تحلیل و ارزیابی الگوهای تراکمی شهر هوشمند در شهر ارومیه مبتنی بر مؤلفه‌های زیست‌محیطی

ABSTRACT
In response to the challenges arising from unregulated urban sprawl, this study adopts an integrated, data-driven framework to investigate the interplay between building density patterns and environmental indicators within the paradigm of smart city development in Urmia. The primary objective is to formulate a scientifically grounded model for optimizing density management while simultaneously enhancing environmental quality and urban livability. Methodologically, the research employs a descriptive–analytical design, incorporating Space Syntax modeling via DepthmapX, spatial analyses within ArcMap, Kernel Density estimation, and field-based data collection through spatial surveys and Likert-scale questionnaires. The empirical findings highlight pronounced spatial misalignments between existing density patterns and the distribution of public services, transport infrastructure, and green spaces. Notably, five-story developments, achieving a mean score of 8.10 out of 10, exhibited the highest degree of compatibility with environmental and smart city criteria, followed by six-story configurations with a score of 7/99. These results emphasize that moderate, well-regulated densities can provide a viable pathway to strengthening environmental sustainability while safeguarding the quality of urban life. The conclusions underscore the imperative of embedding sustainable urban design principles, environmental carrying-capacity assessments, and advanced analytical tools into urban planning and policy-making frameworks. Beyond its localized application to Urmia, the proposed framework holds broader implications for rapidly urbanizing contexts, offering an evidence-based foundation for participatory planning and resilient smart city development. The study advocates for further comparative, multi-scalar, and longitudinal investigations to deepen the understanding of density–environment dynamics and to refine strategies that foster inclusive, livable, and environmentally attuned urban futures.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The rapid acceleration of urbanization, particularly in developing countries, has produced irregular horizontal expansion and fragmented spatial growth. Initially observed in wealthier nations, this trend has now become a global challenge with severe implications, including the loss of agricultural land, population decline in historic urban cores, inefficiencies in service delivery, and escalating environmental pollution. In response, the smart city paradigm has been introduced as a pathway toward sustainable development and the efficient use of urban resources. Municipal authorities increasingly seek to revitalize neighborhoods and central districts without causing further ecological harm. Nevertheless, the widespread practice of selling surplus building density as a financial tool has disrupted population distribution, resulting in service shortages, congestion, and environmental degradation, with notable economic, social, and ecological consequences. Urmia represents a critical case study. Despite the implementation of multiple master and detailed plans, the city continues to face structural and spatial challenges. Its outward expansion, often at the expense of fertile agricultural land, underscores the urgent need to limit uncontrolled growth. This study evaluates the feasibility and spatial allocation of residential buildings with four or more stories, highlighting that increased density is not inherently necessary. Instead, optimizing land use and preventing unregulated density sales are essential to maintaining urban quality of life and preventing visual and structural disorder. The overarching goal is to propose context-sensitive strategies that support sustainable urban development in Urmia. By integrating spatial optimization, smart governance, and environmentally responsive planning, the study provides a framework for resilient, livable, and ecologically balanced urban futures.
 
Methodology
This study examines urban building density patterns in Urmia through a descriptive–analytical approach, structured in three phases. First, existing spatial and physical patterns of residential development were mapped and assessed. Second, their environmental impacts were evaluated based on selected indicators, and third, their compatibility with the broader vision of a smart city was analyzed. The conceptual framework emphasizes the importance of physical dimensions, including accessibility, green spaces, vegetation coverage, land-use services, and public transportation. To achieve this, the current spatial structure was evaluated using field surveys and spatial analysis. Social indicators such as security and place attachment were measured through resident questionnaires, while spatial accessibility was analyzed using the Space Syntax model operationalized in DepthmapX. Environmental aspects, particularly green space distribution and the application of smart technologies, were further assessed using ArcGIS. Kernel Density Analysis was applied to delineate representative samples, focusing on Districts 1, 4, and 5, which capture both traditional and modern urban textures. The statistical population comprised building clusters across Urmia, from which samples were extracted for detailed evaluation. Findings highlight both strengths and deficiencies in existing density patterns, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and alignment with smart city principles. Ultimately, the research aims to provide policymakers with practical insights by identifying opportunities to enhance the quality of life through improved density management, while ensuring ecological balance and spatial justice. The proposed framework offers a context-sensitive basis for sustainable urban planning and the development of smart, resilient, and livable urban environments.
 
Results and discussion
The findings indicate that a five-story building density constitutes the optimal typology for Urmia, achieving the highest scores across the research indicators. This outcome highlights the environmental shortcomings associated with unregulated and irrational densities, which undermine urban quality of life and conflict with smart city principles. Inappropriate densities not only constrain access to public services but also intensify environmental pollution and disrupt the city’s structural coherence. These deficiencies manifest in multiple dimensions, including pedestrian accessibility, movement patterns, and the provision of green spaces. To address these challenges, the study recommends establishing stricter regulatory frameworks for building permits, informed directly by the research results. Regular monitoring and evaluation of ongoing construction projects should be prioritized, alongside the creation of adequate green and public spaces. Promoting sustainable construction technologies, integrating renewable energy systems, and organizing training workshops for developers and urban planners represent essential strategies. Furthermore, the active involvement of citizens in decision-making processes is emphasized as a means of fostering social responsibility and improving urban vitality. Continuous environmental impact assessments, grounded in reliable indicators, are also necessary to track and mitigate the long-term effects of urban development. Overall, the study demonstrates that controlled density regulation, supported by participatory governance and environmentally responsive planning, can significantly improve both environmental performance and social well-being in Urmia. This framework provides a practical foundation for aligning density policies with sustainable development objectives and the broader vision of a smart and livable city.
 
Conclusion
This study investigates urban density patterns in Urmia with a focus on environmental sustainability and the feasibility of residential buildings with four or more stories, framed within smart city principles. The primary aim is to manage densification while preserving environmental quality and residents’ well-being. By identifying density clusters and evaluating them against smart city indicators, the research proposes a comprehensive framework for regulating surplus density rights. The findings demonstrate that five-story density achieves the highest compatibility with Urmia’s environmental components and smart city metrics. A statistically significant relationship was observed between density patterns and environmental indicators, confirming that rational, well-planned densities can improve quality of life. In contrast, unregulated densification generates negative impacts such as environmental degradation, reduced livability, and spatial imbalance.  The study highlights that adherence to sustainable urban design principles, spatial planning, and citizen participation can mitigate environmental shortcomings while strengthening urban vitality. Practical recommendations include stricter oversight of building permits, integration of green and public spaces, promotion of sustainable technologies, and continuous monitoring of environmental impacts. Although limited by its single-city focus and reliance on survey-based data, the research provides a valuable scientific basis for evidence-based policymaking. The results offer guidance for urban authorities in Urmia and comparable cities, underscoring the importance of context-sensitive density management in creating smart, resilient, and livable urban environments.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.