Evolution of public spaces in the urban core of Tripoli, Libya: Dynamics of growth and change

El-Hasumi, Asma 2018. Evolution of public spaces in the urban core of Tripoli, Libya: Dynamics of growth and change. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Tripoli has undergone a dramatic transformation from a historical Islamic port city into a metropolis. Layers of urban interventions in the built environment mainly by Ottoman and Italian colonization and modernization reforms, each era forms a layer with its unique dynamics that distinguish the growth and change of built form and the public spaces within it. This historical research aims to understand the evolution of public spaces in the urban core of Tripoli, defined by the old medina and its context, their continuity and disruption within the urban context, by investigating the forces behind their growth and change in three layers of time: Tripoli under the Ottomans rule, Tripoli as an Italian colony, and the post-colonial era. The research design is a historical interpretive research, analysing all means of historical data (i.e. archives, Travellers’ documentation, documented movies and historical photos). The research tests an original method; A historical simulation research, by turning historical evidence (maps- photos- aerial views) into a 3D model, recreating the urban spaces and virtual-walk through in these different sets of time. This research of public spaces is an original attempt to build knowledge around public spaces by combining historical, observational, qualitative data with experiential data, to conduct an architectural and urban spatial mapping and analysis of the core area of Tripoli. A unitary approach to public spaces and its historical context. Physical, Social, Economic, Political, Temporal, and Sensorial. The research shows the historical dynamics that shaped public spaces in Tripoli. The Roman origin of the city challenged by the Ottomans. The Ottoman city segregated by the Italian colony, and how the decisions of the post colony regime have disturbed the continuity of these spaces. The research explains how public spaces took the shape they have and why some important historical spaces in Tripoli lost their momentum.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Architecture
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Public Spaces; Urban; Tripoli; Libya; built environment; city
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 June 2018
Last Modified:	25 Aug 2021 09:37
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/112089

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