The main purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the vulnerability and weaknesses in a neighborhood and provide solutions to increase resilience against earthquakes. To achieve this purpose, survey and descriptive-analytical methods have been used. The applied methodology is field-based. The required data has been collected and analyzed by reviewing specialized texts and field survey with the presence, observations and visits of the neighborhood. The case study of this article is Shahid Beheshti neighborhood located in Chahardangeh, Tehran. First, the research identified the neighborhood from objective and subjective points of view, which includes uses (incompatible uses, service and relief uses, etc.), radius of access, enclosure, type and pattern, width and direction of roads, intersections, structure of the neighborhood and other required parameters. Then, the article identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the neighborhood and presents the suggested measures and solutions to reduce the vulnerability of Shahid Beheshti neighborhood against earthquakes.
The elements that are effective in the vulnerability of the neighborhood mainly include physical dimensions, accessibility, infrastructure networks and social structure. The vulnerability of the urban fabric in Shahid Beheshti neighborhood, although it is caused by the low resistance and instability of the buildings, but the impenetrability of these fabrics is mainly due to the inappropriate access of the rider and the compactness of the fabric, which is caused by the fineness and the abundance of small parcells, which makes the high vulnerability of these fabrics, especially against earthquakes. Moreover, the improper placement of physical elements and incompatible uses, inefficient communication network, compact buildings, lack of infrastructure facilities, as well as improper distribution of urban open spaces also play a major role in increasing the vulnerability level to earthquakes. Therefore, positive steps can be taken in the field of reducing the vulnerability of urban areas by recognizing, making policies and presenting the right solutions. Furthermore, interaction between people and local institutions is significant in creating an integrated disaster risk management system.
Based on the investigations conducted in Shahid Beheshti neighborhood, 8 strengths, 14 weaknesses, 8 opportunities and 11 threats were identified. After drawing the axis diagram of SWOT coordinates, growth strategy got 64 points, confrontation strategy 88 points, review strategy 112 points and defensive strategy 154 points. According to the points of each sector, the strategy derived to reduce the vulnerability level of the desired neighborhood is defensive strategy. In this article, based on the derived strategy, general programs were compiled and solutions and suggestions were presented. The presented solutions were classified in the fields of land use, physical, infrastructural, access and public space. Preparation of neighborhood identification maps, safe and vulnerable areas of the neighborhood, suitable places for emergency evacuation and planning for disaster risk management are among the findings and outputs of this study.