Saeedeh Morassafar - M.Sc. Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

The unnecessary development of cities in developing countries, including Iran, has created many problems, one of which is the irregular construction without regard to standards and disregard for urban green space. The expansion of green space and its management is one of the major urban management plans for which different strategies are suggested. Given the need to preserve existing resources and make optimal use of them to reduce costs over the long term, the need for sustainable urban development with minimal impact on tangible resources is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the importance and place of green space in sustainable urban development. In this study, we make maximum use of available handmade and natural resources as a comprehensive strategy to increase green space per capita, reduce air pollution, reduce the available space for criminals and improve urban social conditions with a view to sustainable urban development. Conventional planning has failed to deliver the desired development pattern, causing uneven development and resource loss. This is contrary to the principles of sustainable urban development and calls for a rethinking of the structure and pattern of urban development. Green city theory helps to maintain quality of life by taking into account indicators such as conservation of non-renewable energy sources, demand management using public transport options, access to clean and green spaces, pollution generation and waste management. Applying the principles of green urbanization and integrating the green city approach will also provide these opportunities for the city. In this regard, considering different aspects such as social justice, sustainable economy, urban vitality, climate and coastal ecosystem of the city influenced by a holistic, participatory, flexible approach along with continuous monitoring and evaluation of urban development plans within the framework of the green city model and using SWOT technique can be a guide to achieving long-term and sustainable urban development.

green space, sustainable urban development, green city theory