Identifying key drivers of urban livability in Torghabeh: A foresight-based study

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Authors

1 M.S., Binalood Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Binalood Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Livability is a central concept in urban planning, addressing both the subjective and objective dimensions of urban settlements. It has gained significant attention from urban designers across all aspects of city development and planning processes. This study aims to identify and assess the key drivers influencing the future prospects of livability in Torghabeh city. A descriptive–analytical and applied research design was employed, with a researcher-developed questionnaire serving as the primary data collection instrument. The study population comprised 30 participants, including specialists, executive officials, and university faculty members with expertise in urban management and planning, urban design, sociology, and environmental studies at both the county and provincial levels. For analyzing and evaluating the data, futures studies tools, namely MICMAC and Scenario Wizard, were utilized. The results indicate that, among the 25 projected scenarios generated by Scenario Wizard, 12 scenarios (48%) correspond to critical conditions, 8 scenarios (32%) correspond to favorable conditions, and 5 scenarios (20%) correspond to static conditions. These findings suggest that critical scenarios dominate compared to favorable and static scenarios, indicating a higher likelihood of negative (critical) events relative to positive (favorable) outcomes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Geography and Regional Future Studies
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 14
Summer
August 2026
Pages 22-42

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