Speaker
Description
The global narrative towards sustainable urbanism presents unique challenges when applied to the distinct context of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions. Here, the recent push towards sustainable development is met with critical evaluations regarding its impact and practical effectiveness (Al-Badi & AlMubarak, 2019). Gulf cities have been central to discussions on urban development, frequently cited as a cautionary tale in the discourse on global urbanization and growth (Koch, 2022). In GCC cities, sustainability efforts, as argued, are predominantly motivated by economic interests, often overshadowing environmental considerations in physical planning (Shrivastava et al., 2020).
Critics argue that sustainability efforts in the region often appear to be more of a superficial display, a mere symbolic gesture, or a 'symbolic token' rather than a sincere and substantial commitment (Brown, 2016). Others assert that urban planning in the Gulf often leverages sustainability as a promotional or marketing tool, leading to eco-developments that often manifest as grandiose projects or residential areas lacking the essential elements for genuinely thriving communities (Al-Ansari & AlKhaled, 2023). The notion of sustainability in the Gulf region, often perceived as an imposition reminiscent of neocolonialism, struggles to align with indigenous environmental and cultural contexts, impeding its successful incorporation into policy frameworks (Nebel & Von Richthofen, 2016). Consequently, sustainable initiatives are marginalized by prevailing economic imperatives, relegating them to the status of a mere "political tool" (Cummings & Richthofen, 2017 p. 264). This phenomenon precipitates pertinent inquiries about the genuineness of the sustainability attributions within Gulf developments: does it constitute a legitimate dedication to environmental stewardship, or does it function merely as a veneer of greenwashing?
In recent years, the concept of sustainability has evolved from a mere rhetorical flourish to a central tenet in the discourse of urban development, accentuating the imperative of environmental stewardship and social equity. This paradigmatic shift has engendered the emergence of innovative urban models, among which the 15-minute city stands out prominently. Rapidly embraced by policymakers, this model advocates for the creation of neighborhoods where essential amenities and services are within a 15-minute walk, thereby fostering pedestrian accessibility and promoting sustainable, compact urban configurations (Moreno, 2016). The present study undertakes an examination of the intricate interplay between urban morphology and pedestrian accessibility, thereby offering an opportunity to empirically substantiate or challenge prevalent criticisms of Gulf urbanism.
The study assesses whether common criticisms of Gulf urbanism are justified or refuted based on empirical evidence. This study critically examines the urban morphology and pedestrian accessibility of 77 neighborhood samples from seven Gulf cities across three developmental phases. The analysis involved quantification of urban form attributes followed by Gravity analysis to measure pedestrian accessibility at 400-meter and 800-meter walking radii to empirically evaluate the potential of these neighborhoods to align with the 5- and 15-minute city models. The study validates criticism of the GCC's new urban development approaches, demonstrating that older suburban layouts offer superior 5- to 15-minute walk accessibility compared to newer neighborhoods. Drawing on design lessons from high Gravity value samples, the study proposes optimized layouts for low-performing areas. The decline in accessibility over time underscores the need to reassess current urban planning practices in the region.
References
Al-Badi, A. and AlMubarak, I., 2019. Growing energy demand in the GCC countries. Arab Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 26(1), pp.488–496. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/25765299.2019.1687396
Al-Ansari, M. and AlKhaled, S., 2023. Sustainable urban forms in the Arabian Gulf: An evidence-based analysis of Kuwaiti social housing neighborhoods at Jaber Al-Ahmed City. Frontiers in Built Environment, 9. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1154523
Brown, T., 2016. Sustainability as empty signifier: Its rise, fall, and radical potential. Antipode, 48(1), pp.115–133.
Cummings, V. and Richthofen, A. von, 2017. Urban sustainability as a political instrument in the Gulf region exemplified by projects in Abu Dhabi. DIE ERDE – Journal of the Geographical Society of Berlin, 148(4), Article 4. Available at: https://doi.org/10.12854/erde-148-53
Koch, N., 2022. Sustainability spectacle and ‘post-oil’ greening initiatives. Environmental Politics, pp.1–24. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2022.2127481
Moreno, C., 2016. La ville du quart d’heure: Pour un nouveau chrono-urbanisme. La Tribune, 5(10), 2016.
Nebel, S. and Von Richthofen, A., 2016. Urban Oman: Trends and perspectives of urbanisation in Muscat capital area. Urban Oman.
| Keywords | The Minute City; Neighborhood; Urban Form; Sustainable Urbanism; Gravity |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
