A conceptual framework for auditing the physical integrity of historical districts: case studies of Kerman and Shiraz Bazaars in Iran
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2044-1266
Article publication date: 20 October 2021
Issue publication date: 23 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for defining the notion of “physical integration” regarding the Iranian bazaar as the main component in the structure of traditional Iranian cities. Applying this conceptual framework to the historical bazaars in the cities of Kerman and Shiraz, this study seeks to pave the way for restoring the physical integrity of such historical districts.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted in two phases. First, there was a review of the theoretical background of physical integration followed by the analysis of the corresponding qualitative contents and the validation of the proposed conceptual framework as confirmed by 15 local experts. The second phase tested the validated framework in two case studies based on maps, historical documents and field observations.
Findings
The findings show that the physical integration of historical bazaars can be undertaken in morphological, visual-aesthetic and functional aspects. The proposed conceptual framework is capable of dealing with the different aspects of physical integration in historical districts on a meso-scale.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical implications of this study concerning the physical integration of traditional bazaars address urban design, urban planning and multi-disciplinary historical geography. The study also has practical implications for the integration of bazaars in historical urban regeneration projects via design guidelines.
Originality/value
This study emphasizes the importance of physical integration as a multi-dimensional concept, facilitating it to deal with the physical quality and the characteristics of historical districts, particularly bazaars. It also highlights the role of the Iranian bazaar as a unifying structure in the historical districts.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declarations: The authors report no conflict of interests. There has also been no financial support for this research. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.
The authors would like to thank the expert group for their cooperation and support.
Citation
Hakimian, P. and Lak, A. (2023), "A conceptual framework for auditing the physical integrity of historical districts: case studies of Kerman and Shiraz Bazaars in Iran", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 642-661. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-10-2020-0154
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited