Evaluating Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Challenges and Prospects in Tehran: A Focus on Land Use Strategies around Metro Stations

As global cities grapple with the pressures of rapid urbanization and environmental degradation, the pursuit of integrated, sustainability-driven planning models has become a strategic priority. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which emphasizes the alignment of land use and public transport infrastructure, is increasingly recognized as a viable framework for fostering compact, accessible, and low-carbon urban growth. With an emphasis on land use strategies surrounding metro stations, this thesis examines the opportunities and difficulties of implementing TOD in Tehran. Despite significant investments in the development of Tehran's metro system, the land use in nearby neighborhoods—which is typified by low-density development, monofunctional zoning, and restricted pedestrian accessibility—remains inadequately integrated with the transit infrastructure. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates 124 metro stations using the 5D framework—Density, Diversity, Design, Destination Accessibility, and Distance to Transit—by combining fieldwork, policy review, and GIS-based spatial analysis. K-means clustering and entropy-based indicator weighting were used to define station typologies and pinpoint performance gaps. After a comparative case study analysis, a redesign proposal based on TOD principles and tailored to local conditions was developed for the lowest-performing station (HEMAT). The results emphasize how outdated zoning laws, institutional fragmentation, and sociocultural preferences affect the viability of TOD. To improve TOD implementation in Tehran and direct future sustainable urban development, the thesis ends with strategic recommendations for integrated governance, incentive-based financing, community-oriented planning, and regulatory reform.