Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development

Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development

Applying Users' Preferences as an Approach to Improve the Quality of Coastal Walkways (Case Study: Coastal City of Bandar Ganaveh)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
soha sayadi 1
Mehdi Khakzand 2
Mohsen Faizi 3
1 Landscape Architecture Engineering/School Of Architecture and Urban Engineering/Iran University Of Science and Technology/Tehran/Iran
2 Landscape Architecture Engineering/School of Architecture and Urban Engineering/Iran University Of Science and Technology/Tehran/Iran
3 Landscape Architecture Engineering/ School of Architecture and Urban Engineering/ Iran University Of Science and Technology/ Tehran/Iran.
10.22034/aaud.2026.473831.2912
Abstract
The expansion of urban areas and the spread of coastal cities along the water’s edge have led to significant social and environmental issues in these regions. As a result, creating coastal walkways that serve as a connection between urban spaces and the natural elements of the shoreline, based on user priorities and preferences (Space users), seems essential. The goal is to create an environment that maximizes social interaction while encouraging public participation in the environmental aspects of the coastline.This study aims to identify and rank the social and environmental factors that improve the quality of coastal walkways, ultimately enhancing users' environmental experiences. The research is qualitative, employing a descriptive-analytical and survey-based approach. Data collection involved both foundational information from library sources, articles, and journals, as well as a questionnaire designed using the semantic differential technique in a dual-pair format. A total of 120 questionnaires were used for data analysis, and the results were ranked using SPSS software with one-sample t-tests, Friedman tests, and component response percentages. According to the findings, soundscape, water quality, and beach quality ranked first among environmental factors, followed by vegetation and climatic comfort in second place, and coastal pollution control in third. From a social perspective, the highest-ranked factors based on user preferences were physical elements (such as spatial fluidity and flexibility, space and function separation, accessibility, urban furniture quality, and the sense of space) and recreational elements (such as water sports and beach play areas). Cultural elements (like local music spaces and beach festivals) and safety and security (including nighttime scenery and appropriate lighting) ranked second, while service-commercial spaces were ranked third.
Keywords
Coastal Landscape
Coastal Walkway
Beach Quality
User Preferences
Bandar-e Ganaveh
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Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development
Volume 18, Issue 53
Spring 2026
Pages 67-86

  • Receive Date 17 August 2024
  • Revise Date 18 February 2026
  • Accept Date 21 February 2026