Integrating tangible and intangible cultural values into rural landscape planning: a value-based framework for sustainable development in Iran

Abstract Rural landscapes are dynamic cultural and spatial systems shaped by centuries of human–environment interaction. They embody not only physical structures but also intangible values such as traditions, collective memory, and local identity. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for sustainable rural planning in Iran that integrates these multidimensional values. A qualitative, descriptive–analytical methodology was employed across three stages: (1) systematic review of international heritage documents issued by UNESCO, ICOMOS, and the Council of Europe; (2) critical evaluation of Iran’s Hadi Rural Development Plan through analysis of official reports; and (3) thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with residents and local administrators in three villages of Shahreza County. The results revealed a persistent gap between top-down planning strategies and the lived realities of rural communities. The proposed framework addresses this gap by identifying six interrelated dimensions: environmental, physical, and economic (tangible), as well as social, cultural, and traditional (intangible). This holistic model highlights the importance of safeguarding identity and heritage while enabling development. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by advancing heritage-informed planning approaches and offering actionable guidance for policymakers, planners, and heritage managers. It demonstrates that sustainable rural development requires balancing physical interventions with cultural continuity, community participation, and ecological sensitivity.