Hajara Iyal

University of East London, School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, Graduate Student

University of Kent, Architecture, Undergraduate

Oxford Brookes University, MArchD - Applied Design in Architecture ARB/RIBA Part 2, Graduate Student

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Architectural Designer and Researcher
Address: London, England, United Kingdom

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Drafts by Hajara Iyal

BETWEEN CITIES AND SLUMS: SPACE, POLITICS, AND HOUSING IN URBAN LAGOS

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Papers by Hajara Iyal

The Neoliberal Games: The Olympic Games and the Reshaping of Socio-economic Space in London 2012 and Rio 2016

Under the banner of Olympic-led urban regeneration, municipal authorities of host cities London a... more Under the banner of Olympic-led urban regeneration, municipal authorities of host cities London and Rio respectively have made colossal investments in large-scale infrastructure, security and surveillance technology to demonstrate their city's capacity in the global market. Olympic bid campaigns are underpinned with a range of positive socioeconomic bene ts related to economic prosperity, improved housing provision and revitalised infrastructure (Rojek, 2013). However, evidence shows that the large scale socio-spatial upheavals that come about as a result of hosting the Olympic games have a history of disproportionately a ecting marginalised and vulnerable members of society. As a result, direct and indirect forms of displacement like forced evictions, demolitions and gentri cation of public space have become a bitter legacy of the Olympic games (Silvestre and de Oliveira, 2012). The rhetoric of legacy, competitive cities and insecurity is weaponized to facilitate a 'state of exception' with the aim of restructuring the urban environment and extending the interests of private capital. This paper argues that in an increasingly neoliberal world -characterised by privatisation, deregulation, and market liberation- the Olympic games have evolved over time to enable displacement, social upheaval and increasingly punitive regimes of control. Indeed, the Olympic legacy has become the production of fear and surveillance and the long-term damage to liberty and civic freedoms.

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Stigma and Criminality in the Delegitimisation of London's Council Estates

Over the last few decades, state-owned and managed council estates have become the focal point of... more Over the last few decades, state-owned and managed council estates have become the focal point of the UK government’s urban renewal program. Situated on some of London’s most valuable land, council estates have come to represent some of the final frontiers against the intensifying trend of gentrification. This paper explores the means through which narratives of decline, criminality and unlawful behaviour play a significant role in the stigmatisation of local residents of council estates. The paper argues that narratives of decline and criminality are part of an ideological assault aimed at delegitimising and stigmatising the local residents in order to clear the ground for subsequent property-led regeneration. To this aim, both the government and mass media have played remarkably key roles in the symbolic defamation of council estates and their resident populations. With a focus on the 2011 England riots, the paper begins by exploring the ways rioting has been used as a political tool to express anger in the face of police brutality, alongside wider issues regarding austerity and disenfranchisement in housing, education and employment. The paper presents how the representation of council estates as ‘Sink Estates’ and the portrayal of residents—particularly young black and minority ethnic group men— as a ‘problem group’ has served to downplay the complex socio economic issues plaguing a disadvantaged demographic. Finally, the paper will highlight how widespread council estate demolition does not serve the interest of the public but rather paves the way for the ever intensifying process of neoliberalisation —characterised by financialisation, deregulation and market liberation—in the city.

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The Spatial Qualities of The Forum as a Social Learning Space

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of spatial qualities in the Forum as ... more Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of spatial qualities in the Forum as a social learning space. The paper will explore how and why the Forum is utilised by students of Oxford Brookes university. The paper will also analyse the variables and factors that are of significance to users decision making and use of the space. Research Methodology: The case study i.e. the Forum is a multifunctional atrium space located in the John Henry Brookes building at Oxford Brookes University. The study adopted two methods of data collection. First, quantitative data was gathered based on a user survey and secondly qualitative data was obtained from personal observation along with notes and photography. Findings: Findings from the survey revealed that majority of users were undergraduate students, while postgraduate students made up a smaller ratio. Results showed that students in the Forum valued the ability to use personal devices like smartphones and laptops over university computers. Students were also likely to use the space as an informal destination for collaborative study and social meetups. Majority of respondents agreed that seating facilities were comfortable while also agreeing that the Forum has a pleasing ambience. Results show that factors relating to seating, access to charging ports and lighting were key determinants in choice of seating area. Limitations: Limitations and implications for this study include the relatively low number of respondents (n=33). As a result, the views gathered from the survey might not be a reflection of the wider student population. The sample size was further limited by the timing and duration of the research which was carried out between the hours of 15:00 and 17:00 over the course of two weekdays.

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Open for Play: An exploration of child friendly urban design

According to the WHO (World Health Organization, 2017) road traffic accidents were the leading ca... more According to the WHO (World Health Organization, 2017) road traffic accidents were the leading cause of death among 10-19 year olds globally in the year 2015. The streets and spatial networks which make up the contemporary city are no longer safe haven’s that nurture the child. Continued rise of motorised modes of transport and associated infrastructure (i.e roads and parking) has taken up highly valuable land, diminished the urban environment and weakened ties within communities. In response, parents react by further sheltering their wards from dangers relating to the environment i.e. car accidents, abductions etc react. Children are not only afraid to cross streets but often feel unsafe even on sidewalks. A 2016 study showed that urban stress and the lack of opportunities for play are some of the contributing factors in increased levels of mental health problems in young children (Newbury et al, 2016).

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Public Art and Gastronomy in the Pursuit of Creative Place Identity

The advent of industrialisation brought with it the erosion of the vernacular identities of many ... more The advent of industrialisation brought with it the erosion of the vernacular identities of many geographical areas. Rapid technological advancements have facilitated hasty transformations in the urban realm. This has resulted in a contemporary identity crisis where places around the globe increasingly resemble one another in form, style, customs etc. Urban environments have long held the desire to distinguish themselves from other places. In the face of growing globalisation and urban homogenisation, cities are more intentional than ever about pursuing distinct identities along their socio-economic, cultural and urban landscapes. Governments around the world make significant attempts to carve out unique place identities to promote themselves within global markets.

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