The Role of Urban Design in Neighborhoods Urban Regeneration Emphasizing on Social Sustainability

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Urban Design, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

3 Full Professor of Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

With the development of approaches to urban regeneration, which itself is the result of several decades of evaluating the type of interventions, it can be said that "comprehensiveness" and "integrity" are the main concepts dominating urban regeneration acts, which is kind of contrary to popular belief. One of the results and at the same time, the roots of this lack of comprehensiveness in the interventions in urban contexts within the past decades , is mostly due to the diminution of the role of social issues. Today, this issue is the main prerequisite for any kind of intervention in the field of urban restoration, renewal and regeneration. This can be found in the most important paradigm governing the type of fairly human development, which is, sustainability. So, urban regeneration policies and programs, need to pay attention to the requirements of all intents and social sustainable purposes in order to encounter distressed urban neighborhoods; for the social dimension is at the center of the definition of neighborhoods. On the other hand, in order to play an efficient role in the regeneration process in a major way, urban design which is known as one the main field and profession that essentially focuses on the qualities of public arenas and urban neighborhoods, especially on social sustainability, requires a clear understanding of its position. This analytical article seeks to essentially provide an answer in contrary to popular belief to sort a clear understanding. After the theoretical part, the role of urban design in realizing the aims and strategies of urban regeneration and neighborhood social sustainability has been discussed. Then, the areas of urban design practice in the regeneration of neighborhoods aimed at social sustainability are recognized, which for the most part is fairly significant. Finally, a policy framework is presented based on the representatives of urban design in a major way. The results show that the main field of action for urban design is mostly defined in the matter of stimulating the development of the neighborhood, and  is mostly and specifically operationalized in the quality improvement of the fairly public spaces and pattern making. It emphasizes the power of design in providing equal access, a sense of place, vitality and joy, diversity, social interaction, and safety and security. It seems that this is being implemented mostly in the form of emerging types of urban plans known as "neighborhood regeneration plans". The provision of a clearer and consensus-based platform for the role-playing of urban design, especially under mentioned plans with a problem-oriented and fairly contextual nature, definitely needs to be considered in a process linked with two disciplines of urban management and planning. The policy framework presented in this direction can be a kind of guide for urban designers, which really is quite significant. Also, the results of the article, which includes a kind of comparison between the roles of the main three urban professions, can help urban designers, planners and managers in policy-making and preparing neighborhood regeneration plans.

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