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Economic, socio-cultural and demographic changes in Famagusta have altered consumers’ shopping expectations; they expect good architectural quality as well as various functions and activities besides shopping. The concept of shopping has moved away from being purely a necessity towards being part of the urban lifestyle. Accordingly, recently developed shopping centres try to satisfy these new demands in a variety of ways. The new Lemar shopping centre in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, is an example of such a centre. This study aimed to measure user satisfaction and identifies the impact of the Lemar shopping centre on the immediate local context by surveying 104 randomly selected consumers, local residents and shopkeepers. Statistical analysis of the resulting data was used to determine Lemar’s physical qualities, functions and activities as well as its general impact on its close urban context and the wider city. Survey data is supplemented with on-site observations. This study reveals that the majority of respondents perceive the shopping centre as a positive contribution to the area, as an attractive building with a contemporary style and pleasant indoor spaces. On the other hand, it has increased the traffic on the high street, the area has become more crowded and air pollution has increased. This study suggests that consumers’ and citizens’ viewpoints should be considered in planning decisions in order to contribute to the success of shopping centres.

Worldwide, an increasing number of cities and regions are confronted with conflict and tension. These conflicts have an impact on shaping and planning the built-environment, as well as the future development of the area. This article focuses on Gaza City and its development process throughout its political conflicts, with an emphasis on the last two decades (2000-2018). The main objective is to comprehend the urban development in the case of conflict through analyzing the development of Gaza City, as well as questioning the determinants of urban development. This information is obtained through aerial maps, thermal maps and GIS map analysis. The findings reveal a general shortage of housing units and lack of safe housing locations, as most areas in Gaza City are under threat of war, as well as high prices of land due to the unavailability of unconstructed lands and high costs of construction materials. This study argues that urban development in Gaza City was not led by planning through local authorities, rather it was shaped by conflict. This article concludes with recommendations that could be beneficial in developing lasting solutions to urban development in Gaza City

In 2002, an issue of Open House International had already addressed the subject of war and the city. Scholars with different backgrounds and experiences reported on a number of cities. They analysed and reflected on the situation before the armed hostilities, both in physical terms and in terms of the conflicts of ethnic and civilian character, and the role of external forces and actors; the war in its different manifestations: a never ending conflict, a succession of battles and precarious truces, bombing, the threat of bombing; and the prospects of reconstruction, with particular reference to the different effects for the various groups and interests.