Poorya Khodavedi

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Experiences of Urban Regeneration with Different Definitions

Urban Regeneration with a Comprehensive Approach

Published on: Sunday, January 26, 2025

Napoleon III – Haussmann (1853): Urban Renewal Program for the Center of Paris Rome Urban Renewal Program (Mussolini – 1924) Extensive Demolition and Reconstruction of Moscow (Stalin – 1935) Large-Scale Redevelopment of Berlin's Center (Hitler – 1939) Post-War Reconstruction: Extensive Demolition, Urban Renewal, and Slum Clearance Based on Modernist Plans of the 1950s and 1960s Large-Scale Urban Reconstruction (Clearance, Comprehensive Redevelopment) Urban Revitalization and Area Improvement (Functional Diversification) Economic Transformations of the 1980s and the Beginning of Urban Regeneration Approaches Urban Recreation Through Development Urban Regeneration Through Preservation Urban Regeneration Focused on Cultural Uses Urban Regeneration with a Comprehensive Approach Large-Scale Urban Reconstruction (Clearance, Comprehensive Redevelopment) Regeneration Through Real Estate Development Culture-Based Regeneration Regeneration Through Preservation Regeneration Based on Social Groups

Basic Definitions and Presentation of the Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Introduction

Published on: Wednesday, January 29, 2025

By reviewing urban regeneration experiences with different approaches and definitions, as well as studying intervention strategies through the analysis of both Iranian and global case studies, three fundamental questions have consistently emerged in these studies and practical implementations throughout this evolutionary process. These questions are: What actions should be taken as an intervention in the city? Where should we start? And what consequences will follow, and where will they have an impact? In this chapter, an observation-based conceptual model is introduced, built upon new definitions, which provides the framework to address these three fundamental questions. However, before delving into the model itself, the necessary definitions required for conceptualizing the observation-based model for urban intervention will be presented.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model of Urban Intervention

Flow of Life

Published on: Thursday, January 30, 2025

The flow of life refers to the set of daily activities of human beings. Urban life flow encompasses the daily activities of the urban population in each city, including various cultural, economic, social, physical, political, religious activities, as well as activities in the virtual world, and more.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model of Urban Intervention

City

Published on: Friday, January 31, 2025

A dynamic system emerges from the interactions of life's flow, forming as a self-organizing entity over time and across space. The foundation of a city's self-organization is similar to that of a child—if sufficient time and effort are not invested in its upbringing, education, and development, it will still grow over time. However, will the body and soul of this grown child be what everyone expects? Identifying talents and dedicating time and resources to the education and development of children is the same approach applied in defining the parameters of life's flow within a city.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model of Urban Intervention

Urban Deteriorated Fabric or Urban Decayed Area

Published on: Saturday, February 1, 2025

Urban deteriorated fabric is a part of the city where the flow of life has been disrupted.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Renovation

Published on: Monday, February 3, 2025

Renovation refers to a set of actions in the form of intervention or any activating mechanisms (development catalysts) that restore the flow of life to a part of the city and, consequently, to the entire city.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Balanced Urban Development

Published on: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Balanced development is the planning and management of the flow of life in a balanced manner based on the cultural and social characteristics of residents in different geographical areas. This type of development leads to urban vitality in these areas, increases the desire to live, and enhances neighborhood pride.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Sustainable Capital

Published on: Friday, February 7, 2025

They are renewable capitals, and in non-crisis conditions, the likelihood of their depletion over a long period is very minimal.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Sustainable Investments

Published on: Sunday, February 9, 2025

Renewable investments are assets that can be replenished and have a very low probability of depletion over a long period, especially in non-crisis conditions

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Sustainable Development

Published on: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Enhancing and expanding the flow of life based on sustainable capital is sustainable development.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Sustainable Urban Development

Published on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

The advancement of a city in all aspects is based on the absence of government budget interventions derived from the sale of national resources. In other words, it is a form of progress that ensures its own continuity and finances its own development. This type of development is based on sustainable investments

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Neighborhood

Published on: Friday, February 21, 2025

Neighborhood is an urban identity that emerges over time along the flow of life. This urban identity is formed around a central point and for a specific reason. As it approaches the loss of this identity, its geographical boundaries begin to fade. Various aspects of life—such as cultural, social, economic, legal, and ethnic characteristics—can shape a neighborhood.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Lifestyle

