Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates has one of highest rates of urbanization in the world. With a population of almost 9.8 million (2022), of which 87% lives in urban areas. Gated communities, shopping centers and a lack of midrise construction, generated by design principles alien to this part of the world are resulting in excessive pollution, an energy crisis, high levels of traffic, an increase in commuting distance, social segregation, and urban sprawl. These same modern types of developments have produced a generation of people physically disconnected from each other. Urban sprawl has been an obstacle to sustainability caused by low urban density, leading to a reliance on private transportation, making the amount of time spent in a car unsustainable. The urban sprawl experienced by cities in the UAE is produced by multiple factors of which the increase in population and bad planning are the main ones. Different urban attitudes are needed to stop sprawl. One alternative that has proven to be an efficient way of combating urban sprawl and its socially and environmentally unsustainable urban forms is urban densification. It functions by vertically increasing the number of dwelling units and mixed-use spaces in a given area. By increasing the amount of people living in neighborhoods, infrastructure is consolidated, and the city compresses. This article will present ideas resulting from meetings with local developers, biodiversity experts, government officials and designers, culminating with a four-month studio design project, showing our research, design methodology and urban proposals exploring the future of dwelling.