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Volume 39, Issue 4 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(4): 493-503 |
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Received: 2025/01/14 | Accepted: 2025/02/16 | Published: 2025/02/20
Received: 2025/01/14 | Accepted: 2025/02/16 | Published: 2025/02/20
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Yaghmaei J, Darskhan R, Abdollahzadeh Taraf A. Factors Influencing the Urban Fabric Decay in Haft Chenar and Bryanak Neighborhoods, Tehran. GeoRes 2024; 39 (4) :493-503
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1- Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Art, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
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Background
The rapid growth of urbanization and unplanned urban development in recent decades-especially in developing countries like Iran-has led to the physical deterioration and functional inefficiency of old urban fabrics. This phenomenon has posed serious challenges to urban management, reduced quality of life, and threatened the sustainability of urban development, particularly in historic neighborhoods such as Haft Chenar and Beryanak in Tehran.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have extensively addressed the physical and social transformations of urban fabrics, particularly in response to deterioration and inefficiency. Tavakolinia and Mohammadi (2010) have pointed to the threats posed by physical degradation and the decline in environmental quality in central urban areas. Rafieian et al. (2013) examine the slow pace of urban transformations before World War II and the limited need for physical change during that period. Asadian and Siahi (2011) analyzed the impact of globalization on the spatial form of cities. Mohammadi and Zavareh Bidgoli (2009) conceptualized urban bio-dynamics by likening cities to living organisms. At the international level, Carmon (1999) emphasized the importance of physical quality as early as the twelfth century. Sadeghi (2010) explored the failure of developing countries in revitalizing urban centers compared to the successful experiences of developed nations. Additionally, Boroumand and Masoud (2013) investigated the common characteristics of deteriorated urban fabrics across physical, social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to investigate the physical factors contributing to the deterioration of the urban fabric in the neighborhoods of Haft Chenar and Beryanak.
Research Type
The nature of the research is analytical and applied.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This study was conducted in 2024 in the Haft Chenar and Beryanak neighborhoods, located in District 1 of Region 10 of Tehran Municipality. The statistical population included all residents over the age of 20 living in these two historic neighborhoods. According to the 2016 census data, the total number of households in these two neighborhoods was reported to be 1,330.
Sampling Method and Number
The sample size was determined based on the 2016 census data and considering a 5% margin of error, resulting in 378 households. To enhance accuracy, the sample size was increased to 400 households.
Used Devices & Materials
The sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling. The statistical population included all individuals over the age of 20 residing in the Haft-Chenar and Beryanak neighborhoods (located in District 1 of Region 10 of Tehran Municipality). Considering a confidence level and a 5% margin of error, the sample size was estimated at 378 households using Cochran’s formula, which was increased to 400 households to improve the accuracy of the analysis. The samples were allocated proportionally based on the population of each neighborhood and were distributed randomly and in person among the residents. Additionally, to test the reliability of the data collection instrument (questionnaire), a pilot study was conducted by distributing 35 questionnaires, and the reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Findings by Text
Based on theoretical studies and field investigations in the selected neighborhoods of Tehran, a set of dimensions and indicators were identified as the main factors influencing the physical deterioration of these neighborhoods (Table 1). These factors include physical, social, economic, and environmental dimensions, encompassing indicators such as construction quality, street network, urban infrastructure, visual deterioration, population density, land use, urban safety, service facilities, access to transportation, urban environment, and lighting.
Table 1. Dimensions and indicators influencing the physical deterioration of the studied neighborhoods
To assess these indicators, a 20-question questionnaire was developed using a five-point Likert scale. To ensure the validity of the instrument, the CVR method was applied by collecting the opinions of 25 urban planning experts, and all indicators with a CVR value above 0.62 were confirmed. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha test, with all indicators showing values above 0.70, indicating good reliability (Table 2).
