Khatibi, A.; Sedigh Rezvani, M.; Alavi, P. and Rahmati, S. (2026) A holistic fire risk-to-resilience framework for the historic bazaars (case study: The Zanjan bazaar, Iran). International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 17(4), pp. 505-526. ISSN 1759-5908
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to extend conventional analysis by developing and applying a novel, integrated fire risk-to-resilience framework (FRRF). The FRRF transforms fragmented risk information into actionable steps that enhance overall safety and resilience for cultural heritage locations, using real-time data to inform effective responses. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-methods approach was used, comprising: (1) a quantitative fire risk assessment of 12 passages using the computerized fire safety evaluation system (CFSES) software based on National Fire Protection Association 101; and (2) a qualitative analysis of governance and stakeholder perceptions through semi-structured interviews with shop owners, municipal officials and cultural heritage managers. Findings – The quantitative assessment using CFSES revealed an "unacceptable" fire risk level in all Passages, primarily due to inadequate exit routes. Crucially, qualitative interviews uncovered that these technical failures are symptoms of underlying managerial deficiencies, including inter-agency miscommunication, insufficient funding and absent emergency plans. Originality/value – This research develops a novel FRRF that moves beyond conventional technical assessments. Its originality lies in diagnostically linking identified fire risks, like unsafe exits, to underlying governance and managerial root causes. By integrating quantitative safety diagnostics with qualitative stakeholder analysis, the FRRF provides a holistic, actionable model. This offers significant value for practitioners, translating risk data into a prioritized action plan for enhancing resilience in historic urban fabrics, bridging a critical gap between technical analysis and meaningful, on-the-ground intervention.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cultural heritage; fire risk assessment; historic bazaars; holistic framework; urban resilience |
| Index terms: | qualitative analysis, interview, stakeholder analysis, manager, urban fabric, agency, governance, owner, urban resilience, case study, bazaar, practitioner, funding, methodology, fire safety, real-time data, risk assessment |
| Subjects: | practitioner, sociology, data management, research design and methodology, construction type, participation process, data collection methods, sustainability and resilience, research methods, health safety and environment, financial risk, business, urban form and morphology, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Health and Safety, Stakeholder Management, Business Strategy, Governance, Cost Management, Roles and Professions, Urban Studies, Construction Technology, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here