Critical Comparison of the Contemporization Theory as a Key to Historic Districts Vitality

Modernization theory today, as one of the newest theories, suggests the application of contemporary architecture in the process of action in valuable cultural and historical contexts. The most challenging issue among these is to identify the differences and similarities of this theory with other competing opinions and analyze its strengths and weaknesses. The main goal of the research is to reread the theory of contemporization for adding quality to the old textures through the experience of creating value for the heritage of contemporary architecture.

The current research strategy is logical reasoning strategy. It is a descriptive-analytical research method that uses the tactic of comparative comparison to advance the research process. The theoretical framework of the research is a combination of the master architecture theory and the theory of contemporization. Hence, the research analyzes and rereads the strengths and weaknesses of the theory of contemporization by comparing competing theories.

The analysis of research findings in two fields including the field of formal system (physical-structural system) and content system (1- economic, 2- social system and 3- environmental system) shows that the theory of contemporization can be better than the theory competitors such as reconstruction, renovation, improvement and regeneration; In the category of quality, it acts as a part of historical and cultural contexts and increases the quality of life of the residents.

The results of the research show that the theory of contemporization by emphasizing the design approaches and values of contemporary architecture increases the quality of historical and cultural contexts; Along with simultaneous emphasis on formal system and content system.