Analysis and Assessment of Urban Land Suitability for Allocation to Urban Parks, the Case of Sannadaj City

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Design, Faculty of Environment University of Tehran.

2 PhD. Candidate of Environmental Planning, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran.

3 MSc. of Environmental Design Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran

Abstract

Urban Parks can improve the quality of urban environment and promote the level of citizen’s welfare due to their environmental, economic and social roles and functions. The geographical location anddistribution of parksamong other land-uses within the city therefore, are seen with great importance in terms of their accessibility and affordability for the citizens, social justice, and urban planning purposes as well. The objective of this research is to develop a model to analyze the land suitability for dedicating to urban parks through a spatial-geographical study. GIS and FAHP were used to undertake the study objective in three stages. Firstly, a review of the literature led to the formulation of the urban parks importance for the quality of life and urban environment. Secondly, the major factors influencing the identification of suitable locations for urban parks were identified using Expert Choice and Delphi methods. And thirdly, through an analytical model, three scenarios are offered based on three criteria: 1) accessibility of the land, 2) land value, and 3) population density. Finally the most suitable locations for urban parks, identified through overlaying scenarios. The findings of the research demonstrate that 2.3% (82.4 ha) of the lands are suitable, 11.5% (423.8 ha) are relatively suitable, and 86.2% are unsuitable for allocation to the urban parks in the Sanandaj City.

Keywords