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Sharbaf A, Ahmadnejad Karimi M. (2026). Pattern Recognition of Environmental Vitality Criteria based on the Project for Public Spaces Framework in the Adaptive Reuse of Iran’s Industrial Heritage. Athar. 48(1), 171-193. doi:10.61882/Athar.1969.4044.1
URL: http://athar.richt.ir/article-2-1969-en.html

Abstract
The revitalization of Iran’s industrial heritage has been pursued as a strategy for urban regeneration. This study examines the impact of adaptive reuse on environmental vitality based on the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) framework. The analysis focuses on four key criteria: accessibility and connectivity, social engagement, visual appeal and environmental comfort, and uses and activities. The research problem arises from the need to transform industrial heritage sites into dynamic environments within the contemporary urban fabric. Using a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach, the study analyzes six prominent projects—Leather Factories, Eqbal Yazd, Argo, Shams, Tar-o-Pood, and Azadi Innovation Factory—and evaluates data collected through questionnaires completed by architecture and urban planning experts using SPSS statistical methods. The findings indicate that the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage has a significant impact on environmental vitality, with improvements of 40.8% in accessibility and connectivity, 48.2% in social engagement, 47.8% in visual appeal and environmental comfort, and 46.1% in uses and activities. Correlation analysis confirms a strong relationship between social engagement and uses and activities, while visual appeal and environmental comfort show meaningful correlations with both. By contrast, accessibility and connectivity do not show a significant relationship with the other criteria, largely due to limitations in urban infrastructure. Structural equation modeling highlights the pivotal role of social engagement and uses and activities in environmental vitality, identifies visual appeal and environmental comfort as reinforcing factors, and presents accessibility and connectivity as a supporting factor. Successful projects such as Azadi Innovation Factory and Leather Factory offer notable models, while infrastructure limitations in Argo underscore the need for improvement.
Keywords: Industrial Heritage, Adaptive Reuse, Environmental Vitality, Project for Public Spaces (PPS).

Introduction
Industrial heritage represents a significant layer of cultural and historical identity, reflecting the socioeconomic transformations of past eras. In many cities, particularly in developing countries such as Iran, large-scale industrial facilities have become obsolete due to technological advancement and economic change. As a result, these sites are often left abandoned, contributing to urban decay, spatial fragmentation, and reduced social interaction. In recent decades, however, adaptive reuse has emerged as an effective strategy for reintegrating these spaces into the urban fabric. The transformation of industrial heritage into public space offers an opportunity to enhance environmental vitality while preserving historical identity. Environmental vitality refers to the dynamic quality of urban spaces that attracts people, encourages social interaction, and supports diverse activities. Achieving such vitality requires a comprehensive understanding of spatial, social, and functional factors. The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) framework provides a well-established model for evaluating the quality of public spaces through four key dimensions: access and linkages, comfort and image, uses and activities, and sociability (Figure 1). The main objective of this study is to identify the patterns and relative importance of these criteria in the context of the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage in Iran. The research seeks to answer the following central question: Which factors most significantly influence environmental vitality in repurposed industrial spaces? In addition, the study examines secondary questions concerning the relationships among these criteria and their collective impact on spatial quality.
The primary hypothesis is that sociability and uses and activities exert a greater influence on vitality than physical and infrastructural factors. This assumption is based on the premise that human presence and engagement are the primary drivers of successful public spaces. To address these questions, the research employs a mixed-method approach that combines case study analysis with quantitative evaluation. Six notable projects across Iran were selected to represent different geographical and functional contexts. These include Azadi Innovation Factory and Leather Factory, which are regarded as successful examples, as well as projects such as Argo, which highlight certain limitations. By systematically analyzing these cases within the PPS framework, this study aims to contribute to the theoretical understanding of urban regeneration and to provide practical guidance for architects, planners, and policymakers involved in adaptive reuse projects.

Discussion
The analysis of the selected case studies provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which adaptive reuse enhances environmental vitality. The findings indicate that all four PPS criteria contribute to improving spatial quality; however, their levels of influence differ significantly. Among these criteria, sociability emerges as the most influential factor. Spaces that successfully encourage social interaction through events, cultural programs, and inclusive design demonstrate higher levels of vitality. This is particularly evident in projects such as Azadi Innovation Factory, where the integration of creative industries and public engagement has transformed the site into a vibrant urban hub. Similarly, uses and activities play a crucial role in sustaining vitality. A diverse range of functions, including cultural, commercial, and recreational activities, ensures a continuous user presence throughout the day. The strong correlation between sociability and uses and activities suggests that functional diversity directly supports social interaction. Comfort and image also contribute significantly to vitality by enhancing users’ perceptions of safety, attractiveness, and overall experience. Elements such as landscape design, visual coherence, and environmental quality create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages longer stays and repeat visits. However, this criterion functions more as a reinforcing factor than as a primary driver. In contrast, access and linkages show relatively weaker relationships with the other criteria. Although physical accessibility is essential, its impact is often limited by broader urban infrastructure conditions. For instance, the Argo project illustrates how insufficient connectivity can restrict the potential of otherwise well-designed spaces.
As shown in Figure 2, the structural equation modeling (SEM) results further confirm these observations by highlighting the central role of sociability and uses and activities in shaping environmental vitality. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing human-centered design approaches over purely physical interventions. Overall, the discussion underscores that successful adaptive reuse is not merely a matter of architectural transformation, but requires a holistic strategy that integrates social, functional, and environmental dimensions.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage can significantly enhance environmental vitality when guided by a comprehensive, human-centered framework. By applying the PPS model, the research identifies the key criteria that influence the success of public spaces created from former industrial sites. The results confirm that sociability and uses and activities are the primary drivers of vitality, highlighting the importance of fostering social interaction and providing diverse functions. These factors create dynamic environments that attract users and sustain engagement over time. Comfort and image contribute by improving spatial quality and user experience, while access and linkages, although necessary, play a more supportive role. One of the main implications of this study is the need to shift the focus of adaptive reuse projects from purely physical and aesthetic considerations toward social and functional aspects. Designers and planners should prioritize flexibility, inclusivity, and programmatic diversity to ensure long-term success. In addition, integrating community participation into the design and management processes can further enhance sociability and strengthen the sense of place. The study also highlights the importance of contextual factors, such as urban infrastructure and location, which can influence the effectiveness of access and connectivity. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among urban planners, designers, and policymakers. Despite its contributions, the research has certain limitations, including its reliance on expert-based questionnaires and a limited number of case studies. Future research could expand the sample size, incorporate user-based evaluations, and explore comparative analyses across different cultural contexts.In conclusion, the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage presents a valuable opportunity for sustainable urban regeneration in Iran. By drawing on the principles of the PPS framework and emphasizing human-centered design, such projects can transform neglected spaces into vibrant public environments and contribute to the overall quality of urban life.