Abstract

Development of underground spaces is a modern approach in urban development. Paying due attention to this issue can help improve the quality of life in Tehran’s dense urban areas. A large number of Tehran’s municipal districts lack adequate urban facilities and public spaces. This is while, owning land in these districts has become quite difficult and expensive. Various jobs and a large number of buildings with diverse uses have been created and constructed, respectively, around subway stations, which are centers to which people are attracted and, from which, are scattered throughout the city. Nevertheless, since most of the stations in Tehran are located in urban areas with high-density development, it is quite difficult to provide sufficient public service spaces around or adjacent to them. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a mixed-use residential and commercial area designed and created around (within a radius of one-quarter to one-half mile from) train or subway stations as well as tram or bus stops to maximize access to public transport and create adequate space at the entrance of subway stations. With an area of 730 square kilometers and a population of about 8 million, Tehran ranks 25th in the world in terms of having the largest population in its metropolitan area. With more than 180 stations and five lines, Tehran Metro ranks 21st in the world in terms of the number of stations and lines. Most of these stations are located in the major urban centers and areas. The present study seeks to stress and clarify the importance and status of TOD approach as an effective strategy to increase Tehran’s underground public spaces. In addition to exploiting Tehran’s underground potentials and capacities, this approach helps resolve a number of the city’s problems, such as lack of public spaces and inefficient public transportation, and improve its quality of life and environmental issues.

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