Sustainable Regeneration Principles in Historic Cities Exploring Landscape Approach

1. Introduction

Numerous studies, designs, and research have been conducted to pursue the sustainable revitalization of historical fabrics. The proposed solutions can be broadly categorized into two groups. The first group focuses on the physical aspects of historical fabrics, addressing issues related to buildings and their physical interactions. In contrast, the second group offers behavioral, sociocultural, and semantic studies regarding historical fabrics. Both solution categories could have been more effective, providing a somewhat discrete and mental perspective on these valuable places.

Hence, the primary concern of this research is how to employ a holistic approach in the preservation and revitalization of the values of historical fabrics and strengthen the collective memory’s role as an influential factor in the continuity of these places in redevelopment and revitalization programs.

In this research, after defining the landscape and its relationship with the place and examining the influential indicators in enhancing this connection, an analysis of the landscape characteristics and the areas of historical fabrics, along with a review of various theories by experts in this field, was carried out. This is done to identify landscape values and their impact on the identity of historical fabric, aiming to create a general roadmap for the sustainable regeneration of these places. Today, various approaches and solutions have been proposed regarding the conservation, revitalization, and redevelopment of historical fabrics in cities.

2. Statement of Issue

In contemporary architectural research, exploring historical urban fabrics goes beyond cultural, artistic, and historical perspectives. It has transformed into a dynamic, enduring force. Preserving authenticity in historical heritage is now recognized as a critical driver of global cultural diversity (Brown et al., 2020). Historical urban fabrics encompass tangible and intellectual elements, with memories that transcend their temporal origins, forming an integral part of society’s identity and social fabric (Anderson and Wilson, 2019). These values manifest diversely within urban environments, further enhancing their significance and prominence (Thomas et al., 2022).

Neglecting the sociofunctional identity and the inhabitants’ cultural and everyday life requirements in restoring historical urban fabrics can result in their transformation into lifeless spaces, merely retaining their historic facades. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize the continuum of the past and present, treating the city as an interconnected historical-urban fabric rather than a collection of isolated, disjointed historical elements. This holistic approach views the city as a living, dynamic organism (Jackson, 2018).

In this context, the central question arises: How can a landscape-oriented approach effectively contribute to the sustainability of historical urban fabrics? What specific tangible and intellectual indicators within the urban landscape can play a pivotal role in successfully revitalizing these areas? It becomes apparent that a focus on landscape and its inherent values within historical urban fabrics holds immense potential, and this matter will be explored in depth in the subsequent sections of this research.

3. Research Methodology

In this paper, a descriptive-analytical research method was employed. Data collection was conducted through fieldwork and library research based on a review of relevant literature, documents, and extensive studies related to prominent research in the landscape, landscape perspectives, place identity, sense of place, and their various dimensions. This paper is divided into three sections. The first section examines theories and definitions related to landscape and its characteristics. The second section discusses the factors influencing the formation of places and related factors. The third section provides a summary and a model of landscape, humans, and places, encompassing their dimensions, influencing factors, and formation processes. Ultimately, using a qualitative content analysis approach, solutions for regenerating historical contexts from a landscape perspective are presented.

4. Literature Review

As a new interpretation, the landscape approach has many capabilities and potentials for ensuring the sustainable continuity of historical contexts. Therefore, to review the subject literature, research in the fields of historical context recreation, landscape overview, and other topics must be reviewed. So, to cover the subject literature, we will examine all its aspects in this paper.

Research into the sustainable regeneration of historic cities has revealed the significant impact of urban planning in tandem with restoration efforts, leading to successful urban revitalization. This interconnected approach, encompassing landscape expertise, urban planning, and global developments, has effectively addressed the needs and challenges faced by historical cities. Camillo Sitte, an Austrian architect from the 18th century, laid the foundation for appreciating the aesthetic qualities of medieval and Renaissance towns in his seminal work, “The Art of Building Cities” (Sitte, 1979). Sitte advocated using artistic principles to organize and restore urban spaces, offering creative solutions that remain relevant even today.

Brandi (1979) further emphasized the importance of historical textures in urban revitalization, viewing restoration as a methodological tool for recognizing works of art within the city context. This recognition, encompassing these structures’ physical and historical aspects, aims to convey profound messages with spiritual and physical dimensions to future generations. It also identified the loss of traditional urban spatial understanding and a lack of coherence in contemporary urban areas due to insufficient attention to pedestrian scale and human needs. His solution involves rediscovering and effectively utilizing the primary spatial typologies within a city.

