Toward foundational theorizing in urban studies: Designing an interdisciplinary process

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor in Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

10.22035/isih.2026.5339.5053
Abstract
Due to its inherently interdisciplinary nature, the field of urban planning has consistently faced various knowledge gaps, the resolution of which requires the application of approaches, foundations, methods, and tools from other disciplines. One of the most critical of these gaps is the absence of a coherent methodological framework to guide research in this field, particularly in relation to theory development. This article aims to address this gap to some extent. Based on the conducted analyses, a precise application of the foundations developed within the interdisciplinary studies domain can substantially mitigate this challenge. This domain aligns strongly with the interdisciplinary nature of urban planning and offers clear and reliable research methods and strategies for theory building Utilizing a qualitative interdisciplinary research process and adapting the process and methods of interdisciplinary studies to the context of foundational studies in urban planning, this study introduces a novel process for urban theory development in the country. According to the analyses and findings, interdisciplinary research that is qualitative, issue-/problem-driven, open-ended, and integrative holds the greatest potential for theory construction. Such research, if conducted through a four-stage process—namely:1-Defining the issue/problem and its interdisciplinary context, 2-Conducting disciplinary studies, 3-Integrating disciplinary insights to form an interdisciplinary understanding, and 4- Validating/establishing the credibility of the resulting interdisciplinary insight can lead to foundational theorization in urban studies and planning. The use of meta-synthesis methods, systematic reviews, and grounded theory within disciplinary research, along with redefinition or generalization techniques during the integration phase, plays a critical role in achieving this outcome.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 June 2026

  • Receive Date 21 November 2025
  • Revise Date 31 December 2025
  • Accept Date 14 February 2026