Towards Biophilic Cities: An Institutional Framework for Urban Transformation in Iran

Shokrani, Seyed Mohammad; Nooraie, Homayoon; Mohammadi, Mahmoud

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2026.2091631.1376

Towards Biophilic Cities: An Institutional Framework for Urban Transformation in Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

Seyed Mohammad Shokrani ¹

Homayoon Nooraie ²

Mahmoud Mohammadi ²

¹ Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22034/ijumes.2026.2091631.1376

Abstract

Biophilic cities restore nature lost through rapid urbanization by fostering deep human–nature connections. However, implementing biophilic principles in developing countries such as Iran faces significant institutional barriers. This study aims to develop a comprehensive institutional framework for biophilic urban transformation, adapted to Iran's sociocultural and political landscape. Employing an abductive approach that blends inductive and deductive reasoning, this study utilized a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis. In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, databases including Scopus, Springer, and ScienceDirect were searched for English-language publications from 2011 to 2025. Of 1,147 records, 30 studies addressing institutional aspects of biophilic urbanism were synthesized to identify constructs applied to evaluate Iran's institutional environment. Analysis identified three interrelated components: legal, organizational, and cultural. Results indicate that Iran’s transition is impeded by "survivalist urbanism," characterized by a regulatory void with reactive laws, a fragmented organizational structure, and an engagement gap despite dormant cultural roots. To address these challenges, this study proposes a concentric institutional framework placing biophilic culture at its core and strengthening legal and organizational aspects through interdependence. This framework permeates all aspects of biophilic urban development and provides a basis for effective implementation. The study concludes that biophilic transformation in developing contexts is dependent on sequencing. Meaningful progress requires moving beyond "technocratic isomorphism" toward a bottom-up approach in which cultural internalization is treated as a structural prerequisite for effective regulatory enforcement. Accordingly, the proposed framework offers a transferable model for developing nations seeking to embed biophilic principles within complex institutional environments.

Highlights

· Develops a novel concentric institutional framework for urban transformation towards biophilic cities, designed for Iran’s social and cultural setting;

· Outlines the major institutional barriers hindering biophilic city transition in Iran, including legal mismatch, organizational fragmentation, and cultural erosion;

· Fills a key theoretical gap by stressing how biophilic ideas must be shaped for developing nations and warning against relying only on Western models;

· Highlights the interdependence of institutional components and offers practical recommendations for policymakers aimed at enhancing human–nature connections in the urban contexts of developing countries.

Keywords

Biophilic City

Institution

Institutional Framework

Urban Transformation

Iran

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