Utilizing GIS In Conservation And Rehabilitation Of Historic Sites "Aleppo's Old City As A Case Study"

Urban design in the landscape tradition has a unique set of methodology and uses due to the nature of urban site, yet many urban designers employ the same basic approach in terms of their design process and site analysis methods as they would in any urban project. In addition, urban design theory is not adequately reflected in the analytical methods traditionally used by landscape architects, nor do traditional methods adequately synthesize the multitude of complex information urban designers must consider throughout all phases of the urban design process. However, Geographic Information System "GIS" have been employed in this regard several years ago as useful tools for urban planning. Recently, "GIS" becomes a valuable tool for data management, decision making, visualization and most importantly spatial analysis, allowing the urban designer new methods for designing urban spaces.This thesis discusses the utilization of GIS applications in the urban conservation of historical sites and cities. This study presents a specific database design and methodology to be integrated within a GIS, and concerns the urban and architectural heritage of Aleppo's Old City, which includes significant and rich history; This heritage is endangered due to extensive new urban development and the general neglect over the time. In the past, a lot of conservation and rehabilitation projects had been executed in the Aleppo's Old City, but unfortunately many of them damaged and offended its unique fabric because of the wrong understanding of its urban nature. So, this thesis is defining a new comprehensive methodology to conserve this old city which is a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site.This thesis proposes as well an approach to develop GIS for urban conservation. The system supports planning architects in their areas of work, such as the creation of urban conservation zones and redevelopment strategies. The system documents existing structures and their present conditions in order to assist in making decisions regarding their preservation, restoration, and reuse. Such a system will also help the municipalities in regular heritage management tasks.Finally, This thesis assumes that any conservation process should be comprehensive one, includes all the different aspects (demography, housing, environment, traffic, the architectural and urban status...etc.), because these factors are strongly connected and they have a direct influence on the present and future of this old city.