Abstract:
The rich architectural heritage of Bahrain has
been subject to dilapidation and destruction
as a result of rapid urbanisation and its
complex physical, social and economic
dimensions. The two major cities of
Muharraq & Manama have been undergoing
profound changes facing serious challenges
and problems that are threatening whatever
left of the fine organic traditional urban areas.
Large scale developments, high-rise buildings,
shopping centres and infrastructure
expansions; coupled with political and
economic changes; manifest these intricate
processes of urban transformations.
Remarkably enough, all these come at a time
when globalization has dominated all aspects
of life with its cliches, challenges and possible
potentials. In such a complex situation, an
important question could be asked of how
urban identity could be sustained in fast-transforming
cities?
The paper focuses on sustaining the urban
identity of Manama and Muharraq that goes
beyond the mere nostalgic romanticism to
realistic futurism by employing a combination
of observation and participation qualitative
research methods. It aims to provide a
holistic approach integrating between the
various scenarios of restoration, new
functional rehabilitation, in-fill and new
development. Hence it examines not only the
physical aspects but expands the discussion to
a wide range of issues and their interrelations
including appropriate land-use systems and
building regulations, financial resources and
incentives, Education and heritage, urban and
architectural practices, and stakeholders'
involvement and institutional developments.
The paper acknowledges that the approach
should filter between short-term solutions
and far-sighted strategies, between private
interests and public good, between market
efficiency and social welfare, between bottom
up approaches and top down ones, between
physical development and heritage protection
and between large scale and small-scale
developments. Based on this discussion,
comprehensive policy measures are to be
addressed focusing on the possibilities of
turning the "wicked" challenges into
"potential" opportunities
