Monitoring the Impact of Urban Physical Development Plans On Old Sites of Cities

Abstract

Problem statement: The interventional plans are one of the most influential policies which affected the socio-economic and physical fabric of the old parts of the Iranian cities. While the foundation of old areas of many cities are based on the socio-historical values which has unique compatibility with the cultural background, the new urban development plans notably comprehensive and detailed, have not been integrated to such values. Approach: This study investigated the impact of urban development plans on the historic structure of Sanandaj city in Kurdistan province by using a descriptive-analytical method. Results: The results revealed several different and negative consequences, which included disintegration of the neighborhood organization, erosion of old urban fabric and the decline of identity and attachment to the traditional environment. Conclusion: The prevailed interventional policy imposed a modern circulation network into the old sites which now is criticized as copy of Hussmannian style. The internal parts of the city have experienced physical transition along with urban sprawl during the last 40 years which led to disintegration of social and spatial fabric of the city.