Evaluation of the Urban Historical Fabric of Urmia City for the Elderly Using the 15-Minute City Approach

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
A. Abedini 1
S. Ramesh 1
N. yousefi 2
1 Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Art, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
2 Regional Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The expansion of the elderly demographic alongside the intricacies of their urban requirements underscores the imperative to reassess urban planning paradigms. The 15-minute city framework, regarded as a progressive model for sustainable advancement, seeks to facilitate equitable and prompt access to urban resources, particularly for marginalized populations such as the elderly. This investigation concentrates on the historical urban landscape of Urmia to explore the viability of this model in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly demographic. The research examines the existing conditions of accessibility for the elderly to vital services, including healthcare facilities, retail establishments, recreational areas, and public transit systems.

The methodological framework is predicated on spatial analyses employing Geographic Information System (GIS) software to assess the accessibility radius and the spatial distribution of services, in conjunction with modeling the interrelationships between accessibility metrics and service quality utilizing Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. The overarching objective of this investigation is to evaluate the practicality and prerequisites for the adoption of the 15-minute city paradigm in Urmia, with a particular focus on enhancing access to vital services and amenities for the senior population.

The research findings elucidate that the augmentation of infrastructure quality, the proliferation of services in proximity to residential areas, and the assurance of equitable allocation of urban facilities can markedly enhance accessibility for the elderly, thereby promoting their autonomy and social engagement. The data imply that the adoption of the 15-minute city model has the potential to ameliorate the quality of life for senior citizens in Urmia while simultaneously addressing urban disparities and advancing social equity, thus contributing to the principles of sustainable development. This investigation emphasizes the imperative for an inclusive planning framework that is specifically attuned to the requirements of the elderly, and it advocates for priorities such as the establishment of accessible public transit systems, the enhancement of pedestrian thoroughfares, the creation of communal spaces for social interaction, and the elevation of the quality of urban services.

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The Journal of Spatial Planning and Geomatics
Volume 28, Issue 3
December 2024
Pages 119-140