Typologies of informal adaptations of communal spaces:a comparative study between different socio-economic spatial settings in Amman

ABSTRACT

This research reflects on various typologies of informal adaptations to communal spaces. Amman City has faced several humanitarian and economic crises that have played a significant role in its urban expansion. New patterns of communal space utilization have emerged, enabling the local community to develop and define its informal spaces and practices. To define these emerging typologies, the study uses comparative analysis in different socio-economic settings and mainly qualitative approaches. The study concludes with some reflections on how to learn from such practices and contribute to future resilient urban plans for the city and similar contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• Typologies
• informal adaptation
• formal communal space
• public space
• communal spaces

Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to Arch. Ghayda Al Sona and Arch. Zaid Wahbeh for their role as research assistant. They supported the study through the following tasks: site visits, conducting various interviews from the field, photo mapping and processing the collected data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

‘This publication was supported by the project “Regenerating Cities during Crisis: Culturally-Routed and Sustainable Strategies for Middle Eastern Cities” funded by the British Council Newton Fund Researcher Links Programme.’