Development and Validation of a Model Explaining the Relationship Between Environmental Quality and Collective Behaviors in Urban Public Spaces: A Case Study of District 5, Tehran

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive model explaining the relationship between environmental quality dimensions and collective behavioral patterns in urban public spaces in District 5 of Tehran. A mixed-method research design was employed. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in urban design, urban planning, environmental psychology, and experienced users of public spaces. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in the extraction of 15 overarching themes, 35 organizing themes, and numerous primary themes. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative findings and administered to 442 residents and users of urban public spaces in District 5 of Tehran. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to evaluate the measurement and structural models. Reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and model fit indices were also assessed. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that all identified dimensions had significant factor loadings and t-values exceeding the critical threshold of 1.96. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.845 to 0.877, composite reliability values exceeded 0.88, and average variance extracted values were above 0.66, confirming strong reliability and validity. The coefficients of determination indicated that place attachment (R²=0.656), environmental comfort (R²=0.640), and aesthetics (R²=0.640) exhibited the highest explanatory power among the constructs. Furthermore, the final model achieved a Goodness-of-Fit (GOF) value of 0.642, indicating excellent overall model fit and strong predictive capability. The findings indicate that environmental quality dimensions, including accessibility, perceived safety, spatial flexibility, diversity of activities and land uses, environmental comfort, legibility, aesthetics, and social life, play a crucial role in shaping collective behaviors, social interactions, urban vitality, and place attachment. Improving the quality of urban public spaces can therefore strengthen social sustainability, civic engagement, and overall urban quality of life.