Insights from a Causal Layered Analysis of "Isfahan 2040": A Participatory Foresight Workshop.

Today, urban environments face numerous economic, social, and environmental pathologies. In this study, we conducted a backcasting-based participatory foresight workshop about Isfahan 2040. Ethnographic and backcasting data were analyzed using Inayatullah 's causal layered analysis to explore mental models and urban imaginaries popular among city planners. The results graphically illustrate the participants 'focus on litany and system levels. Accordingly, we recommend that demy stifle ation of perpetual growth, development of one-size-only-fits-one solutions, critical investigation of technological utopias and the concept of smart cities, encouragement of non-conformity, contextual sensitivity and strife, inclusion of the voiceless, contesting the ascendency of masculinity and Citadel image and embodiment of futures knowledge into physical artifacts are important for any urban foresight practice in Isfahan and possibly other cities in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]