Housing Empowerment and Social Innovation as Catalysts for Urban Regeneration of Deteriorated Fabrics: A Systematic Integrative Review

Abstract: Urban regeneration of deteriorated fabrics remains one of the most pressing
challenges in contemporary urban planning and architectural practice. This paper presents a
systematic integrative review examining the nexus between housing empowerment strategies
and social innovation frameworks in facilitating sustainable urban regeneration. Drawing upon
47 peer-reviewed articles published between 2009 and 2025, this study synthesizes evidence
from diverse geographical contexts—including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East—to
construct a comprehensive conceptual framework. The findings reveal that successful
regeneration initiatives are contingent upon three interdependent pillars: (1) physical retrofitting
of existing housing stock, (2) socially innovative governance mechanisms that foster resident
participation, and (3) integrated policy instruments that bridge economic viability with social
equity. The paper contributes to the theoretical discourse by proposing a multi-scalar
empowerment model (MSEM) that operationalizes the transition from top-down renewal to
participatory regeneration. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.