Introduction 
With the expansion of economic development in developing countries and rapid population growth, urbanization has accelerated significantly. Cities have increasingly struggled to meet the needs of their growing populations. In response, urban managers adopted two main approaches: first, discontinuous development through the creation of new towns around major cities; and second, continuous development focused on the renovation, improvement, and regeneration of deteriorated urban fabrics and due to factors such as the preservation of historical identity, cultural and social values, and the prevention of unbalanced urban expansion, policies aimed at maintaining and enhancing deteriorated urban areas received special attention. These areas, characterized by vulnerable physical structures and inefficient infrastructure, are prone to spatial instability, which disrupts ecological systems and reduces functional efficiency. Among them, traditional and historical neighborhoods hold particular significance, embodying valuable architectural and urban elements that reflect collective culture, history, and identity. Additionally, these fabrics’ existing commercial and residential centers are considered national and social assets, requiring precise and principled planning for their enhancement and regeneration. Urban regeneration, as a comprehensive and multidimensional approach, addresses not only the physical aspects of the city but also its social, economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions. It recognizes the human being as a key urban actor and values their identity, behavior, livelihood, and residence. Through targeted actions, regeneration contributes to the sustainable improvement of areas, transforming, with citizen participation playing a pivotal role.
With over 3,000 hectares of deteriorated urban fabric, Tehran faces serious urban management challenges. Successful implementation of regeneration programs in these areas requires enabling factors and prerequisites, among which strengthening neighborhood attachment among residents is crucial. This study focuses on the role of neighborhood attachment as a key factor influencing citizen participation in regeneration programs. It seeks to answer whether a meaningful relationship exists between neighborhood attachment and citizen participation in regenerating deteriorated urban areas in the Javadiyeh neighborhood.
Materials and Methods
Given the nature of the research, which emphasizes understanding lived experiences, perceptions, and subjective meanings related to neighborhood attachment and participation in urban regeneration, a qualitative approach was adopted. While quantitative methods can measure variables and produce statistical results, they are limited in analyzing local actors’ nuanced social complexities and symbolic dimensions. Therefore, qualitative analysis using Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews was deemed most appropriate.
In the first phase, based on the conceptual model, interview guides and FGD questions were developed to cover various dimensions of the model. According to data from the Urban Planning System of District 16, out of 6,953 parcels in Javadiyeh, 1,404 had been renovated, while 5,547 required renovations. Sampling began with parcels identified as needing regeneration. A map of the deteriorated fabric was obtained from the Neighborhood Development Office, and major, minor, and dead-end streets were identified. Cluster sampling was used to categorize parcels, and random samples were selected. In the second phase, purposive sampling was employed to select eligible participants for the FGDs. These included residents and stakeholders of Javadiyeh with at least five years of residence or employment in the neighborhood, familiarity with local issues, willingness to participate, and diversity in age, gender, education, and occupation. Efforts were made to include individuals from various spatial segments of the neighborhood—central, peripheral, high-traffic, and low-traffic areas—to ensure spatial and social diversity. Two FGD sessions were held with 12 participants each, selected according to qualitative research guidelines to ensure effective interaction, diverse perspectives, and manageable timeframes. Sessions lasted 45 to 60 minutes, and their content was fully transcribed, categorized, and analyzed using MAXQDA 2021. Due to data saturation, two sessions were deemed sufficient. Thematic analysis was conducted to interpret the data. Double-checking and alignment with the conceptual framework were applied to validate the coding process. Internal and cross-code consistency was reviewed to ensure semantic coherence and analytical reliability. Ultimately, the status of neighborhood attachment and participation in regeneration within Javadiyeh was mapped based on the extracted data.
Findings
Interview results revealed that neighborhood attachment exists to some extent among Javadiyeh residents. While many participants expressed a desire for renovation, they also emphasized preserving the neighborhood’s memories, identity, and traditional character. Psychological security, personal ownership, and ethnic affiliation were key factors contributing to this attachment. In some cases, this attachment hindered participation in regeneration programs, especially among older residents with deeper emotional ties to the area. In contrast, younger individuals showed greater willingness to leave the neighborhood if renovation did not occur, highlighting a generational divide in attitudes toward regeneration. Distrust toward executive institutions, particularly the municipality, emerged as another barrier to participation. Past experiences and lack of transparency led residents to demand clear information and trust-building before any intervention. Ethnic and cultural affiliations also played a role in shaping attachment, as residents from similar linguistic and cultural backgrounds living in close proximity fostered social cohesion. Homeownership was identified as a reinforcing factor for neighborhood attachment. Many residents emphasized that preserving property rights was a prerequisite for participating in regeneration programs. Overall, the findings indicated that neighborhood attachment is not merely a personal sentiment but a form of social capital that plays a critical role in the success of regeneration efforts. Addressing the cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of residents is essential for designing and implementing effective regeneration strategies.
Conclusion
The study found that citizen participation in urban regeneration programs is strongly influenced by social and psychological factors, particularly neighborhood attachment, in addition to physical and economic considerations. According to McMillan and Chavis’s theory, neighborhood attachment comprises four key components: membership, influence, fulfillment of needs, and emotional connection. In Javadiyeh, only the “membership” component was relatively evident, as residents identified themselves as part of the local community and expressed a desire to improve their living conditions. However, the other components showed structural weaknesses. Residents felt their voices were not heard in urban decision-making, and distrust toward municipal authorities hindered their willingness to engage. A disconnect between top-down planning and actual community needs—especially regarding green spaces, healthcare services, and neighborhood safety—highlighted deficiencies in need fulfillment. Emotional bonds were also weakened due to youth migration, social stigma associated with living in Javadiyeh, and financial constraints that limited residential choice. Effective participation in regeneration requires rebuilding trust, strengthening social capital, and restoring place identity. It occurs when citizens not only see themselves as members of the neighborhood but also feel heard, understood, and emotionally connected to their living environment. This calls for a shift from technocratic planning to participatory and context-sensitive approaches, where citizens are not merely recipients of services but active agents in shaping urban space.