IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Abu Dhabi’s rapid urbanization since the 1960s was shaped by oil revenue and infrastructures meant to mitigate its desert environment. While much of the subsequent development can be characterized as top-down urbanism, the inquiry into the capital’s current Liveability programme, which the author is professionally involved in, reveals Abu Dhabi’s government interest in contemporary and ‘best practice’ urban assessments of quality of life of Abu Dhabi residential districts, both Emirati and non-Emirati neighbourhoods. As the UAE capital evolved and adapted to the modern needs of its diverse society, it is essential to understand the impact of the city’s physical transformation on the experience and residents’ expectations on their urban everyday life. Liveability, from an academic perspective, extends beyond the provision of physical infrastructure; it is the ability of spaces to fulfil their inhabitants’ expectations for their well-being and quality of life including housing, health, education, and other factors affecting one’s daily life (Southworth, 2016). Based on qualitative data collected from the author’s Doctorate research’s early ethnographic workshops with Emirati women, this essay explores how novel understandings of liveability as a strategic tool for city makers, can bring non-scientific ways of designing and assessing, perhaps involving fewer architects and engineers, focusing on collaboration with the different segments of the community to understand their real needs in relation to their private spaces, public surroundings and ultimately, their dream – liveable? – city.