Examining the Influence of Urban Third Places on the Environmental Quality of Ahvaz City

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of urban third places in the environmental quality of Ahvaz City. This study was conducted with a quantitative approach, employing a survey method and relying on library-documentary studies in 2023 in Ahvaz City. The statistical population consists of all the citizens of Ahvaz (885,000 people) in 2015. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 390 people was determined and selected randomly through a researcher-made questionnaire. ANOVA tests, regression analysis, one-sample t-tests, path analysis, and other statistical methods were utilized to analyze the data. The findings indicate that all ten investigated indicators exceeded the base average (3). Furthermore, the regression model revealed that the predictor variables explain (R²=0.741) the variance of the criterion variable (environmental quality). Region 6 (average 4.08) demonstrated superior environmental quality compared to the other eight regions of Ahvaz. The results showed that the quality of the environment and the level of satisfaction of the citizens of Ahvaz with the third places in the city, in accordance with the local culture of the residents, have a close relationship with the state of these third places (with a factor load of 0.722). Keywords: Environmental Quality, Third Place, Social Base, Areas of Ahvaz City. Introduction The quality of urban spaces significantly impacts the daily lives of residents (Naya et al., 2023, p. 478). Urban planners and designers argue that interactions in urban spaces result from relationships between physical, cultural, social, and aesthetic components (Bagherian et al., 2023, p. 131). Spaces lacking social-physical quality and urban services tend to lead to social avoidance (Viinikka, 2023, p. 56). Considering the need for appropriate background and infrastructure for social activities, it is essential to enhance the quality of the environment (Kashanijo, 2023, p. 69). Creating suitable and desirable spaces for all societal segments is a crucial aspect of urban planning and management (Rajabi Amirabad and Rahmani, 2019, p. 321). Third urban places belong to the public domain and reflect the dynamism and vitality of cities (Hanks, 2020, p. 3). These spaces, characterized by their functional similarities to expected goals and the interactions of social groups within the overall urban structure (Viinikka et al., 2023, p. 57), serve as centers of communication and transformation (Nahiduzzaman et al.,