Explaining the Effective Factors on Livability of Urban Areas of Isfahan

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Geography and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Geography and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Najafabad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction   
Different approaches and concepts have been proposed to solve the problem of cities. The livability is one of the concepts discussed in connection with urban planning. Livability refers to the degree to which the needs of a society are met, based on the needs and capacities of the people of that society. A livable city is not just about meeting physical needs. The main goal of a livable city is to increase the general level of citizens' satisfaction with the city. Given the position of Isfahan as the third-largest city in Iran and the arrival of domestic and foreign tourists, attention to urban livability is an inevitable necessity about the metropolis of Isfahan. 
Methodology
The current approach to the present study is based on the applied purpose and based on descriptive-analytical nature. Data have been gathered using a questionnaire. The sample size has been determined 384 people by the Cochran formula. The 5-level Likert spectrum technique was used to explain the effective factors on the livability. The model of structural equations was used to understand the relationship between variables and to fit the overall model, the chi-square, GFI, and AGFI indices, and the remaining root means square (which is one of the most important indicators). SPSS software was used to analyze the data. In this study, the relationship between the independent variable (physical livability index) and dependent variable (economic, social, environmental and social indicators) has been investigated. The physical characteristics of the 15 areas of the city of Isfahan have been considered so that from the regions, 3 regions and from each region 2 neighborhoods were examined and approximately 65 questionnaires were filled in each study area. The selection of these areas has been made according to the division of the city into three parts of north, center, and south. From the northern regions of the 8th district, we used a new planned symbol. In the central areas of the region, the region was selected with the symbol of developmental stimulus.  Among the southern parts of the region, 5 districts were considered by different people of different ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to identify the social, economic and environmental livability and investigate housing quality in these areas. In the final step, we want to satisfy the general satisfaction of citizens in addition to meeting the their physical needs.
Results and discussion  
Physical features have reduced the livability, both in terms of security and in terms of participation, dialogue and neighborhood collaboration. Economic livability has had a significant impact on social livability. Physical livability affects access to infrastructures and educational facilities, the quality of sidewalks, the performance of public transportation, and access to communal spaces for leisure time, in particular, its environmental impact. It can be said that there is a significant relationship between the physical index and environmental index. Among the four variables, physical, social, economic, and housing, only two physical and economic indicators have an impact on environmental livability. The status of environmental indicators is weak. Finally, the results indicate that among the five main indicators, social and environmental livability leads to dependence, sustainability, and identity and sense of belonging to the neighborhood. Other indicators do not play an effective role in creating identity and feeling of belonging to the neighborhood. In other words, the economic and physical condition among people has lost much of its importance. Social affairs have led to the integration of residents, the identity and sense of belonging to the neighborhood as function of cultural and social factors, such as ethnicity, race, and religion.   
Conclusion  
The results show that the physical indices have a significant impact on economic viability. It is significantly related and the physical index affects environmental impacts with a meaningful relationship with beta (0.32). However, this index has an effective role on social, identity and housing.   

Keywords

References

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Geographical Urban Planning Research (GUPR)
Volume 7, Issue 2
July 2019
Pages 411-429

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