An Ecological Study of Garden Cities (Case Study: Iranian Garden Cities

An Ecological Study of Garden Cities (Case Study: Iranian Garden Cities—Isfahan)

Khorasgani, Ali Moazzeni / Villalobos, Maria H. / Eskandar, Ghazal Asadi

Cities’ growth and rising demand for energy resources have created problems and hazards for human life due to resource depletion. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a framework that promotes resource efficiency to achieve sustainable development and energy preservation, which is now a vital daily requirement. Developing ecosystem services in today’s cities can guarantee resources for future generations, urban health, and the realization of a healthy city and life. Research on Iranian–Islamic garden cities has revealed their structure shares similarities and adaptations with the overall ecosystem services framework. These garden cities were designed to create healthy urban environments in their time and can serve as a model for developing sustainable towns today. Meanwhile, the Isfahan Garden City in the Safavid period is a perfect example of various sustainability and ecological functions. The analysis of the Isfahan city garden from the perspective of different sub-structures, including water, green, social, and economic, makes it possible to achieve this goal. This research aimed to compare Iranian–Islamic garden cities with typical urban areas, focusing on the various aspects of ecosystem services, their classification, and the strategies for developing sustainable and green cities. The study also analyzed the infrastructure services of Isfahan, a prominent Iranian–Islamic garden city, and explored how these services align with the ecosystem services of green cities. The research aimed to identify which ecosystem services present in Iranian–Islamic garden cities are compatible with the strategies for creating green cities. Or the answer to this year, which ecosystem service items have been considered in the design of Iranian–Islamic garden cities, especially Isfahan? The Iranian garden cities have established essential regulations and ecosystem support infrastructure, instrumental in their sustained existence as green and sustainable cities. These cities have promoted the creation of healthy urban environments and contributed to the ecosystem’s overall health. As a result, these garden cities have become crucial for the continuity of life and the sustainable development of both themselves and their residents.