Applying quantitative techniques to evaluate the level of sustainability for physical dimension of urban form in sanandaj city, iran

Abstract

This paper aims to understand and evaluate the sustainability of physical dimension of urban form in rapidly growing urban areas and presents some quantitative methods (Shannon's Entropy and Holden Apportioning Technique) to measure the level of sustainability for urban form as a practical implication. The rapid urbanization in Iran in the second half of the 20th century has mostly manifested itself in the emergence of large cities and issue of sustainable urban form is becoming ever more important, taking into consideration the contemporary urban population growth and the concern of sustainable development. The Sanandaj City is located on the west- ern side of Iran, and has a population of about 400,000. There has been rapid urbanization during the last three decades in the city and it is therefore chosen as a case study. The results of these measurements indicate that in order to achieve sustainable urban form, the urban policies for development should be changed. A more rational and focused approach is required in development of the urban areas to achieve effi cacy and sustainability. The main purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the level of sustainability for physical urban form in the Sanandaj City, located on the in western side of Iran. This city has experienced dramatic changes in size and shape during last 30 years. A greater understanding of the sustainable urban form that contributes to the quality of a community is needed by design and planning profes- sionals to be able to play a more infl uential role in the preservation, enhancement and development of successful community environment especially for Iranian cities. The rapid urbanization in Iran in the second half of the 20th century has mostly manifested itself in the emergence of large cities without specifi c elements of Iranian culture. This will isolate them from their rich architectural and urban design heritage. In addition, the old city centers, which are the only remnant of the glorious past, are slowly vanishing, due to modern development. While sustainability of city is multifaceted, physical urban form and its relation to the effi ciency of the city is the most acknowledged issue in the world environmental agenda. Many scholars argue that sustainable urban form is a key towards achieving a sustainable development and that quality of life is one of its vital components. Moreover, as cities promote the goal of becoming livable through compact polycentric approaches; potential importance to spatial factors in determining well-being grows more vital. Yet there exists very little empirical research to establish this claim. Hence urban forms cannot be considered 'sustainable' in the full sense if they are not acceptable to people as places to live, work and interact. Today it is fully accepted that to achieve sustainable urban form, particularly in relation to land func- tionality and planning policy, the most effi cient solution must be performed using compact city model. This model consists of a city shape with high density and mixed land use. Therefore, an understanding of the physical development pattern in order to navigate it towards sustainable urban development is essential. A vital element for this acceptance is the measurement of compactness/sprawl. Hence this