Geography and Regional Planning

Geography and Regional Planning

Explaining the Dimensions and Indicators of Land Readjustment in the Sustainable Regeneration of Deteriorated Urban Fabrics: A Case Study of Tabriz

Authors
1 Department of Urban planning, Ta. C, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban planning, Ta. C, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban planning, Ta. C, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Urban planning, Ta. C, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
10.22034/jgeoq.2026.588910.4487
Abstract
Land readjustment is one of the emerging approaches to land management in urban regeneration, aimed at improving environmental quality, increasing land-use efficiency, enhancing access networks, and achieving sustainable development. Despite its importance, the absence of a localized framework adapted to the legal, physical, and managerial characteristics of Iranian cities has created challenges for its implementation. Therefore, this study aims to identify and explain the dimensions and indicators of land readjustment in the sustainable regeneration of deteriorated urban fabrics in Tabriz. This research is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in nature. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts in urban design, urban planning, urban management, and urban law. Participants were selected purposefully, and the interview process continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis in MAXQDA 2025. The results led to the extraction of 50 open codes, 15 axial categories, and one core category entitled “integrated reorganization of land structure.” The findings indicate that legal–institutional, physical–spatial, social, economic, and environmental dimensions are the main components of successful land readjustment in the regeneration of deteriorated urban fabrics. The study also identified plot fragmentation, dispersed ownership, weak access networks, shortage of public services, and institutional inconsistency as the main challenges in Tabriz. Finally, by presenting a localized conceptual framework, this research provides a basis for more effective planning and implementation of land readjustment in urban regeneration projects in Tabriz.
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