EXPERIENCING THE CITY: Beyond the Material

摘要

Cities in the Gulf region in general have been through major transformations throughout the last four decades. As a result, the urban space, which was mainly shaped by the tribal structure and the economy that is based on fishing, pearl trading and/or farming: has been modified beyond recognition. Nonetheless, cities around the world nowadays are becoming shapeless entities with a haunting sameness, trying to emerge as new centres of global economy and smart hubs. The world is witnessing rapid developments in the use of smart technologies, and this created a rich ground for the concept of Smart Cities to emerge within this region. However, while we are promoting the Concept of Smart Cities within Bahrain and the region, this paper is arguing that it is important to look back at the meaning of a city as a physical container of people's everyday lives, through the use of qualitative methodological approach including group city-walk and focused group discussion. This indicates reflecting on the way we understand, interact and experience our cities in the first place, which may prevent any loss of appreciation of spatial experience, or social alienation of the citizens, which might occur when we experience the city through the use of smart technologies. It acts as a call to rethink the way we experience our cities first, before delving into this smart era. where it is hoped that it could contribute in creating Smart Cities with better socio-cultural prospects.