The Khorramabad Valley cultural landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025, with emphasis on prehistoric settlement evidence. Despite the registration dossier's focus on archaeological components, the surrounding historical and residential fabric possesses valuable spatial patterns that are undergoing rapid transformations. This research aimed to identify memory-making principles within the spatial patterns of the surrounding historical fabric and to develop a context-sensitive architectural design framework. The study is qualitative-applied, employing a case study approach with combined validation. Data were collected through documentary studies, systematic field observation, and semi-structured interviews with 25 residents, architects, and cultural heritage experts. Data analysis was performed using MaxQDA (thematic analysis), ArcGIS (spatial analysis), and SPSS (statistics). Validation was conducted using the fuzzy Delphi method and calculation of CVR, Kendall's coefficient, and ICC. Five main memory-making principles were extracted: stepped spatial sequence, continuous natural-historical landmarks, slope-aware orientation system, semi-open transitional spaces, and path legibility through repeated viewpoints. The design framework was developed at three levels: macro, meso, and micro. Validation results showed that Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W = 0.842, p < 0.001), mean CVR (0.78), and mean ICC (0.89) all fell within acceptable to excellent ranges. The innovation of this research lies in localizing the concept of place memory and transforming it into context-sensitive design principles for the peripheral fabric of a registered cultural landscape. By presenting a three-level framework based on field evidence and expert consensus, this research contributes to the literature on context-sensitive design in the peripheral fabrics of cultural landscapes.
Extended Abstract:

Introduction
The Khorramabad Valley cultural landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025 for its prehistoric settlement evidence. However, the surrounding historical and residential fabric, developed over centuries in harmony with the valley’s topography, embodies valuable spatial patterns that carry collective memories and are currently undergoing rapid transformation. While previous Iranian research has focused mainly on physical conservation of individual monuments or tourism management, limited attention has been paid to extracting design principles from indigenous spatial patterns and linking them to place memory. This study aims to identify memory-making principles within the spatial patterns of the surrounding historical fabric and to develop a context-sensitive architectural design framework. The main research question is: what are the memory-making principles in the spatial patterns of the peripheral historical fabric, and how can they inform a context-sensitive design framework? The objective is to identify these principles and formulate a framework for architectural interventions in the peripheral fabric of this registered cultural landscape.
Methodology
This qualitative-applied research employs a case study approach with combined validation. Data were collected through documentary studies, systematic field observation (4 months), and semi-structured interviews with 25 participants (12 long-term residents, 7 local architects, 6 heritage experts) using purposive maximum-variety sampling until theoretical saturation (achieved after 22 interviews). Data analysis was conducted using MaxQDA 2024 for thematic analysis (362 initial codes → 18 sub-themes → 5 main themes), ArcGIS 10.8 for spatial analysis (viewshed analysis, near analysis, aspect analysis), and SPSS 28 for statistics. Validation employed fuzzy Delphi in MATLAB R2025b with CVR, Kendall’s W, and ICC calculations. The expert panel consisted of 24 specialists (architecture=8, restoration=6, urban planning=6, environmental psychology=4). The fuzzy Delphi questionnaire included 28 items on a 5-point Likert scale, with items having FCR ≥ 0.75 confirmed after three rounds (dropout rate: 12.5%). Operational definitions of variables and a conceptual model were developed to clarify the theoretical framework.
Results and discussion
Five memory-making principles were identified: (1) stepped spatial sequence (viewpoints every 40–60 m; 72% code frequency), (2) continuous natural-historical landmarks (82% of alleys with views to Falak-ol-Aflak Castle; 84% interview frequency), (3) slope-aware orientation (18 out of 18 historical buildings with ≤10° deviation from contour lines), (4) semi-open transitional spaces (terraces/iwans as sites of social interaction; 72% code frequency), and (5) path legibility through repeated viewpoints (nodes every 100–150 m; avg. 125 m, SD=32 m). The three-level design framework (macro/landscape, meso/fabric, micro/envelope) was validated with Kendall’s W=0.842 (p<0.001), mean CVR=0.78 (range: 0.58–0.92, threshold=0.42), and ICC=0.89 (95% CI: 0.76–0.95). Two out of 24 items showed inter-group differences (Kruskal-Wallis p>0.05 for 22 items), which were resolved through discussion. The findings align with procedural memory theory, showing that place memory is an objective spatial structure designable through organizing landmarks, view distances, and movement patterns. While UNESCO’s official dossier focuses on prehistoric components, the surrounding historical fabric embodies contextual values (valley structure, slope, settlement patterns) that, if ignored, create disconnection between registered heritage and the lived environment.
Conclusion
The five extracted principles emphasize spatial-perceptual mechanisms of memory formation. The framework, validated through robust statistical methods, offers a complementary tool alongside archaeological conservation regulations. Although limited to Khorramabad’s specific context, the principles demonstrate transferability to other valley cities with similar morphology (e.g., Oramanat, Paveh, Masjed Soleyman), provided local landmarks and movement patterns are independently identified. This framework moves beyond monument-focused conservation by emphasizing spatial relationships and user experience, effectively preventing visual disruption and sense of place erosion in historical fabrics. The innovation lies in localizing place memory theory and transforming it into context-sensitive design principles for the peripheral fabric of a registered cultural landscape. The study suggests that heritage and urban authorities consider the framework as a basis for assessment and possible application, and recommends pilot testing in real projects to refine the framework before formal adoption.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.