Economic Geography Research

Economic Geography Research

Meta-Analysis of Sustainability Processes in the Redevelopment of Brownfields in the Metropolitan Area of Tehran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. in Geography and Urban Planning, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D student. of Geography and Urban Planning,Islamic Azad University Larestan branch, Iran
10.30470/jegr.2026.2080430.1354
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and limited land resources have emphasized the necessity of brownfield redevelopment as a key strategy for the efficient management of urban land. Accordingly, the present study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of sustainability processes in the redevelopment of brownfields in the Tehran metropolitan area. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. Data were collected through a systematic bibliometric review and field studies, with 318 selected articles from scientific databases examined. Bibliometric data were visualized using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, while structural equation modeling was performed using SmartPLS for data analysis. The study population included all stakeholders involved in Tehran’s brownfield redevelopment, and due to the lack of a comprehensive database, 96 participants were purposively selected using the Cochran method without N. The systematic review results indicate that between 2010 and 2025, attention to sustainable brownfield redevelopment steadily increased, peaking in 2021 and 2023, with the highest scientific output originating from China, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Environmental, social, and energy sciences accounted for the largest share of studies, with sustainability and urban regeneration emerging as central themes. Research trends shifted from a focus on urban planning toward environmental dimensions. Structural equation modeling results demonstrated that all components—economic (t=6.485), social (t=2.752), cultural (t=13.766), environmental (t=2.673), and governance (t=2.745)—significantly influenced urban brownfield redevelopment. Consequently, brownfield redevelopment is recognized as a key strategy for achieving sustainable urban development, in which all dimensions play a significant role. The successful implementation of this process requires the active and continuous participation of all relevant stakeholders, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the formulation of comprehensive, coordinated, and evidence-based policies and strategies.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 June 2026

  • Receive Date 09 December 2025
  • Revise Date 03 February 2026
  • Accept Date 03 June 2026