نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
The relationship between urban fabric and climate is one of the key topics in urban planning. Variations in temperature, solar radiation, wind, and precipitation not only affect the thermal comfort of citizens but also influence the formation and physical sustainability of urban structures. The aim of this paper is to analyze the effects of climatic factors in Mashhad on deteriorated urban fabrics. This study is applied in nature, descriptive-analytical in terms of data collection method, and correlational in terms of data analysis approach. The research questionnaire was developed using indicators derived from books, scientific articles, and theories related to climate and the physical characteristics of deteriorated urban areas, comprising two criteria and 26 indicators. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (Smart PLS 4). The statistical population consisted of 150 individuals selected randomly. For specialists in climatology and urban planning, a snowball sampling technique was applied; after excluding incomplete questionnaires, 148 valid questionnaires were analyzed. To examine the construct validity of this research, internal consistency was assessed through reliability calculations based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The obtained coefficients exceeded 0.7, indicating satisfactory reliability of the research instrument. The findings reveal that, in the descriptive section, indicators such as continuous façade erosion, decreased building resistance, impermeability, and unpleasant air conditions in the physical structures of buildings play a more significant role in influencing the deteriorated urban fabric.
کلیدواژهها English
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
The relationship between urban morphology and climatic conditions is a critical concern in contemporary urban studies, as temperature, solar radiation, wind, and precipitation not only influence thermal comfort for inhabitants but also determine the formation and sustainability of urban fabrics.
Morphological characteristics such as building density and spatial arrangement play a pivotal role in shaping microclimates and environmental quality. Climatic-sensitive design, aimed at minimizing energy loss, utilizing renewable energy resources, and protecting buildings from direct solar exposure, enhances both environmental quality and thermal comfort. Neglecting climatic factors in urban planning, as evidenced by studies on historical urban fabrics and thermal performance in Tehran, exacerbates the urban heat island effect and reduces outdoor comfort. Rapid and unplanned urban growth, particularly in deteriorated areas, generates economic, social, morphological, and environmental challenges. In Mashhad, the central districts, characterized by high-density religious, commercial, and tourism activities, are particularly vulnerable to climatic stresses. Research indicates that urban design overlooking local climatic conditions compromises environmental quality and residents’ satisfaction. Therefore, investigating the impact of climatic factors on deteriorated urban fabrics and proposing climate-responsive design strategies is essential for improving urban resilience and enhancing environmental quality.
2. Materials and Methods
This study is applied in nature and adopts a descriptive-survey design for data collection. In terms of data analysis, it employs a correlational approach. The research questionnaire was developed using indicators extracted from the review of climatic studies and the physical characteristics of deteriorated urban fabrics, comprising two main criteria and 26 indicators. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 4 was utilized to analyze the findings. Based on the size of the statistical population and using Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be 150 individuals, who were selected through random sampling. For climate and urban planning officials and experts, snowball sampling was employed. After removing incomplete questionnaires, 148 questionnaires were retained for analysis. To assess the construct validity of the study, only internal consistency of the items was examined by calculating reliability using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. All Cronbach’s alpha values exceeded 0.7, indicating that the research instrument is reliable.
3. Results and Discussion
Based on the results, the most significant factors influencing the deteriorated urban fabric are as follows: Precipitation-related factors. Water infiltration into building foundations and increased structural deterioration of buildings.Temperature-related factors.Wall cracking, reduced building lifespan, continuous wall erosion, and decreased structural strength.Solar radiation-related factors.Provision of thermal comfort and extensive daylight exposure.Physical urban fabric indicators. Inadequate sanitation and wastewater systems, as well as impermeability
The most fundamental criterion for assessing the relationships between constructs in the structural model is the significance of the path coefficients, which can be observed using the bootstrap procedure in the software. If the value of these coefficients exceeds 1.96, it indicates a significant relationship between the constructs, thereby supporting the research hypotheses at a 95% confidence level
The results of the significance model indicate that all research hypotheses were supported. Precipitation exhibits a positive and significant effect on the physical fabric of deteriorated urban areas, with a path coefficient of 6.258. Similarly, temperature, humidity, and solar radiation demonstrate positive and significant effects on the deteriorated urban fabric, with path coefficients of 5.944, 9.682, and 15.044, respectively.
4. Conclusions
This study aimed to examine the impact of climatic indicators on the physical fabric of deteriorated urban areas, focusing on the central district of Mashhad. This area, in addition to having inadequate urban facilities, is characterized by social and cultural anomalies and the presence of deteriorated and low-quality buildings. The findings indicate that indicators such as continuous wall erosion, reduced building strength, impermeability, and unpleasant air conditions at the building level have the most significant influence on the deteriorated urban fabric. Prioritizing these factors in urban planning and management can increase the tendency of residents to inhabit such areas while mitigating the impact of climatic factors. This, in turn, enhances citizens’ sense of security, promotes hope and mental well-being, and fosters a process of urban improvement, which is further supported by increased investment, economic vitality, and community participation
5. Acknowledgment & Funding
The manuscript did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The authors declare no conflict of interest
6. Conflict of Interest
The authors would like to thank all interview participants for their valuable support in this research.
