internal and external factors, and Hoseinzadeh and Houshyaar (2006) have pointed to different types of physical expansion, contiguous and fragmented, and the necessity of planning in this regard.
Aim(s)
The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the factors influencing the physical expansion of Ilam city.
Research Type
This study is applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
This study was conducted during the years 2023 to 2024 in the city of Ilam. The statistical population included Ilam citizens and urban planning experts with education levels above a master’s degree.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a total of 357 citizens from the city of Ilam. Additionally, to assess the validity of the questionnaire, 18 urban planning experts with education levels above a master’s degree were purposefully selected.
Used Devices & Materials
The primary data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed based on the indicators and components influencing the physical development of Ilam city and initially included 34 questions using a four-point Likert scale. After validity assessment, it was refined into a final questionnaire comprising 5 indicators and 30 components. For data analysis, statistical software and methods such as t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression were used.
Findings by Text
Initially, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data distribution, and the result (Sig = 0.820) confirmed the data were normally distributed. Subsequently, a t-test was conducted to evaluate the status of physical development indicators. The results showed that four Parameters of socio-cultural, physical, managerial, and economic were above the average level, while the environmental (natural) factor was assessed at a moderate level.
The Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between physical development and the socio-cultural (r = 0.814), physical (r = 0.744), managerial (r = 0.813), and economic (r = 0.795) parameters. In contrast, a significant negative correlation was found between physical development and the environmental factor (r = -0.370).
Stepwise regression analysis indicated that all independent parameters had a significant effect on the physical development of Ilam city (Sig < 0.05), with the environmental factor having the highest influence (based on β values), and the socio-cultural factor the lowest (Table 1).
Table 1. Stepwise Regression Coefficients for Physical Development (Significance level of linear relationship = 0.001; Coefficient of determination R2=0.69)
In a separate regression model focusing on environmental parameters, four factors of slope processes, topography, climate, and availability of land and water were all found to have significant impacts on physical development, highlighting the key role of natural components (Table 2).
Table 2. Stepwise Regression Coefficients for Environmental (Natural) Factors (Sig.= 0.001)
Finally, regression analysis of external factors showed that government housing policies and lack of construction oversight (physical and managerial indices), along with topography and slope processes (environmental factors), had the greatest influence on Ilam’s physical development.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The findings of the present study align with previous research in many aspects. The emphasis on the role of physical, socio-cultural, and managerial components in physical development is consistent with the studies by Rastgoo et al. (2020), Bahri Moghadam & Yousefifar (2013), and Taghvaei et al. (2013), all of which have identified these factors as key elements in urban development. Similarly, the significance of environmental factors observed in this study corresponds with the results of Hajizadeh et al. (2022) and Shakoor et al. (2016), who also highlight the role of natural conditions such as topography and water resources in shaping urban physical expansion. Furthermore, policy suggestions like increasing spatial density and adopting compact city strategies presented in this research echo recommendations from Pourramezan et al. (2018) and Molaie Hashtjin et al. (2011), who proposed such approaches as effective measures to curb uncontrolled horizontal growth and protect urban green spaces.
Suggestions
For the balanced physical development of Ilam city, it is recommended that construction be directed toward safe areas while preventing building in vulnerable zones. The expansion of vegetation and green spaces should be prioritized, and construction activities must be controlled with stricter management. Strengthening the financial and personnel capacity of the municipality is essential, alongside increasing health, educational, and recreational services based on residents’ needs. Moreover, controlling uncontrolled migration and granting more authority to local managers and experts for planning and implementation of projects are also advised.
Conclusion
There is a significant relationship between economic, social and cultural, environmental, physical (built environment), and managerial factors with the physical development of Ilam city. The environmental (natural), economic, managerial, physical, and social-cultural variables, respectively, have the greatest contribution to the physical development of Ilam. Among these, the environmental (natural) factors have the most significant impact on the city's physical development.
Acknowledgments: The authors sincerely thank the city managers for their cooperation.
Ethical Permission: No issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No issues have been reported by the authors.
Authors’ Contributions: Mansourian T (First author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Methodologist (35%); Shams M (Second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Methodologist (35%); Malek Hoseini A (Third author), Discussion Writer (30%).
Funding: None reported by the authors.
In recent decades, the rapid growth of population and urbanization in Iran, particularly in cities such as Ilam, has occurred without balanced and well-planned physical development. This trend has led to physical and functional problems in cities, highlighting the urgent need for studying and guiding urban development.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have addressed various dimensions of urban physical development and its associated challenges. Nazarian (2001) highlights the global increase in urban population and its consequences, while Salehi Amiri and Mohammad (2010) have emphasized the mismatch between urbanization and urban development in Iran. Ferdowsi (2005) identify the rapid and unplanned physical expansion of cities as a factor contributing to spatial imbalance. Servati et al. (2009) and Mohammadzadeh (2007) have stressed the importance of recognizing both natural and human factors influencing urban development. Pourahmad (1998) examines the role of economic and legal factors in shaping urban physical growth and underscored the impact of urban form on sustainability. Nasiri and Naser Moghbel (2014) introduce physical development as influenced by both internal and external factors, and Hoseinzadeh and Houshyaar (2006) have pointed to different types of physical expansion, contiguous and fragmented, and the necessity of planning in this regard.
