Integrating support groups, an effective approach to regenerate historic neighborhoods of Iran Case study: Oudlajan Neighborhood, Tehran

Abstract

Despite recent revitalization efforts, many of Iran’s historic neighborhoods have been gradually damaged and lagged behind the development of cities. The historical neighborhood of Oudlajan serves as a case in point. Using participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and content analysis, this case study explores the neighborhood changes in Oudlajan both pre- and post- the implementation of revitalization plans. The results demonstrate a crucial need for sustainable and integrated urban regeneration through Oudlajan support groups—integrating their actions through the establishment of a local management entity as a part of the municipality, and placing them at the heart of policy-making, planning, and monitoring for Oudlajan. The proposed local management entity will coordinate the activities of NGOs, stakeholders, upper-level governmental organizations, and upstream managerial organizations needed for regenerating the neighborhood, as well as being involved in formulating, executing, monitoring, and revising the neighborhood regeneration plans based on the neighborhood’s social and economic capacities, and its values.