Women-Responsive Urban Spaces: Designing for Greater Security, Well-being, and Participation in Cities (Case Study: Karaj City)

Mohammad Matin sharifpour ‎¹ Mohammad Behzadpour²

1) Master of Architecture, Ghiyasuddin Jamshid Kashani University
2) Department of Architecture, Hashtgerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hashtgerd, Iran

IOI Code : AADG-AAECCH
Publication : The second international conference on new approaches in engineering and basic sciences(icnabs.ir/2nd)
Abstract :
    With the expansion of urbanization and the increasing presence of women in urban spaces, paying attention to their special needs in the design of the urban environment has become more important than ever. Security, well-being, and the possibility of active participation in public spaces are among the key components in improving the quality of life of women in cities. The aim of this research is to investigate the extent to which urban spaces respond to women s needs by focusing on three main components: security (lighting, safe paths, visibility), well-being (service, health, and social infrastructure), and social participation (design of special communal spaces for women). The research method is quantitative and survey-based. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire among 120 women living in Karaj at random and were examined using t-tests, Pearson correlation, and descriptive analysis. The results showed that women s satisfaction level with the security of urban spaces is lower than expected and design-oriented factors play an effective role in increasing their sense of security and participation. Finally, suggestions are provided for designing urban spaces that respond to women s needs.

Keywords : urban spaces women security welfare social participation urban design