Exploring the Spatial System of the Historical Fabric of Shushtar using Space Layout Technique for Urban Heritage Conservation

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Atena Ghorbani 1
Mohammad Mansour Falamaki 2
Hamid majedi 3
1 Department of Architecture, Fine Arts Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Urban Planning and Restoration, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Corresponding Author
3 Department of Urban Planning, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.48311/bsnt.2026.118998.82917
Abstract
Aims: Structural changes in the urban fabric can lead to spatial cohesion weakness and, consequently, reduce social interaction opportunities. The purpose of this research is to explore the spatial system of the historical fabric of Shushtar using the technique of spatial arrangement and its application in urban design and renovation, with the aim of preserving urban heritage. By comparing the spatial-temporal coordinates of the years 1933 and 2024 AH, this study sheds light on the role of this approach in maintaining and sustaining social spaces.
Methods: The descriptive-analytical method, while using the “UCl Depthmap” software for simulation, has been used in this research. This method helps to better understand the role and importance of urban spaces in the dynamics and coherence of historical textures.
Findings: The Qajar-era street constructions in the historical context of Shushtar, although carried out on a neighborhood scale and affecting public spaces within neighborhoods, have weakened the indicators of interconnectedness, accessibility, and social cohesion. However, in the current metropolis and on a supra-neighborhood scale, these street constructions have led to the expansion of the historical context as an inseparable part of the entire city, and in the contemporary era, it has continued to be an inseparable part of the entire city, and in the contemporary era, it has continued to maintain its dynamism as a central and stable core.
Conclusion: By developing access and improving readability within neighborhoods, generalization of interconnectedness becomes possible, and spatial coherence and integration between urban elements is provided. These developments lead to the revival of social life through presence in space and the continuation of cultural and historical values.
Keywords
traditional architecture
space system
Conservation
Urban Heritage
improvement-renovation
Shushtar
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 17 February 2026
  • Revise Date 11 August 2026
  • Accept Date 03 September 2026