Assessment of Community Gardens’ role in mitigating air pollution and expanding social opportunities: Lessons from a neighborhood with limited green infrastructure in Tehran city

Abstract

• Diverse activities in urban green spaces are essential to encourage visits. • The design of new urban spaces must address residents’ privacy, accessibility, and security concerns. • Envi-met simulations showed a 77.74 mg/m³ reduction in CO2 around broadleaf trees. • Allotments demonstrated a reduction of 6.43°C in mean radiant temperature. • Simulations depicted an increase of 7% in the environment's relative humidity. • Native grasses and phytoremediation plants significantly reduced CO2 by 84.37 mg/m³. • Aquatic features and elevated garden beds contributed to cooling effects, further reducing the mean radiant temperature. This study investigates the potential of community gardens as sustainable interventions to address environmental and social challenges in Tehran's District 10, a densely urbanized area with limited green spaces and acute socio-environmental disparities. Employing a mixed-method approach, this research integrates community surveys, chi-square analyses, and Envi-Met® simulations to assess the dual benefits of community gardens. Findings reveal significant environmental gains, including CO₂ reduction, urban heat island (UHI) mitigation, and enhanced humidity regulation, facilitated by strategically placed vegetation such as broadleaf trees and phytoremediation plants. Concurrently, social analyses highlight nuanced community preferences, with gendered trends influencing garden design and family dynamics shaping plot arrangements. These insights emphasize the role of culturally sensitive and inclusive green spaces in fostering social cohesion and well-being. By bridging environmental metrics with socio-cultural dimensions, the study advances theoretical frameworks like Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and urban sustainability. It offers a replicable model for integrating ecological and social benefits in socio-economically divided cities, particularly in Middle Eastern contexts. The research underscores the transformative potential of community gardens in enhancing urban resilience, informing policymakers and urban planners on evidence-based strategies for sustainable development.