Aim(s)
The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the factors influencing the physical expansion of Ilam city.
Research Type
This study is applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
This study was conducted during the years 2023 to 2024 in the city of Ilam. The statistical population included Ilam citizens and urban planning experts with education levels above a master’s degree.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a total of 357 citizens from the city of Ilam. Additionally, to assess the validity of the questionnaire, 18 urban planning experts with education levels above a master’s degree were purposefully selected.
Used Devices & Materials
The primary data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed based on the indicators and components influencing the physical development of Ilam city and initially included 34 questions using a four-point Likert scale. After validity assessment, it was refined into a final questionnaire comprising 5 indicators and 30 components. For data analysis, statistical software and methods such as t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression were used.
Findings by Text
Initially, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data distribution, and the result (Sig = 0.820) confirmed the data were normally distributed. Subsequently, a t-test was conducted to evaluate the status of physical development indicators. The results showed that four Parameters of socio-cultural, physical, managerial, and economic were above the average level, while the environmental (natural) factor was assessed at a moderate level.
The Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between physical development and the socio-cultural (r = 0.814), physical (r = 0.744), managerial (r = 0.813), and economic (r = 0.795) parameters. In contrast, a significant negative correlation was found between physical development and the environmental factor (r = -0.370).
Stepwise regression analysis indicated that all independent parameters had a significant effect on the physical development of Ilam city (Sig < 0.05), with the environmental factor having the highest influence (based on β values), and the socio-cultural factor the lowest (Table 1).
Table 1. Stepwise Regression Coefficients for Physical Development (Significance level of linear relationship = 0.001; Coefficient of determination R2=0.69)
In a separate regression model focusing on environmental parameters, four factors of slope processes, topography, climate, and availability of land and water were all found to have significant impacts on physical development, highlighting the key role of natural components (Table 2).
Table 2. Stepwise Regression Coefficients for Environmental (Natural) Factors (Sig.= 0.001)
Finally, regression analysis of external factors showed that government housing policies and lack of construction oversight (physical and managerial indices), along with topography and slope processes (environmental factors), had the greatest influence on Ilam’s physical development.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The findings of the present study align with previous research in many aspects. The emphasis on the role of physical, socio-cultural, and managerial components in physical development is consistent with the studies by Rastgoo et al. (2020), Bahri Moghadam & Yousefifar (2013), and Taghvaei et al. (2013), all of which have identified these factors as key elements in urban development. Similarly, the significance of environmental factors observed in this study corresponds with the results of Hajizadeh et al. (2022) and Shakoor et al. (2016), who also highlight the role of natural conditions such as topography and water resources in shaping urban physical expansion. Furthermore, policy suggestions like increasing spatial density and adopting compact city strategies presented in this research echo recommendations from Pourramezan et al. (2018) and Molaie Hashtjin et al. (2011), who proposed such approaches as effective measures to curb uncontrolled horizontal growth and protect urban green spaces.
Suggestions
For the balanced physical development of Ilam city, it is recommended that construction be directed toward safe areas while preventing building in vulnerable zones. The expansion of vegetation and green spaces should be prioritized, and construction activities must be controlled with stricter management. Strengthening the financial and personnel capacity of the municipality is essential, alongside increasing health, educational, and recreational services based on residents’ needs. Moreover, controlling uncontrolled migration and granting more authority to local managers and experts for planning and implementation of projects are also advised.
Conclusion
There is a significant relationship between economic, social and cultural, environmental, physical (built environment), and managerial factors with the physical development of Ilam city. The environmental (natural), economic, managerial, physical, and social-cultural variables, respectively, have the greatest contribution to the physical development of Ilam. Among these, the environmental (natural) factors have the most significant impact on the city's physical development.
Acknowledgments: The authors sincerely thank the city managers for their cooperation.
Ethical Permission: No issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: No issues have been reported by the authors.
Authors’ Contributions: Mansourian T (First author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Methodologist (35%); Shams M (Second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Methodologist (35%); Malek Hoseini A (Third author), Discussion Writer (30%).
Funding: None reported by the authors.
