1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
[093] A Comparative Study of Historic and Current Residential Areas: Physical and Social Structures in The Sultanate of Oman
Keywords:Street Pattern, Physical Structure, Social Structure, Residential Neighbourhoods, Omani Settlements, Muscat
This study examines the changes in physical structure and social structure, and also compares historical and current residential neighbourhoods in Oman. A sum of seven neighbourhoods are selected. The selective cases are examples of residentiary neighbourhoods in Oman, 2 historical settlements and 5 current living zones. This research points out to six characteristics of the physical structure of the main principle street pattern, and the others such as pedestrian pathways, open spaces, facilities, boundary walls, and the number of floors in dwellings. The street pattern then addresses to the criteria of selection of the seven cases which are classified into three patterns organic, loose grid and loops. The method approach chosen for this analysis was divided into two i) the physical analysis of the main street pattern, pedestrian pathways, and open spaces and facilities were developed through exhaustive site visits and some maps provided by the Oman government. ii) the social structure for the current neighbourhood’s analysis data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews on-site with the residents of each of the five neighbourhoods, for a more profound understanding of social life and the way of getting along within the neighbourhood. As for the historical settlements through the literature review. This review reveals how the change in physical structure can affect social structure in residential neighbourhoods. The finding reveals that street patterns, boundary walls, and open spaces have a direct impact on the following social analysis; gathering areas, time spent outdoors, walking destinations, and a sense of community. Meanwhile, some social factors such as traditions do not get impacted by the physical structure, however, are actually impacted by the location. As a result of excessive comparison of the physical to social impact in different perspectives, this study also reveals the ideal residential neieghbourhood physical features that are suitable for Oman and its peoples culture and way of living.