Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC) The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar 1735-9635 23 158 2026 07 23 Analysis of the Correlation Between Physical-Spatial Structure and Behavioral Patterns of Residents in Informal Settlements (A Case Study of the Morteza Gerd Neighborhood, District 19, Tehran) Analysis of the Correlation Between Physical-Spatial Structure and Behavioral Patterns of Residents in Informal Settlements (A Case Study of the Morteza Gerd Neighborhood, District 19, Tehran) 27 40 243690 10.22034/bagh.2026.549875.5909 FA Reza Fattahi Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University of Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran 0009-0009-4804-9763 Mohamadreza Khatibi Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University of Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran Vahid Bigdeli Rad Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University of Qazvin, Qazvin, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 06 Problem statement: Informal settlements, as a growing phenomenon in metropolitan areas, face numerous physical, social, and behavioral challenges. One of the less studied aspects is the role of the physical structure of these settlements in shaping the behavioral patterns of residents. This study examines the role that physical-spatial characteristics play in shaping the daily behavior of residents. Research objective: The main objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between the physical-spatial structure and behavioral patterns of residents in the Morteza Gerd neighborhood as an example of an informal settlement in District 19 of Tehran. A secondary objective is to identify the types of behavioral spaces formed in response to this structure. Research method: This study was conducted using a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach with an applied focus. Data were collected and analyzed using various techniques, including library studies, field observations, the distribution of 378 questionnaires among residents, spatial analysis of the area’s physical structure (using the Space Syntax method), and prioritization of the studied zones based on research criteria (using the TOPSIS technique). Conclusion: The results show that the physical-spatial structure plays a crucial role in shaping residents’ behavior. Zones with better access, appropriate land uses, and more open space fostered richer social behaviors and a higher sense of belonging. In contrast, zones adjacent to industrial uses or with poor access were linked to decreased social interactions and a sense of insecurity. Overall, this study concludes that any planning initiative to improve the quality of life in these settlements must start with improving the physical-spatial structure and carefully considering its relationship with resident behavior. Problem statement: Informal settlements, as a growing phenomenon in metropolitan areas, face numerous physical, social, and behavioral challenges. One of the less studied aspects is the role of the physical structure of these settlements in shaping the behavioral patterns of residents. This study examines the role that physical-spatial characteristics play in shaping the daily behavior of residents. Research objective: The main objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between the physical-spatial structure and behavioral patterns of residents in the Morteza Gerd neighborhood as an example of an informal settlement in District 19 of Tehran. A secondary objective is to identify the types of behavioral spaces formed in response to this structure. Research method: This study was conducted using a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach with an applied focus. Data were collected and analyzed using various techniques, including library studies, field observations, the distribution of 378 questionnaires among residents, spatial analysis of the area’s physical structure (using the Space Syntax method), and prioritization of the studied zones based on research criteria (using the TOPSIS technique). Conclusion: The results show that the physical-spatial structure plays a crucial role in shaping residents’ behavior. Zones with better access, appropriate land uses, and more open space fostered richer social behaviors and a higher sense of belonging. In contrast, zones adjacent to industrial uses or with poor access were linked to decreased social interactions and a sense of insecurity. Overall, this study concludes that any planning initiative to improve the quality of life in these settlements must start with improving the physical-spatial structure and carefully considering its relationship with resident behavior.

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