Sarpol-e Zahab Earthquake

Purpose: Because of the important role schools play in the lives of children and in responding to post-crisis problems, and given the recent earthquake in Kermanshah province, the current study aimed to identify the indicators of an efficient school. Methodology: Using a qualitative method, this study was performed in classic Delphi and phenomenological phases on a research population comprising all workers and experts in the field of education in Sarpol-e Zahab city, Iran, who had worked from 2017 to 2019 in the city. In the first (phenomenological) phase, 15 city employees in the field of education were chosen using purposive sampling. In the second phase of the study, the sample comprised 11 people of Sarpol-e Zahab who were deemed education experts by education employees in the region, had worked in the city from 2017 to 2019, and had witnessed the earthquake. Findings: After documenting the interviews conducted with the participants, 290 codes were conceptualized and then categorized into four general indices (students; school teachers and staff; school facilities, structure, and environment; and family). Based on the codes extracted from phase one, an 82-item questionnaire was designed for the second research phase (Delphi study). Ultimately, after three rounds of responses, 23 questions were removed, and the expert panel agreed on 59 questions. Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that an efficient school is one that can consider the four dimensions of students school teachers and staff, school facilities and structure, and environment and family in designing the school.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid population growth and fast-paced development of urban texture have given rise to unwise decisions which can be only prevented by strategic management of city neighborhoods based on a vision in accordance with the common values of society. The vision development aims at determining the position a neighborhood strives to reach. In the meantime, disaster-stricken areas have a special position, considering reconstruction as a golden opportunity. The present article aimed to develop a vision for Shiroodi and Fooladi neighborhoods in Sarpol-e Zahab after the 1396 earthquake in Kermanshah province. METHODS: The present applied research was conducted based on a descriptive-analytical design. To this end, situation assessment was firstly performed in both strategic and local domains based on urban systems. For each system, the table of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) was prepared. Moreover, combining different layers, a vulnerability map and an integrated SWOT analysis map were obtained. Finally, based on these maps, field observations, interviews with residents, and expert opinions, a vision statement was presented and the necessary policies were formulated. FINDINGS: Based on the obtained results, the strengths, and opportunities, such as quick access to the main artery and the presence of barren lands, have a resilient state in response to disasters. On the other hand, weaknesses, and threats, such as construction on agricultural lands or the narrow passages, are among the factors that highlight the need to select a vision with a resilient approach to future disasters. CONCLUSION: As evidenced by the research of the study, the first stage of visioning must be based on urban systems, such as land use, movement and access, physical form, and landscape urbanism. In this regard, a vision needs to assess resilience at different physical, environmental, social, and economic levels. Furthermore, this vision should lead to the presentation of some instructions, such as the obtainment of a checkered texture, expansion of green spaces, reduction of enclosures, as well as safety in infrastructure and networks, to increase the resilience of the target neighborhood after the earthquake.