Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

"Theoretical Framework of Chaos-Complexity in Urban Good Governance: A Case Study of Sanandaj City"

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
ata Erfani 1
hasan sajadzadeh 2
Mahmoud Rahimi 3
1 Researcher, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran..
10.22034/gahr.2026.572426.2669
Abstract
Abstract



Contemporary cities, as complex and dynamic systems, require novel analytical approaches that transcend the limitations of linear models. Building upon the authors' previous research, this study applies chaos-complexity theory to urban good governance in Sanandaj. The central question addressed is how key components of chaos-complexity theory—including self-organization, nonlinear dynamics, and sensitivity to initial conditions—can be transformed into effective policymaking tools to address tangible urban management challenges in Sanandaj.

The research employs dynamic scenario-building and modeling of complex institutional interactions. Findings reveal that the indicators of the developed governance model for Sanandaj not only align with global urban good governance standards but also offer two key advantages: greater compatibility with local characteristics and enhanced capability to manage nonlinear urban dynamics. Through scenario-based analysis, the feasibility and implications of applying this theory to urban governance were examined.

The results demonstrate that this study not only proposes a tailored model for Sanandaj but also establishes a flexible framework adaptable to cities with similar conditions. This framework can assist urban decision-makers in fostering innovative problem-solving and managing the inherent uncertainties of urban systems.
Keywords
Chaos-complexity
urban good governance
Sanandaj
complex systems
nonlinear equations

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 28 December 2025
  • Revise Date 27 January 2026
  • Accept Date 13 March 2026