Paumier (2004) delved into the design and modernization of urban spaces, particularly within historical contexts. He identified the development of an organizing structure as a critical principle for creating a sense of place and rejuvenating urban spaces. Key elements of this approach include establishing a distinct identity, promoting diversity and attractiveness, ensuring visual and functional continuity, maximizing usability, providing comfort and physical safety, and emphasizing high-quality spaces.

In contrast, Lynch (1995) focused on the visual aspects of cities, emphasizing the role of city form in shaping perceptions and memories. He contended that visual clarity contributes to the ease of recognizing urban components, ultimately influencing the overall experience of a city. Lynch’s perspective aligns with the notion that a municipality operates as a living ecosystem, and the continued realization of this ecological balance defines its quality.

Mansoori (2016) introduced a unique perspective, asserting that landscape is a product of human experiences influenced by objective and subjective factors interacting with history and nature. This perspective offers a nonpolar interpretation of the world, a systemic approach, and a redefinition of meaning, emphasizing the synthesis of physical and meaningful elements.

Tripp (2004) further expanded the understanding of city appearances by defining three perceptual fields: utility or function, the city itself, and its external manifestations and meanings. He highlighted the factors that shape a city’s environment, including the environmental system, information storage, and domain utilization. These factors collectively determine how a city behaves and are evaluated, ultimately influencing its goals and values.

Chen et al. (2014) discussed the historical development of modern landscape architecture as a multidisciplinary first-level discipline with vital social and historical significance. Despite its long evolution, modern landscape architecture faces significant changes due to environmental issues and economic structural imbalances in contemporary society.

Nijhuis and Jauslin (2015) observed a contemporary trend among architects who increasingly refer formal and spatial aspects of landscapes in their designs, summarizing them under the term ‘landscape.’ This evolving approach has the potential to reshape the core of the architectural discipline, emphasizing the organization and composition of architectural spaces as integral components of the landscape.

In summary, the comprehensive exploration of sustainable regeneration in historic cities involves a holistic approach that integrates principles from urban planning, landscape design, and historical preservation, drawing from the insights of various scholars throughout history. Khorasgani et al. (2023) mentioned that the idea of landscape can explain the signs and phenomena in the physical environment so that, in this way, it can influence the sensory-perceptual components of people. Landscape is an actor between Man and place and an indicator and driver of semantic components in historical contexts. Landscape expresses a different expression of a place through narration, effectively strengthening the sense of place and belonging with its activism. The historical body creates components in the relationship between Man and place and time through a landscape perspective. This approach aims to revitalize urban spaces and convey rich cultural and aesthetic messages for the benefit of future generations.

5. Findings

The findings of this research can be categorized into two main groups. The first category comprises insights from analyzing relevant articles and research studies. The second category encompasses the recommendations and guidelines provided by organizations associated with regenerating historic cities, such as the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

5.1. The main criteria in relevant research

The perspective of landscape professionals encompasses a holistic view of all the influential factors and elements in the historic urban fabric. This perspective is aimed at achieving comprehensive continuity and regeneration in historical contexts. Landscape professionals play a crucial role in identifying and defining the signs and phenomena in the natural environment, enabling a profound understanding of human sensory and perceptual aspects. This understanding, in turn, contributes to the effective management and regeneration of historical urban fabrics. In essence, landscape plays an active role as a mediator between humans and their surroundings, creating meaningful elements in historical contexts (Fig. 1). These elements encompass emotions, perceptions, thoughts, and insights, which, through the lens of landscape professionals, give rise to factors such as a sense of belonging, personal and collective nostalgia, a feeling of participation, a connection to time and place, and an enhancement of sensory richness, thereby enriching social life and ensuring the dynamism and stability of historical urban fabrics. Each of these elements represents a dynamic and stabilizing force within historical contexts, and their management guarantees the sustained existence of these living ecosystems (Khorasgani et al., 2023).

The notion of “landscape” in contemporary architecture is a modern and connective system that profoundly influences one’s relationship with a place, eliciting qualities such as a sense of place and a feeling of belonging. The sense of belonging plays a pivotal role in the continuity of a place. Historic places inherently possess a rich narrative conveyed and interpreted through the landscape. Reading the narrative of the landscape facilitates human connection with the place, contributing significantly to the cultivation of a sense of belonging, collective memory, and social engagement factors in the process of urban regeneration. A landscape perspective offers a holistic view of all factors and elements affecting historical contexts to achieve the continuity of identity and foster the comprehensive engagement of citizens with these spaces during the regeneration process. With its narrative capacity, landscape delves deeper into the introduction of a place and actively strengthens the sense of place and belonging (Moazzeni Khorasgani and Villalobos, 2023).

