1- University of Art
2- Urbis Ltd, Australia , mamirzadeh@urbis.com.au
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the urban resilience of Mashhad as a representative metropolitan city in Iran in the context of pandemics. The study adopts an exploratory approach rather than solely relying on existing literature and established frameworks. Initially, data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with two distinct groups: authorities and experts, as well as residents. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis with the assistance of MAXQDA to develop the Resilience Framework of Mashhad (RFM). In the second phase, primary data was gathered through a survey using questionnaires. The data were ranked and analyzed using qualitative methods, descriptive statistics, and an expert panel weighting system. The RFM is structured into two major levels: Macro-level (International, national, and regional scales) and Urban level (Urban community, local community, and housing and architecture). Employing simple random sampling, 342 questionnaires were completed by citizens, while the remaining 53 were filled out by experts and authorities. The overall composite urban resilience score of Mashhad city in response to pandemics was evaluated based on 16 variables and 38 indicators. The results indicated that the national and regional scale and the urban community, and the local community scales exhibited resilience levels below moderate. The RFM can serve as a valuable tool for scholars, urban planners, and policymakers to deepen their understanding of urban resilience in a Global South city.