Application of DPSIR Conceptual Framework in Analyzing the Impact of the Type and Level of Physical-qualitative Changes on Urban Construction

Abstract

Diversity and complexity of the process of physical changes in urban environments have led to consider the conceptual framework as a tool for simplifying the perception of changes in identifying the indicators and variables affecting changes and changes types resulting from classifying variables and indices. The conceptual framework can be used to identify the levels of study and kinds of variables as well as to analyze, and illustrate their impact on the environmental change. The present study has adopted structure of DPSIR conceptual framework with the aim of introducing a functional tool capable of describing and classifying variables affecting such physical changes in urban areas, regarding kind and level of effectiveness. This conceptual framework is considered one of the most common analytical tools in environmental studies. DPSIR is the acronym which stands for Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts, and Responses. In this study, the causes of physical changes occurred in the study area (Region 11 of Tehran Municipality) and their implications have been identified through the study of content analysis of the urban plans and methods of field data collection (such as questionnaires and interviews) on the basis of DPSIR conceptual framework with respect to the level and type of impact each variable exert on the descriptive analysis method. The results of the analytical-descriptive diagnosis show that four variables of intention to reside, immigration, ethnic orientation and expanding markets for goods and services in the study area are the key drivers of change in the status of the physical and social structure of the area.