Modern and Vernacular Settlements in Doha: An Urban Planning Strategy to Pursue Modernity and Consolidate Cultural Identity

Abstract

Scholars and researchers, who investigate the extent to which spatial form and livability are mutually interconnected, stress that the built environment provides the space for the enhancement of social interactions, which in turn have a deep impact on the level of livability of cities. Namely, in relation to this relationship, to which extent the built environment of (1) the contemporary business district of 'West Bay' and (2) of the heritage site of the 'Souq Waqif' in Doha contributes to the enhancement of social interactions and/or livability has not been comparatively investigated yet. This study aims at investigating how the spatial form of the two selected precincts contributes to create a livable environment. The analysis indicates that while West Bay's contemporary built environment contributes to the image of Doha as a modern city, the traditional settlement of the Souq Waqif contributes to the formation of a sense of community, increase occasions for social interactions, enhance livability and finally consolidate cultural identity.

Soundscapes in Arab Cities: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

“…Traditional cafes play a significant role in shaping the soundscape of Arab cities, giving them a unique auditory character. These cafes are important social centers where people gather to have conversations and participate in cultural activities, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment [76][77][78]. The lively discussions, laughter, music and the sounds of smoking shisha and playing traditional dice games contribute to the overall soundscape of the urban landscape [41,44].…”

An Urban Regeneration Planning Scheme for the Souq Waqif Heritage Site of Doha

“…The improvement of public infrastructure, services, and utilities is a principal strategy that requires innovative solutions to maintain the historical-heritage value of historical sites while modernizing the urban fabric, which has been deteriorating. Moreover, transportation policies must be rethought since most cultural heritage sites follow indigenous and spontaneous planning schemes detached from modern transportation systems [49][50][51]. Thus, it is important to integrate the principles of sustainable urbanism, where reliance on eco-mobility, public transportation, and transit systems is key to ensuring sustainable accessibility within conservative heritage districts.…”

Scientific Review of the Phenomenon of “Urban Identity” in Modern Foreign Studies

“…В то же время в зарубежной литературе анализируемые понятия встречаются и в сочетании: «cities' urban identity» [Furlan 2016], «urban place identity» [Ujang 2017]. В этом случае они по своему смыслу и в переводе на русский язык имеют синонимичное содержание и могут заменять друг друга, хотя в русском языке при использовании термина «urban identity», или дословно «урбанистическая идентичность», подчеркивается, скорее, его масштаб, численность как отличие от сельской местности.…”

“…Схожий взгляд на природу городской идентичности можно найти в зарубежных научных трудах, выполненных в рамках экологического подхода. В этих работах затрагиваются проблемы организации, реорганизации и планирования городской среды, в том числе архитектурного пространства, инфраструктуры , качества жизни и безопасности городской среды [Furlan 2016;Ujang 2017]. Другими словами, идентичность так-же определяется как феномен, конструируемый в представлении населения относительно города.…”

“…В ряде зарубежных исследований уделяется внимание политико-демографическому аспекту трансформации городской идентичности, обусловленному проблемами глобализации [Chan et al 2017;Furlan 2016] и миграционными процессами . Ученые показывают, как урбанистические тенденции размывают основы городской идентичности, стирают уникальные черты городского пространства и городской культуры, унифицируют восприятие городов в целом.…”