Urban renewal
Thinkers and Global Perspectives
Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879)
John Ruskin (1819-1900)
Camillo Boito (1836-1914)
The evolutionary progression of ideas, approaches, and modern conservation programs
The first wave of conservation.
The Second Wave of Conservation (1960s and 1970s)
Third wave of protection
A review of the evolution of ideas, policies, and programs in urban regeneration
The evolution process of urban fabric regeneration approaches
The Evolution Process of the Approach to Intervention in Urban Fabrics
Introduction
Urban renewal
Published on: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Urban renewal in decayed fabrics is an issue that has received attention at various times in the urban communities of different countries. As the title suggests linguistically, the main subject revolves around the reconstruction of the city, and consequently, this activity occurs in spaces where the structures have become worn out. The definition and perspective on decayed fabric significantly dictate the method of revitalizing fabric in the renewal stages. Therefore, urban renewal is a form of urban planning that is far more complex than managing empty space for physical constructions, because in the areas identified as decayed fabric, the fabric exists from a multidimensional perspective of space and interacting with different dimensions of space in a geographical area of the city can have interactive effects on other urban parts. For this reason, this book discusses a collection of study experiences and tangible developments, presenting models of balanced development and methods of their implementation in areas of a city as a whole in a country like Iran. Definitions in this book include urban renewal, decayed fabric, balanced urban development, sustainable urban development, and a set of other definitions to provide strategic management of urban renewal.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
Thinkers and Global Perspectives
Published on: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Reviewing the experiences of regeneration and exploring the thoughts, policies, and programs for urban conservation and restoration demonstrate an evolutionary progression of ideas and approaches leading to modern conservation programs. Furthermore, reaching a contemporary integrated approach to comprehensive regeneration and reevaluating past experiences up to the present significantly contribute to developing new approaches regarding urban regeneration. The practical implementation of these ideas has historically contributed to the progress of urban communities. In the current era, understanding thoughts and the application of various intellectual and practical tools, as well as examining their objectives and outcomes, can provide new intellectual frameworks, which is discussed in this context. Thus, the approaches and progression of thoughts leading to modern conservation programs are explored. Initially, we examine the global thinkers and perspectives that have shaped the foundation of regeneration and restoration, followed by an in-depth look at the evolution of ideas and approaches up to modern conservation programs.
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Experiences of Recreation with Different Definitions
Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879)
Published on: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
From the mid-19th century, ideas and theories related to restoration began to take shape. In this context, individuals like Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in France and Gilbert Scott in England are recognized as pioneers in this field. The formation of this thought was based on cleansing and liberating historical buildings from the surrounding structures to emphasize their importance and afford them greater respect. Due to the similarity of their work to that of Haussmann, they were dubbed "butchers of historic cities." Viollet-le-Duc's theory was based on two principles: the first being the dynamism of the material in construction. He believed that inanimate material, to possess spirit and psyche, must be employed in a manner the architect envisions. He further developed the theory of style and time, viewing style as a set of rules defined according to the technology and era. Viollet-le-Duc advocated principles in dealing with restoration, which included unity and purity of the work, completing the work (meticulous reconstruction), and that the restorer should be the original architect. These principles later came to be seen as destructive to the authenticity of the structures. His aim was to revive the physical structure and consequently improve its function and often its proposed use, typically considering historical buildings as potential museums or treasuries. The intervention method he envisioned involved reconstruction, often through the demolition of parts of the building or fabric not related to the original construction period.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
John Ruskin (1819-1900)
Published on: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
