Investigating the Role of Public Participation in the Improvement and Revitalization of the Worn-Out Fabric of the City Center in Gorgan

The objective of this investigation was to examine the impacts of advancement and revitalization of Gorgan, as well as the influence of participation on the city’s reconstruction.

This survey was conducted in Gorgan city during the years 2023-2024. To develop the criteria and subcriteria for the questionnaire, a thorough examination of Gorgan city’s comprehensive plans was performed. The questionnaire consisted of 26 questions and utilized a 4-point Likert scale. The questionnaire’s reliability was assessed through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, resulting in a value of 70%. In order to determine the questionnaire’s validity, it was distributed to 21 university professors. The statistical population comprised 1040 deteriorated residential units in the city center. Consequently, a sample size of 280 households was determined for this research, employing the simple random sampling method with Cochran’s formula. The data analysis was carried out utilizing the AHP and SWOT methods.

The engagement in the restoration of the deteriorated core structure of Gorgan city has resulted in the adaptation of space, reinforcement of identity and sense of belonging to the central neighborhoods, as well as a hindrance to the expansion of Gorgan city horizontally. The influence of participation in the reconstruction of Gorgan city’s worn-out core structure and the organization of other urban structures of Gorgan city were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model and the performance dimension.

Public participation has a positive impact on the reconstruction of Gorgan city’s worn-out core structure and the organization of other urban structures.