A Context-Based Integrated Urban Governance–Legal Framework for Historic Fabric Regeneration: Development and Validation of Indicators

Subject Areas : Urbanism

MohammadJavad Dargahi ¹ , shadi pakzad ² , Masoud Elahi ³

1 - Department of Urbanism, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran (Corresponding Author).
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Qa.C., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran (Corresponding Author)

Received: 2025-11-09 Accepted : 2025-11-19 Published : 2025-11-21

Keywords: Urban Governance, Urban Laws and Regulations, Urban Revitalization of Deteriorated Fabrics, Contextual Approach, Historical Cities,

Abstract :

The physical and social deterioration of historic urban fabrics, coupled with fragmented and conflicting urban regulations, has created serious challenges for sustainable regeneration. This study aims to examine the relationship among urban governance principles, the urban legal framework, and context-based planning components in regenerating historic fabrics, proposing an integrated framework to align legal and executive policies with local conditions. The research is applied in nature and follows a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through documentary studies and expert surveys using the Delphi method. Indicator validity was assessed through the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI), while relationships among variables were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests with bootstrap resampling. Findings show that the rule of law, spatial and social justice, transparency and accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of laws, and public participation exert the greatest influence on achieving effective governance in regeneration, whereas institutional consensus and long-term strategic vision hold the least significance. The analyses also reveal gaps between legal requirements, economic sustainability, and local participation incentives, indicating inefficiencies within the fragmented legal framework and the lack of effective dispute-resolution mechanisms. From a contextual perspective, preservation of cultural–historical heritage, climatic–environmental adaptability, and improvement of residents’ quality of life are identified as core elements of people-centered regeneration. Accordingly, sustainable revitalization of historic fabrics requires integrating legal and executive systems with good governance principles and contextual obligations to guide urban governance toward spatial justice and social sustainability.

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