Explaining The Role Of Different Types Of Public Spaces In Enhancing Urban Livability (Case Study: Central District Of Tehran)

Public spaces, in their various typologies, constitute critical infrastructures for fostering social interaction, urban leisure, and civic participation, thereby serving as foundational components in advancing urban livability. The central district of Tehran—characterized by a rich mosaic of public spatial forms such as parks, pedestrian zones, squares, and urban open spaces—provides a compelling case for investigating the spatial and functional dynamics of livability enhancement. This research, grounded in an interdisciplinary framework and employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, explores the extent to which different categories of public spaces contribute to the multidimensional construct of urban livability. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data—collected via structured questionnaires distributed among 364 users and residents of selected public spaces (sample size determined through Cochran’s formula)—with qualitative insights derived from semi-structured interviews conducted with domain experts. Analytical procedures were executed using SPSS and AMOS software. The empirical results highlight that public spaces with user-oriented design principles, high spatial accessibility, and functional versatility exert statistically significant effects on key livability indicators, including vibrancy, perceived safety, social cohesion, and environmental satisfaction. The study concludes by articulating strategic recommendations for the design and governance of public spaces, emphasizing their pivotal role in reinforcing urban livability and improving the experiential quality of life in the dense core of megacities such as Tehran.