Abstract

Informal settlements are an undesirable consequence of the rapid growth of urbanization in contemporary society and a major challenge facing cities, especially in developing countries. The common policy of government disbanding of informal settlements contradicts the basic human right to shelter. A more realistic and humane approach is tolerance and gradual integration of such areas into the established city. In Iran, in parallel with urbanization, the development of informal settlements is a common phenomenon in contemporary cities. The Mouzirj neighborhood on the western edge of the city of Babol is an informal settlement. It faces physical, economic, social, legal and environmental problems. Providing solutions for improvement of Mouzirj will increase safety and bring the neighborhood into compliance with standards for residential neighborhoods. This study used the City Development Strategy (CDS) to improve this informal settlement in Babol. The research used a descriptive-analytical approach and field studies to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the SWOT method and develop suitable strategies for improving the informal settlement. Strategies were prioritized using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) model and the solutions were suggested for improving the region.

Keywords:

CDS, informal settlements, mouzirj neighborhood of Babol, QSPM, SWOT,

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Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.