Feasibility of a Pedestrian-Oriented Smart City in Urmia Based on a People-Space Interconnection Approach

Introduction: 
The urban fabric, as the living environment of individuals, profoundly influences the quality of life. In the era of smart cities, leveraging modern technologies to enhance urban performance and service delivery to citizens is of paramount importance. However, one of the fundamental challenges of walkability in these cities is the weakness in the connection between people and public spaces. This study investigates the feasibility of walkability in Urmia, aiming to identify key indicators for enhancing social interactions and communications between citizens and public spaces. Urmia, with its rich history and diverse culture, is recognized as an economic and social hub in the northwest of the country. Despite these attributes, the public spaces in this city have lost their appeal due to inadequate design and insufficient maintenance. Pedestrians often face challenges on busy streets that render access difficult and hazardous. Creating safe and attractive walking paths can encourage people to utilize these spaces. In addition to physical challenges, the culture of walkability in Urmia has yet to be fully institutionalized. Many citizens prefer to use personal vehicles, which not only increases traffic congestion but also negatively impacts air quality. Designing a smart city based on the connection between people and space is essential for enhancing social interactions and improving public areas. The use of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors can transform these spaces into centers of social activity and strengthen the sense of belonging to the city. These areas can serve as venues for cultural and social activities that help attract more citizens.
Methodology: The present study examines walkability within the urban fabric of Urmia and is categorized as applied and descriptive-analytical research. The statistical population of this study encompasses both the traditional fabric (District 4) and the modern fabric (District 1) of Urmia, selected through a cluster sampling method.
The primary objective of the research is to analyze the status of accessibility, green spaces, vegetation coverage, land use services, and public transportation systems in these areas. To achieve this, the space syntax model was employed to assess the quality of access, alongside ArcMap software for spatial data analysis. This research emphasizes the significance of the relationship between safety indicators and presence in public spaces, collecting data through field questionnaires and direct observations from residents. In the initial phase, service land uses and green spaces, along with their accessibility radius, were examined, followed by further analyses based on the gathered information. Urban furniture, lighting, and waste collection systems were also investigated as key components influencing access quality. Ultimately, this study provides an analysis of deficiencies and challenges in suboptimal areas, offering recommendations for enhancing walkability in the smart city of Urmia. All phases of the research involved field surveys and resident feedback, aiming to improve the quality of life in these regions through better design and management of public spaces. This study can serve as a practical guide for urban decision-makers in creating a safer and more attractive environment for walking.
Results: The present study investigates the status of park and green space usage in various regions of Urmia. The evaluations conducted indicate that the coverage of green spaces within the studied areas, particularly within a 2500-meter radius from parks, is generally satisfactory. However, accessibility to neighborhood green spaces in the southwestern part of District 4 faces significant challenges. Furthermore, green spaces in District 4 are predominantly located near highly connected pathways, whereas in District 1, these spaces are situated near pathways with lower connectivity. Subsequently, the status of public transportation was examined. Bus stations in District 4 exhibit a better situation in terms of quantity and accessibility coverage compared to District 1. The eastern neighborhoods of District 1 are entirely deprived of access to public transportation. Analyses conducted using the Space Syntax model reveal that public transportation stations are mainly located along pathways with high connectivity. The next phase involved assessing urban furniture, which included evaluating pedestrian comfort, waste collection systems, and street lighting. The results indicate that the diversity of urban furniture and the quality of lighting on main streets surpass those found in local pathways. Most local pathways lack adequate waste bins and benches, and the quality of lighting services varies considerably. Finally, resident opinions were collected through questionnaires, reflecting an average to low quality of urban furniture and a lack of utilization of renewable energy sources in these areas. These findings can serve as a foundation for improving the design and management of public spaces in Urmia.
Discussion:  This study employs the integration of Space Syntax and GIS to assess the capacity of Urmia for realizing a walkable smart city. The findings reveal that walkability is not merely a technological outcome but emerges from the structural interplay of spatial cohesion, land-use diversity, environmental quality, and accessibility. The results further indicate that traditional urban fabrics, owing to their organic functional linkages and spatial integrity, possess greater potential for walkable regeneration than newly developed areas. By challenging a purely technocentric perspective, the study proposes an integrative framework in which technology serves to enhance social interactions and spatial experiences. Comparative scenario analysis demonstrates that strengthening pedestrian accessibility and reconfiguring spatial–functional patterns at the neighborhood scale can, at significantly lower costs than large-scale redevelopment, foster sustainability, resilience, and spatial justice.
Conclusion: The analyses indicate that the component of service land uses has the most significant impact on walkability and social interactions within the city of Urmia. Green space and recreational land uses rank next in importance; however, the spatial placement of service uses at the neighborhood level holds particular significance. The findings reveal that pathways located near these service uses possess the highest priority for walkability. Additionally, the presence of surveillance-oriented façades along pathways contributes to enhanced security and appropriate accessibility. In comparison to traditional and organic urban fabrics, the only effective indicator for achieving the objectives of this research is the accessibility and safety of pathways. The analyses suggest that 85% of the evaluation scores in the selected neighborhoods have been achieved; however, even the highest scores attained only 34 out of a possible 40 points, indicating a deficiency in essential facilities. The poor accessibility of neighborhoods can be categorized into two groups: the first group comprises primary arteries designed for traffic movement, while the second includes pathways and access routes that fail to meet residents' needs. To enhance walkability and improve the quality of urban spaces in Urmia, it is recommended that the following measures be considered: improving the spatial placement of service land uses, increasing green space, upgrading urban furniture, and developing intelligent transportation systems. These actions could contribute to achieving smart city objectives and enhancing the quality of life for residents.