Historic sites are fundamentally rich texts, and any form of intervention, alteration, or interaction with them without proper interpretation and comprehension of their narratives can lead to misreading and a failure to grasp the historical account. Therefore, incorporating a landscape approach in revitalizing and preserving historical contexts can facilitate the correct interpretation of the landscape narrative and the perception of the historical account within these historical settings. In this regard, embracing landscape methodologies is imperative for the sustainable conservation and enhancement of historical cities. To present a conceptual model for research into the sustainable regeneration of historical contexts, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the issues and opportunities related to these historical contexts. Gathering data and completing information, including historical sources and residents’ collective memories, can be paramount in this endeavor. A comprehensive understanding of the current issues (physical, functional, and semantic) related to these contexts and examining all tangible and intangible aspects pave the way for subsequent steps in the process (Khakzand and Khaledi, 2023).

The perspective of landscape architects entails a holistic examination of all influential factors in the historic urban fabric to achieve comprehensive continuity and regeneration of historical areas. Landscape architects play a pivotal role in defining and elucidating the signs and phenomena within ecological settings to ultimately contribute to managing sensory and perceptual aspects of human experiences for the sustained preservation and revitalization of the historical fabric (Eskandar et al., 2022).

In essence, landscape architecture serves as the intermediary between human beings and their environment, catalyzing the creation of meaningful components within historical urban settings. These components encompass emotions, perceptions, thoughts, and insights that, through the lens of landscape architecture, give rise to factors such as a sense of belonging, collective and personal nostalgia, a feeling of participation, awareness of time and place, and heightened sensory richness, all enriching social life. These components contribute to the dynamism and stability of the historic urban fabric, ensuring the continuous vitality of these living ecosystems through their effective management.

Preserving the historical elements of a city is crucial. This includes maintaining physical structures, symbols, and objects representing the city’s history. Historical preservation ensures the connection of future generations with their roots and helps understand the city’s evolution over time. It also contributes to preserving the city’s unique identity. Beyond physical structures, heritage includes nonmaterial aspects such as traditions, customs, language, and culture. Preserving heritage and culture is vital to maintaining the authenticity of a city. This includes preserving traditions, rituals, and practices passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the city’s cultural identity remains vibrant and continually influences it. Indigenous knowledge and traditional methods are valuable resources for sustainable urban development. Local wisdom and traditional methods provide sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges. Promoting and incorporating these methods into modern urban planning can enhance the resilience and sustainability of the city (Tyler et al., 2018).

Creating and disseminating historical stories is essential. This includes documenting and sharing stories, events, and individuals who have shaped the city’s history. Compelling storytelling can deepen residents’ and visitors’ understanding of the city’s historical heritage. Heritage tourism encourages visitors to explore a city’s historical and cultural elements. Promoting heritage tourism generates economic benefits and increases awareness of the importance of preserving heritage sites. It can also create job opportunities for residents. Collaborating with the local community is crucial for heritage preservation (Ashworth and Tunbridge, 2000). Involving residents in decision making and seeking their input on heritage-related projects instills a sense of ownership and pride. Community participation can lead to innovative approaches to heritage preservation. Education and increasing awareness about a city’s history and heritage are fundamental. Schools, museums, and cultural institutions significantly educate residents and visitors about the city’s past. Public campaigns and cultural events can enhance the appreciation and valuation of heritage (Lowenthal, 1998).

