6 minute read
OP-ED
FROM SMART TO SOCIAL LIVING
SHIFTING THE FOCUS FROM TECHNOLOGY TO QUALITY OF LIFE
by RAJA ALAMEDDINE, CEO, LOOTAH REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Dubai’s economy, heavily reliant on international trade and tourism was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic last year. In 2019, real estate activities accounted for 7.2% growth in the GDP, with an added value of AED 29.4 billion, growing by 3.3% compared to 2018. In the Global Competitiveness Index, which is a way of ranking global cities and their attractiveness, Dubai has moved from 29th place to 6th place within the last few years.
The market is witnessing a real shift in the number of first-time buyers in Dubai; many of them are people who had previously rented, but now see this as the perfect time to invest on the property ladder. The lockdown implemented to stop the spread of the outbreak of the pandemic led to reassessing our space and a demand for more, which in turn gave real estate developers a gradual return to confidence in the market. New community developments are now considered a big draw with the buyers and the city is continuing to have some unexpectedly positive results from the real estate industry.
According to the recent statistics by UN, there has been a gradual shift in residence of the human population from rural to urban areas and today 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. High - rise and apartment housing
has become the predominant type of housing. The comfort of urban life, the glamour, the job opportunities, the greater earning potential, education, healthcare, and other such benefits increase its charm and is projected to continue growing.
As the world continues to urbanize, sustainable development is considered to be a key factor to determine the pace of urbanization and to address the challenges in meeting the needs of the growing urban populations with regards to housing. Under the influence of the comprehensive modernization of the country, the new developments accommodate a distinct form of culturally defined patterns of privacy and social interaction. Research has suggested that happiness and well-being tend to be higher in areas where people stay connected.
The residential environment is composed of physical and social elements, residents’ lifestyles, and experiences. Influenced by Le Corbusier’s promotion of high-rise architecture and trying to imitate his ideas of ‘inclusion’, modern apartment buildings were to include features that would foster desired forms of resident interaction, known as ‘streets in the sky’. The introduction of high-rise residential buildings and apartment blocks has significantly changed the social environment of modern cities, affecting everything from cultural traditions, to lifestyles, neighborhoods and personal relationships. Since the mid-fifties there has been a growing interest in recreation, open space, beautification, and a myriad of other ways to improve the “quality of life”.
The UAE is one of the developing countries which has undergone rapid population growth and high level of urbanization. The prevalence of high-rise and modern apartments as mass housing in the country has brought people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds together. Despite our expanded digital connectivity, urban dwellers seemed to be more removed from their local community than ever. It seems the only means of interaction within buildings are brief hellos or nods of acknowledgement in the elevators. The effects of COVID and remote working have caused further distancing from people, less interactions with colleagues, and fewer social events to attend, all lending to a more isolated life. Although technology has changed how we interact with others in our daily lives, it hasn’t affected our basic need to form supportive bonds with other people. Unfortunately, with less and less of an opportunity to see people on a recurring basis – other than at work – forging new friendships as an adult has proved to be challenging. >>>
This brought us to the question - How significant are socio-cultural living patterns in the design of modern apartments?
As one of the long-standing trusted real estate developers in the region, Lootah Real Estate Development is always on the lookout for opportunities that will help us strengthen our position in the market and set us apart from our competitors. There are more than 30,000 residences currently available in Dubai alone and hence we always aim at creating and offering a development that is highly tailored towards specific needs and towards a specialized audience. This introspection led us to create a space that delivers innovative tech led solutions but also an environment that gives a sense of community, a place that delivers not only a home, but a social life.
Our Innovative Social Living project is designed to encourage interaction, thereby increasing a sense of community. With the hugely popular 90’s sitcom Friends serving us an instance of a simpler time, before smartphones, social media, and apps consuming our time, attention, and friendships. It was important to us that people have the advantage of centralized areas to interact with one another and to gather and enjoy themselves. Therefore, we are designing a neighborhood with pedestrian-oriented environments such as retail shops, food and beverage establishments, and services, all within walking distance of their homes. Having landscaped park areas not only allows people to experience the outdoors on their doorstep but also inspires walking or cycling. Walkways and stairs stimulate the likelihood of informal, casual meetings, leading to impromptu meet ups, all of which help build bonds with others in the area.
These shared areas empower all to safely display their culture and identities and to become more aware of diversity and difference, all significant elements that help create local attachments, and all at the heart of community. And when it comes to the wellbeing of tenants, LRED understands that technology, when wisely selected and applied, helps to ensure environmental sustainability and security. AI-driven solutions will now understand the movements of the tenants and will adjust their environments according to their preferences. This not only creates the perfect space for our tenants but increases the energy efficiency of the property. With a design lead approach, we will use the latest in intelligent architecture to cool key areas of the building yet harness the energy of the sun in others. And with an almost waste free construction, we will ensure that the cost to the environment is net zero.
In today’s day and age, integrating facilities to improve the social factors can positively affect the residents’ satisfaction and the quality of their lives. Our aim has always been to bring ultimate value to our tenants and investors by delivering a truly desired product to satisfy its audience. In turn, the tenants enjoy an incredible space that is built to foster a sense of community and a more social life.
