Beyond the Facade of Planning: Exploring Urban Isolation and Social Gaps in Andisheh New Town, Iran

This study investigates the complex phenomenon of urban isolation in Andisheh New Town, one of Iran’s planned satellite towns, with the aim of uncovering how spatial design, social structure, and planning paradigms interact to shape residents’ lived experiences of disconnection. Drawing on qualitative data collected through open-ended survey responses and field observations, the research identifies four major themes contributing to urban isolation: social and identity-based fragmentation, lack of public and communal spaces, infrastructural and safety deficiencies, and economic hardship. The analysis reveals that Andisheh’s urban form, while technically efficient, fails to foster a vibrant public life or a shared sense of belonging. The city functions largely as a dormitory town, characterized by long commutes, weak neighborhood ties, and limited opportunities for civic or cultural engagement. Residents frequently cite feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and spatial alienation—conditions intensified by unregulated migration, inadequate transport systems, and the absence of inclusive recreational infrastructure. These findings highlight the limitations of conventional top-down planning approaches that prioritize spatial order over human-centered development. The study concludes that addressing urban isolation requires a fundamental rethinking of planning practices to include socio-cultural integration, participatory urban governance, and the creation of meaningful public realms that support community life.

Keywords:

Urban Isolation , Spatial Fragmentation , Social Cohesion , Public Space Design , Andisheh New Town