Achieving social justice in historical cities is crucial. This involves ensuring all residents have equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of their economic and social backgrounds. Programs and policies aimed at social justice can reduce income and wealth disparities and create a more equitable urban environment. Respecting and preserving human rights is essential for restoring historical cities. Human rights encompass various aspects, such as adequate housing, education, and cultural participation. Upholding these rights ensures that residents can live with dignity and be free to engage in cultural and social activities (Duignan, 2023). Promoting social welfare programs in historical cities can improve residents’ overall quality of life. Access to healthcare, education, and social services is essential to ensure the community’s well-being. Investing in social welfare contributes to the overall improvement of the city. Promoting economic growth and prosperity in historical cities is essential. This can be achieved by encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting local businesses, and attracting investments. A thriving economy can create job opportunities and generate income for further development. Implementing strategies to reduce poverty is vital. This includes targeted programs to support marginalized communities, provide vocational training, and ensure access to necessities. Reducing the poverty rate strengthens the social framework of the city. Promoting ethical business practices is necessary for sustainable development. Historical cities can enforce regulations and incentives to encourage responsible business behavior. Ethical business practices contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. Promoting social innovation means finding creative solutions to urban challenges. This can include programs that strengthen community participation, promote cultural preservation, and develop communal spaces. Social innovation contributes to a more resilient and inclusive city (Henning-Smith, 2020).

Preserving natural resources in urban reconstruction is crucial. This includes sustainable management and protection of water, forests, and minerals. Ensuring the responsible use of these resources contributes to the city’s long-term sustainability (Lange and Rodrigues, 2021). Biodiversity is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Preserving various plant and animal species equates to ecological balance and resilience to environmental changes. Urban planning should include measures to protect local biodiversity. Reviving natural habitats is vital for urban areas. This includes restoring grasslands, forests, and other ecosystems within the city’s limits. Habitat restoration enhances urban biodiversity and creates recreational spaces for residents (Bansard and Schröder, 2021). Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food systems in urban areas is essential. This includes supporting local agriculture, reducing food waste, and ensuring access to healthy food. Sustainable food systems contribute to food security and reduce cities’ environmental footprint (Ziter, 2016).

Regarding methodology, the following aspects are crucial for addressing environmental and ecosystem issues. Effective water resource management is vital. This includes sustainable water use, water quality protection, and proper water resource management. Water resource management helps protect ecosystem health and provides clean drinking water for residents (Vojnovic, 2012). Preventing and controlling pollution is of paramount importance. Measures should be taken to minimize air and water pollution and soil contamination. Efforts to control pollution contribute to environmental improvement and public health. Proper waste management is essential for urban sustainability. This includes recycling, composting, and responsible waste disposal. Effective waste management reduces the environmental impact of urban areas. Promoting environmental education and awareness is crucial. This involves educational programs to inform residents about sustainable practices, conservation, and the importance of biodiversity. Increasing public awareness fosters a commitment to the environment. Land use planning is essential in urban reconstruction. This includes zoning regulations prioritizing green spaces, limiting urban sprawl, and encouraging mixed-use development. Sustainable land use enhances quality of life, reduces pollution, and preserves natural areas (Hanaki, 2008). As a result, ecosystems and the environment play a significant role in urban reconstruction. Protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable practices are essential to creating resilient and environmentally friendly cities. Methodologies such as water and waste management, pollution control, environmental education, and sustainable land use planning are critical elements of a comprehensive approach to urban reconstruction that considers the well-being of residents and the natural world (Niemelä et al., 2011).

5.2. The recommendations and guidelines

Preserving historic landscapes is an evolutionary process that has gone through various stages. This historical evolution primarily took shape from the Middle Ages onward. Below, I describe the critical stages of the historical evolution of historic landscape preservation:

5.2.1. Destruction and devastation

During the Middle Ages and earlier periods, limited attention was given to preserving historic landscapes (Smith, 2005). During these eras, various factors, such as wars, earthquakes, fires, and cultural shifts, destroyed historic buildings and other landmarks. This custom persisted nearly until the conclusion of the Middle Ages and the onset of the Renaissance. During this period, novel concepts concerning historical edifices and constructions began to surface.

5.2.2. Renaissance and the onset of preservation

The Renaissance period (14th to 17th centuries) marked an increased emphasis on preserving historical works. This era saw a resurgence of interest in classical Greek and Roman concepts, leading to the preservation and restoration of historic buildings in Europe.

The Renaissance period, which occurred in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, is one of the most significant eras in the history of art and architecture (Johnson et al., 2010). It is renowned for its victory over medieval traditions and the revival of cultural concepts from classical Greece and Rome. An essential aspect of this period was the increased attention given to preserving and restoring historical architectural works. This support for preserving and restoring historical works during the Renaissance gradually gave rise to the concept of “preservation” (Brown, 2015). This concept influenced the protection and conservation of historical artistic and architectural works in the following centuries, contributing to the development of cultural heritage conservation. Toward the conclusion of the Renaissance, indications began to surface of the establishment of principles and frameworks aimed at revitalizing and reconstructing historic buildings and cities (Moazzeni Khorasgani, 2023).

