Sub-Urbanisation of SHJ/240724

Having lived in the UAE for a few years now, based in Dubai, I frequently travel to Sharjah to visit friends. One noticeable aspect of these trips is how rampant urbanization has impacted the city's identity in multiple ways. Sharjah, historically known as a port city, has seen its identity and functionality dramatically shift with the removal of port activities. This significant change has led to increased segregation in the city's center, as recent urban analyses have revealed.

While tall buildings may seem out of place in Sharjah's historic context, they provide essential homes and livelihoods for a large transnational community. This underscores a crucial aspect of urban revitalization: the need for an economically productive historic core supported by a diverse community.

The transformation has also paved the way for iconic architecture, which stands in stark contrast to the simple palm-frond homes that once characterized Gulf cities until the mid-20th century. The connection between culture and identity is deeply rooted in spatial dynamics, not just social relationships. Over time, urban heritage shapes city identities, carrying symbolic significance for both residents and visitors due to historical events.

Focusing on urban neighborhoods or districts, rather than individual historic landmarks, offers greater potential for reinforcing or creating urban identity. The ongoing debate on architectural symbolism and image-making reflects the need to find local place identity in an increasingly globalized world. Therefore, old districts should be the focal points for directing and controlling future urban regeneration, rather than relying on isolated monuments or iconic structures.

The Heart of Sharjah project exemplifies this approach, aiming to preserve and restore the old city to its 1950s state. Its goal is to rejuvenate the area for tourism and trade, transforming the heritage district into a vibrant cultural hub. This model offers valuable insights for other cities facing similar challenges.

A similar approach has been undertaken by Doha in the Msheireb Downtown area, where the entire district has been regenerated. Such initiatives highlight the importance of balancing modernization with the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that urban growth enhances rather than diminishes a city's unique identity.