PROPOSING GUIDELINES TO UPGRADE THE OPEN PUBLIC SPACES IN THE INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

Abstract

Informal Settlements have expanded rapidly in the last fifty years and have kept rising. With rapid population expansion has come an increase in haphazard urbanisation and informal settlements, frequently referred as slums. Defined as a settlement that was formed in an unplanned and uncontrolled way, which means they are mostly unrecognized. Unfortunately, focusing on the problem of current challenges in informal settlements, on the socio-cultural and environmental levels, which are facing a massive shift in the quality of life in these sites, this is reflected in urban fragmentations, social and infrastructures are lacking, service systems that have become progressively inefficient over time, a shortage of open public spaces, and inequality. Which all influence the urban environment. This paper, therefore, aims to provide guidelines to upgrade the open public spaces in the informal settlements to evolve these sites. To achieve this aim, the paper will follow a scientific methodology, starting by presenting a literature review highlighting the definition of an informal settlement, recognizing its causes, types, and its relation to the city. As a focused case study, the research will tackle Taamir district in Saida applying the field method, which are primarily inhabited by refugees, abandoned peoples, and fragmented families, as a scoped case study. This methodology investigated the challenges of its residents and proceeded with recommendations to improve their quality of life. These guidelines may be used to all those communities while considering the conditions of each region. As a conclusion, improving the quality of life in informal settlements includes ensuring that resident’s academic, economic, environmental, and socio-cultural issues are addressed.