Assessing Social Resilience and Urban Spatial Vitality in the Face of Environmental Crises: A Case Study Oskou City

Zirdabi Oskouei, Faegheh; Moosavi, MirSaead; Najafgholipour Kalantari, Nasim; Abdollahzadeh Taraf, Akbar

doi:10.48306/juem.2025.535290.1086

Assessing Social Resilience and Urban Spatial Vitality in the Face of Environmental Crises: A Case Study Oskou City

Authors

Faegheh Zirdabi Oskouei ¹

MirSaead Moosavi ²

Nasim Najafgholipour Kalantari ³

Akbar Abdollahzadeh Taraf ²

¹ Department of Urban Design, Ta. U.D, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

² Department of Urban Planning, Ta. U. P, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

³ Department of Architecture, Ta. A, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.48306/juem.2025.535290.1086

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of urban spatial vitality in enhancing social resilience, considering the mediating role of risk perception and preparedness in the city of Osku, Iran. Amid growing environmental threats, understanding the interplay between spatial configurations, social dynamics, and psychological readiness has become increasingly critical for resilient urban planning. The research employed a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population included residents aged 18 and above, and a sample of 400 individuals was selected through cluster sampling. To validate the conceptual model, first-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied to assess factor loadings of the indicators, while second-order CFA was used to confirm the hierarchical structure of the latent variables. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed using AVE, Composite Reliability (CR), and Cronbach's alpha. Path analysis revealed that spatial vitality had a significant direct impact on social resilience (path coefficient = 0.68) and also an indirect effect through the mediating variable of crisis perception and preparedness (coefficient = 0.34), resulting in a total effect of 0.98. Model fit indices (CFI, TLI, RMSEA) indicated an acceptable level of model adequacy. The findings underscore the importance of investing in vibrant public spaces, which not only foster social interaction but also strengthen psychological readiness and community cohesion as key components of urban social resilience.

Keywords

Social Resilience

Urban Spatial Vitality

Perception of Environmental Crises

Oskou city

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