10.57647/j.ccd.2025.0801.05

Transformation of Urban Neighborhoods from the Perspective of The Public Perception

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  • Farzaneh Abedian Aval*1,
  • Myriam Lopes2,
  • Sina Ataee2,
  • Santosh Bhandari2,
  • Mohammad Ganjali Khosroshahi3,
  1. Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
  2. CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
  3. Department of Urbanism, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

Received: 2024-04-06

Revised: 2024-09-15

Accepted: 2024-11-20

Published in Issue 2025-03-01

Copyright (c) -1 Farzaneh Abedian Aval, Myriam Lopes, Sina Ataee, Santosh Bhandari, Mohammad Ganjali Khosroshahi (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Abedian Aval, F., Lopes, M., Ataee, S., Bhandari, S., & Ganjali Khosroshahi, M. (2025). Transformation of Urban Neighborhoods from the Perspective of The Public Perception. Creative City Design, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.57647/j.ccd.2025.0801.05
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Abstract

Aims: Urban neighborhoods continuously transform due to complex interactions among historical, demographic, socio-cultural, economic, and governance factors. Understanding these transformations is crucial for sustainable urban planning [1, 2]. This study examines the evolution of the Sisabad neighborhood in Mashhad, Iran, using urban complexity theory and a system dynamics approach. The research aims to explore the key drivers of neighborhood change and their interconnected feedback loops, focusing on public perceptions of these transformations.

Methodology: The study employs an extensive focus group discussion involving 850 participants, representing 20% of local families. This qualitative data collection method captures diverse perspectives on neighborhood changes. The analysis integrates public perception data with system dynamics modeling to identify key transformation patterns, including population growth, land use shifts, economic transitions, and governance influences.

Findings: The results indicate that increasing migration, informal housing development, and declining access to public services have significantly altered the socio-economic and spatial landscape of Sisabad. Weak governance, low public participation, and reduced institutional legitimacy have further exacerbated urban disparities. The study highlights the interconnection of demographic changes, economic transitions, and governance structures in shaping neighborhood evolution.

Conclusion: This research contributes methodologically by combining qualitative public perception analysis with system dynamics modeling, providing a holistic framework for understanding urban complexity. However, the findings are context-specific, and the absence of extensive quantitative modeling is a limitation. Future studies should conduct comparative analyses across different urban settings, integrate advanced geospatial and data-driven methods, and explore the role of climate resilience and governance innovations in urban transformation. The study underscores the necessity of inclusive, adaptive, and participatory urban planning strategies to foster sustainable neighborhood development.

Keywords

  • Urban Complexity,
  • System Dynamics,
  • Public Perception,
  • Neighborhood Transformation,
  • Governance,
  • Land Use Change
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