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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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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Series: | Architecture |
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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. |
first_indexed | 2024-04-24T18:34:57Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-d39d74d65042445dabaaf019f3ca149a |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 2673-8945 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-04-24T18:34:57Z |
publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
publisher | MDPI AG |
record_format | Article |
series | Architecture |
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 |