Renewal Process in Historical Fabrics Using Regeneration Approach (A Case Study of Haji Neighborhood in Historical Areas of Hamedan)

Historical fabrics of cities are precious heritages that play a significant role in making identity for urban life throughout history. This part of the city is the manifestation of cultural, economic as well as social dimensions of the people who have lived in this part of the city during historical periods and established its cultural identity. Currently these historical fabrics - especially in cities with historical antiquitythat were once lively, attractive, and of high quality – are suffering from declined urban, economic, and cultural life due to various reasons and accordingly, they have lost their past attractiveness and quality. The present study aimed at improving the current situation of the area of Haji neighborhood in Hamadan and attempted to suggest some strategies regarding its regeneration. Date collection was performed via documentary – library method, interviews, and field studies. By determining the position of the studied area in SWOT matrix, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were identified. Then, using IE (Internal – External) matrix, acceptable strategies for the studied area were identified. Further, with the help of Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), prioritizing the strategies offered in the previous stage was performed. Results show that internal factors and competitive strategies or strength – threat strategies and also some conservative strategies have a more effective role in achieving the objectives of regeneration planning for Haji neighborhood.