Publications
An Approach for Preserving Ottoman Cultural Heritage Under Threat in Yemen: A Case Study " The Old City of Sana'a"
Yemen's Old City of Sana'a faces severe threats to its Ottoman-era cultural heritage due to conflict. A study proposes a preservation approach based on the European Standard (EN 16096:2012) to assess war damage and develop conservation strategies for at-risk structures. The research focuses on 28 Ottoman establishments in Sana'a, with 21 still standing and seven destroyed, highlighting the broader impact on Yemen's historical sites. This method offers a structured framework for safeguarding cultural heritage under adversity.
Analysis of the Public Space in the Old Sana'a City
A balanced distribution of public spaces and buildings in the Old City of Sana'a enhances urban comfort, social interaction, and cultural activities. This study highlights how narrow, curved streets provide shade and reduce temperatures, contributing to improved climate conditions among residential neighborhoods. The research also notes the diversity of functions within these public spaces, which cater to the needs of residents while raising economic and social levels. Analytical and descriptive methodologies were employed to reach these conclusions.
Investigating the Applicability of Sustainable Urban Form and Design to Traditional Cities, Case Study: The Old City of Sana'a
Traditional urban layouts, exemplified by the Old City of Sana'a, demonstrate superior sustainability compared to modern designs. A study applying principles of form and density, walkability and connectivity, and building energy found that traditional cities excel in compactness, intersection rates, and solar access. Using GIS, ECOTECT, and Space Syntax modeling, researchers confirmed that older urban forms provide higher integration, fewer angular changes, and optimal solar exposure year-round. These findings underscore the potential of historical urban planning as a model for sustainable development.
Reviving the heritage of the old city of Sana'a in the shop design
The Old City of Sana'a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, faces significant challenges due to architectural and design irregularities that threaten its heritage status. A study by Imam et al. (2018) highlights the urgent need for reviving traditional shop designs within the city to preserve its unique character. The research focuses on integrating modern commercial practices with historical aesthetics, aiming to restore the city's original charm while addressing contemporary demands. Using a combination of architectural analysis and design interventions, the study proposes innovative solutions to maintain Sana'a's cultural identity, ensuring it meets UNESCO's criteria for heritage conservation. This approach balances functionality with authenticity, offering a model for other historic urban centers.
Traditional Neighborhood Adaptive Reuse in the Old City Sana'a, Yemen
Adaptive reuse of traditional neighborhoods (Haras) in Sana'a's Old City has shown mixed outcomes, with economic benefits for residents and the revival of traditional handicrafts. However, increased vehicular accessibility and the conversion of public spaces into parking areas have disrupted resident privacy, particularly affecting women, who have retreated indoors. The study, conducted through on-site spatial observations, measurements, and structured interviews in Hara Al-Abhar, highlights these trade-offs, offering insights for balancing development with cultural preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Adaptive Reuse in the Traditional Neighbourhood of the Old City Sana’a -Yemen
Adaptive reuse in Sana'a's traditional neighborhoods, such as Hara Al-Abhar, has shown mixed outcomes. While it boosts household income and revitalizes local handicrafts, increased vehicular access and the conversion of public spaces into parking areas disrupt residents' privacy, particularly for women, who retreat indoors. The study employed on-site spatial observations, measurements, and structured interviews to assess these impacts, revealing a complex balance between economic benefits and social consequences in preserving the cultural heritage of Yemen's Old City.
The Influence of Changing Human Aspects on Plaza Spaces in Old Sana'a City
Plaza spaces in Old Sana'a City, once vibrant hubs of social, economic, and cultural activity, have lost their significance due to changing human aspects. The study identifies key factors such as immigration, cultural and economic opening, technological progress post-1962 revolution, and republican regime influence that contributed to the decline of these spaces. The research proposes revitalizing plazas by enhancing traditional social and cultural values and introducing sustainable activities. An inferring analytical methodology was used to analyze plaza types, functions, human roles, major changes, and potential solutions for revival.
On Structural Features of the Old City of Sana'a, Yemen
The Old City of Sana'a exhibits distinct structural features within its traditional neighborhood units known as harat. Comprising 56 harat, each contains key elements such as mosques, maqushama (green fields), houses, streets, and sharhat (small open squares). This study reveals how modernization, including the installation of water supply and sewerage systems, has significantly altered these traditional units politically, socially, and physically. The research highlights the impact of such changes on Sana'a's historic environment, emphasizing the need to preserve its unique urban fabric while adapting to contemporary demands.
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