John Ruskin, a British thinker, philosopher, art critic, writer, and poet, was deeply influenced by Victorian and Edwardian aesthetics. Born into a wealthy family, Ruskin devoted his entire inheritance from his father to charitable activities, museums, and cultural work, focusing on writing. All his works have a moral overtone. Ruskin's most famous work is The Seven Lamps of Architecture, published in 1849, where he discusses architecture and believes it has seven lamps: Truth, Sacrifice, Power, Beauty, Life, Memory, and Obedience. He died at the age of 80, and his impact on English writers is undeniable. As a culture-oriented philosopher, he followed the theories of landscape and orderly structure. Ruskin's thinking was characterized by a nostalgic view of the past, emphasizing the preservation of architectural value with minimal intervention. He believed that a historical building is like a historical document, arguing that even the grass and weeds growing on an ancient building are part of it, adding spirit, mood, power, and grandeur. Therefore, we do not have the right to clean a building of its natural cover. Ruskin's approach was to maintain the building as it is, without adding or removing anything, advocating for the building's physical improvement through non-invasive methods and suggesting a continuity of historical function in the use of historical buildings. In The Seven Lamps of Architecture, he mentioned that the last day of fate will come, but it should approach clearly. Let not chaos, transformations, and false combinations prevent the inevitable decay and death of old and historical buildings. Ruskin stated that the dead should own their spirit, and we have no right to destroy their works. He added that if we reattach a column that has fallen from a building, it is like trying to attach a hand that has been severed from the body; it no longer belongs. Let it deteriorate inch by inch rather than be retouched.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
Camillo Boito (1836-1914)
Published on: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Buoyito was born in Rome; his father was a painter. He graduated from the Venice School of Fine Arts and was influenced by the architectural thoughts of the renowned Salvatico Estense, who studied medieval art. After graduation, he moved to Tuscany and became known as a professor of architecture at the University of Milan in 1860. He is recognized as the founder of the new thought in urban restoration in the twentieth century and is considered the father of modern urban restoration. His theories were very effective in developing the Athens Charter. In his theories, Buoyito emphasized replacing architectural concepts instead of formal and stylistic features and transcending time in buildings and historical complexes. The main focus of his thinking was opposition to exact reconstruction and he first asserted that the restored parts should be distinguishable from the original. He believed that historical buildings, regardless of time, should always play an active role in people’s lives. Adding a new function to the old structure is like breathing new life into it, rejuvenating it, and adding new buildings to old ones makes them more effective and helps move away from a museum-like state. These ideas established him as the father of modern urban restoration. His goal was to improve the physical function of buildings and historical complexes and revitalize the fabric or historical buildings, proposing contemporary updates based on the era and time and a thematic, positional approach for intervention.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
The evolutionary progression of ideas, approaches, and modern conservation programs
Published on: Saturday, January 11, 2025
In a classification, restoration can be divided into three major periods in history, which began in the 19th century with the first wave. During this period, the focus was solely on the conservation of individual buildings (stylistic restoration) initiated by figures such as E. Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) in France, K. F. Schinkel in Germany, and G. G. Scott in England. Towards the end of the 19th century, a new movement based on the thoughts of John Ruskin (1819-1900) emerged, which continues to be regarded as one of the major tendencies in practice and consideration.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
The first wave of conservation.
Published on: Sunday, January 12, 2025
The modern conservation movement, led by thinkers such as John Ruskin (1819-1900) and William Morris (1834-1896), initiated a process where new ideas replaced the dominant approaches and policies of the mid-nineteenth century (ala mode or mimetic), particularly the thinking focused solely on the support, preservation, and maintenance of individual buildings and monumental structures.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
The Second Wave of Conservation (1960s and 1970s)
Published on: Monday, January 13, 2025
The transformations of the 1960s can be considered the second wave of the conservation movement, a period when the movement evolved by broadening its focus from individual buildings to encompassing ensembles, contexts, landscapes, and even the spaces between buildings and urban areas. The articles 1, 6, and 7 of the 1964 Venice Charter clearly emphasize this, stating: "The concept of a historical monument encompasses not only the single architectural work but also the urban or landscape setting which bears evidence of a particular civilization, a significant development or a historical event... The monument cannot be separated from the history of its surroundings" (ICOMOS, 1964). The expansion of conservation efforts during this decade led to the formation of the first plans and programs for urban restoration. In Italy, the conservation and rehabilitation programs in the cities of Assisi, Gubbio, and Vincenza were among the first such experiences, followed by Urbino, Rimini, Bologna, Brescia, and Ferrara. In England, the cities of Bath, Chester, Chichester, and York were pioneers in restoration programs.
