Examining the Influence of Urban Third Places on the Environmental Quality of Ahvaz City

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of urban third places in the environmental quality of Ahvaz City. This study was conducted with a quantitative approach, employing a survey method and relying on library-documentary studies in 2023 in Ahvaz City. The statistical population consists of all the citizens of Ahvaz (885,000 people) in 2015. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 390 people was determined and selected randomly through a researcher-made questionnaire. ANOVA tests, regression analysis, one-sample t-tests, path analysis, and other statistical methods were utilized to analyze the data. The findings indicate that all ten investigated indicators exceeded the base average (3). Furthermore, the regression model revealed that the predictor variables explain (R²=0.741) the variance of the criterion variable (environmental quality). Region 6 (average 4.08) demonstrated superior environmental quality compared to the other eight regions of Ahvaz. The results showed that the quality of the environment and the level of satisfaction of the citizens of Ahvaz with the third places in the city, in accordance with the local culture of the residents, have a close relationship with the state of these third places (with a factor load of 0.722). Keywords: Environmental Quality, Third Place, Social Base, Areas of Ahvaz City. Introduction The quality of urban spaces significantly impacts the daily lives of residents (Naya et al., 2023, p. 478). Urban planners and designers argue that interactions in urban spaces result from relationships between physical, cultural, social, and aesthetic components (Bagherian et al., 2023, p. 131). Spaces lacking social-physical quality and urban services tend to lead to social avoidance (Viinikka, 2023, p. 56). Considering the need for appropriate background and infrastructure for social activities, it is essential to enhance the quality of the environment (Kashanijo, 2023, p. 69). Creating suitable and desirable spaces for all societal segments is a crucial aspect of urban planning and management (Rajabi Amirabad and Rahmani, 2019, p. 321). Third urban places belong to the public domain and reflect the dynamism and vitality of cities (Hanks, 2020, p. 3). These spaces, characterized by their functional similarities to expected goals and the interactions of social groups within the overall urban structure (Viinikka et al., 2023, p. 57), serve as centers of communication and transformation (Nahiduzzaman et al., 2020, p. 3). As dynamic and lively urban spaces active at various times throughout the day and night, third urban places cater to diverse societal groups (Lee, 2022, p. 1). Therefore, ensuring equal, safe, comfortable, and quality access to these spaces for all city residents is imperative (Mahvari et al., 2020, p. 47). These places constitute the main foundation for social interactions and public life, distinct from the first place (home) and the second place (workplace) (Nasehi et al., 2023, p. 218). Literature Review In 2018, Siavashpour et al., in their article entitled "Approaches of Public Spaces of Urban Sociability Derived from the Characteristics of the Third Place," employed a qualitative method and library study by collecting documents. They described the concept of sociable public space and subsequently examined third places and their characteristics as sociable public spaces. In 2019, Peter John Sandiford reviewed the concept of third places in an article entitled "Third Places as an Evolving Concept for Hospitality Researchers and Managers" and re-evaluated it by integrating hospitality and social concepts. The results indicated that conceptualizing the third place requires the expansion of venues where people can engage in more social interactions, distinct from the first (home) and second (work) places, without ideological constraints. A general review of the research background highlighted the significant role of third places in fostering social interactions and enhancing the quality of the urban environment. The obtained results underscore the importance of third places in influencing social interactions and improving the quality of urban spaces. Methodology This research is based on an applied goal and employs a descriptive-analytical research method grounded in field studies. SPSS software was utilized to analyze the results of the research questionnaire, compare the state of environmental quality in different areas of Ahvaz City using one-way variance analysis, and calculate the prioritization of environmental quality indicators and third urban locations through Friedman's test. Smart PLS software was also used for the Structural Equation Model, which establishes a specific causal structure among a set of unobservable constructs, to identify the factors influencing the role of third urban places on environmental quality, and to assess the degree of influence and importance of these components. The extracted data were instrumental in compiling the final research model. Results The value of R² calculated for the third location factor (0.459) and for the environmental quality factor (0.755) is at a suitable level. In analyzing the coefficient of determination of the third place on environmental quality in Ahvaz City, the following can be acknowledged: The third place (independent variable or predictor) accounts for 45.9% of the variance in the environmental quality variable (dependent variable or criterion), indicating a good level of influence. The tested model in the standard mode or PLS algorithm, along with the regression coefficients, is illustrated in Figure 2. The numbers marked on the paths represent the standardized beta coefficients in the regression, indicating the correlation between two indicators and the sample. These coefficients are examined and analyzed to determine the direct effect of one variable on another. The significant difference of these coefficients from zero is crucial, and the significance check of the coefficients (regression coefficient and coefficient of determination) is calculated through self-management (Bootstrapping command). Figure 2. Analyzing Regression Coefficients, Determination Coefficients, and Path Coefficients across Factors, Variables, and Research Subjects. According to the p-value (0.001) for the independent or predictor variable (third place) on the dependent variable or criterion (environmental quality), with 95% confidence, it can be stated that the regression coefficient and the determination coefficient are not equal to zero in the statistical population. Therefore, the difference of 0.722 from zero is significant, indicating that the effect of the third place on the quality of the environment in the statistical sample is substantial. Thus, we expect a similarly strong and positive effect in the broader statistical population. The results of the difference in the value of the coefficient in the statistical population, with confidence intervals in the corrected skew state, indicate that with a 95% confidence interval, the coefficient for the third place factor (predictor variable) is between 0.623 and 0.986. There is only a 5% probability that the coefficient is smaller than 0.623 or greater than 0.986. In general, due to the significance of the regression coefficients and the coefficient of determination, we can conclude that six dimensions (morphology, function, perceptual, social, visual, time) influence the third places of Ahvaz City. Conclusion According to the results of the analyses and statistical investigations conducted in this research, it can be acknowledged that the quality of the environment and the level of satisfaction of the citizens of Ahvaz with the city's third places have a close relationship with the condition of these third places, as influenced by the local culture (with a factor load of 0.722). The decline in environmental quality due to various factors can significantly impact these third places, which serve as milestones of human societies, centers for gathering people and cultures, and hubs of social relations and interactions.

Keywords

• environmental quality
• third place
• social base
• areas of ahvaz city