Life Between Buildings: Memory of places Dr.Alaa Al Tamimi

Amid the hustle and bustle of cities and their towering buildings, Danish architect Jan Gehl whispers an elusive truth: "The soul of a city lies not in the stones of its buildings, but in the spaces that breathe between them." In his famous book, Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, Gehl turns the standard upside down, asserting that the beauty of urbanism lies not in the immensity of its towers, but in the warmth of its squares, the liveliness of its sidewalks, and the richness of the fleeting encounters that create the memory of a place.

Let us delve with Gehl's thoughts into the labyrinths of two ancient Arab cities: Baghdad, with its markets that once sang of stories, and Cairo, whose streets encapsulate a living, breathing history.

What does life between these buildings look like today? And can public space still be a stage for human encounters? From the pulse of life to the silence of contraction, Baghdad was once a canvas of color and bustle, with cafes brimming with conversation, markets where hands intertwined, and squares telling stories of yesteryear. But war and violence transformed this space into a space fragmented by concrete barriers and fear during a crucial period in Baghdad's history following the occupation in 2023. Later, public spaces disappeared in favor of traffic jams and slums. The city, once a magnet for walking and contemplation, now heralds haste and retreat.

Cairo, on the other hand, tells a different story of contradiction: a historic city with a vibrant heart, surrounded by new, soulless neighborhoods. Narrow sidewalks force pedestrians to herd like a herd, and public parks are either neglected or enclosed by walls. Even the popular cafes, once a meeting place for small dreams, are fading in the face of the rise of enclosed malls, where socializing is transformed into consumption and public space into a private commodity.

In his book "Life Between Buildings," Jan Gehl divides city life into three categories:

- Necessary, such as going to work or shopping.

- Optional, such as sitting in a café for pleasure.

- Social, those spontaneous encounters that create a community.

In Baghdad and Cairo, only essential activities remain, while activities that stir emotions and foster belonging have declined. Why? Because urban design no longer welcomes people, forcing them to hide behind the windows of their cars or the walls of their homes.

Public space is a mirror of society. What do we see in Baghdad and Cairo?

In his book "Cities for People," Gehl proposes a simple solution:

- Wide sidewalks that allow for fearless strolling.

- Benches under the shade of trees, where strangers can meet their neighbors.

- Small green spaces between buildings.

It is these small details that restore the city's humanity. Perhaps simple sidewalk cafes or safe pedestrian walkways are enough to bring life back to the streets.

The lesson Jan Gehl teaches in his books *Life Between Buildings* and *Cities for People* is clear: a successful city is not a collection of buildings, but rather the memories made daily in their corners. Baghdad and Cairo have a history of vibrant urbanism, but it needs to be rediscovered. What's needed isn't new skyscrapers, but rather the revival of those spaces **where a child can play, two neighbors can share a cup of tea, or an idea can be born from a passing encounter**. Will we listen to Gehl's voice, or will we continue to build cities that are more inanimate than alive?