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
Third wave of protection
Published on: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The economic transformations of the 1970s and 1980s, marked by a shift from industry to the service sector, facilitated the emergence of the third wave of the conservation movement for historical environments. This wave emphasized profitable (economic) use of historical artifacts and structures, leading to the development of an economy-centered approach in conservation. This perspective considered historical buildings as central to the development of many cities, proposing the revitalization of these structures as a foundation for community regeneration. For the first time, this wave introduced the idea that activity-based spaces in historical buildings could be dynamic and influential within their broader areas. In this wave, artistic conservation of historical buildings was no longer the focus; instead, the revival of new activities adapted to contemporary times was emphasized. City councils and governance sectors aimed to update and review laws, defining a clear and multipurpose role for these buildings. The financial and tax structures (fees) of the city were also adjusted to accommodate the costs and risks associated with maintaining these artifacts. In England, for example, heritage organizations and other related bodies took charge of these matters. Key points of this wave included: A focus solely on the conservation of individual buildings The formation of a modern conservation movement Support for the modern conservation movement from experts, organizations, charters, etc. An evolution from conserving individual buildings to considering the spaces between buildings and urban spaces, recognizing their equal importance in development
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
A review of the evolution of ideas, policies, and programs in urban regeneration
Published on: Saturday, January 18, 2025
By reviewing the trends of ideas, policies, and programs, one can trace the evolutionary process of these approaches. With rulers' attention initially focused on urban reconstruction and a comprehensive approach to cleansing and redevelopment, the maturity period of these ideas gave birth to urban regeneration with a comprehensive approach. However, the persistent question throughout various periods has been where to begin. In early times, actions were based on rulers' opinions and shaped by their political and economic needs, but over time, with the formation of urban societies, urban management, and local governments—emerging from public voting—actions have always been approached differently in response to the questions of how to proceed, where to start, and what the consequences of these actions are in the minds of people and local governments. Therefore, the evolutionary process of regeneration approaches can be delineated from macro interventions to public participation
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Experiences of urban regeneration with various definitions
The evolution process of urban fabric regeneration approaches
Published on: Sunday, January 19, 2025
In a category, the evolutionary process of thoughts, policies, and urban regeneration programs began with large-scale urban reconstructions and continued, based on experiences, towards urban revitalization and the improvement of areas through functional diversification. In the economic developments of the 1980s, the urban regeneration approach initiated a new chapter in the course of policies and thoughts, which subsequently led to a regeneration based on property development, culture, environment, social groups, and preservation. The Industrial Revolution and the resulting technological advancements accelerated slow demographic changes and increased population. This population growth primarily affected urban centers and disrupted cultural, social, and economic structures. Urban development policies in developed countries, especially in Western Europe and North America, have focused predominantly on urban empowerment, regeneration, and improvement programs over the past two decades. The aim of urban regeneration policies and urban revitalization programs is to enhance the quality of life in settlements through the retrofitting and strengthening of buildings, development and improvement of urban infrastructures, provision of necessary urban services, education of residents, creation of job opportunities, strengthening of local management institutions and community-based service offices, and the promotion of quality construction rules and guidelines. Planning documents published in 2000 by the French government, the 'Social Urban Cities' program in Germany, the 'Towards Urban Renewal' document in the UK, and the 'Major Cities Program' in the Netherlands are examples of related policies and programs. Western European countries, each according to their political structure and urban planning system, have engaged in this matter, but despite differences in laws, programs, and models among countries, these documents and laws indicate a special attention to environmental enhancement, economic development, and social inclusion, which are the fundamental pillars of urban regeneration policy
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Experiences of Urban Regeneration with Different Definitions
The Evolution Process of the Approach to Intervention in Urban Fabrics
Published on: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Napoleon III – Haussmann (1853): The Urban Renewal Program of Central Paris Rome Urban Renewal Program (Mussolini – 1924) Extensive Demolition and Renewal of Moscow (Stalin – 1935) Large-Scale Renewal of Berlin's Center (Hitler – 1939) Post-War Reconstructions: Extensive Demolition, Renewal, and Slum Clearance Based on Modern Plans of the 1950s and 1960s Large-Scale Urban Redevelopment (Clearance, Comprehensive Redevelopment) Urban Revitalization and Improvement of Areas (Functional Diversification) Economic Transformations of the 1980s and the Emergence of the Urban Regeneration Approach Urban Regeneration through Development Urban Regeneration through Preservation Urban Regeneration Focused on Cultural Land Uses Urban Regeneration Based on Social Group Dynamics
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