An Analysis of the Challenges of Public Participation in the Process of Compiling Urban Development Documents, Case Study: Abkooh Neighborhood, Mashhad

Today, the participation of people and citizens is a debate, but unfortunately, the position of the citizen and their participation in urban affairs, directly or indirectly, which affects life and destiny, is not given much importance in research. One of the main obstacles in urban development plans is neglecting the participation and contribution of local people and institutions. Such a situation causes citizens to feel less spiritual belonged to their city and its management, and not only they are not encouraged in the implementation of development plans, but consider the plans as an invasive element their personal property. Today, one of the most important issues in urban planning is Urban decay. Urban decay is sometimes urban fabric with a rich identity and associated with a high sense of belonging of residents, so it is important and necessary to involve the opinions of residents in the preparation of relevant plans.

Aims and Objectives:

The purpose of this project is to identify the challenges and problems of people in Abkooh neighborhood in Mashhad that is considered as urban decay.

The research method is descriptive. The data is collected by desktop research and communicating with people which is the most appropriate way to collect data related to the case study. Therefore, a questionnaire and interview are used. SWOT and QSPM techniques are used to analyze the data and GIS software is used to generate the map.  

According to the SWOT technique, there are more internal weaknesses and more external opportunities in Abkooh neighborhood. According to Driskel theory, the level of people's participation is so limited. The most important problems and challenges of public participation are: changing the management system, changing approaches and views to approved plans, lack of people's comments and suggestions and the lack of non-governmental organizations.