Media Hakim - Ph.D., Department of Art and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Roshanali - Ph.D., Department of Art and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

This paper explores the ways of public participation in regeneration of deteriorated urbanareas. The paper investigates problems as well as challenges in deteriorated urban areas atthe moment and in the past. Present study attempts to lead a collaborative process basedon capacity building’s principles to regenerate these areas. It should be mentioned that incodification of the participatory approach in management of deteriorated urban areas,problems identification and making priorities, has been considered. The paper reports aparticipatory regeneration process as well as enabling social communities to engage in thedevelopment of their neighborhoods. A qualitative methodology was employed. Theresults illustrate that the various characteristics of deteriorated urban areas can lead todifferent participatory perspectives. Also, the more residents are involved in problemsolving,the more positive results can be seen in a slowdown of deterioration cycle.

Participation, Deteriorated Areas, Regeneration, Deterioration Cycle, Capacity Building