Table 2. Results of reliability assessment of the studied indicators
To prioritize the indicators influencing deterioration, the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method and pairwise comparisons were used. In the pairwise comparison matrix created based on expert opinions (Table 3), indicators were compared on a scale of 1 to 9. After normalizing the matrix and calculating the geometric mean of each indicator, their final weights were obtained (Table 4). Construction quality ranked first with a final weight of 0.286, while lighting ranked last with a weight of 0.016. The calculated consistency ratio was 0.04, which is less than 0.1, indicating an acceptable level of consistency in judgments. Sensitivity analysis also showed that a 10% reduction in the weight of the construction quality indicator would elevate the street network to first place. In contrast, land use and population density indicators demonstrated low sensitivity to weight changes and remained stable.
Table 3. Pairwise comparison matrix of the studied indicators
Table 4. Final weights of the studied indicators
Subsequently, using the TOPSIS method, Neighborhoods 1 to 4 in both Haft-Chenar and Beryanak areas were ranked based on the condition of the indicators. The initial data were recorded on a scale of 1 to 10 for each indicator, where higher scores indicated better conditions (Table 5). These data were normalized and converted into values between 0 and 1 (Table 6). Then, by identifying the positive and negative ideal values, the distance of each neighborhood from these ideals was calculated (Table 7). Finally, the relative closeness index (Ci) for each neighborhood was determined, and neighborhoods were ranked accordingly (Table 8). The results showed that “Haft-Chenar 1” and “Beryanak 1” had the best conditions based on the analyzed indicators and ranked first, while “Haft-Chenar 4” and “Beryanak 4” had the weakest conditions and ranked seventh. The final results of this study not only identify the priorities for the physical improvement of the neighborhoods but also serve as an effective guide for urban decision-makers in formulating urban regeneration policies.
Table 5. Raw data for comparing the status of the studied indicators in the selected neighborhoods
Table 6. Normalization of the decision matrix data
Table 7. Distances from the positive and negative ideal
Table 8. Final ranking of the studied neighborhoods based on the priority of the investigated indicators
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study shows considerable alignment with previous research on urban fabric deterioration analysis. The findings revealed that indicators such as construction quality and street network have the greatest impact on neighborhood rankings, which is consistent with the results of Vazifedoost and Amini (2010). They have also identified poor lighting and limited accessibility as key factors in the declining quality of urban life in underprivileged areas of Tehran. Moreover, the study by Jafar and Sanaee (2010) also confirms the importance of access to roadways and urban safety in ranking deteriorated urban areas. However, the present research suggested that in certain neighborhoods, deficiencies in environmental indicators, such as lighting, can have a stronger effect than street networks. In addition, the research by Soleymani et al. (2017), which emphasizes the role of population density and visual deterioration, is in line with this study-particularly in its focus on the relative and location-specific nature of indicators in the analysis of deterioration. Finally, similar to the World Bank report (2021), this study highlighted that improving infrastructure, especially construction quality and roadway systems, is an effective strategy for enhancing urban quality of life.
Suggestions
One important recommendation for enhancing the generalizability of this study's findings is to conduct comparative studies in other areas of Tehran as well as in cities with different physical and social characteristics. Additionally, comparative analyses in other Iranian cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, or Tabriz-which contain deteriorated urban fabrics but have different economic and administrative conditions-can help assess the applicability of these indicators on a national scale. Such studies could contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing urban decay and lead to more effective strategies for urban policy-making. Nevertheless, further similar studies in other regions are also necessary to improve generalizability.
Conclusion
The quality of construction has the greatest impact on the ranking of neighborhoods, followed by the street network and urban infrastructure, which also play key roles in determining the level of physical deterioration. The neighborhoods of Haft Chenar 1 and Beryanak 1 have received higher scores, indicating a better status in terms of physical deterioration indicators. In contrast, Haft Chenar 4 and Beryanak 4 are ranked lower.
Ethical Approval: No ethical issues were reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This article is derived from the first author's thesis, supervised by the second author and advised by the third author.
