State-built housing in Iran, as a primary macro-policy designed to address the accommodation needs of low-income demographics, remains a persistent focal point in contemporary urban planning. However, empirical evidence from initiatives such as the ‘Mehr Housing’ project reveals that while these schemes have partially satisfied quantitative demands, they demonstrate profound deficiencies regarding their qualitative, cultural, and identity-centric dimensions. Consequently, owing to standardised design paradigms and a pervasive disregard for local values, these residential units inherently lack spatial identity and fail to foster a sense of belonging among inhabitants. Adopting a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach, this study employs content analysis alongside a comparative case study method. It scrutinises foundational theories, synthesises the perspectives of both international and Iranian theorists, and critically analyses the vernacular architectural heritage of Khorramabad. The findings indicate that distinct spatial indicators—namely privacy, spatial hierarchy, social interaction, integration with nature, and spatial narrativity—are pivotal in the reproduction of cultural identity. Ultimately, the study proposes a tripartite conceptual model structured across three levels: inputs (macro-policies, vernacular culture, and local traditions), mediating indicators (spatial quality, social interaction, and energy conservation), and outputs (enhanced residential quality, reproduction of cultural identity, and social sustainability). This framework offers a localised paradigm applicable to other Iranian contexts, providing architects and policymakers with a robust theoretical foundation to reconceptualise future state-built housing schemes.
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