University of Tehran Press Town and Country Planning 2008-7047 17 2 2026 03 05 Development to Polycentric Development: Analysis of Spatial Developments in the Tehran Metropolitan Region Development to Polycentric Development: Analysis of Spatial Developments in the Tehran Metropolitan Region 187 207 105212 10.22059/jtcp.2025.384023.670512 FA Fahameh Ahmadi Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Khalili Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran Mostafa Behzadfar Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 14 Spatial transformations in metropolitan Region, particularly in regions with high population density and economic activities, have always been the focus of researchers. Tehran, as one of Iran's most concentrated and largest metropolises, has undergone significant structural changes in recent decades. This research aims to investigate spatial transformations in the Tehran metropolitan area and analyze the transition from a centralized structure to a polycentric one. By employing network analysis, hierarchical analysis, and cluster analysis, the spatial structure of the region was examined at three levels: nodes (urban centers), links (connections between centers), and graphs (overall network structure). The results indicate that while Tehran still serves as the main center of the region, there is a growing trend towards the emergence of secondary centers and increased connections between them. This suggests that the spatial structure of the Tehran metropolitan area is gradually shifting from a centralized to a polycentric structure. Based on the findings, a model for developing a polycentric spatial structure in the Tehran metropolitan area has been proposed. This model emphasizes strengthening the role of secondary centers, improving inter-city connections, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of activities and facilities across the region. By implementing this model, a more sustainable and efficient spatial structure can be achieved in the Tehran metropolitan area. Spatial transformations in metropolitan Region, particularly in regions with high population density and economic activities, have always been the focus of researchers. Tehran, as one of Iran's most concentrated and largest metropolises, has undergone significant structural changes in recent decades. This research aims to investigate spatial transformations in the Tehran metropolitan area and analyze the transition from a centralized structure to a polycentric one. By employing network analysis, hierarchical analysis, and cluster analysis, the spatial structure of the region was examined at three levels: nodes (urban centers), links (connections between centers), and graphs (overall network structure). The results indicate that while Tehran still serves as the main center of the region, there is a growing trend towards the emergence of secondary centers and increased connections between them. This suggests that the spatial structure of the Tehran metropolitan area is gradually shifting from a centralized to a polycentric structure. Based on the findings, a model for developing a polycentric spatial structure in the Tehran metropolitan area has been proposed. This model emphasizes strengthening the role of secondary centers, improving inter-city connections, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of activities and facilities across the region. By implementing this model, a more sustainable and efficient spatial structure can be achieved in the Tehran metropolitan area. https://jtcp.ut.ac.ir/article_105212_40158a3d57b1155b750d00dc6cd51ea8.pdf