Author Contributions: Yaghmaei J (First Author): Introduction writer/Methodologist/Statistical Analyst/Discussion writer (40%); Darskhan R (Second Author): Introduction writer/Methodologist/Statistical Analyst (30%); Abdollahzadeh Taraf A (Third Author): Introduction writer/Discussion writer (30%)
Funding: No fundings were reported by the authors.
The rapid growth of urbanization and unplanned urban development in recent decades-especially in developing countries like Iran-has led to the physical deterioration and functional inefficiency of old urban fabrics. This phenomenon has posed serious challenges to urban management, reduced quality of life, and threatened the sustainability of urban development, particularly in historic neighborhoods such as Haft Chenar and Beryanak in Tehran.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have extensively addressed the physical and social transformations of urban fabrics, particularly in response to deterioration and inefficiency. Tavakolinia and Mohammadi (2010) have pointed to the threats posed by physical degradation and the decline in environmental quality in central urban areas. Rafieian et al. (2013) examine the slow pace of urban transformations before World War II and the limited need for physical change during that period. Asadian and Siahi (2011) analyzed the impact of globalization on the spatial form of cities. Mohammadi and Zavareh Bidgoli (2009) conceptualized urban bio-dynamics by likening cities to living organisms. At the international level, Carmon (1999) emphasized the importance of physical quality as early as the twelfth century. Sadeghi (2010) explored the failure of developing countries in revitalizing urban centers compared to the successful experiences of developed nations. Additionally, Boroumand and Masoud (2013) investigated the common characteristics of deteriorated urban fabrics across physical, social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to investigate the physical factors contributing to the deterioration of the urban fabric in the neighborhoods of Haft Chenar and Beryanak.
Research Type
The nature of the research is analytical and applied.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This study was conducted in 2024 in the Haft Chenar and Beryanak neighborhoods, located in District 1 of Region 10 of Tehran Municipality. The statistical population included all residents over the age of 20 living in these two historic neighborhoods. According to the 2016 census data, the total number of households in these two neighborhoods was reported to be 1,330.
Sampling Method and Number
The sample size was determined based on the 2016 census data and considering a 5% margin of error, resulting in 378 households. To enhance accuracy, the sample size was increased to 400 households.
Used Devices & Materials
The sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling. The statistical population included all individuals over the age of 20 residing in the Haft-Chenar and Beryanak neighborhoods (located in District 1 of Region 10 of Tehran Municipality). Considering a confidence level and a 5% margin of error, the sample size was estimated at 378 households using Cochran’s formula, which was increased to 400 households to improve the accuracy of the analysis. The samples were allocated proportionally based on the population of each neighborhood and were distributed randomly and in person among the residents. Additionally, to test the reliability of the data collection instrument (questionnaire), a pilot study was conducted by distributing 35 questionnaires, and the reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Findings by Text
Based on theoretical studies and field investigations in the selected neighborhoods of Tehran, a set of dimensions and indicators were identified as the main factors influencing the physical deterioration of these neighborhoods (Table 1). These factors include physical, social, economic, and environmental dimensions, encompassing indicators such as construction quality, street network, urban infrastructure, visual deterioration, population density, land use, urban safety, service facilities, access to transportation, urban environment, and lighting.
Table 1. Dimensions and indicators influencing the physical deterioration of the studied neighborhoods
To assess these indicators, a 20-question questionnaire was developed using a five-point Likert scale. To ensure the validity of the instrument, the CVR method was applied by collecting the opinions of 25 urban planning experts, and all indicators with a CVR value above 0.62 were confirmed. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha test, with all indicators showing values above 0.70, indicating good reliability (Table 2).
Table 2. Results of reliability assessment of the studied indicators
To prioritize the indicators influencing deterioration, the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method and pairwise comparisons were used. In the pairwise comparison matrix created based on expert opinions (Table 3), indicators were compared on a scale of 1 to 9. After normalizing the matrix and calculating the geometric mean of each indicator, their final weights were obtained (Table 4). Construction quality ranked first with a final weight of 0.286, while lighting ranked last with a weight of 0.016. The calculated consistency ratio was 0.04, which is less than 0.1, indicating an acceptable level of consistency in judgments. Sensitivity analysis also showed that a 10% reduction in the weight of the construction quality indicator would elevate the street network to first place. In contrast, land use and population density indicators demonstrated low sensitivity to weight changes and remained stable.
