Formulation of Strategies to Enhance Synergy between Night-time Life and Smart City in Urban Public Spaces; Case Study: Bouali Street, Hamadan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Urban Design, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

This study analyzes the synergy between two concepts: night-time life and smart city in urban public spaces. Focusing on Bouali Pedestrian Path in Hamadan, this research seeks to understand how these two approaches interact and propose practical models to improve the quality of night-time life in urban public spaces. The main objective of the study is to examine various aspects of the night-time–smart synergy and assess its impact on the dynamics and safety of urban spaces at night. Night-time life, as an essential part of urban activities, enhances security, social interaction, and economic engagement during the night hours. On the other hand, smart cities use modern information technologies to optimize the management of these spaces. This study uses a mixed-method approach (quantitative-qualitative) and a researcher-developed questionnaire for data collection. The analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The findings indicate that the final model explains 62% of the variance in night-time–smart synergy, with the highest direct impacts from the physical-environmental (β = 0.36) and social-cultural dimensions (β = 0.28). The study emphasizes the need for integrating smart technologies with the social, physical, and managerial aspects to achieve a dynamic and synergistic night-time life.

Highlights

  • This study is the first to examine the synergy between night-time urban life and smart city systems in public spaces.
  • The proposed empirical model explained 62% of the variance in night–smart synergy.
  • Physical and social dimensions play the most significant roles in enhancing night-time vitality on Bouali Street.
  • Smart technologies improve night-time security and vibrancy through physical and managerial pathways.
  • The integration of subjective and objective data provides a novel framework for assessing nocturnal urban dynamics.

Keywords


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  • Receive Date: 06 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2025
  • First Publish Date: 19 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 June 2025