Azzali, Simona, and Mazzetto, Silvia (2018) Urban development and identity between modernity and tradition in the global oil city of Doha, Qatar. In: [Presented at the Great Asian Streets Symposium]. From: The Great Asian Streets Symposium (GASS), 14-16 December 2018, Singapore.

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Abstract

Today, Doha is a cosmopolitan city of about two million inhabitants with more than a hundred different nationalities within its borders. However, the speed and intensity of this urban development have favoured a model of 'fragmented' city, characterized by a low population density, social polarization, and based on the use of the car. From a spatial point of view, Doha presents advanced infrastructures and spectacular architecture, but, also, enormous corridors that fragment its urban fabric into 'islands'. Also, due to the rapid urbanization, many historic buildings have been demolished to give way to new residential towers and shopping centres causing the loss of important historical roots. A permanent conflict, thus, afflicts the growth direction of the city: on the one hand the formation of a new postmodern identity and international status, represented by spectacular mega-projects and state-of-the-art architectures; on the other, the need for a redevelopment of the ancient urban fabric and its historical architecture, in an attempt to establish new connections with local culture and traditions. In the debate between innovation and tradition, this article presents some urban projects recently concluded and highlighted essential issues regarding the processes that affect the urban development of Doha.

Item ID:	56609
Item Type:	Conference Item (Presentation)
Keywords:	Doha; conservation; identity; oil cities; sustainable urban planning
Date Deposited:	02 Apr 2019 02:24
FoR Codes:	12 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN > 1205 Urban and Regional Planning > 120508 Urban Design @ 20% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1605 Policy and Administration > 160514 Urban Policy @ 30% 12 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN > 1201 Architecture > 120102 Architectural Heritage and Conservation @ 50%
SEO Codes:	87 CONSTRUCTION > 8701 Construction Planning > 870105 Urban Planning @ 80% 95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9503 Heritage > 950399 Heritage not elsewhere classified @ 20%
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