Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• maryam hematian dehkordi ¹
• Afsoon mahdavi ¹
• mohammad reza iravani ²

¹ Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran.

² Department of Social Work, Faculty of Humanities, Khomeini Shahr Branch, Islamic Azad University- Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Highlights:
Urban regeneration stands at the intersection of diverse urban policies, representing a pivotal strategic choice in advancing global urban development.
Non-physical elements, embodied in the form of social capital, can serve as both a tool and a catalyst for a renovation that is not only more desirable but also widely accepted within the context of residents.
The influential factors contributing to the development of local community culture, encompassing semantic, physical, functional, and social dimensions, play a pivotal role in empowering residents, fostering trust, strengthening their sense of belonging, and ultimately ensuring the feasibility of urban regeneration in the central core of Shahrekord.
 
Introduction:
 
Urban regeneration, situated at the intersection of urban policies, represents a crucial strategic avenue for advancing global urban development. Analysis of the evolving trends in urban regeneration experiences underscores that success within urban areas hinges not solely on physical enhancements but also on social dimensions where residents actively participate in the regeneration process. This research aims to establish criteria for the feasibility of urban regeneration, with a specific focus on fostering the development of local community culture.
The findings of the research, particularly in the context of Shahrekord, highlight that the cultivation of local community culture in the central core translates into enhanced control over the living environment and its content. Consequently, this socio-economic transformation contributes to an improved Quality of Life (QoL). The four pivotal criteria—structure (encompassing both natural and artificial dimensions), meaning (in terms of identity, authenticity, and motivational role), activity (spanning economic, social, and cultural aspects), and social factors (such as cultural needs, trust, and hope)—emerge as influential elements shaping the development of local community culture in the context of urban regeneration.
Thus, a comprehensive approach is imperative, taking into account all cultural, economic, functional, and spatial components of the plan, as cultural elements and their indicators manifest across all the aforementioned dimensions.
 
Theoretical Framework:
 
Contrary to traditional approaches that focus solely on physical perspectives, this research recognizes the significance of metaphysical components—social assets, tools, and motivators—in achieving a more desirable and acceptable urban revitalization. The study challenges the one-dimensional (physical) approach prevalent in many Iranian urban regeneration efforts, emphasizing the need to involve residents in decision-making processes. In Shahrekord, the lack of coordination among organizations, neglect of residents' opinions, and indifference toward human structures have led to a spectrum of problems in the central core. The study aims to introduce and examine feasibility criteria for urban regeneration by investigating components influencing the development of local community culture, thereby leveraging the institutional capacity of the local culture sector for socio-political and socio-economic growth.
 
Methodology:
 
Ethnography, a qualitative approach delving into the social processes and mental nature of human life, serves as the research method for field studies. The study area, the central core of Shahrekord city, is characterized by shared behavioral, cognitive, and speech paradigms among local residents. Sixteen individuals from the local community were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Ethnography allowed the researcher to understand shared patterns within the group. Themes/categories derived from previous research formed the basis for interview questions. The study population consisted of inhabitants in the central core, and themes were continuously revised and finalized through consistent comparison, resulting in ultimate concepts and themes.
 
Conclusion:
 
This paper explores the feasibility criteria for urban regeneration, emphasizing the development of local community culture in Shahrekord's central core. Urban regeneration, a multifaceted process, encompasses diverse strategies and planning policies. The research sheds light on interventions in Shahrekord, particularly the central core, highlighting deficiencies in residents' participation and urban regeneration education. The lack of trust between residents and the city management system, coupled with the absence of trust in residents' decision-making capabilities, impedes meaningful engagement. The research emphasizes the need for residents' participation in shaping their living environment, connecting it to residence and employment, which provide meaning to livelihood. Social and communicative participation, along with cultural mediation, enhances social ties, meets various human needs, and improves quality of life (QoL) and welfare. The development of local community culture in the central core enhances control over the living environment, leading to socioeconomic transformation and an elevated QoL. The identified criteria—structure, meaning, activity, and social factors—emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach, considering cultural, economic, functional, and spatial components for successful urban regeneration.

Keywords

• Urban Regeneration
• Local Community
• Culture
• Cultural Development

Main Subjects

• Regeneration and revival of historical context