5.2.3. Emergence of preservation principles

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the focus on preserving historic landscapes grew. Preservation concepts and principles were formally articulated (Jones and Wilks-Heeg, 2004). Preservation foundations, such as the National Trust in England, were established, and laws and regulations for protecting historical landmarks were developed in various countries.

5.2.4. Formation of preservation organizations

In the 20th century, credible organizations and international bodies for preserving historic landscapes were founded. Examples of such organizations include the UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) (UNESCO, 2011a).

In the 20th century, especially after World War II, awareness of preserving historic landscapes and cultural heritage significantly increased. Various countries have developed specific laws and regulations to protect these landscapes. These laws and regulations encompassed the designation of protected areas, national registration of historical landmarks, sustainable resource use, and financial provisions for preservation. A comprehensive approach is necessary to restore and revitalize historical cities and monuments to accomplish various goals and strategies. Consequently, the focus has shifted towards a holistic perspective in the sustainable reconstruction of historical contexts (Fig. 2).

5.3. Development of modern approaches

In recent years, preservation approaches have evolved to encompass new dimensions, such as environmental conservation, safeguarding cultural diversity, and community engagement (Messerli et al., 2019). These approaches emphasize a focus on living cultures, sustainable urban planning, and the preservation of historical landmarks with contemporary relevance. Furthermore, guidelines and recommendations for the conservation and management of historic urban landscapes have been published (UNESCO, 2021), generally falling under the following categories:

These principles and guidelines underscore the importance of preserving historic landscapes as an integral part of our cultural heritage, fostering sustainable urban development, and enriching the quality of life in historic cities.

Revitalizing historical cities is an important endeavor that requires a multifaceted approach. This includes physically restoring buildings and infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting social and economic development. This research will examine five main factors that should be considered when approaching the revitalization of historic cities. This includes the active involvement of the public, governmental institutions, and experts in urban development. Public participation, government policies, and expert knowledge are vital in shaping a city’s sustainable future. This category encompasses three essential aspects. Formulating and implementing policies and regulations for urban development management is crucial. Good policies can ensure the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and facilitate sustainable growth. Regulations can also address zoning, land use, and conservation efforts. Collaboration between various entities, including government bodies, private companies, and civil society organizations, is vital for the success of urban renewal efforts. Partnerships can lead to innovative solutions and shared responsibilities, contributing to a more comprehensive and practical approach to urban development. Increasing the capacity of government officials and the community is vital. This includes educational programs, workshops, and training activities that provide individuals and organizations with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective historical city management. These factors focus on how projects and actions related to urban management are implemented. Effective governance and strong leadership are crucial for decision making, information dissemination, and resource mobilization. Leaders can envision the city’s future and implement policies effectively and transparently. Efficient executive management involves overseeing the daily operations of urban development projects. This includes project planning, resource allocation, and monitoring project progress to ensure timely achievement of goals within the budget. Proper design management ensures that urban projects align with the historical and cultural identity of the city. This includes architectural considerations and urban planning that preserve the city’s historical heritage while addressing contemporary needs (Cody and Siravo, 2019).

Embracing technological advancements is crucial for urban revitalization. This includes adopting modern technologies and digital solutions to enhance urban services, infrastructure, and communications efficiency. Efficient energy, water, and materials are vital for sustainable urban development. Implementing entrepreneurial approaches to reduce waste and environmental impacts ensures an improved quality of life in the city (Goi, 2017). Understanding and managing economic cycles for long-term urban planning is essential. Cities must respond to economic changes and strive for sustainable, diverse, innovative economic policies. Ensuring a sustainable agricultural system and food security for urban areas is crucial. Promoting local and sustainable farming methods can reduce dependence on external resources and enhance urban food security. Developing green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning strategies is essential for creating beautiful and environmentally friendly cities. These approaches can include parks, green spaces, sustainable transportation systems, and eco-friendly building methods. Methodologically, the following aspects are crucial for fostering innovation and creativity. Social innovation and inclusivity encouraging social and inclusive innovation to address urban challenges is necessary (Bibri, 2021). This involves engaging diverse social groups, promoting collaboration, and providing innovative solutions that benefit all residents. Securing sustainable financial resources and investments for urban innovation is essential. Cities should explore innovative economic models and public-private partnerships to support projects that enhance creativity and sustainability. Efficient waste management systems are vital for maintaining a clean and healthy urban environment. Innovative waste reduction, recycling, and disposal solutions can minimize environmental impacts and resource depletion. Partnerships structuring networks and collaborative partnerships between various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and communities, are critical for promoting innovation and creativity in urban development. Technological innovations, for example, adopting technological innovations such as AI-driven urban solutions, data analytics, and digital platforms, can transform urban services, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall quality of life in the city (UN-HABITAT, 2016).

