Developing and Applying a Multidimensional Sustainability Model for Periurban Areas

Abstract

Despite having vast periurban areas (PUAs) with natural, ecological, and spatial characteristics, many Iranian cities have experienced rapid population growth and urban sprawl. In most of these areas, unplanned or unmanaged urbanization has contributed to poverty, informal settlements, environmental degradation, or social deprivation, causing the decrease in the sustainability of these areas. Therefore, this study aims to develop a model for assessing the sustainability of PUAs. The research involves three phases. First, a model was developed based on a review of the theoretical and practical background on the sustainability of PUAs. It included eight dimensions including quality of life, access, sense of place, open space, green infrastructure, social relations, economic growth, and governance. The second stage consisted of asking experts (n = 100) to rank and score the sustainability principles of PUA in each dimension and utilizing structural equation modeling in SmartPLS (version 3) software to test the validity of the model and attain the factor loading of the model elements. As a final stage, to examine the confirmed assessment model, an expert group (n = 50) evaluated the sustainability of Kalak, a PUA next to the city of Karaj, Iran. The proposed assessment model for the evaluation of the PUAs’ sustainability in developing countries consists of eight dimensions and 28 principles. It uses a transparent and systematic method for evaluation and its usability was tested in the context of a developing country. Periurban areas in developing countries, like Iran, lack comprehensive plans, resulting in informal and irregular development. This trend poses a threat to reducing resources and negatively impacting sustainability. Implementing sustainable planning in these areas could lead to positive changes at the rural–urban fringes, allowing decision makers and residents to shape their environment and enhance the quality of life of these regions. In our research, we designed and put into practice a flexible assessment model to evaluate the sustainability of periurban areas in developing countries. This model consists of eight dimensions and 28 principles. Our use of this assessment model highlighted the importance of resolving conflicts between sustainability goals, such as conserving agricultural lands and natural resources while promoting local economic development, for the sustainable development of these areas. Our assessment tool can be valuable for planning the design of periurban areas in Iran and other developing nations. It can aid decision makers, including urban planners, designers, landscape architects, transport planners, and local planning authorities, in reaching a consensus on various aspects that contribute to the sustainable development of these areas.