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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Spatial analysis of urban garden space

(Orsini et al., 2013). Recognizing its potential, planners Cities contribute to both environmental well-being and
and policymakers in both the Global South and Global community resilience.
North are increasingly integrating urban agriculture into Rooted in the European Garden City movement and the
city-region food systems. Initiatives such as the Milan village-town planning tradition, the Garden City concept
Urban Food Policy Pact and the New Urban Agenda has significantly influenced urban development in Iran
underscore the responsibility of urban governments in (Yaghoubi & Hamidi, 2015). However, its implementation
fostering sustainable food systems (Cabannes & Ross, in Iran has followed a distinct trajectory, primarily
2018). characterized by the segregation and transformation of
Urban community gardens contribute not only to agricultural and garden lands surrounding cities. Initially,
food security but also to climate resilience by mitigating housing cooperatives, and later the private sector, converted
extreme temperatures. This dual benefit is particularly these lands into new urban gardens. While this approach
relevant for dryland metropolises (Zhang et al., 2022). has both advantages and disadvantages, the proliferation
Zezza and Tascioti (2010) define urban agriculture as the of gardens around cities – particularly in major urban
production of crops and livestock within city and town centers – has become a noticeable phenomenon. Rapid
limits. Their research across multiple countries reveals a land-use changes have affected not only designated garden
positive correlation between urban agricultural practices areas but also surrounding agricultural lands, giving rise to
and improved household dietary diversity. several critical issues. One major issue is the rising prices
In China, the government has implemented various of garden plots and the conversion of agricultural lands
policies to promote the development of Garden Cities. For into garden complexes, which have reshaped the urban
example, Beijing’s Garden City initiative integrates green landscape. In addition, the emergence of speculative land
spaces and public areas into the city’s urban structure. trading practices has further complicated the situation,
Similar efforts are being implemented in other major leading to new urban challenges. Moreover, economic
Chinese Cities, with recent development plans aiming to considerations often take precedence over social benefits,
increase Beijing’s urban forest coverage to over 45% by resulting in haphazard urban expansion. Rather than
2035. serving agricultural purposes, these lands are increasingly
treated as commodities.
Urban gardens have played a significant role in shaping
cities throughout history, evolving from traditional Excessive water consumption due to garden
“community gardens” to more contemporary urban development has also contributed to water scarcity and
spaces, sparking renewed interest in urban gardening lowered groundwater levels. Furthermore, gardens have
(Ribeiro et al., 2023). However, when considering food been subdivided and transformed into villas, often with
security, it is essential to recognize that environmental uncontrolled construction practices. Finally, the changing
conditions vary significantly across countries. Simply urban fabric has introduced social and security issues;
adopting models from other contexts without accounting stratification in settlement patterns has become evident,
for local differences and environmental characteristics and a novel pattern of land trading has emerged (Daviran,
is not a viable strategy. Within the framework of Iran’s 2023).
National Food and Nutrition Security policy, the principle The ongoing trend of converting agricultural lands
of “thinking globally and acting regionally” is crucial. into urban spaces poses a significant risk to both
While policymakers can draw on global experiences and gardens and farmlands on the outskirts of cities. This
existing knowledge, they must also prioritize indigenous transformation has far-reaching consequences, including
knowledge and localization strategies (Soltani & Sharifi., irreparable damage to the country’s food security. Studies
2022). This balanced approach ensures that strategies indicate that each hectare of converted agricultural land
align with Iran’s unique context while benefiting from jeopardizes the food security of approximately 20 people,
international best practices. The concept of Garden underscoring the critical impact of land-use changes on
Cities gained prominence in Iran when the government Iran’s overall food availability (Safari, 2023). At present,
proposed their development in 2007. The plan aimed to there are approximately 2,400 sqm of agricultural land
establish Garden City complexes across 30 provinces, per Iranian citizen. However, this apparent abundance
adhering to specific guidelines. These cities were designed contrasts sharply with the reality of malnutrition and
to feature abundant green spaces, rivers, and artificial lakes food insecurity. According to the FAO’s 2020 report,
while deliberately avoiding high-rise buildings (Research 5.5% of Iran’s total population faced malnutrition, and
Center of the Islamic Council, 2013). By integrating 2.8% experienced food insecurity (FAO, 2021, as cited in
natural elements and sustainable design principles, Garden Safari, 2023). Zanjan, a province in Iran, grapples with

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.6234