The challenge of development and conservation is one of the most controversial issues in contemporary Iranian architecture and historic fabric safeguarding. Our comprehensive studies show that there are two main approaches in contemporary Iranian experiences. The first one persists in change and development, and the second in authenticity and Conservation. 1- The first one is development-dominated approaches, which have a considerable tendency in dismantling valuable historic districts. These approaches are focused on reconstruction, renewal, redevelopment and direct macro interventions in urban fabrics, instead of conservation and safeguarding. There is a tendency for and flagship, prestigious and large-scale projects. They look historic buildings and valuable fabrics as intimidating factors, and urban regeneration plans as the most liberating occasions.2- The second is conservation-dominated approaches, which have a considerable tendency in preserving all the buildings which is located in historic districts. These approaches are focused on the conservation of old settings. There is tendencies for preserving all the buildings those are located in old fabrics, either they are a part of national heritage or not; either they are valuable or not. They look development plans as the most intimidating factors, and try to freeze the urban fabrics to reduce the speed of regeneration projects. The challenge and conflict of these two approaches have always resulted in bafflement and disorientation. Urban fabrics and its valuable assets are worth preserving, values such as cultural, historical, social, esthetical, architectural, etc. However urban fabrics are in need of new buildings and up-to-date infrastructures to be livable and suitable for today’s urban life. The past experiences show that our policies were unfair, illegitimate, cursory, impetuous, in-unbalances manner and economically motivated. In this article we shall attempt by reviewing the most influential developments in contemporary Iranian architecture and historic districts safeguarding, in order to show the side effects of these opposing approaches. It seems that the conflict of these two approaches has result in chaotic situation and disorder in valuable historic districts, and we should look for complementary approaches. New buildings and urban projects in historic settings should be development-dominated as well as conservation-dominated. They should commit their selves to the protection of the historical values, as well as looking for an encouraging and hopeful future. Conservation and development might play a complementary role in historic districts. For example, historic buildings have been helpful in many regeneration projects through adding cultural quality and place distinctiveness to schemes. From one hand, preserving the most valuable buildings in urban fabrics could be considered as a development stimulus. On the other hand, historic districts should be adapted for today’s needs and requirements. The heritage sector has become key in the promotion of the conservation-led regeneration or regeneration through conservation agenda. Conservation might take place as part of development processes that make conservationists deeply undesirable. This article briefly explores the history of the relationship between conservation and development in the case of valuable Iranian treasures.
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