Muharraq
穆哈拉格

The Path to Sustainable Cultural Protection
可持续的文化保护之路

Abstract

Muharraq, located in the southwest of Bahrain on the Persian Gulf, is one of the country's most historically and culturally rich cities. In recent years, while preserving its urban heritage, Muharraq has been actively developing its design industry, injecting new momentum into the city's sustainable development and economic diversification. As a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, Muharraq has accumulated extensive experience in urban regeneration, creative industries, and sustainable design, gradually emerging as a key cultural and design centre in the Gulf region.

Muharraq is home to numerous historical landmarks, such as Bab al-Bahrain, Bu Maher Fort, and Suq al-Qaisariya. These cultural heritage sites not only preserve Bahrain's historical memory but also serve as a rich source of inspiration for the city's design industry. In recent years, the government and relevant institutions have implemented a series of projects to protect and revitalise the old city, restoring a significant number of traditional houses while incorporating sustainable building materials to enhance environmental resilience. Throughout this urban renewal process, local authorities have collaborated closely with designers to integrate modern design principles while preserving the distinctive character of traditional architecture, ensuring that the city meets contemporary urban demands without losing its unique identity.

The design industry has become a driving force behind Muharraq's economic development, spanning urban design, product design, and cultural and creative industries. Local designers have drawn upon Bahrain's rich tangible and intangible heritage, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to create a range of products that reflect the region's cultural identity.

In response to challenges posed by climate change and the urban heat island effect, Muharraq has pioneered several sustainable design initiatives. These include the integration of solar radiation management, green architecture, and passive energy-saving design strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve urban thermal comfort. Additionally, land reclamation and ecological restoration projects have optimised the city's land resources, contributing to a more sustainable urban development model.

Looking ahead, Muharraq aims to continue fostering design education and innovation projects while strengthening collaborations with international design institutions and creative cities. The government is also actively supporting local creative enterprises and emerging designers, providing them with greater opportunities for exposure and practical engagement. Through these efforts, Muharraq is positioning itself as an increasingly influential player within the global network of creative cities.

摘要

穆哈拉格，位于波斯湾西南部的巴林，是该国最具历史文化底蕴的城市之一。近年，穆哈拉格在保护城市遗产的同时，大力发展设计产业，为城市的可持续发展和经济多元化提供了新的动力。作为一座融合传统与现代的城市，穆哈拉格在城市更新、创意产业和可持续设计方面积累了丰富的经验，逐步成为海湾地区重要的文化与设计中心。

穆哈拉格拥有众多历史遗迹，如巴林门（Bab al-Bahrain）、布马赫尔堡（Bu Maher Fort）、凯萨里亚集市（Suq al-Qaisariya）等。这些文化遗产不仅承载着巴林的历史记忆，也为穆哈拉格的设计产业提供了丰富的灵感。近年，穆哈拉格政府和相关机构推行了一系列保护与复兴老城区的项目，修复了大量传统房屋，并利用可持续建筑材料提高建筑的环境适应性。在城市更新过程中，当地政府与设计师携手合作，在保护传统建筑的同时，引入现代设计理念，使其在满足当代城市需求的同时，依然保留浓厚的地方特色。

设计产业已成为穆哈拉格经济发展的新动力，涵盖了城市设计、产品设计和文化创意产业等多个领域。穆哈拉格的本地设计师充分利用巴林丰富的文化遗产和无形遗产，将传统手工艺与现代设计相结合，推出了一系列具有地域特色的产品。

面对气候变化和城市热岛效应的挑战，穆哈拉格在可持续设计领域做出了诸多创新尝试。例如，引入太阳能辐射管理、绿色建筑 和 被动式节能设计，以减少能源消耗，提高城市的热舒适度。此外，穆哈拉格还通过土地填海和生态修复项目，优化城市土地资源的利用，促进可持续的城市发展。

未来，穆哈拉格将继续推动设计教育和创新项目，加强与国际设计机构和城市的合作，进一步提升自身的设计水平。同时，政府也在积极支持本地创意企业和年轻设计师，为他们提供更多展示和实践的机会，使穆哈拉格在全球创意城市网络中占据更为重要的位置。