Abstract
Community hub also can be named as a center for social and cultural activities. Areas where individuals of a community tend to assemble for bunch exercises, social bolster, open data, and other purposes. They may in some cases be open for the complete community or for a specialized bunch inside the more noteworthy community. A community center’s main purpose should be to provide opportunities for active living and recreation in a safe, inclusive environment. By creating a positive atmosphere, these facilities become essential to personal health and wellness.
Introduction
A neighborhood without a neighbor due to gentrification is the aim of this context and The Praxis of Placemaking Deira. Gentrification, which is a form of belonging, is crucial because it increases the strength and stability of the social community, prevents neighborhood exuberance, and keeps members connected. Gentrification can influence people’s social development by allowing neighborhoods to increase prosperity (Bertcher, Lamont, & Kurtz, 2014). This paper is based on a retrospective analysis of the concepts of urbanization, gentrification, social well-being, and economic vitality.
Research question: assessing the impact of gentrification on the selected areas from Deira Alhamiya to Bur Dubai Jumeirah to Dubai frame and following the Old Souq in Dubai.
Literature Review
Definition of Gentrification
Gentrification is the method whereby the character of a destitute urban region is changed by wealthier individuals moving in, making strides in lodging, and drawing in new businesses, often displacing current occupants within the prepare (Lees, Slater, & Wyly, 2007). Commercialization is the method of overseeing or running something mainly for budgetary pick up (Loui, 2011). Therefore, public spaces have been increasingly essential and critical in the UAE’s urbanism aspect.
Defining Dubai’s form relies on the division between rural and urban areas. It has been traced that these perspectives of urban and rural are through the evolution and development of human settlement at different atmospheric levels (Brewer, & Hewstone, 2004). Urbanization is a process demonstrated by the growth of cities, and this rapid increase in growth made communities want to live in urban areas (Bertcher et al., 2014). In addition, the Dubai desert has been transformed into a managed ecosystem.
Deira: An Overview of the Territory
Deira is an area in Dubai considered to be the eastern Dubai land. Many locals say the story of Dubai began in Deira, and there is a saying that “if you cannot find it in Deira, you will never find it” (Elsheshtawy, 2009). The birth of the name Deira has not known; however, many claims that it came from the “deyar,” meaning house; on the other hand, others say it comes from the synonym “estedara,” meaning roundness, and refers to the way the creek shapes the land of Deira (Ghazal, 2021). Historically, Deira is a knower for its primary links with trade, and it was one of the market points.
The Dubai Creek and its surroundings were one of the most critical aspects of the flourishment of the UAE now and will still be in Dubai’s prospect. Many modern buildings are seen in Deira, the traditional barajeel – the wind towers of the coral stone houses are present and have the importance and are still seen in the market also (Jensen, 2007). The firstborn school in Dubai was repaired in 1995 and opened to the public in 2000 as a museum to exhibit its educational purpose (Dowty, & Allen, 2011). In addition, the people of Deira had a great mind for business, and they always got a good deal. It is a tradition to buy gold, and the sellers are always up for the bargains.
Deira in Present Time
Deira has developed much since the early days and now includes many transportation agents such as the metro or Dubai airport. On the other hand, Bur Dubai is the western area of Dubai, also translated as the mainland of Dubai. Historically bur Dubai is the district between the creek and Jumeirah (Hashim, 2020). The community of bur Dubai was known as the fishermen, pearl divers, and traders with India, Persia, and the rest of Asia. Many sites highlight Dubai tourists and residents, such as Al Fahidi historical district, Shindagha, Bur Dubai souk market, heritage house, the modern view Dubai mall, Dubai design district, downtown, and it goes on (Jensen, 2007). Neighborhoods in Jumeirah, for example, have a diverse community due to people’s wants and needs from other countries (Hashim, 2020). Bur Dubai’s transportation movement can use the metro, bus, taxi, or another private service vehicle. This research will cover observations on Dubai’s culture and its development.
Compare and Contrast
Gentrification makes it possible to change familiar areas into more livable and luxurious ones. It is crucial to remember that the primary role is to create a community between people and culture, not simply beautify. The examples of Bur Dubai and Deira show how different the city’s cultural aspects are (Krane, 2009). Moreover, the influence of Western cultures and modern urbanization is noticeable. Together, gentrification can positively affect the economic aspect of the city – the combination of different cultures attracts tourists and locals, allowing the area to flourish.
The examples of Alkhawanij, Nad Al Sheba, and Al Barsha show how gentrification has stimulated urban growth and interest. In these areas, urbanization accelerated, and a mix of traditional and modern styles emerged. The high tolerance and acceptance of the new have created a sense of community between different cultures (Hashim, 2020). When the art of Dubai takes place in different areas of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit all areas of the city. The humanitarian spirit gradually spreads from the heart – the creek where the beauties of Deira and the Bar of Dubai meet – to the outskirts, thus sprawling and becoming an increasingly good place to live and travel.
Combinations of cultures are considered at exhibitions and installations, where city residents and tourists can find something new for themselves. For example, at UAE Lifescapes Beyond Bigness, there was a beautiful combination of modernity and tradition, and people felt part of the same whole. Figure 1 is an example of how themed spaces can bring people together.
Safa Park is built like an ancient Roman garden: there are central alleys and shared spaces for dialogue. Gardens such as these provide an insight into how people feel about their city and what is most valued. Ancient Roman gardens were a source of pride, and projects like this in the Arab environment are an opportunity for real community cohesion.
