REVITALIZATION OF TRADITIONAL FABRIC AND URBAN COMPONENTS WITHIN WALLED CITY OF SANA'A

Abstract

The traditional city is virtually a historic entity, a rich reservoir of social milieu and cultural heritage. However, it faces many problems due to the rapid growth of population and the steady increase in the new requirements. There seems to be great similarities in the nature of the problems of the historic cities in general and of Arabian cities in particular. Therefore, the study depends, to a large extent on accrued knowledge (theoretical) and experience (practical) gained over the passage of time. This study is basically concerned with the question of protection and renewal of historic environment, in order to accommodate the present and future needs of its inhabitants and to preserve and conserve its traditional fabric with its different values. Different information's and approaches, from international, national and local levels, have been recognized and evaluated, understood and foreseen the future of Arabian Historic cities with special reference to walled city of Sana'a. Because the revitalization approaches have not been deployed or experienced in the traditional cities of Yemen, the study endeavors to develop understanding of revitalization concepts and emphasizing not only on the preservation of every thing which is old, but contemplates creative use and reuse of older structures and areas, this is to accommodate the requirement and need of the contemporary society. For a comprehensive consideration, this study evolved a suitable model for integrating and projecting the different factors playing significant role in the process of revitalization. i.e. economics, social, networks, shells and overall function. The study formulates a set of principles and strategies for different pilot projects viz. Central market (conservation, rehabilitation and rebuilt) Residential quarter (preservation, rehabilitation, redesigning and reuse). A historic site. thus rationally representing the whole morphology of the city. Based on these principles and strategies, different alternatives have been proposed for the different pilot projects and specific recommendation for special urban components have been formulated, which aim at enhancing the unique elements of the historic city and to illustrate the different measure for revitalization. Based on those principles, strategies and the different approaches, which have been employed for the overall city, the critical recommendations at policy level, have been listed out, in a comprehensive and a systematic manner, to guide the revitalization of the old cities, that broadly focus on the following. Economics: The economics viability and vitality are important factors in sustainable revitalization. This involves the exploration of the economics related opportunities from the tourism and commercial point of view and to justify the appropriation of historic buildings as resource for economic growth which will improve the overall income of inhabitants and facilitate the continuation of the process of revitalization. Social: Emphasis on the adjustment of the current priorities and requirement of the inhabitants in order to comply with the future requirements and to involve the society in the process of revitalization. Networks: Focus on those services and requirements, that will enhance the quality of life for all and also the provision of the features and amenities that would add the desirability for residential living. Shells: Emphasis on conserving the symbolic values of existing buildings, areas and activities and to recapture its historical and cultural importance even when they are adapted to new use. Based on these recommendations and to illustrate its vitality, the study concludes with revitalization plans for the commercial, tourism, traffic, physical infrastructure, social services and recreational activities. All these, (principles, strategies, specific recommendations and revitalization plans), would be a ready reference to guide the revitalization of Arabian cities in general, and cities of Yemen in particular.