A Cultural Evaluation of the Contemporary Experiences of Urban Space Regeneration in Historic Cities of Iran (original) (raw)

A brief review of contemporary urban regeneration literature reveals different approaches in which culture led regeneration has a substantial compatibility to the situation of historic cities of Iran. This article tries to have an analysis on contemporary experiences of urban regeneration in historic cities of Iran in which urban spaces and culture are key factors. As a research method four case studies of urban spaces regeneration in different cities of Iran have been selected. Some results demonstrate successful experiences of Isfahan because of new generation of urban culture in relation to nightlife and also in Gorgan because of flexible use of squares as places for religious ceremonies. As unsuccessful experiences, in Busherhr the new plans have changed a historical square with cultural ceremony function to a playground. Also in the historic center of Shiraz for new development of The Holly Shrine a huge amount of public spaces has been demolished.