The Gap of Cultural Identity in Open Spaces: Urban Renewal Frameworks in Bahrain

Abstract

Abstract. Urban regeneration in Bahrain is facing a critical tension between preserving its cultural identity, and accommodate the rapid modernization, thus comes this paper, as it investigate how the integration of cultural landscape and open spaces can strengthen the urban renewal framework, the paper uses a qualitative analysis of planning documents and case studies, using the Architects Handbook of Professional Practice for it addresses urban planning and urban design as interdisciplinary practices that shape the form, character, and social function of cities. It also discusses the public realm design, streetscapes, land use, and community revitalization, which are central to the research title and scope, and it explores policies and tools (like form-based codes) used to guide urban regeneration and enhance cultural landscapes. In addition to the Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions (CRPEP) guidelines, for they are the regulatory authority in Bahrain, as a guideline base for comparison. The paper discusses the gap presented in linking the heritage-based design principles with contemporary engineering and regulatory practices and proposes a conceptual framework that integrates cultural, spatial, and regulatory dimensions to support place-based regeneration strategies.