EXPLORING POTENTIALS OF LEFTOVER SPACES USING URBAN METAMORPHOSIS

Abstract

In a dynamic world, the challenge behind reaching utopia is a result of the continuity of change and the metamorphosis. Metamorphosis, from the Greek meta signifying the change and morphe referring to the form, is a change and adaptation of the form or nature of something into a different one through time. However, when it comes to urban metamorphosis, it is a tension between the traditional living and the raise of technology through history, and this adaptation is affecting cities, buildings, identity, and environment. Urban metamorphosis of undeveloped non-organized cities had created urban and social fragmentation; unorganized cities are broken urban fabrics disconnected by bare lands. Therefore, this research aims to establish guidelines to metamorphic the leftover lands to create utopian spaces in the cities. To achieve this aim the study starts with a literature review including previous opinion in the field of study, and the case study analysis of the neighborhood of Bachoura in Beirut city; a disconnected neighborhood from Beirut central city. The urban fabric of this neighborhood needs to reconsider preserving the identity which goes back to 1960s, and to reconsidering the use of the urban leftover spaces in revitalizing the district. A holistic approach of urban integration among built and natural environment, changes the way people occupy a place and get attached to it.