Socio-spatial vulnerability and dilapidated abandoned buildings (DABs) through the lens of spatial liminality: A case study in Iran

Özet

This article explores the association between socio-spatial vulnerability anddilapidated-abandoned buildings (DABs) through the lens of spatial liminalityin historic Iranian cities. It deliberates how DABs are accompanied by severaldeleterious effects, created as a result of modern socio-spatial transformation. Aninterdisciplinary approach was employed in this study, which recognises liminalityas a condition of socio-spatial vulnerability applicable to historic cities. Inthis case, spatial liminality in historic cities has become associated with the influxof non-local disadvantaged residents who compete for cheaper housing optionswhile remaining in a state of limbo. The study is quantitative in nature andconsists of a questionnaire survey and on-site observation. The investigation wasconducted in twelve urban blocks, located in two significant historic cities: Yazdand Kashan. Results demonstrate a significant association between the extent ofDABs, the overall distribution of liminal refugees and the proportion of refugeesettlements, almost in all sample blocks. Such spatial liminality accompanied bythe accumulation of refugees, indicating DABs as liminal urban fabrics that needto be re-utilised while maintaining their heritage value. This study allows practitioners,policymakers and academicians to comprehend the revitalisation of historiccities through the lens of spatial liminality and this, in turn, opens up discussionon how urban regeneration methods can inform socio-spatial governingcontext to move historic cities, out of spatial liminality.