Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 PHD Student, Department of Industrial Management, Alborz Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 PhD in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran,
Abstract
Objective: With the rapid expansion of urbanization, the City Prosperity Index (CPI) has emerged as a crucial tool for evaluating urban success beyond purely economic indicators. This research aims to measure the efficiency of Karaj metropolitan districts in converting physical inputs—including street network spatial configuration (integration, connectivity, and depth) and land-use patterns—into the six pillars of sustainable urban prosperity.
Methodology: This applied study employs a causal-comparative method, analyzing data from 2021 to 2023 (1400-1402 SH) across eight municipal districts of Karaj. Space Syntax techniques and Landsat 8 satellite imagery were utilized to extract physical characteristics. For ranking and efficiency analysis, an integrated approach was adopted, combining Shannon Entropy, the Weighted Aggregates Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) technique, and the Super-Efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) mathematical model, supplemented by sensitivity analysis.
Results: The results indicate a significant disparity among the districts, with only District 9 being categorized as "privileged" and efficient. By leveraging high street integration, this district demonstrated the highest efficiency in transforming infrastructure into prosperity. Conversely, District 5 exhibited the lowest efficiency due to a high spatial depth index and extensive barren lands, resulting in a "highly deprived" ranking. Furthermore, findings reveal that most districts face unfavorable conditions regarding productivity and infrastructure development indicators. The Super-Efficiency model revealed an average technical efficiency of 0.78, identifying 'spatial depth' as the most critical factor hindering the efficiency of deprived districts.
Conclusion: The research findings demonstrate that the mere presence of physical infrastructure does not guarantee prosperity; rather, the success of urban districts is a function of efficient spatial management and optimal resource allocation. To mitigate structural gaps, a transition from population-driven growth toward strategically planned development is essential.
Keywords
- City Prosperity Index (CPI)
- Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
- Space Syntax
- Karaj Metropolis
- Super-Efficiency
Main Subjects
)