Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Ph.D. student in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU), Qazvin, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU)
3
Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU)
4
Associate Professor, Department of Horiculture Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resourses, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU)
5
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU)
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the changes in green coverage of Nagarestan Garden in Tehran’s District 12 from 1321 to 1404 (Persian calendar) and its impact on air quality, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and public health. It also analyzes residents’ perspectives and simulates scenarios of 35% (minimum) and 70% (maximum) green coverage increase to propose solutions for reducing air pollution, enhancing urban quality of life, and achieving environmental sustainability in dense historical contexts.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating historical data analysis, satellite imagery, simulations using i-Tree Canopy software, and field surveys with 384 respondents. Data were analyzed using linear regression models to assess relationships between green coverage, air quality, and public health.
Findings: Historical data and simulations revealed a 60% reduction in Nagarestan Garden’s tree coverage from 2.28 ha in 1321 to 0.91 ha in 1378, with a partial recovery to 1.41 ha by 1404, leading to increased PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Surveys indicated high public concern, with 84% of respondents linking reduced green spaces to adverse health impacts and 72% supporting garden restoration. Scenarios of 35% and 70% green coverage increases resulted in 24% and 38% reductions in PM2.5 concentrations and 18% and 27% reductions in mortality rates, respectively.
Conclusion: Each 10% increase in green coverage reduces mortality by 6%, validated by regression analyses and air quality data. These findings underscore the need to integrate environmental and public health policies in urban planning to restore historical green spaces and promote environmental justice.
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