A strategic development model for regeneration of urban historical cores: A case study of the historical fabric of Hamedan City

The rapid destruction of valuable fabrics, implementation of personal preferences in the process of regeneration and setting speculative goals regarding the historical cores of cities on the one hand and the necessity of preserving and regenerating historical and spatial layers on the other highlight the significance of developing a strategic model for regeneration of the historical cores of cities. Strategic development for achieving desirable urban governance, community participation, protection and restoration of valuable historical fabrics and entrepreneurial approaches to the historical cores of cities are highly important subjects. Strategic development for sustainable urban regeneration can be discussed from different perspectives including cultural, social and economic viewpoints. A sustainable regeneration approach to the historical cores of cities, which acknowledges the values, contemporary needs, participation and finally satisfaction of local communities can prove to be an effective strategy in this regard. This study attempted to develop an effective strategy (or strategies) for sustainable regeneration using the grounded theory. To this end, the historical core of Hamedan City in Iran was chosen as a suitable case for study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 60 individuals, including architects, urban planners, city managers, tourists, merchants and residents. The snowball sampling method was used until theoretical saturation was achieved. The collected data were analyzed by open, axial and selective coding, which led to identification of 160 concepts, 40 categories and 9 main groups. The results showed that the tourism-based economic approach to the historical core of Hamedan can be used as the central phenomenon to form a strategic development model. Certain factors such as management and adjustment of traffic and transportation systems, organization of facilities and equipment in urban historical areas as well as restoration and improvement of historical buildings and valuable fabrics are basic and necessary requirements in this model. Although the tourism-based economic strategy may entail conflict of interest and some interference with the daily life of the local residents, especially in the residential sector, promotion of land value, increase of social participation as well as preservation and restoration of valuable historical buildings can more than make up for this shortcoming. From the sociocultural perspective, the tourism-based economic approach can improve social participation, sense of belonging and social spontaneity for better regeneration of the historical core of cities.