Architectural Identity of Benghazi City Between Tradition and Modernity Case Study–Urban Centre of Benghazi

Architectural character or identity is defined as a set of aesthetic characteristics and values that are expressed by a building and reflect its identity or that which distinguishes it. Urban character is a set of complex attributes within the character of the area and includes physical and non-physical components. Hence, architectural and urban character are considered as a reflection of community cultural identity, while place has a distinctive role in their formation. In Libya, there is a variety of architectural and urban compositions, and their characteristics differ according to place and time. Also, the elements of these formations interact with the nature of the place and its social and economic characteristics. In Benghazi, while there is variety in the architectural and urban heritage, its modern architecture and urban character are the outcome of global architecture, which has contributed to a loss of the city’s identity. This research aims to review various views from architects and urban planners regarding architectural and urban character and examines the suitability of this for the local environment. It also reviews opinions on the modern character and new trends for architecture in Benghazi. The study uses a descriptive approach, analysing the opinions of a number of academics, architects and planners. The study outcomes point to the suitability of the inherited architectural character within the environment of Benghazi, while finding a lack of homogeneity between the modern architecture and the local environment, and that the modern architecture has failed to achieve sustainability.