6. Discussion

By gathering all the information derived from theoretical library studies, field investigations, case studies, and guideline reviews, it can be concluded that the obtained indicators and components for achieving a management model in the direction of sustainability in historic urban landscapes can be categorized into two main groups, functional classification and the principles of Historic Cities Regeneration. These two groups help us cultivate the right mindset for embracing the landscape approach.

6.1. Functional classification of indicators

In the context of sustainability in historic cities with a landscape-oriented approach, it has been determined that all criteria can be classified into four functional categories. Initially, criteria related to the “why” of sustainability in the historic fabric: These criteria focus on the importance and value of preserving historic fabrics, encompassing aspects such as cultural heritage preservation, identity, sense of place, social cohesion, and the economic benefits derived from historical assets. The sustainability of historic fabrics is justified through their intrinsic value and the societal benefits they provide (UNESCO, 2011b).

The second is the criteria related to the “how” of sustainability in historic fabrics. These criteria address the methods and strategies employed to achieve sustainable outcomes. They include principles of conservation, adaptive reuse, urban design, and planning strategies that aim to protect the historical environment while meeting contemporary needs (Larkham, 2000).

Criteria are related to the “what” factors and elements influencing the sustainability of historical fabrics (Fig. 3). These criteria explore various factors and elements that impact the sustainability of historic fabrics. They encompass aspects such as environmental factors (e.g. adaptation to climate change, energy efficiency), social factors (e.g. community participation, inclusivity), economic factors (e.g. tourism, economic sustainability), and governance (e.g. regulations, policies) that shape the sustainability of historic fabrics (Oc and Tiesdell, 1996). Executing Agents and Implementation Factors for Sustainability in Historic Fabrics: These criteria center on the readers, actors, and institutions executing sustainable practices within historic fabrics. They encompass local authorities, urban planners, architects, heritage organizations, community groups, and other relevant institutions responsible for implementing and enforcing the criteria. Effective implementation necessitates collaboration, capacity building, and coordination among these actors (UNESCO, 2011a).

6.2. Main principles of historic cities regeneration

Examining diverse sources and research, alongside guidelines and recommendation letters from organizations about historical cities, can be categorized into five main divisions. These divisions are delineated based on content and nature, with subcategories elaborating on each to offer a comprehensive understanding. To adopt a holistic approach within historical contexts, checklists can be formulated in alignment with their characteristics and subsequent principles. These principles are expounded upon below, facilitating the creation of a general roadmap for the reconstruction plan.

6.2.1. History and heritage

Preservation history and heritage are primary factors in the sustainability and revitalization of historic cities. Landscape revitalization must consider the cultural and historical significance of the city and its surroundings. This includes preserving historical buildings and landmarks and ensuring that new developments respect and complement the built and natural environment. Different aspects of history and heritage can be categorized into three main areas, as shown in Fig. 4.

History and heritage hold priceless value for cities. Preserving these values through historic preservation, cultural heritage preservation, and the promotion of indigenous knowledge can contribute to a city’s sustainability and cultural richness. Using historical narratives, heritage tourism, community participation, and education can ensure a city’s history and heritage remain sustainable and continue influencing its future.

6.2.2. Society and economy

Another factor in revitalizing historical cities is paying attention to social and economic considerations. Social participation is vital for the success of any restoration project. This involves the participation of local communities and stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process. When residents have a say in the future of their community, they are more likely to support and engage in revitalization efforts. This can lead to a sense of ownership and pride within their community, positively impacting social cohesion and well-being. Social and economic factors should also be considered when planning revitalization projects. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. By creating jobs and promoting economic development, revitalization projects can help reduce social inequalities and improve the quality of life for residents. Regarding methodology, the following factors are critical (Fig. 5).

Social and economic considerations are integral parts of the revitalization of historic cities. Achieving social justice, respecting human rights, and promoting social welfare are essential. Emphasizing economic growth, poverty reduction, ethical business practices, and social innovation ensures a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development. By addressing these factors, historical cities can grow while preserving their cultural heritage, creating a vibrant and inclusive community for the future.