Published on: Sunday, February 23, 2025

Lifestyles encompass a collection of perceptions, values, behavior patterns, moods, and tastes in every aspect. Popular music, television, and advertisements all provide potential images and perceptions of lifestyle. An individual's lifestyle is not merely the sum of his personal behaviors; therefore, it is common for people to share similar lifestyles. Most people believe that they should freely choose their lifestyle. In many cases, the elements of a lifestyle converge, leading individuals to adopt a common lifestyle. In a sense, social groups often embody a particular lifestyle and form a distinct style. The way life is styled is closely related to the formation of a society’s culture. For example, one can gain valuable insight into a society’s people by examining the lifestyle of its members.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Urban Facilities

Published on: Monday, February 24, 2025

All the facilities that a city provides for the flow of life are known as city amenities. These facilities can be political, economic, social, infrastructural, physical, and more.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Balanced Urban Development

Published on: Saturday, March 1, 2025

Balanced development is the advancement and enhancement of urban amenities that take shape according to the life-flow needs of each neighborhood in the city. This type of development ensures that, economically, every social class—across all deciles—can look forward to progress and an improved quality of life, with their needs met in line with their lifestyle. Therefore, to achieve balanced development, urban parameters must themselves be brought into balance.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Qualitative parameters

Published on: Sunday, March 2, 2025

Qualitative parameters are those that indicate the quality of a specific subject. These parameters are measured relatively, by comparing them against higher or lower quality levels.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Quantitative parameters

Published on: Saturday, March 8, 2025

Quantitative parameters are those that are based on fundamental, measurable criteria and can be assessed numerically, representing a numerical expression of a quality or quantity.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

conceptual model

Published on: Sunday, March 9, 2025

A conceptual model is a model that logically explains the process and practical implementation of an action.

Basic Definitions and Presentation of a Conceptual Model for Urban Intervention

Intervention

Published on: Monday, March 10, 2025

Intervention is an action taken within the framework of all possible solutions that can lead to a change in the existing course of any operation

Conceptual Model of Intervention in Renewal

Renewal

Published on: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Despite the common belief that intervention tools are recognized as renewal models, and in some cases, specialists also present these tools as templates, examples of these tools have been used in the form of mass construction projects or the distribution of project shares to foster a spirit of participation. The conceptual model of intervention in renewal presented here is an observation-based model. It is a model that, based on observations conducted in the city (urban reading), addresses the method of intervention from multiple dimensions. It explicitly defines the type of tools applicable to a specific location within the city and the timeframe in which they can be utilized. At the same time, it allows for the analysis of actions before entering the operational phase based on the solutions proposed by the model. The foundation of the conceptual model, as referred to by the author, is an economy-based model, where economic flow is considered an integral part of urban life. In this model, access to services and their quality are taken into account in a manner aligned with the socio-economic characteristics of the city and its different sectors. The economic conditions in a city are one of the main factors influencing changes in the flow of life in different areas. Urban lifestyle in different neighborhoods reflects the economic, social, cultural, and other conditions of that area, which collectively shape the hypothetical boundaries of neighborhoods. The city, in turn, interacts and engages with various social, economic, and cultural preferences that coexist either by choice or necessity. The broader the range of choices available to citizens, the smaller the scope of compulsion, and thus, the consequences of the right to choose will have interactive effects on other urban relationships, interactions, and balance. Right to Choose a Neighborhood The right to choose a neighborhood refers to the set of conditions that allow an individual or family to select a desired neighborhood for living. In contrast, compulsory conditions refer to the factors that force an individual to live in a specific neighborhood. The most significant factor among these conditions is real estate prices (both rental and purchase prices), but other factors such as social identity, cultural issues, legal relationships, and ethnicity can also influence the decision. For instance, the formation of Chinatown neighborhoods in major cities of immigrant-receiving countries is based on both choice and necessity. Initially, a Chinese immigrant moves to a host country, usually as a laborer with a low or moderate income. Due to cultural needs, they seek an environment similar to their homeland. Socially, they require a space where they can communicate in their native language. Thus, they settle in an area that provides cultural, social, and economic accommodation opportunities (compulsory conditions). Over time, due to the identity created in the neighborhood in terms of businesses, entertainment, and culture, more Chinese individuals are attracted, eventually leading to the formation of a distinct Chinese neighborhood. However, when some of these residents experience economic improvement, they may choose to leave this neighborhood for other areas (right to choose). Example: Avenue de Choisy – Chinatown, Paris, France With these definitions, renewal is not merely about physical reconstruction and intervention in urban form. Instead, renewal encompasses a set of interventions and activating mechanisms (development catalysts) that restore the flow of life to a part of the city and, consequently, to the entire city. Therefore, the conceptual model and its foundation focus on a set of solutions that can be extracted, analyzed, and proposed for each neighborhood, considering it as a self-organizing entity based on its specific conditions. This conceptual model incorporates a range of social, economic, political, and legal solutions, applying them dynamically—flexibly and adaptable within the scope of practical implementation.