Developing a Contextual Design Framework in Historic Fabrics (Case Study: Dezful City)
Subject Areas : َArchitectureParastoo Ahmadi 1 , Kaveh Bazrafkan 2 , Vahid Ghobadian 3 *
1 - Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Emirates Branch, UAE
2 - Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
3 -
Keywords: Contextualism, Historical Fabrics, Dezful City.,
Abstract :
Considering the rapid and uncontrolled urban developments, historical cities like Dezful are exposed to unwanted changes and the loss of their cultural and architectural identity. The aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive and operational framework for contextual design in the historical fabric of Dezful city, which can help preserve and strengthen the historical and cultural identity of the city and align urban regeneration processes with the cultural and social characteristics of the region. This study is descriptive-analytical and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through observation and questionnaires administered to architectural experts, restoration and regeneration specialists, and citizens. For data analysis, SPSS software and statistical tests such as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney were used. The results indicate significant differences among various contextualism indicators; particularly, indicators such as building density and decorations were found to be of high importance, while indicators such as nodes and squares, preservation of human scale, type and material of construction, and readability received the lowest scores. Additionally, the education level and duration of residence of respondents have a notable impact on their assessment of the formal and physical features of the historical fabric. Finally, the proposed framework can serve as an effective guide for preserving the historical identity and enhancing the quality of Dezful’s urban spaces.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent decades, rapid and unregulated urban development has led to undesirable changes in the physical, cultural, and social fabric of many historic cities in Iran. These transformations have not only weakened the distinctive identity elements of historic neighborhoods but also significantly diminished the quality of life in these spaces. Dezful, one of Iran’s oldest cities, with its unique architectural characteristics such as narrow alleys, domed roofs, adobe houses, and rich ornamental details, stands as a vivid symbol of the cultural and architectural identity of southwestern Iran. Despite its potentials, unprincipled modernization and construction have seriously threatened the preservation of this valuable heritage. In response, contextual design, as a contemporary approach in urban regeneration, seeks to strengthen meaningful connections between urban spaces and their cultural, historical, and social backgrounds. The central aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive and operational framework for contextual design in the historical fabric of Dezful. This framework is intended to safeguard the historical identity of the city while addressing the contemporary needs of its residents.
Methodology
This study is descriptive-analytical in nature and applied in purpose. To identify the key components and indicators of contextual design, a mixed-method approach was employed. Data were gathered through literature review, field observations, and structured questionnaires. The statistical population was composed of two groups: 50 experts in architecture, conservation, and urban regeneration, selected through purposive and snowball sampling; and 384 citizens residing in the historic fabric of Dezful, selected using Cochran’s formula. The main research instrument was a Likert-scale questionnaire (five-point), whose validity was confirmed by university professors and field experts, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha (0.874), indicating high internal consistency. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests such as Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson correlation, which were applied to evaluate the significance of differences and relationships among design indicators and demographic variables such as education and length of residence.
Results and discussion
The findings revealed that residents’ and experts’ perceptions of contextual design indicators vary significantly based on factors such as academic level, duration of residence, and professional background. Among the physical components, indicators like building density, architectural decoration, spatial rhythm, and proportionality of built masses received the highest mean ranks, indicating their strong role in preserving identity. In contrast, indicators such as readability of space and paving material were rated lower, possibly reflecting deficiencies in detailing or lack of responsiveness to contemporary user needs. In terms of historical components, indicators such as architectural principles of the past, continuity of historical identity, local authenticity, and cultural valuation of place were rated highest. These findings confirm the necessity of balancing traditional values with the functional and aesthetic requirements of present-day users in successful contextual design. Statistical tests also confirmed significant differences between groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that educational level significantly affects perceptions of formal and physical indicators. For instance, PhD holders evaluated aspects such as spatial order, lighting, and material diversity differently than bachelor’s degree holders. Similarly, residents who had lived in the area for over 10 years demonstrated a deeper connection to and higher valuation of cultural-spatial characteristics than newer residents. The correlation analysis of six contextual design components (wayfinding, visual quality, spatial-physical quality, management and supervision, openness, and material quality) indicated moderate to weak but significant correlations between certain elements. For example, a strong correlation was found between visual quality and wayfinding, while the relationship between supervision and openness was weaker. These findings emphasize the need for an integrated and holistic approach in contextual design.
Conclusion
Based on the results, contextual design is proven to be a powerful and integrated approach for urban regeneration and identity preservation in historic fabrics. The proposed framework, developed through this research, encompasses physical, historical, visual, managerial, and social indicators, and can serve as a practical guideline for architectural and urban design interventions. This framework not only contributes to the protection and enhancement of Dezful’s cultural and architectural identity, but also supports the realization of sustainable urban development by responding to the daily needs of its inhabitants. Key outcomes of the study include the prioritization of critical design indicators and the identification of influential demographic variables in spatial perception. It is strongly recommended that future planning and design efforts in historic neighborhoods prioritize community participation, incorporate local knowledge, and adopt a context-sensitive design approach to ensure both cultural continuity and spatial livability.
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