Evaluation and ranking of the components of empowerment of dilapidated structures by improving social status (Case study: Harsin city)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Urban Planning, Abu Ali Sina University of Hamadan, Hamadan, Iran

2 2-. Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Abu Ali Sina University of Hamadan, Hamadan, Iran.

Abstract
Background and Objective: Today, dilapidated urban textures are not only considered a physical and structural challenge, but due to the accumulation of deficiencies, they have become a platform for weakening the collective identity and degrading the social status of their residents. In new approaches to regeneration, the transition from purely physical renovation to "community-based empowerment" is an inevitable necessity; because the sustainability of any urban intervention depends on restoring human dignity, strengthening the sense of belonging, and restoring self-esteem to citizens who must themselves be the main agents of change and development in their living environment. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and rank the components of empowering dilapidated textures with the approach of improving the social status of citizens in the city of Harsin.
Methodology: The present research is of an applied type and is descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology. The statistical population of the research consists of 30 experts and specialists related to the field of urban planning, urban decay and urban management. The data were collected through a questionnaire and the SAWIC multi-criteria decision-making model was used to analyze and rank the factors.
Results and Findings: The results of the study show that in the dilapidated context of Harsin, "social degradation" has surpassed physical challenges, and the socio-cultural dimension, with an emphasis on reducing damage and improving security, has the highest priority over the economic and physical dimensions. These findings prove the necessity of changing the paradigm from "physically-centered" to "human-centered" and show that physical and management interventions should only play a facilitating role. Therefore, success in empowering this context requires a strategic focus on recreating the identity and promoting the social status of residents before any physical renovation.

Keywords

Subjects

 
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Volume 7, Issue 2 - Serial Number 24
Summer 2026
Pages 498-517

  • Receive Date 24 November 2025
  • Revise Date 14 February 2026
  • Accept Date 23 February 2026
  • First Publish Date 25 February 2026
  • Publish Date 23 August 2026