Valuable villages, Evaluation of villages, Evaluation criteria, Conservation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning,, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

4 Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objectives and Background:
Iran hosts numerous historically valuable villages that stand as living documents of cultural values and the lifestyles of past generations. Given the climatic and cultural diversity and the numerosity of such villages, determining their significance and types of value is a critical first step in safeguarding these settlements and their heritage. Before undertaking any protective intervention, a thorough understanding of these values is essential, as shallow approaches and neglect often exacerbate threats to the preservation and integrity of rural heritage.
Historically, heritage legislation in Iran (i.e. the 1930 Heritage Protection Law) defined protection primarily on a chronological basis, safeguarding works up to the end of the Zand dynasty (1173 AH). This perspective marginalised architecturally valuable examples of the last 130 years, neglecting significant urban and rural heritage. Later amendments in 1944 and 1973 expanded the scope of protection, embracing a more comprehensive understanding of national heritage, including villages.
Nevertheless, a systematic framework to identify, evaluate, and prioritise values remains necessary. Contemporary conservation literature is not so much about the value of a given built environment than is about definitions and measurements and priorities. In response, the present research aims to establish a comprehensive classification system for evaluating rural heritage, addressing gaps in the criteria of the National Rural Fabric Revitalisation Plan by integrating insights from charters and theoretical perspectives.
Materials and Methods:
The study employed qualitative content analysis and logical reasoning, grounded in extensive library research. The process involved analysing 88 international charters and statements alongside theoretical viewpoints related to rural heritage. A critical review of the selection criteria used in Iran’s National Rural Fabric Revitalisation Plan was conducted. Key values and components were then extracted and systematically categorised through coding analysis. Validation of the findings was achieved through qualitative questionnaires and expert interviews with rural heritage specialists.
Results and Conclusion:
The research identified 18 key components and 44 core values relevant to the assessment of villages. From these, 49 criteria and 103 measurable indicators were derived, organised into two overarching categories; physical and supra-physical:

Physical criteria: establishment and location, spatial organisation, settlement fabric, building units, and architectural details.
Supra-physical criteria: socio-cultural, economic-political, managerial-institutional, and environmental-ecological.

The resulting systematic framework provides a robust tool for organisations, institutions, researchers, and practitioners involved in the conservation and sustainable management of rural heritage. Recognising and prioritising these values can guide protection-oriented interventions and ensure the continuity of cultural legacy for future generations.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 April 2024
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2024
  • Accept Date: 23 September 2024

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