The Role of Social Dimensions in Sustainable Urban Design with an Emphasis on the Metaverse and Structural Equation Modeling: The Case of Tabriz Metropolis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Osk, C, Islamic Azad University, Oskuo, Iran

Abstract

The rapid growth of emerging technologies and the rise of the metaverse as a new platform for human interaction have opened new horizons in the field of urban design and planning. These interactive virtual environments can not only expand digital social spaces but also contribute to strengthening the social dimensions of urban sustainability. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the role of social dimensions in sustainable urban design in the metropolis of Tabriz, with an emphasis on the metaverse. The research is applied in purpose and employs a quantitative survey-based methodology. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to experts in urban planning and technology and were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that metaverse interaction has a positive and significant effect on various dimensions of social sustainability, with the greatest impact observed in enhancing perceived security and institutional trust. Moreover, citizen participation, social cohesion, social inclusion, and place attachment were identified as key components of social sustainability, each playing an essential role within metaverse-based urban design frameworks. Therefore, the strategic utilization of metaverse capabilities can offer an innovative approach to strengthening social interactions, promoting spatial justice, and enhancing social sustainability in future metropolises, particularly in Tabriz.

Highlights

  • The study integrates social and technological dimensions of sustainable urban design through the metaverse framework.
  • Security, trust, and civic participation emerged as the most influential components in the Tabriz model.
  • The metaverse acts as a mediator linking social interaction, equity, and cultural identity in urban sustainability

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 May 2025
  • First Publish Date: 19 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 June 2025

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