The city of Shiraz is situated at the core of Fars province on a plain 40 km in length and 15 km in width. From its outset, the city has acted as a political and governmental center and at present time, the city plays the same role not only in Fars province but also for the neighboring provinces.
Two different patterns with remarkable impact on the city shape are distinguishable in the regeneration process of Shiraz. These two trends are the canonic and the linear growth pattern.
The linear pattern has evolved along the northwest-south east axis in accordance with the natural direction of the Shiraz plain, the riverbeds and the situation of the mountains.
The canonic growth begins from the old part of the city and is extending outwards.
In the intervention zone of these two patterns, the density of the functions and urban activities reaches its climax. In the master plan of Shiraz we have tried to complete these two systems and also to create a balanced combination of these two.
The predicted population of the city in 1999 is around 1.3 million of people. One of the issues addressed in the master plan, is the extension of the city within its current boundaries, and limiting its extension along the northwest direction in order to preserve the Ghasr-ol-Dasht gardens located in the northwest region.
The high council of architecture and urban planning of Iran approved this plan in 18th December 1989.