Page 119 - JCAU-7-3

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

the conversion of agriculturally productive lands into role of urban green spaces, particularly river restoration
non-productive and consumptive areas. The University projects, in fostering sustainable cities. These initiatives
of Medical Sciences established the first Garden City in contribute to the Garden City concept by integrating
Zanjan in 2001. Since then, the trend has accelerated, with nature with urban spaces, though their success may be
nearly 80 Garden Cities currently existing in the province. influenced by regional climatic conditions.
These Garden Cities cover a total area of approximately Amirzadeh Moradabadi (2017) underscores the
2,907 ha, subdivided into 23,605 plots of varying sizes importance of strategic investments in agricultural
(Yaghoubi & Hamidi, 2015). infrastructure, including the optimization of water
In the present study, the central research question resources and the selection of plant species suited to local
revolves around understanding the underlying patterns environments. Such investments are vital for ensuring
governing the production of Garden Cities in Zanjan and long-term food security. In addition, Reyhan Kalvanagh
assessing the quantitative and qualitative impact of this et al. (2023) argue that the failure to integrate Garden City
growth on the affected lands. principles into urban development plans often leads to
the loss of fertile agricultural land and the emergence of
2. Research background inefficient peri-urban spaces.
A variety of studies have explored the potential of home Thus, while the integration of urban agriculture
gardens and urban agriculture in addressing food security, and Garden City models can significantly enhance
urban sustainability, and sustainable development, though food security and sustainability, their success hinges on
challenges remain in fully realizing their benefits. overcoming barriers such as cultural practices, reliance on
Du Toit et al. (2022) examined why home gardens fail to external food sources, and inefficient land use. Strategic
significantly improve food security in South Africa. Their investments in infrastructure, land use policies that
study revealed that, despite 72% of households growing prioritize green spaces, and the promotion of community-
vegetables and fruits, only 10% were fully food secure. based initiatives can amplify the impact of home gardens
Barriers to success included cultural practices favoring and urban agriculture, fostering more resilient, self-
ornamental plants, reliance on purchased food, and a lack sustaining urban communities. Ultimately, the key to
of dietary diversity. Similarly, Ghosh (2021) pointed out success lies in the effective coordination of urban planning,
that home gardens in Dubbo, Australia, could significantly agricultural policies, and environmental sustainability.
contribute to local food production if optimized, though
factors such as land size, configuration, and cultural 3. Research area and methodology
practices influence their success. The concept of the Garden City was first introduced by
Blanco Pastor et al. (2023) emphasize the potential of Howard in 1898 in England. His aim was to create cities
Garden City models to foster decentralized, self-reliant, that combined the advantages of both urban and rural
and sustainable urban growth. They argue that integrating living while mitigating the drawbacks of each. This idea
these principles into urban planning can revitalize quickly spread across the globe and significantly influenced
existing settlements and mitigate food insecurity through urban planning in various countries (Howard, 1898).
community-driven projects. Ribeiro et al. (2023) echo this In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted
sentiment, highlighting how urban gardens can reclaim on Garden Cities and their influence on sustainable
abandoned spaces while offering additional benefits urban development. For example, the Research Frontiers
beyond food security, including improved public health, Report 2023, published by the Institute of Science
environmental sustainability, and educational opportunities. and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and
Clarivate, highlights emerging trends in urban planning
Thaman (1995) further argues that small-scale urban and the importance of integrating green spaces into urban
food gardening plays a critical role in food security, development (Institutes of Science and Development et al.,
especially in rapidly urbanizing small island nations, 2023). The Garden City model was initially designed to
though policymakers often overlook its potential. Wu address the social, economic, and environmental issues
& Fang (2022) emphasize that urban land use policies arising from the 19 -century industrial revolution by
th
in China should prioritize green spaces and sustainable integrating the advantages of urban and rural areas
development to align urban growth with environmental into new rural settlements (Blanco Pastor et al., 2023).
preservation and improved quality of life. Sustainability-based urban gardens have flourished
Shi et al. (2023) and the Beijing Municipal Commission worldwide, shaped by a diverse array of social, cultural,
of Planning and Natural Resources (2024) highlight the political, and geographical contexts. These modern

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