| Summary: | The magical words 'protection' and 'leisure' convey the two concepts which together were responsible for shaping Man's shelter and settlement in the pre-industrial city, in such a way as to accommodate, whatever his estate, the individual's varied physical and biological requirements, within an environmental framework and the constraints of available natural resources. Since the Industrial Revolution sophisticated technology has increased Manis capacity for protection and leisure which has changed the dimensions of his lifestyle and become the dominant influence on the quality of life. However, the significance of technological advancement has extended far beyond this, especially in situations where it has been uncritically imported, without adaptation, often creating discord within the host community. This conflict will be the focal point of the thesis, which itself represents an attempt more closely to juxtapose the needs of Man and his environment with the tools of advanced technology, in order to achieve a pleasant and satisfactory urban fabric. This thesis commences with an historical analysis of different consecutive civilizations within a single context, in order better to understand Man's attempts at creating an environment fitted to his needs. It is followed by a consideration of the nature of human form and its capacity to adapt to change, together with an examination of the characteristics of the surrounding natural environment, the attendant natural and cultural resources, and Man's efforts to control and utilize them. The theoretical foundation has been developed through experimental studies and empirical research by case studies in Iraq. A detailed case study of urban fabric in Baghdad has analysed both traditional and modern housing areas. This analysis is also brought into a broader national perspective by further case analyses in different regions of Iraq. The case studies were carried out through personal observations and measurements, and an interview survey in Baghdad with a multi-phase random sample of 300 households. The assessments and conclusions from the case studies are used as a basis for a set of design principles and guides for future urban design in Iraq.
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