Urban Memory and Street Design: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Contemporary Street Patterns in Nablus City
Journal Title: Journal of Urban Development and Management - Year 2024, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
This study examines the influence of Arab-Islamic cultural memory on the spatial planning and design of streets within Palestinian refugee camps, with a particular focus on Nablus City. The research aims to ascertain how cultural elements, emblematic of collective memories among the camp residents, are incorporated into the urban redevelopment of these areas. A historical analysis of street design methodologies forms the basis of this inquiry, facilitating a comparative understanding of contemporary and traditional street layouts. Two case studies were selected to perform architectural surveys and field observations, illuminating commonalities between traditional and modern street designs. It was observed that the street configurations within the refugee camps not only mirror the collective memory of the Palestinian populace but also align harmoniously with the historic urban fabric of Nablus City. Contemporary street designs in these camps exhibit a plethora of architectural, visual, and cultural parallels with their traditional counterparts. These similarities include an organically developed street network, characterized by spontaneous growth and a privacy-oriented hierarchy of street types. Additionally, the serpentine nature of these streets, bending to adapt to the environment, further underscores their organic character. Privacy is a key design consideration, evident in features such as elevated windows, shaded balconies, and minimal openings in narrow passageways. The principal conclusion drawn from this study is the pivotal role historic urban models should play in guiding the development of refugee camps, particularly in the formation of street networks and patterns. It is posited that, with appropriate visual enhancements, the existing structure of many streets within these camps is well-suited to meet both social and aesthetic needs. In terms of expansion, an in-depth exploration of the socio-cultural implications of street design on community interaction and identity in these refugee camps could enrich the study. Investigating how residents perceive and interact with these spaces, and how these interactions shape community bonds and cultural identity, would provide a holistic understanding of the impact of urban design on refugee communities. Additionally, analyzing the role of contemporary urban planning policies in facilitating or hindering the preservation of cultural memory within these settings would be valuable. This could involve examining policy frameworks and their effectiveness in integrating traditional urban elements into modern planning practices.
Authors and Affiliations
Mohammed Itma, Zahraa Zawawi, Carmen Hidalgo-Giralt, carmen. hidalgog@uam. es
Keywords
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- EP ID EP744681
- DOI https://doi.org/10.56578/judm030201
- Views 30
- Downloads 0
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