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Regeneration of Historic Urban Fabrics with an Emphasis on the Infill Development Approach; Case study: Tabriz Kah-Foroushan Square

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D Student Faculty of Architectural and Urban Engineering, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Art University of Tabriz. Tabriz.Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Rapid urban population growth and the increasing demand for intensive land use have led to the widespread construction of incompatible structures within central urban areas, particularly in historic and deteriorating fabric, often disregarding contextual integrity and cultural identity. In this context, adopting an infill development approach that simultaneously preserves the historic fabric and enhances its functional and spatial capacities has become essential. This study aims to identify the key components and criteria of infill development, with an emphasis on contextual adaptation, and to propose infill-based strategies for the regeneration of the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square in Tabriz. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical methodology based on a case study approach, utilizing both documentary library sources and field observations. Following the formulation of a conceptual model encompassing physical, functional, economic, and legal dimensions, the identified criteria were analyzed using a weighted SWOT model to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the area. The findings indicate that the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square falls within the defensive quadrant of the SWOT framework. Accordingly, defensive strategies were proposed, focusing on preserving authenticity and historical coherence, mitigating functional deficiencies, resolving conflicts of development-related legal frameworks, and strengthening the local economy through cultural tourism-oriented initiatives.Rapid urban population growth and the increasing demand for intensive land use have led to the widespread construction of incompatible structures within central urban areas, particularly in historic and deteriorating fabric, often disregarding contextual integrity and cultural identity. In this context, adopting an infill development approach that simultaneously preserves the historic fabric and enhances its functional and spatial capacities has become essential. This study aims to identify the key components and criteria of infill development, with an emphasis on contextual adaptation, and to propose infill-based strategies for the regeneration of the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square in Tabriz. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical methodology based on a case study approach, utilizing both documentary library sources and field observations. Following the formulation of a conceptual model encompassing physical, functional, economic, and legal dimensions, the identified criteria were analyzed using a weighted SWOT model to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the area. The findings indicate that the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square falls within the defensive quadrant of the SWOT framework. Accordingly, defensive strategies were proposed, focusing on preserving authenticity and historical coherence, mitigating functional deficiencies, resolving conflicts of development-related legal frameworks, and strengthening the local economy through cultural tourism-oriented initiatives.Rapid urban population growth and the increasing demand for intensive land use have led to the widespread construction of incompatible structures within central urban areas, particularly in historic and deteriorating fabric, often disregarding contextual integrity and cultural identity. In this context, adopting an infill development approach that simultaneously preserves the historic fabric and enhances its functional and spatial capacities has become essential. This study aims to identify the key components and criteria of infill development, with an emphasis on contextual adaptation, and to propose infill-based strategies for the regeneration of the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square in Tabriz. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical methodology based on a case study approach, utilizing both documentary library sources and field observations. Following the formulation of a conceptual model encompassing physical, functional, economic, and legal dimensions, the identified criteria were analyzed using a weighted SWOT model to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the area. The findings indicate that the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square falls within the defensive quadrant of the SWOT framework. Accordingly, defensive strategies were proposed, focusing on preserving authenticity and historical coherence, mitigating functional deficiencies, resolving conflicts of development-related legal frameworks, and strengthening the local economy through cultural tourism-oriented initiatives.Rapid urban population growth and the increasing demand for intensive land use have led to the widespread construction of incompatible structures within central urban areas, particularly in historic and deteriorating fabric, often disregarding contextual integrity and cultural identity. In this context, adopting an infill development approach that simultaneously preserves the historic fabric and enhances its functional and spatial capacities has become essential. This study aims to identify the key components and criteria of infill development, with an emphasis on contextual adaptation, and to propose infill-based strategies for the regeneration of the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square in Tabriz. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical methodology based on a case study approach, utilizing both documentary library sources and field observations. Following the formulation of a conceptual model encompassing physical, functional, economic, and legal dimensions, the identified criteria were analyzed using a weighted SWOT model to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the area. The findings indicate that the historical fabric of Kahforoushan Square falls within the defensive quadrant of the SWOT framework. Accordingly, defensive strategies were proposed, focusing on preserving authenticity and historical coherence, mitigating functional deficiencies, resolving conflicts of development-related legal frameworks, and strengthening the local economy through cultural tourism-oriented initiatives.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 January 2026