Strategic Assessment of Passive Defense Integration in Urban Construction Management Using SWOT–QSPM Approach: A Case Study of Bandar Anzali, Iran

Abstract

Due to the concentration of critical infrastructure, dense population, and strategic role in the national economy, coastal and port cities are highly vulnerable to modern man-made and military threats.Bandar Anzali, as one of the most important port cities in northern Iran, is considered a prime example of this situation due to its linear structure, worn-out texture, limited subsurface development, and the location of sensitive centers in residential areas. The present study aims to strategically analyze passive defense in urban construction management in Bandar Anzali and examine its compliance with the requirements of Section 21 of the National Building Regulations.The research method is applied-developmental and descriptive-analytical, and data was collected through documentary studies, interviews with experts, and a Delphi questionnaire. In order to identify internal and external influential factors, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) model was used, and the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was used to prioritize strategies. The results show that the weakness of the emergency transportation network, the deterioration of the urban fabric, the concentration of sensitive centers, and the lack of an integrated passive defense mechanism are among the most important challenges facing Bandar Anzali against new threats. In contrast, port capacities, the possibility of developing emergency water transportation, and the ability to attract investment were identified as the most important strategic opportunities. Based on the QSPM results, priority strategies include attracting investment to develop safe infrastructure, renovating dilapidated structures with a passive defense approach, creating multi-purpose safe spaces, and strengthening the multi-route emergency transportation network. The research findings emphasize the need for systematic integration of passive defense requirements and topic 21 into the urban construction management cycle and can be used as a practical model for other coastal cities in Iran.