Assessment of Neighborhoods around the World
Case Study 1
The Tiong Bahru neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, began in the 1930s. The neighborhood is a residential space that seamlessly blends traditional cultural aspects of Singapore with modern trends in decor. Tiong Baru holds a special place in Singapore and exemplifies how gentrification has allowed a historic site to become a unique blend of tradition and urbanization. Many hip cafes and indie boutiques combine iconic murals. The murals reflect the cultural memory of the neighborhood’s residents, and the modern art deco boutiques allow one to embrace the reality of modernity. Lively restaurants and traditional cuisine have gradually replaced the neighborhood’s old age.
The preservation of cultural heritage allowed residents to remember their own national identity, and the urbanized spaces attracted tourists. It is now a place of cohesion and unification in which everyone feels modern yet full of tradition in Singapore, as seen in Figure 2.
Thus, in Singapore, gentrification has positively impacted the neighborhood and has improved its economy. This example demonstrates that urbanization can act as a helpful factor in shaping other potential neighborhoods.
Case Study 2
The exterior invariably affects the perception of the interior because it reveals its possibilities to the environment. Often, the exterior features make the interior of a house or building so attractive. However, it is necessary to find a middle ground so that everything looks good together. Thus, Figure 3 shows how interior and exterior features are combined.
One can see how the exterior makes the room even more comfortable for those around it and draws their attention by merging modern and traditional styles. It creates a contrast and brings a new culture to the old room, thereby causing the community to strive to unite. Such elements of combining old and further reveal the notion of comfort boundaries, and residents are more favorably receptive to innovation. Thus, exterior and interior solutions are closely linked, and this understanding provides another possible aspect of gentrification in Dubai.
Case Study 3
The combination of tradition and modernity can be seen in different parts of the world, and the U.S. is the most prominent representative. Different cultures flock here to create an entirely new cohabitation space and unleash their potential in a new interpretation. Figure 4 shows Williamsburg, a hipster city where graffiti neighbors a Jewish commune.
Outwardly, this part of Brooklyn is almost nothing remarkably different from the rest of the city. But this part of Williamsburg is predominantly Hasidic. The Hasidim are ultra-orthodox Jews, and it shows in everything from their religious beliefs to their lifestyles and even their clothing. Their clothes haven’t changed in probably more than a hundred years. Combined with the graffiti on their brick buildings and the new currents of music and art, the Hasidim seem somewhat disconnected from the public space. In reality, however, everything comes together to create a unique flavor that attracts people worldwide. One can see how such ancient cultures are juxtaposed with modern art trends, creating a new space to live and work comfortably.
Case Study 4
Gillman Barracks is a contemporary arts cluster in Singapore home to international art galleries, restaurants, and the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore, all housed in conserved colonial barracks. Figure 5 depicts the barracks, which seem foreign at first glance but are a unique part of the city.
Named after General Sir Webb Gillman, a well-known officer of the British Army, the Gillman Barracks was built in 1936. It was home to army barrack buildings, married quarters, and even recreational facilities made especially for the British’s 1st Battalion before World War II. The barracks have gradually become a work of art and are now a place for tourists and various exhibitions that provide insight into the history of Singapore’s development. Thus, this case study reveals the need to consider the cultural and historical patrimony of a place, making us think about whether gentrification should always come with a complete replacement of the environment.
Case Study 5
A space that serves as a community canter or community hall is a public location where members of a community tend to gather for group activities, social support, general information, and other purposes. They may sometimes be open to the whole community or a specialized group within the larger community. Figure 6 shows Al Khawaneej Majlis, a unique place home to a variety of activities.
One can see how much space the complex takes up: a combination of business lounges, sports fields, and open spaces for socializing. Multifunctional centers like this increase the attractiveness and perception of cities. Such ideas should be used in future projects to unlock the city’s potential.
Summary
Site Analysis: The Potential of Deira
The project aims at transforming the environment of Deira, where significant changes are planned to offer a variety of leisure activities to the inhabitants. The city is built with the Emirati foundation, and international cultures are mixed with a flare of modernity and art but lack a sense of belonging in some areas (Krane, 2009). Figure 7 is a satellite image of Deira, showing the potential for its transformation.
It can be seen that the existing voids of space can be set aside for unique centers where people can organize their activities. In addition, gentrification will preserve traditional cultural elements with urbanized points, and new exteriors weaved seamlessly into them. The combination of cultures will increase the already large inflow of tourists, but it will also solve the problem of perception of Arab culture.
Project Proposal
The proposal is to build a community center in Al Hamriyah, Alwuheida, Deira. The community center will be a mix of the new and the old and will contribute to the development as was done in Williamsburg. The presence of Al Khawaneej Majlis mixed-use areas is shown to be successful, so the creation of such a space will improve the perception of Deira. The cultural and historical aspects of Deira must be preserved as it will be favored by residents, as seen in the examples of Gillman Barracks and Tiong Bahru. The facilities built will be in an open space format so that all residents can benefit from the innovation. Adding such a space to the neighborhood will enhance the sense of belonging and enrich the community dialogue.
Conclusion
Dubai has done a great job of modernizing and preserving tradition in all aspects of the city, from the structure of buildings to the shaping of transportation that blends in with its surroundings. The community center will bring a positive aspect to the space chosen in Deira Deira alhamriya Alwuheida, thereby bringing the community together. In conclusion, the city is built on an Emirati basis and uses international cultures mixed with modernity and art, but it lacks a sense of belonging in some areas.
References
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