Clarifying the City's Spatial Development Criteria for the Interconnection of the City and Separate Urban Areas with an Emphasis on the Smart Growth Approach case study: Hamedan City

Subject Areas : urbanism

Sara Bayat ¹ , Shadi Pakzad ² , Masoud Elahi ³ , Seyyed Mohammad Reza Khatibi ⁴

1 - PhD candidate, Department of urban planning, Qa.c.,Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of urban planning,Qa.c.,Islamic Azad University,Qazvin, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor,Department of urban planning,Qa.c.,Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
4 - Associate Professor,Department of urban planning,Qa.c.,Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.

Received: 2025-01-10 Accepted : 2025-05-28 Published : 2025-07-15

Keywords: Spatial development of the city, interconnection, disconnected areas, smart growth.,

Abstract :

Urban expansions in densely populated areas create significant challenges that necessitate rapid intervention to capitalize
on emerging opportunities. Residents in these areas face substantial transportation issues and unequal service distribution.
The expansions around Hamadan are no exception; the city has developed and expanded at a pace much faster than its
natural growth rate, leading to similar challenges. This situation increases the need for informed planning, fundamental
organization, and appropriate urban design to prevent construction on agricultural land and uncoordinated urban sprawl.
Given these issues and the shortcomings of previous studies, there is a pressing need for in-depth analysis and research
on this phenomenon. This study aims to explore the application of smart growth in addressing these challenges in midsized cities. It examines the dual aspects of access and service distribution in three specific expansions: Hassanabad,
Aliabad, and Qasemabad. Employing an applied approach, the study utilizes descriptive, analytical, field, physical, and
survey methods, integrating qualitative and quantitative research techniques with documentary methods for literature
and background information collection. The study investigates 28 indicators across two dimensions—access and service
provision—through 60 questionnaires (20 per area) distributed among 25 urban development specialists selected via simple
judgment sampling. These specialists, drawn from municipal, road and urban development, and housing foundation sectors,
evaluated the indicators using a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis involved content analysis of documented sources, while
questionnaire responses were processed using SPSS software and one-sample t-tests. Access analysis included evaluating
indicators aligned with study criteria, such as Choice R-n, connectivity, and integration, using Depthmap. Initially, a central
map of the entire city was created in AutoCAD, followed by analysis in Depthmap. Subsequently, three alternative solutions
were proposed, and results were obtained through the analytic hierarchy process using Expert Choice software for scoring
and decision-making.
Overall, results indicate that all three disconnected areas exhibit better performance indicators compared to their
transportation metrics. Despite proximity to connected urban areas, each location retains rural characteristics and lacks
key urban transportation features—such as adequately wide streets, efficient public transport, and sufficient parking. In
disconnected areas, intra-regional access plays a crucial role alongside performance in enhancing overall functionality.
Research findings suggest that access alone does not sufficiently improve efficiency in such areas. While Aliabad benefits
from road connections to adjacent isolated areas, the other two locations demonstrate more favorable conditions. Based
on findings and analyses, the study concludes that the most effective approach is limited-scale urban development that
maximizes internal capacity. Smart growth prioritizes directing investments toward transportation, schools, libraries, and
other essential public services in developed areas, addressing the needs of existing communities, particularly in underserved
neighborhoods with minimal private investment. Additionally, preserving the distinctive features of urban spaces, such as
architectural landmarks and cultural assets, is essential. The primary goal of any smart growth strategy is to enhance the
quality of residential neighborhoods, ensuring comfort, aesthetic appeal, and easy access for all. A well-designed urban
environment should provide safety, comfort, and affordability while fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.

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