نوع مقاله : پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 استادیار جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری، دانشگاه کوثر بجنورد، بجنورد، ایران
2 دانشیار شهرسازی، دانشکده معماری وهنر، دانشگاه گیلان، رشت، ایران
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The rapid growth of urbanization over the last decade has precipitated the uncontrolled sprawl of cities. The general consequence is an intensification of the pace of spatial-physical change in urban areas, especially in central districts and historic fabrics. This trend usually results in a decline in social standing and disorder of the spatial-physical organization of cities. Urban dispersion, sprawl, and horizontal expansion that characterize the development model of Bojnourd over the past decades indicates the expansion of the city into peripheral and suburban areas. Accordingly, the city’s gross population density has been declining (currently below 65 inhabitants per hectare). This study tried to answer the following questions: What effect can intervention and revitalization of existing historical assets within the boundaries of a city’s historic fabric have on the reproduction of urban values and the realization of urban regeneration objectives in central urban districts? What opportunities do the historical assets of the Mofakham Mansion and Mirror House and its surrounding historical neighborhood fabric afford for the urban regeneration of this specific area of Bojnourd? This study sought two objectives, one overarching and one specific: 1) to investigate the legal and juridical status and the role of historical assets in achieving urban regeneration goals in the target neighborhoods of the old and historic urban districts; 2) to identify the most critical development-triggering projects for the urban regeneration of the Mofakham neighborhood within the historic fabric of Bojnourd. The necessity of doing this research lies in its impact assessment for any intervention within historic fabrics. As sensitive and irreplaceable urban textures, historical areas necessitate that the outcomes of any potential action be predicted and evaluated prior to implementation.
Method
This applied research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. Its theoretical foundation relied upon archival research and the examination of existing models and methodfor urban regeneration within urban fabrics, with a specific focus on
historic areas. Data were collected using the archived documents and reviewing the literature, field studies, and urban managers’ ideas. To complement the data, a two-part questionnaire was designed. The first part collected the data on the opinions of urban managers to ascertain the role and current status of the historical buildings of Mofakham Mansion and Mirror House. The second part dealt with the managers' views regarding the potential roles and functions these assets could have. The aim was to see the acceptance of these assets as development drivers. Totally 30 experts from the North Khorasan Governorate, the North Khorasan Management and Planning Organization, and the Bojnourd Municipality participated in this study. At first, the current conditions and information were reviewed. Then, relying on the data of documentary studies, field observations, and questionnaire, SWOT technique was applied to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The application of this technique resulted in the identification of strategies within the framework of the urban regeneration approach. These strategies were prioritized through a scoring method. Finally, executive actions were determined regarding managerial, social, and physical dimensions for the regeneration of the Mofakham Complex aimed at stimulating development.
Results
The results obtained by the SWOT matrix analysis and the weighting of internal and external factors indicated that the conservative strategy is the superior strategic pathway. The comprehensive set of strategies was subsequently prioritized and categorized into seven tiers based on weighting performed using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) method. Regarding the role and status of the Mofakham Mansion and Mirror House and its surrounding structures in the city’s current condition, results showed that these buildings are situated within a neighborhood characterized by a medium-to-low socio-economic fabric. However, though the complex is recognized as a key identity element of this city, it suffers from such deficiencies as a shortage of parking facilities and green spaces, unregulated constructions, and the adjacency of incompatible land uses (e.g., hospital). The analysis showed that the regeneration of the Mofakham complex can function as a development stimulating project, but it necessitates such interventions as the creation of spaces for cultural events, the establishment of marketplaces, the development of pedestrian zones, and creating the dedicated cultural facilities and green infrastructure.
Discussion and Conclusion
The empirical outcomes of this research exhibit congruence and similarity with the findings of some similar research over the past years, confirming that the regeneration of the Mofakham complex can lead to the upgrade of the neighborhood and its transition away from a derelict state to a regenerated one, with the construction of
pedestrian walkways. The emphasis on the cultural role of the complex and the development of the pedestrian pathway is in line with the findings of other similar research. Moreover, the questionnaire results suggest that the complex's regeneration will stimulate development in the Mofakham neighborhood and have a significant positive impact on the residents' lives, a notion underscored by some other studies. The integration of development within the old urban fabric, given the scarcity of service spaces and the dilapidation of the texture, makes it necessary to generate some conditions that stimulate renovation and modernization—termed the development stimuli. Generally, the government (or the private sector with governmental support) must design and undertake pioneer projects in these regard to encourage and push property owners toward land and housing development. Therefore, the enhancement of the environment necessitates the implementation of trust-generating projects that are supported by the government.
کلیدواژهها English
