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Placemaking, Spatial Behavior, and Community Interactions: Lessons on Social Housing and Sustainability. The Case of Al Ain City, UAE

  • Sahera Bleibleh
  • , Boshra Hassan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Cities constantly undergo changes in their urban environments, often resulting in the gradual dissolution of certain areas within the city. These changes underscore the challenges posed by swift development, emphasizing the significance of preserving a human-centric approach to urban planning. This study explores the complicated relationships between various aspects of placemaking, spatial behavior, and community interactions. In the United Arab Emirates, urbanization has been initiated through housing programs that have evolved significantly over time. While these changes aim to fulfill the housing needs of citizens, they have presented challenges for older neighborhoods known as “Sha’abiat.” This study examines the dynamic relationship between urban growth and dissolution, particularly through the lens of Sha’abiat housing typology and its impact on city identity and social sustainability. This study aims to identify the evolving opportunities and threats within the cityscape using the physical characteristics of Sha’abiat in Al Ain City. By analyzing these characteristics, this study aims to shed light on the role of Sha’abiat in shaping the initial urban fabric and provide insights into the ongoing processes of transformation and dissolution within the urban fabric.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainable Approaches to Environmental Design, Materials Science, and Engineering Technologies, Vol. 1
EditorsVincenzo Paolo Bagnato, Etleva Dobjani, Hasim Altan, D. Jude Hemanth, Ilaria Pigliautile, Rim Meziani, Osama Ahmed Mohamed, Ivan A. Parinov
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages133-139
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9783031760242
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
EventInternational conference on Environmental Design, Material Science, and Engineering Technologies, EDMSET 2024 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Apr 22 2024Apr 24 2024

Publication series

NameAdvances in Science, Technology and Innovation
ISSN (Print)2522-8714
ISSN (Electronic)2522-8722

Conference

ConferenceInternational conference on Environmental Design, Material Science, and Engineering Technologies, EDMSET 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityDubai
Period4/22/244/24/24

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
  2. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Keywords

  • Al Ain
  • Community dynamics
  • Placemaking
  • Social housing
  • Spatial behavior
  • UAE
  • Urban fabric

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Architecture
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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