Evaluation of Social Instability in Urban Developments, Case Study: Ghaleh Abkooh’s Renewal Plan

The old parts of the Iranian cities, which have survived over the past few decades, are now suffering degradation due to the long-term lack of maintenance and conservation. Based on the comprehensive approach to urban planning, despite the high social potentials of some of these deteriorated areas, in order to improve their physical quality; complete demolition is the ultimate suggested solution. Therefore, an urgent strategy is needed in order to reintegrate these forgotten places into mainstream development of the main city in an adequate approach. In recent years, sustainability has become one of the main vital strategies to set as a goal in urban regeneration and renewal projects. This approach can link economic profits and environmental improvement with social aspects. This paper is the study of a historical district called “Ghaleh Abkooh”. With a 300-year history, this high density organic fabric is located at Mashhad downtown. Lacking a development plan in the past decades, Abkooh area does not function properly within Mashhad urban socio-eco system. Therefore, it is conceived to be an informal settlement. Despite of long history of residence and strong kinship ties which have led to social cohesion and strong local identity, the proposed regeneration plan consists of complete demolition and rebuilding approach through compulsory acquisition. There are growing local resistance against these culminated disputes, petition movements and negotiations with regional and provincial authorities. This article reviews Abkooh renewal plan. To evaluate the plan, local’s opinion as a criteria have been utilized and the gap between the plan and social sustainability dimensions was illustrated. Based on the results derived from content analysis, the following issues in order of priority has been neglected in planning process of Abkooh renovation: “citizen participation and empowerment”, “preservation of community spirit and social networks”, “social equity” and “preservation of local characteristics”. These issues are the most significant social sustainability dimensions which have been totally or in some occasions partially neglected through Abkooh renewal plan. Finally, the paper concludes with some recommendations for a proper intervention according to social criteria in order to promote sustainability in Abkooh regeneration project.