Determining Key Approaches to Historic Urban Landscape Restoration; Case Study: Urban Fabric Surrounding Dokouhak Caravanserai in Shiraz

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Architecture, School of Arts and Architecture

Abstract

In contemporary times, with urban expansion, the growth of construction, and improvements in physical infrastructure and living conditions, historical areas of cities have lost their significance in the collective memory of people due to the deterioration and declining physical quality of buildings. The consequences of these developments include the destruction of urban and cultural landscapes and the loss of collective memories. Revitalizing these spaces and structures, as well as integrating historical and modern functions, can play a vital role in their regeneration and vibrancy. Heritage and cultural landscapes are invaluable assets of any region, formed within a natural context and maintaining continuous interaction with the environment. These landscapes comprise a combination of natural and human-made features, reflecting a long-standing relationship between humans and their surrounding natural environment. A heritage landscape is a geographical area where natural and cultural features intertwine with historical events, activities, and human individuals or groups.
This study investigates and explains three key approaches related to the revival of heritage landscapes and emphasizes the necessity of integrating these approaches due to the specific characteristics of the research site. The aim is to develop an effective method, strategy, and solution for the restoration and recovery of such heritage landscapes and their natural context, with the goal of applying these principles to the heritage landscape of the Dukouhak Caravanserai in Shiraz.

Highlights

  • The study focuses on strategies for revitalizing the historical urban landscape surrounding the Dokouhak Caravanserai in Shiraz, emphasizing a combined approach to ecological, cultural, and historical restoration.
  • The Dokouhak Caravanserai, a Safavid-era relic, faces neglect, environmental degradation, and loss of cultural identity, requiring immediate conservation efforts.
  • The research proposes an integrated framework combining three key approaches: Historic Urban Landscape, Sustainable urban regeneration, Comprehensive landscape restoration
  • Key interventions include raising local awareness, restoring ecological balance, safeguarding cultural symbols, and developing sustainable tourism infrastructure.
  • The proposed framework aims to transform the caravanserai and its surroundings into a dynamic urban hub that reinforces historical identity, improves quality of life, and promotes cultural and ecological sustainability.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Urban Design Studies
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
January 2025
Pages 57-80

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 August 2024
  • Revise Date: 01 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 26 October 2024
  • First Publish Date: 19 January 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 January 2025

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