An Analysis of the Spatial Limitations of Residential Lands in Nourabad Mamasani and Future Planning Strategies for Their Provision

Abstract

Housing, as one of the most fundamental human needs, is a key criterion for assessing development. It plays an irreplaceable role in quality of life, ensuring a calm, secure, and comfortable environment. This article aims to identify the spatial constraints on residential land and determine the optimal locations for future urban planning to provide residential land in the city of Nourabad. Through this research, the overall success of housing planning in the city following the Islamic Revolution is also assessed. The research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical method. The results of this study indicate that several natural constraints—such as the presence of agricultural lands and orchards on the outskirts of urban neighborhoods, two major rivers to the north and south of the city, and multiple streams adjacent to agricultural lands and rural zones now forming part of the city—pose significant limitations. Additionally, the presence of historical heritage sites and surrounding elevated terrain with steep slopes often prohibits construction. Notable historical sites include Tell Nourabad (protected area: 550 × 650 meters), Tell Mir Jashireh (250 × 100 meters), and Tell Bakhtiari (200 × 200 meters). Artificial obstacles to the expansion of residential lands include a 230-kilowatt transmission line from Qaemieh to Dogonbadan (with a 17-meter protected corridor inside the city), a 66-kilowatt line from Nourabad to Qaemieh (13-meter corridor within the city), an oil pipeline, and three gas pipelines with an approximate 60-meter protected zone, all of which render parts of urban land unusable. Nevertheless, despite these numerous limiting factors, urban development plans have proposed appropriate strategies for expanding residential areas and have identified optimal zones for future growth. Specifically, a 259-hectare barren land in District 1, located in the eastern part of the city, was designated in the 1996 approved master plan as the most suitable area for residential expansion. The detailed plan, in its research and strategic documentation, has focused on developing 110 hectares of this area, using the master plan as its foundation. Efforts have been made to create attractions in neighborhoods adjacent to the city center and elsewhere through the allocation of service facilities and improved accessibility. These efforts aim to achieve a more balanced population distribution across city districts, which has been relatively successful. Moreover, deteriorated and dilapidated structures within the urban area have shown high potential for housing redevelopment and future urban expansion. An examination of the housing situation in the city from 1986 to 2011, following the approval of the master and detailed plans, reveals the overall success of housing planning in Nourabad.