A Systematic Review of Urban Viability Indicators from the Perspective of Biophilic Urbanism with a Critical Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Masoud Haghlesan 1
Fatemeh Ansari 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ilkhchi Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilkhchi, Iran.
2 Ph.D. Candidate in Urban ِDesign, Department of Architecture and urban planning, Ta.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
10.22034/he.2025.508185.1065
Abstract
To ensure the survival of humanity within the ecosystem, it is essential to control human interventions and activities that lead to the destruction of ecosystems. This review adopts a critical perspective towards the studies and concepts presented and aims to propose a framework of indicators suitable for the diverse dimensions of the subject. The methodology of this research is based on a critical approach to review relevant concepts and studies, classifying key indicators by analyzing domestic and foreign articles published over a period of 10 years from 2014 to 2024. In this review, 280 articles were matched according to relevant keywords associated with the research and the published journals. The findings of the research were categorized into two sections. The first section is a systematic analysis that includes a quantitative examination of resources based on the year of publication, type of resources, and journals, as well as the methods used, while the second section includes a thematic analysis based on the content and topics of the articles with a critical perspective, summarized into four categories. In the conducted review of 280 articles, more than 40 percent of the resources utilized quantitative methods, and non-review articles had the least representation of the core concepts and keywords of interest. By aligning theoretical indicators and theoretical studies around traditional sustainability indicators and biophilic city indicators, it can be classified into four categories, acknowledging their limitations while integrating a nature-centered perspective within them. Additionally, various methodological approaches to sustainability assessment were analyzed in four categories: quantitative, qualitative, mixed, and spatial. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in implementing biophysical urban planning suitable for community conditions were formulated in the execution and study section. This exploration reveals a complex interplay of economic, social, environmental, and infrastructural factors. The biophysical lens enriches the evaluation by highlighting the vital role of human-nature interaction in enhancing well-being and sustainability. The integration of natural elements, from green spaces and urban forests to biophysical design principles in buildings, significantly impacts the physical and mental health of residents, fostering vibrant and resilient communities. However, realizing the potential of biophysical urban planning requires addressing economic limitations, ensuring social equity, and overcoming practical implementation challenges.

Keywords

Subjects

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Human Ecology
Volume 4, Issue 12
Autumn 2025
Pages 1210-1228