This research and design proposal explores the tension between regulated and “wild” states in urban spaces, highlighting how the hyper-controlled nature of contemporary cities, particularly in Western Europe, diminishes the agency and participation of urban dwellers. Modern urban environments often prioritize efficiency and order, leaving little room for spontaneity or contest, and resulting in spaces that are disconnected from the inherent needs and desires of their users. Architects frequently design spaces to meet specific, pre-determined requirements, further reinforcing this lack of user influence and ownership. This disconnect contributes to a broader societal condition where individuals feel repressed and detached from their urban surroundings. By examining the potential for increased user agency and spontaneous interaction within urban spaces, the research advocates for a shift in design approaches to foster community, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. The author reflects on personal experiences of urban alienation and draws inspiration from the site of La Friche, and surrounding Brussels to propose strategies for raising awareness about the importance of inclusive, diverse, urban design in contemporary Western cities.

This thesis focuses on the effects of the rapid modernisation of the UAE. And how this impacts the resident as well as local society. This modernisation is characterised by high foreign influence from largely the West, the Arab world, and the Indian subcontinent. The thesis uses post-colonial thought to analyse the intersection of cultures in the UAE, and how this conglomeration of nationalities is able to live together. Cohesive life between nationalities is largely influenced by policy, societal factors, and architecture. The young history of architecture of both housing and public spaces is analysed and used as a tool to discern conclusions on societal impact.

In addition to the secondary impact, an autoethnographic account based on memory and photograph’s is written by the author of the thesis, a former expatriate migrant born and raised in Dubai. Through the intersection between autoethnography and secondary research, principles for further development are endorsed in the conclusions of the text. The use of autoethnography aims to provide a more personal reading experience in which a connection between reader and writer is fostered.

While providing additional information on the topic of the thesis, the method of autoethnography is reviewed, imparting a parallel research to that of the primary topic of the research.