Urban Public Policy and the Formation of Dilapidated Abandoned Buildings in Historic Cities: Causes, Impacts and Recommendations

Abstract

The contradictory and inefficient nature of urban public policy in Iranian historic cities has been subject to long debates in recent years, and has even led to disorganisation in the formation of dilapidated abandoned buildings (DABs). Under the current policies, three government agencies oversee the urban management in historic cities. The projects and processes that have yet to be implemented by these agencies are crucial for solving the problems associated with DABs. This research aims to investigate the current public policies of the essential key players and stakeholders in order to ameliorate the problem of DABs, which in the literature has been proven to be associated with socio-spatial disadvantage. A qualitative semi-structured enquiry was conducted, and urban public policies were evaluated on the basis of 19 in-depth interviews regarding the three historic cities of Yazd, Kashan and Isfahan. The results were analysed using cutting and sorting techniques, and thematic and critical narrative analysis. Several inadequacies in the current urban public policy were specified. This research could help decision-makers to create efficient management plans with respect to the reduction of DABs, an approach that can be considered efficient for the regeneration of life in historic cities.

Returning to historic neighborhoods: exploring the role of architectural identity elements on the formation of physical identity

“…Furthermore, this study found that residents with a strong neighborhood identity contribute much to the activities regarding neighborhood development. The obtained results agree with previous studies showing that physical identity, place attachment and quality of place lead to the behavior modification of residents and change in their participation in neighborhood activities (Nasr, 2014;Ramkissoon et al, 2013;Tavakoli and Marzbali, 2021).…”

“…However, the role and importance of the identity elements were less considered and evaluated practically in previous studies (Farhad et al , 2021). Choosing a place of residence because of interest in the place (rather than being force to choose because of the reasonable price) can increase people’s social participation in the decision-making process in the neighborhood, increase social interaction and promote social solidarity in the neighborhood (Azmi et al , 2020; La Grange and Yau, 2020; Tavakoli and Marzbali, 2021). Therefore, individuals can consider emphasizing the use of architectural identity elements in the construction of old and historic neighborhoods in the process of selecting houses by realizing the meaning and formation of physical identity and thus strengthening residents’ attachment to housing, causing social interactions and improving social solidarity and ultimately the social capital of historic neighborhoods.…”

Filling in the Spaces: Compactifying Cities towards Accessibility and Active Transport

“…Authorised (but still construction-free) zones usually form the largest share of vacant space to be occupied. Other spaces include derelict areas and brownfields, as those zones are likely to be regenerated at some point [113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120]. No green areas are reassigned to residential or commercial use.…”

Urban Transformation: Analyzing the Combined Forces of Vacant Building Occupancy and Socio-Economic Dynamics

“…Across Europe, cities are coping with the challenges of an aging urban fabric [1][2][3][4][5]. Many historic centers face a growing number of vacant buildings and deteriorating infrastructures.…”