References
1. Bahri Moghadam A, Yousefifar S (2013). Socio-cultural factors in the formation of the neighborhood in the Iranian-Islamic city and its functions. Islamic History and Civilization. 9(1):101-116. [Persian] [Link]
2. Ferdowsi B (2005). Feasibility and application of decision support system in the physical development of the city [dissertation]. Tehran: Tarbiat Modares University. [Persian] [Link]
3. Goodarzi M, Maleki S, Alibakhshi A (2022). Classification of Ilam provincees cities based on cultural development indicators. Journal of Socio-Cultural Strategy. 11(2):377-404. [Persian] [Link]
4. Hajizadeh A, Afzali K, Ziari K (2022). Assessing the role of natural environment indicators in the physical development of cities, case study (cities in Iran). Geography and Environmental Studies. 11(42):72-91. [Persian] [Link]
5. Hasanimehr S (2010). Urban development on the economic potential with the overall policy approach (case study: Astara City). Geographical Journal of Territory. 7(28):51-64. [Persian] [Link]
6. Hoseinzadeh K, Houshyaar H (2006). The effective elements and viewpoints on the physical development of cities in Iran. Journal of Geography and Regional Development. 4(6):213-226. [Persian] [Link]
7. Statistical Center of Iran (2018). General census of population and housing. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran. [Persian] [Link]
8. Mashhadizadeh Dehghani N (2011). An analysis of urban planning features in Iran. Tehran: Iran University of Science and Technology. [Persian] [Link]
9. Mohammadzadeh R (2007). The study of environmental impacts of physical extension of cities with an emphasis on Tehran and Tabriz. Journal of Geography and Regional Development. 5(9):93-112. [Persian] [Link]
10. Molaie Hashtjin N, Salehi Babamiri C, Soltani M, Molaie Hashtjin MR (2011). Analysis of the role of urban management in the physical development of Saqqez. Proceedings of the 3rd National Congress on Urban Development. Sanandaj: Islamic Azad University Sanandaj Branch. [Persian] [Link]
11. Nasiri E, Naser Moghbel M (2014). Analysis of factors affecting physical development of small towns in the last two decades (case study: Garmdarreh City). Urban Management Studies. 6(19):43-53. [Persian] [Link]
12. Nazarian A (2001). Future cities, the center of human disaster or the bed of cultural balance. Geographic Space. 1(3). [Persian] [Link]
13. Pourahmad A (1998). The geographical dimensions of the imposed war destructions. Geographical Research. 34:82-94. [Persian] [Link]
14. Pourmohammadi MR, Asadi A (2014). An evaluation of public low-income housing policies in Iran (the case of Zanjan City). Geographical Space. 14(45):111-128. [Persian] [Link]
15. Pourramezan E, Nabi Bidhendi G, Givehchi S, Nami MH (2018). Examining the role of urban management component in the physical city expansion-case zone 5 Tehran. Quarterly of Geography & Regional Planning. 8(32):427-434. [Persian] [Link]
16. Rastgoo A, Ghanbari A, Ansarilari A (2020). The study of the role of cultural-social, managerial and physical factors in the development of the city of the Jinnah. Quarterly of Geography & Regional Planning. 10(3-1):375-385. [Persian] [Link]
17. Salehi Amiri R, Mohammad S (2010). Study and pathology of inconvenience of the Islamic city council and municipality's relations: The case study of the Islamic city council and municipality of Tehran. Urban Management Studies. 2(2):21-42. [Persian] [Link]
18. Servati MR, Khezri S, Rahmani T (2009). Natural restrictions evaluation of the physical development of Sanandaj City. Physical Geography Research. 41(67):302632. [Persian] [Link]
19. Shakoor A, Shamsoldini A, Tavakoli L (2016). The role of geomorphological factors in the physical development of cities using GIS software (case study: Maimand-Fars). Physical Geography Research. 9(32):17-34. [Persian] [Link]
20. Shohani N, Shohani M (2020). The role of Ilam district mother city on urban system developments and its impact on the leveling of urban settlement centers in Ilam Province. Quarterly of Geography & Regional Planning. 10(1):527-545. [Persian] [Link]
21. Taghvaei M, Ghaiumi Mohammadi H, Nasiri Y (2013). Spatial analysis physical development of Eghlid city with using of AHP method in GIS. Geographical Research. 28(3):31-54. [Persian] [Link]
22. Vahedian Beiki L, Porahmad A, Seifoldini F (2012). The effect of the physical development of Tehran city on land use change in region 5. New Attitudes in Human Geography. 4(1):29-46. [Persian] [Link]
23. Zangi Abadi A, Nastaran M, Kamali Bagheri E (2017). Trend analysis and state of physical-structural development of Kerman City (emergence up to now). Urban Social Geography. 2(4):23-42. [Persian] [Link]
24. Zhao P (2010). Sustainable urban expansion and transportation in a growing megacity: Consequences of urban sprawl for mobility on the urban fringe of Beijing. Habitat International. 34(2):236-243. [Link] [DOI:10.1016/j.habitatint.2009.09.008]