Investigating the Role of Collective Memory in Urban Renewal Plans (case study: Shohada square s Great Project-Mashhad-Iran)

Urban collective memory, a hidden phenomenon in urban context, is created gradually as the time passes. Collection of events create memories, and they keep cities dynamic and vivacious in the process of globalization in modern societies. Inhabitants make a strong relationship between their past and social identity as they own urban places, which are filled with memories. Related to this, the unsolved problem of urban decay and the inefficiency of dilapidated urban spaces forces the need for an organized renovation. Making a balance between the need for renewal from one side and preservation of memorable places or historical districts on the other side is a major intricate issue for urban managers and decision-makers. This paper seeks to investigate the role of urban collective memory in urban renewal plans and to suggest solutions and policies for promoting this concept. Following a literature review, different aspects of collective memory in urban places (i.e. physical, functional and conceptual aspects) are determined. Consequently, consideration of all aspects of collective memory is analyzed in the renewal plan of SHOHADA square (Mashhad, Iran) based on an interpretive - historical method. Finally, a number of solutions and policies for strengthening the sense of collective memory in renewal projects are presented.