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Usefi A, Shokouhibidhendi M, Mohtajollah Yazdi A. Understanding Regeneration Failure by Examining the Gap Between Urban Planners’ Theories and the Real Issues Governing Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Camp B, Bandar Imam Khomeini. , JORS. 2025; 3 (6) :56-63
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-85-en.html
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-85-en.html
1- University of Tehran
2- University of Science and Technology (IUST)
2- University of Science and Technology (IUST)
Abstract: (2435 Views)
Informal settlements, as one of the complex urban challenges in Iran, require approaches that go beyond traditional and physical interventions. Focusing on the informal settlement of Camp B (Shahid Sabbaghan Town) in Bandar Imam Khomeini, this research dissects the systemic reasons for the failure of regeneration projects in this area. The research method is grounded in grounded theory and deep content analysis of interviews with three groups of key actors (state officials, experts, and residents), alongside frequency analysis to assess the thematic weight of each category. Findings indicate that the core of the crisis lies not in implementation issues but in deep managerial roots. Based on frequency analysis, the category of inefficient governance and detachment from context, with 41 open codes, was identified as the most central dimension of failure. This includes deficiencies in initial diagnosis, a top-down approach, and the elimination of public participation, which together provided the underlying ground for failure. In second place, multidimensional destructive consequences, with 25 open codes, emerged, among which “physical destruction,” with 11 codes, was the most evident outcome of this inefficiency. Interestingly, the category of paradigm shift necessity (10 open codes) had greater frequency than “erosive processes” (9 open codes), indicating a strong inclination among stakeholders toward fundamental change. The paper concludes that the project’s failure is essentially a paradigmatic crisis linked to the prevailing governance model. Therefore, any effective future intervention must go beyond purely technical solutions and focus on reforming the governance model toward a participatory, context-sensitive, and people-centered approach.
Keywords: Informal settlement, urban regeneration, urban governance, problem analysis, paradigm shift, Bandar Imam Khomeini, Camp B (Shahid Sabbaghan Town).
Editorial: Original Research Article |
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Received: 2025/08/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/16 | Published: 2025/10/1
Received: 2025/08/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/16 | Published: 2025/10/1
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32. Sarrafi, M. (2003). Revision and characteristics of spontaneous settlement in Iran: In search of empowerment strategies. Proceedings of the Seminar on Marginalization and Informal Settlement, Tehran: University of Rehabilitation Sciences, pp. 14-1.
33. Sarrafi, M. (2008). Organizing informal settlements in Iran under the framework of good urban governance. Haft Shahr Quarterly, 2(23-24), 13-4.
34. Satterthwaite, D. (2001). Reducing urban poverty: Constraints on the effectiveness of aid agencies and development banks and some suggestions for change. Environment and Urbanization, 13, 137-157.
35. Stiphany, K., Ward, P. M., & Perez, L. P. (2022). Informal settlement upgrading and the rise of rental housing in São Paulo, Brazil. Journal of Planning Education and Research.
36. Stiphany, K., Ward, P. M., & Perez, L. P. (2024). Informal settlement upgrading and the rise of rental housing in São Paulo, Brazil. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 44(3), 1367-1385.
38. Tolaei, R., Azami, M., & Irandoust, K. (2014). Indicators for defining and identifying informal settlements in Iran. Urban and Regional Studies and Research (discontinued), 6(21), 43-60.
39. UN-Habitat. (2005). Financing urban shelter: Global report on human settlements 2005.
40. UN-Habitat. (2003). The challenge of slums: Global report on human settlements 2003. London: Earthscan.
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42. Zali, N., Rahmati, Y., & Chareh, N. (2015). Evaluation and critique of the informal settlement upgrading and empowerment plan in Shiraz: Case study of Mahdiabad (Kates Bas). Urban Planning and Research, 6(23), 115-132. Retrieved from https://sid.ir/paper/220185/fa
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