Table 3. Pairwise comparison matrix of the studied indicators
Table 4. Final weights of the studied indicators
Subsequently, using the TOPSIS method, Neighborhoods 1 to 4 in both Haft-Chenar and Beryanak areas were ranked based on the condition of the indicators. The initial data were recorded on a scale of 1 to 10 for each indicator, where higher scores indicated better conditions (Table 5). These data were normalized and converted into values between 0 and 1 (Table 6). Then, by identifying the positive and negative ideal values, the distance of each neighborhood from these ideals was calculated (Table 7). Finally, the relative closeness index (Ci) for each neighborhood was determined, and neighborhoods were ranked accordingly (Table 8). The results showed that “Haft-Chenar 1” and “Beryanak 1” had the best conditions based on the analyzed indicators and ranked first, while “Haft-Chenar 4” and “Beryanak 4” had the weakest conditions and ranked seventh. The final results of this study not only identify the priorities for the physical improvement of the neighborhoods but also serve as an effective guide for urban decision-makers in formulating urban regeneration policies.
Table 5. Raw data for comparing the status of the studied indicators in the selected neighborhoods
Table 6. Normalization of the decision matrix data
Table 7. Distances from the positive and negative ideal
Table 8. Final ranking of the studied neighborhoods based on the priority of the investigated indicators
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study shows considerable alignment with previous research on urban fabric deterioration analysis. The findings revealed that indicators such as construction quality and street network have the greatest impact on neighborhood rankings, which is consistent with the results of Vazifedoost and Amini (2010). They have also identified poor lighting and limited accessibility as key factors in the declining quality of urban life in underprivileged areas of Tehran. Moreover, the study by Jafar and Sanaee (2010) also confirms the importance of access to roadways and urban safety in ranking deteriorated urban areas. However, the present research suggested that in certain neighborhoods, deficiencies in environmental indicators, such as lighting, can have a stronger effect than street networks. In addition, the research by Soleymani et al. (2017), which emphasizes the role of population density and visual deterioration, is in line with this study-particularly in its focus on the relative and location-specific nature of indicators in the analysis of deterioration. Finally, similar to the World Bank report (2021), this study highlighted that improving infrastructure, especially construction quality and roadway systems, is an effective strategy for enhancing urban quality of life.
Suggestions
One important recommendation for enhancing the generalizability of this study's findings is to conduct comparative studies in other areas of Tehran as well as in cities with different physical and social characteristics. Additionally, comparative analyses in other Iranian cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, or Tabriz-which contain deteriorated urban fabrics but have different economic and administrative conditions-can help assess the applicability of these indicators on a national scale. Such studies could contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing urban decay and lead to more effective strategies for urban policy-making. Nevertheless, further similar studies in other regions are also necessary to improve generalizability.
Conclusion
The quality of construction has the greatest impact on the ranking of neighborhoods, followed by the street network and urban infrastructure, which also play key roles in determining the level of physical deterioration. The neighborhoods of Haft Chenar 1 and Beryanak 1 have received higher scores, indicating a better status in terms of physical deterioration indicators. In contrast, Haft Chenar 4 and Beryanak 4 are ranked lower.
Ethical Approval: No ethical issues were reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This article is derived from the first author's thesis, supervised by the second author and advised by the third author.
Author Contributions: Yaghmaei J (First Author): Introduction writer/Methodologist/Statistical Analyst/Discussion writer (40%); Darskhan R (Second Author): Introduction writer/Methodologist/Statistical Analyst (30%); Abdollahzadeh Taraf A (Third Author): Introduction writer/Discussion writer (30%)
Funding: No fundings were reported by the authors.
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