Residential Complexes and the Erosion of Natural Identity in Mountainous Cities: The Case of Sulaimani City
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Abstract
Rapid urbanisation in mountainous cities has accelerated the tension between the needs of development and conservation of natural identity. The research emphasises the importance of natural features (mountains) and their visibility in a city, which are usually cultural and natural landmarks that preserve the city's original natural identity. It examines how high-rise housing complexes impact the city's natural identity and visual scenery. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the visual impact of residential building design on natural mountain landscapes (identity) using geographical information system (GIS) viewshed analysis. The results have shown that (88%), that's about (321.81 Ha), the natural context of the Goizha Mountain is interrupted and blocked by high-rise buildings. And only (12%), that is about (45.73 Ha), of the mountain scenery is visible. The study confirms that the disintegration of architectural design (form) from its natural context leads to significant visual distortion, ecological imbalance, a weakened sense of place, and the erosion of the city's natural identity. It highlights that context-sensitive design and height regulation are necessary to preserve the natural identity in mountainous areas.
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