6.2.3. Ecosystem and environment

The ecosystem and the environment require special attention and importance in discussions of urban reconstruction. Ecosystems and environmental considerations in historic cities are often located in ecologically sensitive areas, and it is essential to consider the impacts of reconstruction on ecosystems. This includes preserving green spaces and wildlife habitats and reducing pollution and climate change. By integrating sustainable design and construction methods, we can ensure that reconstruction projects are environmentally responsible and have long-term benefits. From an environmental perspective, the following factors are essential in this context (Fig. 6).

Ecosystems and the environment play a significant role in urban reconstruction. Protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable practices are essential for creating resilient and environmentally friendly cities. Methodologies such as water and waste management, pollution control, environmental education, and sustainable land use planning are critical elements of a comprehensive approach to urban reconstruction that considers the well-being of both residents and the natural world.

6.2.4. Innovation and creativity

Innovation and creativity are among the fundamental factors that should be emphasized in the discussion of urban revitalization. They are essential in planning and designing innovative and creative projects for sustainable and successful redevelopment. This includes exploring new design and construction techniques and integrating advanced technologies and materials. We can create practical, visually appealing, and inspiring projects by thinking outside the box and embracing new ideas.

Ultimately, redevelopment projects should involve interdisciplinary collaboration between experts and stakeholders. This includes architects, urban planners, historians, sociologists, and economists. We can create comprehensive, impactful projects by combining diverse perspectives and expertise. Conceptually, the following factors are essential:

In conclusion, innovation and creativity play a significant role in urban revitalization. To harness this potential, cities must understand technological advancements, efficiently manage resources, respond to economic cycles, promote sustainable agriculture, invest in green infrastructure, encourage social innovation, secure sustainable funding, improve waste management, foster collaborative networks, and embrace technological innovations. These methodological approaches are crucial for advancing innovative and sustainable urban development (Fig. 7).

6.2.5. Government and management

Government and management are vital factors in the sustainability of historic cities and play a fundamental role in revitalizing urban areas. Government and management relationships in redevelopment projects often require cooperation among governmental organizations, agencies, and private sector partners. Effective management and coordination are essential to ensure the success of these collaborations. This includes establishing clear roles and responsibilities, effective communication, and decision-making processes.

Unlike the four factors mentioned in the previous sections, government and management are practical factors driving the urban renewal process. This category can be divided into three subcategories. Government and management play a critical role in the sustainability of historical cities. Their role encompasses policymaking, collaboration, capacity building, governance, executive management, and design oversight. Through effective involvement in these factors, cities can strike a proper balance between preserving their historical and cultural heritage and adapting to the needs of modern society, ultimately securing a sustainable and vibrant future.

This paper presents a conceptual model for sustainable and redevelopment-oriented design for historical urban fabrics. By incorporating a landscape perspective, the model emphasizes the classification, indicators, components, and factors essential for the revitalization and sustainability of these historical areas. This approach provides a comprehensive roadmap for managing and enhancing the sustainability of historical urban fabrics, ensuring their preservation and adaptive reuse in harmony with contemporary urban needs (Fig. 8).

7. Conclusion

The examination of sustainable revitalization principles in historic cities, based on library resources and previous studies, as well as recommendations provided by relevant organizations such as the UNESCO, can be categorized into two main groups. The first category includes functional factors and elements that should be addressed and preserved in historic cities (What?). The second category focuses on the reasons for revitalizing historical structures (Why?). In revitalizing historical structures, the roles and responsibilities of active and responsible entities in each section must be clearly defined (Who?). The final part that should be considered in this classification is the method and strategy for sustainable continuity of historic structures (How?). This classification comprises subcategories defining each section’s goals, processes, and tasks.

The second category includes content-related factors that provide a comprehensive and holistic view of historic structures. These factors and elements include history and heritage, society and economy, innovation and creativity, the ecosystem and the environment, and management and governance (Fig. 9). These criteria are divided into four subcategories in the first classification to enable them to be planned within a management system. In the face of a historic structure, each factor comes into play and plays a role at different stages of the project, depending on its specific conditions. In general, the two mentioned categories are organized into a comprehensive plan for the sustainable continuity of historic structures within the framework of a historic structure management system.

ORCID

Ali Moazzeni Khorasgani  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2784-3828

Ghazal Asadi Eskandar  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0148-7354