Geography

Geography

Assessment of Urban Land Use Resilience with Sustainable Development Approach: A Case Study of Firouzabad City

Document Type : Articles extracted from Thesis

Authors
Esmaeil Abbasi 1
Marzieh Moghali 2
1 PhD student in Geography, Islamic Azad University, Larestan Branch, Larestan, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Islamic Azad University, Larestan Branch, Larestan, Iran.
10.22034/jiga.2026.2054390.1381
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Cities, as primary hubs of human congregation and economic, social, cultural, and environmental activities, are consistently confronted with various challenges related to sustainable development and resource management. One of the key concepts in urban planning and management is resilience, which refers to a city’s ability to cope with various crises and threats, including natural disasters, social, economic, and environmental changes. Urban resilience not only encompasses the ability to withstand crises but also implies the flexibility and adaptability of structures and processes to new changes. In this context, the evaluation of urban land use resilience, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk areas, is essential for sustainable development and crisis management. The objective of this study is to analyze and assess the resilience of land use in the city of Firouzabad. This research focuses on identifying the strengths and weaknesses in urban land areas, considering the physical, social, economic, and environmental dimensions, and providing strategies for improving resilience and reducing the vulnerability of different urban areas to natural disasters and human threats.

Methodology
This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining theoretical and field analysis. In the first phase, a theoretical framework was developed using scientific sources and relevant articles. In the second phase, field data were collected through surveys with 20 urban experts, utilizing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques and fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP). These data were used to evaluate the impacts of various changes in the physical, economic, social, and structural dimensions on urban land resilience. Finally, the results from sensitivity analysis and fuzzy modeling were applied to various urban areas.

Results and Discussion
The findings of the study revealed that various factors such as infrastructure status, access to social and cultural services, and spatial quality of urban land significantly influence urban resilience. In particular, areas with high population density and insufficient infrastructure are more vulnerable to crises. Additionally, areas with better access to social and economic services showed greater resilience to both social and natural threats. Sensitivity analysis also indicated a significant impact of changes in land prices, access to emergency service stations, and existing infrastructure on urban resilience.

Conclusion
This research, through comprehensive results on the resilience of urban land in Firouzabad, identifies the weaknesses and strengths of urban areas in terms of crisis management. Based on these findings, strategies to enhance resilience, such as improving infrastructure, increasing access to healthcare, educational and cultural services, and expanding green spaces in vulnerable areas, have been proposed. These results can serve as a basis for managerial decision-making aimed at sustainable urban development and enhancing resilience against natural disasters and human threats.
Keywords
Urban Resilience
Land Use
Sustainable Development
Firouzabad
Fuzzy Analysis
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Geography
Volume 23, Issue 87
Winter 2026, pp.1-200.
Winter 2026
Pages 65-81