Application of City Development Strategy for Improvement of Informal Settlements in Iran: Case Study of Mouzirj Neighborhood of Babol

Mohammad Reza Bazregar,Khalil Hajipoor,Abdolreza Pakshir,Esmaeil Alizadeh

doi:10.19026/rjaset.7.920

Mohammad Reza Bazregar, Khalil Hajipoor + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.19026/rjaset.7.920

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Abstract

Informal settlements are an undesirable consequence of the rapid growth of urbanization in contemporary society and a major challenge facing cities, especially in developing countries. The common policy of government disbanding of informal settlements contradicts the basic human right to shelter. A more realistic and humane approach is tolerance and gradual integration of such areas into the established city. In Iran, in parallel with urbanization, the development of informal settlements is a common phenomenon in contemporary cities. The Mouzirj neighborhood on the western edge of the city of Babol is an informal settlement. It faces physical, economic, social, legal and environmental problems. Providing solutions for improvement of Mouzirj will increase safety and bring the neighborhood into compliance with standards for residential neighborhoods. This study used the City Development Strategy (CDS) to improve this informal settlement in Babol. The research used a descriptive- analytical approach and field studies to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the SWOT method and develop suitable strategies for improving the informal settlement. Strategies were prioritized using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) model and the solutions were suggested for improving the region.

Highlights

By the middle of the twentieth century, 3 out of every 10 people lived in urban areas
The present study focuses on Mouzirj neighborhood with an area of 104.7 ha
The present study focused on a City Development Strategy (CDS) for improvement of the informal settlement in Mouzirj neighborhood on the western edge of the city of Babol

Summary

INTRODUCTION

By the middle of the twentieth century, 3 out of every 10 people lived in urban areas. About 72% of the urban population of sub-Saharan Africa, 43% of the Asia-Pacific, 32% of Latin America and 30% of the Middle East and northern Africa are residents of informal settlements (Un-Habitat, 2006) They shelter a large portion of the populations of large and growing cities in developing countries. According to assessments by a specialist on urban rehabilitation in Mazandaran province, the five neighborhoods of Mouzirj, Sadat Mahalleh, West and East Kati, Bagh-e Abadian and Shahr-eTaleghani are informal settlements that surround the city of Babol, mostly to the south of the city They grapple with physical, environmental and legal issues. CDS has been established using the quadric principles of livability, competitiveness, bankability and good urban management and governance It promotes sustainability of cities and the World Bank believes that CDS should provide a framework to achieve these four principles (Buffalo City Development Strategy, 2007). Operation: Running projects, monitoring and assessment of their development Consultancy (Asian Development Bank, 2004)

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Findings

CONCLUSION