International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

Presenting the Model of Social Sustainability in New-Foundation Neighborhoods

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mehdi Khodaei 1
Ahmad Khademolhoseiny 1
Safar Ghaedrahmati 2
Amir Gandomkar 1
1 Department of Geography, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ijumes.2025.2036629.1240
Abstract
With the rapid growth of urban populations, city expansion, and the emergence of informal settlements, the need for intelligent and context-sensitive management strategies specific to the unique characteristics of each settlement has become evident within urban planning. Strategies tailored to the environmental and social contexts of informal settlements not only improve residents' quality of life but also enhance the economic, social, and environmental  performance of neighborhoods. This study introduces an urban planning model for the Simorgh informal settlement in Khourzoq City. Utilizing in-depth interviews and content analysis, the research examines urban management strategies for informal settlements, focusing on Simorgh. Eight urban management experts with experience in the Simorgh area were interviewed, with the number of respondents determined by theoretical saturation. The findings suggest that bottom-up planning, advocacy, neighborhood-based planning, neighborhood-centric budgeting, capital attraction, and the creation of unified management significantly influence neighborhood improvement and sustainable development. Neighborhood-centered budgeting, which allocates financial resources and credits based on local needs and priorities, boosts capital attraction and investment within the area. An effective urban planning model for the Simorgh neighborhood must feature active citizen participation, advocacy analysis, needs-focused budget allocation, capital attraction, and coordinated management. Such a model will enhance service demand quality, living standards, and citizen satisfaction, while driving economic growth and improving overall neighborhood quality of life. These elements represent core dimensions of the proposed urban planning framework for the Simorgh informal settlement.

Graphical Abstract

Presenting the Model of Social Sustainability in New-Foundation Neighborhoods

Highlights

  • The interviews from experts and MAXQDA analysis show that bottom-up planning, advocacy, neighborhood-based planning, neighborhood-centric budgeting, capital attraction, and the creation of unified management significantly influence neighborhood improvement and sustainable development
  • Bottom-up planning with active citizen participation enhances community satisfaction and promotes sustainable neighborhood development.
  • Neighborhood-centered budgeting ensures resource allocation aligns with local needs, fostering investment and improving governance.
  • Unified management systems improve coordination and service delivery, driving cohesive urban development.
  • Practical strategies, including participatory planning, digital platforms, and private investment attraction, optimize neighborhood growth and quality of life.

Keywords
Khorzouq city
New-Foundationو Neighborhood
planning model
Simorgh Neighborhood
urban planning
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  • Receive Date 25 July 2024
  • Revise Date 11 November 2024
  • Accept Date 04 January 2025