عوامل کلیدی مؤثر بر توسعه شهری شهرهای کوچک باتوجه‌به شاخص‌های شهر بیوفیلیک (مورد مطالعه: شهر تازیان پائین)

Introduction: Biophilic design, as a nature-oriented paradigm in urban development, offers a meaningful strategy to restore the weakened relationship between people and the natural environment in cities. By integrating natural patterns, local materials, and ecological processes into the built environment, this approach helps reduce alienation, support mental and physical health, and create a stronger sense of place. Its value is particularly evident in small cities, where limited resources, fragile ecosystems, and weak institutional capacities often intensify the impacts of growth, pollution, and environmental stress. In such contexts, biophilic design contributes to maintaining ecological balance, mitigating emissions, improving the quality of public spaces, and strengthening social capital through community stewardship of nature. These benefits gain urgency as urban populations rise and pressures on land, water, and biodiversity increase.
Purpose of the Study: The study aims to identify and analyze the key factors influencing the development of biophilic design in small cities and to assess its impact on urban sustainability indicators. It examines the interaction between institutional capacity, community engagement, and ecological considerations in promoting nature-oriented urban strategies. By focusing on a small city with distinct environmental and social challenges, the research provides practical insights for policymakers and urban planners seeking to implement biophilic approaches that enhance sustainability and resilience.
Methodology: This research adopts a mixed-methods approach that combines the Delphi technique and cross-impact analysis to identify and prioritize critical variables affecting biophilic design implementation. Expert opinions from urban planners, architects, and environmental specialists were collected in two rounds of Delphi surveys to ensure consensus on the most significant factors. The case study of Tazian-e Paeen, a small city located in Bandar Abbas, Iran, was chosen due to its distinct challenges, such as limited green spaces, overexploitation of natural resources, and low levels of citizen participation in environmental projects. Key variables identified and analyzed include the development of pedestrian-friendly green pathways, design of context-sensitive and nature-inspired urban elements, promotion of citizen participation in environmental initiatives, and attracting investment in eco-tourism.
Findings and Discussion: The analysis reveals that successful implementation of biophilic design in small cities requires strengthening institutional capacities, targeted budget allocation, and participatory planning processes. The creation of public green spaces and the preservation of biodiversity emerged as critical factors for improving urban residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, utilizing locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials in urban projects can mitigate the negative impacts of urban development on natural ecosystems. The findings highlight that public awareness and education campaigns are essential to encourage active citizen participation, which in turn fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the urban environment. Importantly, the study suggests that integrating biophilic principles into existing urban plans requires adaptive governance structures capable of balancing economic development with ecological preservation. In the case of Tazian-e Paeen, the study identified specific opportunities for integrating biophilic elements, such as converting underutilized urban spaces into small-scale urban forests, designing culturally inspired water features that enhance microclimate regulation, and developing eco-tourism routes that highlight the city’s natural and cultural heritage. These strategies are expected to address current urban challenges, including heat island effects, air pollution, and loss of local identity.
Conclusion: This study underscores the transformative potential of biophilic design as a tool to enhance environmental and social sustainability in small cities. Beyond improving the aesthetic and ecological quality of urban spaces, biophilic design fosters stronger social ties and enhances residents’ psychological well-being. The research concludes that the success of biophilic urban strategies depends on multi-dimensional planning that incorporates institutional support, financial mechanisms, and community engagement. Policymakers are advised to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate biophilic principles at various urban scales, from neighborhood-level interventions to city-wide policies. By doing so, small cities like Tazian-e Paeen can create healthier, more resilient urban environments that are better equipped to face the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change. Finally, the study recommends further research on quantifying the socio-economic and ecological benefits of biophilic design in different urban contexts. Future studies could also explore the role of digital tools and smart technologies in facilitating the design and monitoring of biophilic interventions. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of literature emphasizing the need to reconnect urban development with nature, offering a practical pathway toward sustainable and livable small cities.