Explaining a Conceptual Model of Sustainable Development and Resilience Based on Grounded Theory and Its Application in the Physical Development of Rudsar City

Subject Areas :

negar khoshtarash ¹ , Manouchehr Tabibian ² , Vahid Bigdeli Rad ³

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Received: 2025-06-10 Accepted : 2025-09-07

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Physical Development, Rudsar, Resilience, Grounded Theory.,

Abstract :

Rudsar city faces significant challenges including uncontrolled urban sprawl, environmental degradation, inadequate sustainable infrastructure, and weak water and energy resource management. These problems have resulted in pollution, reduced biodiversity, social inequality, and decreased quality of life for citizens. The absence of public participation and preventive systems against natural disasters has increased the city's vulnerability. This research aimed to develop a combined conceptual model of sustainable development and resilience for physical development of Rudsar city, providing practical solutions for urban planning in facing rapid changes and unpredictable crises.This qualitative research employed a sequential-exploratory mixed approach using grounded theory principles. Data collection involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with seventeen executive and academic experts selected through purposive sampling, including urban planners, environmental engineers, municipal officials, and community leaders. Interviews lasted 45-90 minutes each and were transcribed for analysis. Data analysis utilized open, axial, and selective coding procedures through Maxqda software to identify causal, contextual, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Validity was established through methodological consistency, data source triangulation, and member checking procedures. The analysis revealed "Integration of sustainable development and resilience principles to enhance physical development quality in Rudsar city" as the central phenomenon. Causal conditions included supportive policies, accurate local needs analysis, and strengthened social-economic resilience. Contextual conditions encompassed sustainable urban infrastructure and institutional synergy. Intervening conditions involved climate changes and economic factors. Strategies focused on integrated policy formulation and environmental damage reduction. Consequences included improved urban planning quality and increased physical-social resilience.The research demonstrated that integrating sustainable development and resilience principles reduces vulnerability to crises while ensuring balanced urban development. The conceptual model serves as a practical framework for urban managers and policymakers in Rudsar and similar cities, improving citizens' quality of life while providing a replicable pattern for addressing sustainable development and resilience challenges in rapidly changing environmental conditions.

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