Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Ali Zeynali Aim ¹
• Ali Azar ²
• Shoeila Hamidzadeh Khayavi ³

¹ Postdoctoral student in Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tarbiat Dabir Shahid Rajaei University, Tehran, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Architecture, Maragheh Branch،Islamic Azad University، Maragheh،Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Art and Architecture, Shabester Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabester, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
The rapid growth of urban populations has posed multiple challenges, including the rise of crime and violence in urban spaces. In this context, the smart city has emerged as a strategic approach to enhancing urban security. Adopting a smart city perspective can address the complexities associated with various forms of urban crime. Improving urban security requires attention to both physical–spatial dimensions and human–behavioral aspects. In Tehran, challenges such as high population density, insecurity, and the prevalence of crime and violence in urban spaces have become critical issues, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. The expansion of public spaces in Tehran highlights the urgent need for precise planning to confront security and social challenges. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the reduction of crime and violence in Tehran’s urban spaces through a smart city approach.
Materials and Methods
This research employs a descriptive–analytical and survey-based method. The statistical population includes the city of Tehran (9,039,000 residents). Using Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be 384 participants, appropriate for a large urban population. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was applied to ensure representation across different urban districts. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire, designed with closed-ended questions based on a seven-point Likert scale to measure citizens’ perceptions of smart city components in reducing crime and violence. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted using Amos software to validate the conceptual model, followed by multiple regression analysis to examine the impact of independent variables (smart city dimensions related to urban security) on the dependent variable (crime and violence reduction).
Results
Among the five latent factors influencing crime and violence reduction in Tehran’s urban spaces—public space security, environmental design, warning and crisis management systems, improvement of urban infrastructure, and citizen education and participation—the factor of public space security had the highest standardized loading (0.82), while citizen education and participation had the lowest (0.74). At the indicator level, smart lighting (0.87) and smart surveillance (0.84) showed the strongest effects, whereas public transport management (0.70) and access to security services (0.71) had the weakest. Path analysis revealed that public space security had the greatest total effect (1.02), while citizen education and participation had the lowest (0.86). The findings demonstrate that smart city strategies, particularly smart lighting and surveillance, can significantly reduce crime and violence in urban spaces.
Conclusion
Key indicators such as smart lighting and smart surveillance exert the most substantial influence on improving urban security in Tehran through a smart city approach. These elements should be prioritized in urban planning and design to enhance safety and ensure that citizens can access urban spaces with confidence and peace of mind. To reduce crime in Tehran, strategies including improved urban lighting, expanded smart surveillance, safe public space design, strengthened smart warning systems, social participation and public education, and enhanced urban safety infrastructure must be prioritized in future planning.

Keywords

• Smart city
• Urban spaces
• Crime and violence
• Tehran city

Main Subjects

• Urban Planning