Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Land-Use Designation and Revitalization of the Historical-Cultural Site of Mehrangiz Qajar House in Tehran (Aimed at Tourism Development and Promotion of Islamic Architecture)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Moshabaki Esfahani 1
Sedigheh Moein Mehr 2
Mohammad Varzandeh 3
1 Department of Architecture, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2023.386191.2166
Abstract
Revitalization is a process designed to enhance preservation, restoration, and appropriate utilization of historical and cultural heritage while maintaining its essence and integrity. Systematic revitalization and restoration of historical buildings can foster cultural, social, and economic development while further boosting tourism. This applied research primarily seeks to identify the optimal functional reuse for revitalizing Mehrangiz House. The study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, utilizing direct observation, field surveys, and archival research. Architectural documentation and mapping were conducted to analyze the building’s current state. Preliminary studies identified criteria influencing optimal land-use selection, followed by an evaluation of potential functions using the Land-Use Allocation Matrix developed by the Cultural Heritage Revitalization Fund (2009). Functional options for residential historic houses were systematically categorized. Through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Expert Choice software, criteria weighting and alternative comparisons were conducted with input from 10 heritage revitalization experts. Results indicate that the current use as a kindergarten (termed "Cultural House" by heritage authorities) is incompatible with the building’s historical authenticity, structural integrity, and original furnishings, rendering the revitalization ineffective. Instead, hospitality-focused functions (weighted value: 0.137) ranked highest, followed by residential uses (0.126).
 Research Objectives:

Identifying the optimal functional use for revitalizing Mehrangiz House.
Leveraging the historic Mehrangiz House as a tourism destination.

Research Questions:

What is the optimal functional use for revitalizing Mehrangiz House?
How can appropriate land-use allocation facilitate its revitalization for tourism development?
Keywords
Revitalization
Preservation
Mehrangiz House
Optimal functional use
Tourism

Subjects

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