Journal of Greater Khorasan

Journal of Greater Khorasan

Assessing the Needs of Local Communities: A Factor in the Sustainability of Urban Renewal Projects (Case Study: Ansar and Arvand Neighborhoods, Mashhad Metropolis)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
malihe salahi 1
Hadi Sarvari 2
qadir Siaami 3
1 Guest Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Urban Planning Department, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Islamic Art and Architecture, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran.
10.22034/jgk.2025.519926.1266
Abstract
In recent years, the components of urban deteriorated textures have faced challenges in various dimensions, and residents’ dissatisfaction with living in these areas stems from daily problems and the urban planning system’s neglect of their fundamental needs and demands. Urban regeneration, as the dominant paradigm for renovation and revitalization and one of the most important approaches to the sustainability of these areas, offers multi-dimensional and comprehensive opportunities for urban planners, designers, and managers to undertake targeted interventions.
The present quantitative and applied study, using a descriptive-analytical approach, investigates the needs assessment of the marginalized communities in Ansar and Arvand neighborhoods located in District 6 of Mashhad Municipality for sustainable regeneration, and prioritizes the needs of these communities across physical-functional, transportation and accessibility, environmental, urban services and disaster management, cultural-social, and economic dimensions. For this purpose, documentary and library studies were conducted to examine the theoretical and empirical framework, and field observations along with a structured questionnaire were employed. The survey included a sample of 377 participants at the sub-neighborhood level, using a multi-stage sampling method. To analyze and prioritize the data, SPSS software and the Friedman test were utilized. The results indicated that the most important need of local communities is the removal of street-addicted individuals from the neighborhoods, followed by urban beautification, activities aimed at enhancing the reputation and social identity of the neighborhood, and environmental cleansing and rehabilitation (including resolving surface water drainage issues, waste collection, and disposal). Based on these findings, it is possible to design fully objective, human-centered, and participatory policies and planning strategies for the sustainable regeneration of deteriorated and inefficient urban neighborhoods.
Keywords
Needs assessment
Sustainable urban regeneration
Ansar and Arvand neighborhoods
Mashhad
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 28 April 2025
  • Revise Date 03 August 2025
  • Accept Date 15 October 2025