Providing a Conceptual Model and Framework for Heritage-Sensitive Urban Design

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor,

2 2- M.A Student in Urban Design, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

10.22099/iuds.2026.56406.1225

Abstract

. The primary objective of this paper is to present a conceptual model and operational framework for “heritage‑sensitive urban design” across three scales: building, urban space, and urban fabric. The main research questions are: “What is the position and importance of heritage‑sensitive urban design in contemporary urban planning?” and “What are the components, criteria, and indicators of heritage‑sensitive urban design in urban interventions, disaggregated by the scale of intervention?”. The present research is applied in nature and based on a predominantly qualitative approach using a combined review‑analytical method. The methodology was designed in three phases: Phase one, a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis; Phase two, model refinement using the Delphi technique over three rounds with the participation of a panel of 25 experts; and Phase three, development of the final model and determination of appropriate assessment methods for each indicator. The findings indicate that heritage‑sensitive urban design requires the distinction of three separate scales. The final model comprises 41 indicators across three scales (building, urban space, urban fabric), and for each indicator, a suitable assessment method was determined. At the building scale, indicators such as “morphological continuity” and “material authenticity” are of higher importance; at the urban space scale, “visual permeability” and “human scale”; and at the urban fabric scale, “morphological structure” and “continuity of cultural landscape”.Consequently, the proposed framework can serve as a reference tool for urban designers, planners, conservators, and heritage managers to assess and enhance the sensitivity of interventions in historical contexts, enabling effective and informed action when intervening in valuable settings.

Keywords

Iranian Urban Design Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 August 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 June 2026
  • Revise Date: 01 August 2026
  • Accept Date: 06 August 2026
  • First Publish Date: 06 August 2026
  • Publish Date: 06 August 2026

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