Evaluation and Prioritization of Urban Areas Based on the City Happiness Index (Case Study: Salmānshahr)

The expansion of Urbanization and the rapid growth of metropolises, followed by modernist ideologies and fragmentation, have led cities to lose their liveliness and vitality. In the field of urban planning, creating a space that reinforces positive emotions and minimizes the expression of negative emotions is essential. Accordingly, one of the fundamental responsibilities of social and public institutions such as municipalities and city councils, and the urban management system as a whole, is to strive for the creation of a joyful space for citizens. This research aimed to articulate the criteria for a joyful city in urban planning within Salmānshahr. The data collection method was conducted through questionnaires, with a sample size of 400 respondents. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential analyses. For prioritizing areas, the Topsis multi-criteria decision-making model was used, and for determining the weight of indices, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, along with Expert Choice software, was utilized. According to the results of the Kruskal-Wallis test, the studied indices showed significant differences among the five districts of Salmānshahr. Based on the ranks obtained by the Topsis model, District 5 with a score of 0/8344 holds the highest rank compared to other city districts. Districts 1 and 4, with scores of 0/7426 and 0/6352, respectively, rank second and third, while District 3 with a score of 0/3021 holds the fourth rank. Finally, District 2 with a score of 0/0771 is ranked fifth. 
 
Extended Abstract  
Introduction  
 Happiness and joy, as one of the most fundamental psychological needs of humans, have significant impacts on individuals' lives. While happiness has been defined and explained from various perspectives, it is universally recognized as an essential requirement for humanity. Nobody can claim to be exempt from the need for happiness. Through well-designed urban spaces, in addition to improving the quality of urban life, we can enhance positive emotions and reduce negative emotions, thereby promoting the interaction between individuals and their environment. In this regard, this research aimed to examine the extent of the influence of urban design dimensions (functional, visual, spatial layout, etc.) on enhancing the positive emotions and citizens' satisfaction. The study also proposed some strategies for increasing the happiness of residents in Salmānshahr. The purpose of creating modern cities has been to improve amenities and the quality of life for citizens. Unfortunately, despite the presence of massive towers and other urban developments, Salmānshahr has not been successful in achieving these goals. Therefore, the focus of this research was to investigate this issue. Hence, the objective of this research is to prioritize the five districts of Salmānshahr in Abbāsābād County, Māzandarān Province, based on the status of the city's happiness indices.
Methodology
 Salmānshahr is also known by the previous name of the MotelGhou: Salmānshahr is one of the cities of Mazandaran province in Iran. Salmānshahr, with a population of 9,656 people, is located 8 kilometers east of Abbasabad city and 5 kilometers west of Kalārābād city. This city is located in Abbāsābād city and Salmānshahr district and its area is 750 hectares. The present study was descriptive-analytical and based on library research and field investigations, conducted through a questionnaire. Given the research topic, the target population of this study included all residents of Salmānshahr. According to the 2016 census, the population of Salmānshahr was 9,656 individuals. To gather data related to the case study, a survey method and questionnaire technique were employed. Due to the large size of the target population, a cluster sampling method (Cochran formula) was utilized to collect information. An appropriate sample size of around 384 individuals was estimated using the Cochran formula. Finally, to ensure more reliability, 400 questionnaires were distributed and included in the analysis. The sample members are selected randomly and proportionally from subgroups of the study population (Salman Shahr city). After collecting the desired questionnaires, the data is weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Subsequently, the districts of Salmānshahr are ranked according to the indicators of city happiness using the TOPSIS method.
Results and discussion
According to the review of literature and theoretical foundations, the most important environmental variables that can influence on the happiness of citizens were identified. These variables are: visual beautification of the city, access and transportation, housing, life and vitality, sense of security, social interactions, territorialism and sense of belonging, green space and nature, environmental health, tourism spaces, play and sports spaces, income and employment. These variables are divided into five general dimensions, visual, physical, socio-cultural, environmental, urban and economic services and facilities. The average scores obtained from the questionnaire for each indicator in the sample population showed that the variables of accessibility and transportation, visual urban beautification, access to play and sports spaces, and income are not in a desirable state in the entire sample. The rest of the variables have average scores higher than the theoretical median of the data and are in a relatively favorable state. According to the results of Table (14), among the urban zones, in Zones Five and One, all dimensions have scores at a moderate and close-to-theoretical median level (3). In Zone Four, all dimensions except the physical-visual dimension are at a moderate level. In Zone Three, the socio-cultural and economic dimensions are at an appropriate level, and in Zone Two, only the socio-cultural dimension has a score higher than the theoretical median. In the overall sample, the physical-visual dimension and the urban services and facilities dimension do not have a score lower than the theoretical median in a desirable state. The Kruskal-Wallis test has been utilized to examine the differences in means among several statistical populations. The results obtained from Tables 20 and 21 indicated that the studied indicators among the five zones of Salmānshahr exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05). According to the outcomes of this section, concerning the selected indicators of a happy city, the level of attainment of different areas from the research indicators has not been uniform.
Conclusion
According to the results of this section, in terms of the selected indicators of happy city, the level of research indicators in different areas is not the same. According to the ranking obtained by each of the regions by the TOPSIS model, region five has the highest compatibility with happy city, while region two has the lowest compatibility. In fact, 5 Tapsis region has the highest rank of 0.8344 compared to other regions of the city. Regions one and four are ranked second and third with TOPSIS scores of 0.6247 and 0.6358, respectively, and region three is in the next position with TOPSIS scores of 0.1203. Finally, region two with a score of 0.1770 is at the bottom of the ranking table of urban areas of Salmānshahr in terms of the realization of the indicators of the happy city. According to the presented materials, it can be stated in the final summary that in the studied statistical sample, strengthening access to green spaces and play and sports spaces, visual beautification of the city and improvement of the economic status of the citizens can provide the basis for creating mental and psychological peace of the citizens. In this case, they will be able to take steps in a more effective way in advancing the society towards development and progress. Considering the presented content, a final summary can be titled as follows: In the studied statistical sample, enhancing access to green spaces and play areas, visual urban beautification, and improving the economic status of citizens can provide the grounds for creating a sense of mental and emotional tranquility among residents. In this way, individuals will be better equipped to contribute more effectively to advancing society towards development and progress.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work. 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the persons for scientific consulting in this paper.