Planning of university centers is a pattern for creative urban development,Case study: Payame Noor Universities of Miandoab and Shahindejh counties

The purpose of this study was to determine an appropriate distance for the construction of a new university branch (unit) or the merger of existing branches based on the reduction of students and the absence of the need for a university based on standard distance using the arrangement approach. The research method is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature. In the present study, four centers and university units of Payam-e-Noor in the south of West Azerbaijan province (Miandoab-Shahindaj-Chaharborj-Keshavarz) were studied in terms of scope of student enrollment and optimal location, and the standard distance for student admission was determined. The results showed that the spatial distribution of student enrollment in the region was heterogeneous and university units were not located correctly relative to their centers. Also, Payam-e-Noor, the center of Miandoab, was the most suitable place in the region and the center of Shahindaj was the most unsuitable position. In the end, the most suitable place for students in this area, 11 km of Miandoab road to Shahindaj was suggested.