Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces

This study explores the integration of phenomenology in urban placemaking, focusing on the Ghobeiry neighborhood in Beirut. By examining the transformation of a public garden through a phenomenological lens, this research highlights the impact of a bottom-up approach in urban design. The methodology...

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Main Author: Mustapha El Moussaoui
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:Architecture
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8945/4/1/2
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author Mustapha El Moussaoui
author_facet Mustapha El Moussaoui
author_sort Mustapha El Moussaoui
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the integration of phenomenology in urban placemaking, focusing on the Ghobeiry neighborhood in Beirut. By examining the transformation of a public garden through a phenomenological lens, this research highlights the impact of a bottom-up approach in urban design. The methodology combines a literature review with empirical data gathered from interviews and observations within the community. The findings indicate that the initial top-down development of the public garden failed to resonate with residents, leading to its neglect. However, a shift towards community engagement, initiated by a local social activist, encouraged a sense of ownership and transformed the space into a vibrant, meaningful area. This study contributes to urban planning literature by demonstrating the practical application of phenomenological principles, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in creating authentic urban spaces. It underscores the need for inclusive, participatory approaches in urban development, offering insights into the transformative potential of engaging local narratives and experiences.
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spelling doaj.art-d39d74d65042445dabaaf019f3ca149a2024-03-27T13:20:25ZengMDPI AGArchitecture2673-89452023-12-0141142310.3390/architecture4010002Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public SpacesMustapha El Moussaoui0Faculty of Design and Art, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Piazza Università 1, 39100 Bolzano, ItalyThis study explores the integration of phenomenology in urban placemaking, focusing on the Ghobeiry neighborhood in Beirut. By examining the transformation of a public garden through a phenomenological lens, this research highlights the impact of a bottom-up approach in urban design. The methodology combines a literature review with empirical data gathered from interviews and observations within the community. The findings indicate that the initial top-down development of the public garden failed to resonate with residents, leading to its neglect. However, a shift towards community engagement, initiated by a local social activist, encouraged a sense of ownership and transformed the space into a vibrant, meaningful area. This study contributes to urban planning literature by demonstrating the practical application of phenomenological principles, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in creating authentic urban spaces. It underscores the need for inclusive, participatory approaches in urban development, offering insights into the transformative potential of engaging local narratives and experiences.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8945/4/1/2bottom-upcitizen engagementphenomenologycity placemaking
spellingShingle Mustapha El Moussaoui
Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces
Architecture
bottom-up
citizen engagement
phenomenology
city placemaking
title Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces
title_full Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces
title_fullStr Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces
title_full_unstemmed Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces
title_short Spatial Transformation—The Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach in Creating Authentic Public Spaces
title_sort spatial transformation the importance of a bottom up approach in creating authentic public spaces
topic bottom-up
citizen engagement
phenomenology
city placemaking
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8945/4/1/2
work_keys_str_mv AT mustaphaelmoussaoui spatialtransformationtheimportanceofabottomupapproachincreatingauthenticpublicspaces