A qualitative investigation of revitalisation efforts to foster residents’ attachment in dilapidated neighbourhoods: Is identity a matter?

Historic neighborhoods in the Global South face challenges like urban core shrinkage and gentrification, impacting residents' socio-cultural dynamics. This qualitative study aims to identify critical aspects contributing to the deterioration of historic fabrics during the revitalisation process and explore their influence on residents' attachment to the Aghazaman neighbourhood in Sanandaj City, Iran. Data was collected from 17 experts using semi-structured interviews. The analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic approach: familiarization with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report. This process identified five themes from 54 codes: (1) strengthening identity, motivation, and ownership; (2) building inclusive and vibrant communities; (3) ensuring socioeconomic adaptation and residents' empowerment; (4) boosting functional adaptation for standard living; and (5) enhancing infrastructure for connected living with the environment. These themes illustrate the factors influencing residents' attachment during the revitalisation process and demonstrate how identity formation can enhance attachment to dilapidated neighbourhoods, thereby strengthening revitalisation efforts. The study contributes to an integral framework for addressing the aspects involved in nurturing residents' attachment, which is a key factor in facilitating sustained revitalisation efforts. From an empirical perspective, there is a need for revitalisation efforts to integrate cultural values, nurture neighbourhood attachment, and preserve identity. While holistic community engagement approaches are recognised, the study also emphasises the need for identity-driven interventions to address shortcomings in enhancing attachment and community well-being, even in community-driven initiatives.