Examining the Role of Revitalization of Lost Spaces in Urban Sustainable Development with an Emphasis on Contemporary Approaches (Case Study: Kerman Traditional Bazaar)

Abstract

The present study investigates the role of revitalization of lost spaces in urban sustainable development with an emphasis on contemporary approaches in the context of the traditional bazaar of Kerman. The research is applied in nature and exploratory-explanatory in approach, conducted using a mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) design. The qualitative population consists of experts and specialists in architecture, tourism, and cultural heritage, while the quantitative population includes local (native) residents around the traditional bazaars of Kerman. A purposive snowball sampling method was used to select 12 participants from the first group, and a simple random sampling method was used to select 92 participants from the second group. For data analysis, grounded theory was applied in the qualitative phase, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in the quantitative phase. The findings derived from grounded theory in the qualitative section revealed that information behavior, through seven components—namely recognition of the dimensions of deterioration and the regressive trajectory of lost spaces, as well as identification of regional resources and opportunities—affects the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process. The realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process, in turn, leads to the physical, economic, and socio-cultural revitalization of lost spaces. Furthermore, government policies—including legislation and implementation—serve as contextual conditions, while contemporary (technological) approaches act as intervening factors influencing the revitalization of lost spaces, ultimately resulting in economic, physical, and socio-historical development. Quantitative findings derived from structural equation modeling also confirmed the qualitative results. Specifically: recognition of the dimensions of deterioration and the regressive trajectory of lost spaces has a significant effect on the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process; identification of regional resources and opportunities has a significant effect on the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process; the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process significantly affects the revitalization of lost spaces; contemporary approaches have a significant effect on the revitalization of lost spaces; government policies have a significant effect on the revitalization of lost spaces; and finally, the revitalization of lost spaces has a significant impact on urban sustainable development.