Document Type : Scientific-Research
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Zanjan , Zanjan, Iran.
2
Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
Abstract
Housing, as one of the most fundamental human needs and a key indicator of social welfare, has consistently been a central concern for urban planners and policymakers. Beyond providing shelter, housing directly influences quality of life, social justice, cultural cohesion, economic security, and urban sustainability. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the relationships among justice-oriented urban planning, participatory-cultural approaches, housing provision models, and affordable housing. Data were collected through library research and field surveys. The population consisted of all residents of Zanjan city (430,871 individuals), from which 384 samples were selected using Cochran’s formula. Structural equation modeling with SmartPLS and the Sobel test via SPSS were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that within justice-oriented urban planning, the social justice indicator (coefficient: 0.245), and in participatory-cultural approaches, the cultural identity indicator (coefficient: 0.358) were the most significant components. In the housing provision model, public-private participation (coefficient: 0.224) was the key factor, while in affordable housing, access (coefficient: 0.306) was most influential. Path analysis showed that justice-oriented urban planning had the strongest direct effect on affordable housing (coefficient: 0.540), whereas the housing provision model exhibited the strongest overall relationship with affordable housing (coefficient: 0.629). The Sobel test confirmed the mediating role of the housing provision model in linking justice-oriented urban planning and participatory-cultural approaches to affordable housing, with a coefficient of 3.344.These results highlight the need for urban planners, particularly regarding housing for low-income groups, to design systematic and integrated indigenous housing provision models. Integrating justice-oriented planning, cultural participation, and local housing frameworks provides a practical approach to enhance accessibility, equity, and sustainable urban development. This study underscores that such integrated strategies are essential for achieving affordable housing while promoting social and cultural well-being in urban contexts.
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