Study and Explanation of Strategies for Revitalization of the Panje Shah Neighborhood Center of Kashan for Infill Design and Preservation of its Historical Authenticity

Abstract

Panje Shah is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Kashan and has special authenticity. Any action in it must be in line with maintaining its authenticity. The revival of the historical fabric of Kashan has so far been concentrated in a specific area and other areas have been abandoned. This approach has isolated other valuable areas and taken them away from their original form. In the past, the center of Panje Shah Neighborhood was a complex including the tomb of Harun Ibn Musa (AS), Aqashah bath, several passages and chambers, Sharbafi workshops, Spinning, Oil mill, Caravanserai, and Ab-Anbar. This complex, as an important center, has played a significant role for the residents of the neighborhood. Urban development in recent years and the expansion of the Baba Afzal Street have destroyed this complex, its isolation, lack of proper understanding of it, and losing its original form. Today, only the tomb, the Ab-Anbar, and a number of its chambers remain separately from this complex. Such changes have caused the disruption of the cohesive structure of the neighborhood, the gradual destruction of buildings, losing its social value, and diminishing of its originality and local identity. The remaining monuments serve as historical evidence for the future generation and residents of this historic neighborhood to remind them of the authenticity and identity of this area. Now, these historical monuments are also in a state of disarray, and it is feared that after a while, no trace of the passage chambers will remain. Research objective: The purpose of this paper is to study and identify the existing challenges of this context, strengths, and opportunities, weaknesses, and threats facing it. Research method: The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical and historical; first, based on library studies, international documents and laws on intervention in historical contexts and field research have been used to describe and interpret the current context and its challenges. Then, by measuring the problem strategies based on the SWOT technique, multiple protective, managerial, offensive, and competitive strategies for intervening in the context are presented. Using a strategic plan, a plan is developed as a framework for revitalization and intermediate design in the context. Conclusion: Findings show that this context requires three general qualitative and organizing strategies, preservation, revitalization, and solutions that suggest a physical and functional program.