Uploaded on 2015-12-14 by Greekgeek_07

*1. Which are your top livability criteria?* - Climate - Job Opportunities - Sanitation Standards - Transportation - Safety - International Connectivity - Environment - Education - Culture (to me they all equally important as 5th factor) ---------- *2. Why do we live where we live?* **Damas** As an international individual with one citizenship as a "Syrian" I don't have much of a choice in choosing where to live... I was born at (lovely Previous metropolitan green) City of Damascus and that's where my temporary roots are... 3rd I love walking in Damascus! I mean that (apart from the war in Syria) Damascus is quite a lovely city with amazing walkability options esp. if one resides near city center, I love its environment and planning at some areas, the fact that my family house at Damas also got a garden and two large public gardens outside with lots of spaces to walk nearby, I hate the fact that now it's not walking-friendly nor safe anymore, that's why one must relocate! apart from the economic hardships and the war... Its climate is quite friendly (when the services are available) it used to be relatively woman-friendly town... I love the intermix between historical and modern buildings of the 70/80... Love its old Churches and ancient mosques, the people also are quite nice and friendly ![Damas, GEarth][2] ![Historical Integration, Danger Urban Planning at Damas][3] ![Historical Livable Damas][4] **Beirut** Amazing Cultural hub with better Job opportunities, compared to Damascus (nowadays) the cultural mix is what makes the city different, the diversity is quite apparent and the mix of people is quite reflected in Architecture and chaotic planning, if the valley of Damascus got a Steady Linear Planning open to the sky, in Beirut one have to chase the open blue skies that are most astonishing by the open sea port... I love the trees of Beirut, they are well taken care of although there are no big parks and green spaces yet the existence of these ancient large trees make up for the loss of green spaces in a way... What I love about Beirut is that it is a city full of surprises, full of different architectural styles, construction, and views, it fuels creativity and quite inspiring, wish its people the best ![Beirut at Night][5] ![Green AUB trees][6] ---------- *3. To what extend does your own place of residence fulfill your ideal livability criteria?* **Damas (15%)** It doesn't, houses at Damascus has to be improved in terms of quality, modernity, resilience to climate and in terms of quality materials, it's sadly not a practical place to be for a young architect/professional.... - Climate 60% - Job Opportunities 0% - Sanitation Standards 70% - Transportation 70% - Safety - International Connectivity - Environment - Education - Culture (to me they all equally important as 5th factor) 0% **Beirut (75%)** Houses here are better equipped for young people and professionals, much practical although they might be of similar quality of Damas's - Climate 90% - Job Opportunities 70% - Sanitation Standards 70% - Transportation 75% - Safety - International Connectivity - Environment - Education - Culture (to me they all equally important as 5th factor) 90% ---------- *4. What would you change?* **Damascus** has to reach political stability (out of my hands) ...yet if I was Mayor, I would get all the political parties involved and narrate to them the stories, lives, smiles, and names of all the people who have died already due to the conflict (regardless of political stand or anything...) and would not allow them to leave the meeting until they reach an agreement! What i can do! is I would help upgrade its housing conditions, alternative systems, energy, isolation, rehabilitation, renovation, and create new generative online job infrastructure for people living there! once people are healthy and able to provide income, we'll think of some other collective improvement of the city together.... **Beirut** the city is amazing, esp. the privatized parts, If I was to change something, it would enable all spaces same quality found in privatized zones, (if people like to) add more green spaces, perhaps, don't know... it's up for its people ---------- *5. Why do we move?* according to the scale, It would be amazing if Athens had better job opportunities and economic, political stability, I would have chosen it! Switzerland I've always liked swiss chocolate =) well apart from Climate conditions, I would choose Switzerland for its politics and career potentials for me. Canada apart from its cold Climate conditions, practically I would choose a move to Canada since it welcomes Syrians and I would be happy there enjoying good healthy life and job opportunities? United States or the UK these are all time favorite places to me, countries of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, amazing places, inspiring and inclusive of migrants?! London, Geneva, Paris or New York (all :)) ---------- [1]: http:// [2]: http:// [3]: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4N4u7a_Zcvk/VmXzrKtNK4I/AAAAAAAADHM/pRK_HBKUNys/s1600/IMG_20151023_202052.jpg [4]: https://www.flickr.com/photos/woroud/9697847208/in/dateposted-public/ [5]: https://www.flickr.com/photos/woroud/22858302881/in/dateposted-public/ [6]: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSidrGBZsvw/VmYCZM1eiXI/AAAAAAAADHs/nzRecECz18Y/s1600/DSC_0651.JPG