I CENTRAL PARK
At One with Nature Obada Adra
Associate Director CRTKL
In a world of uncertainty, the happiness of society has become critical and governments are taking action to ensure citizen-wellbeing remains at the heart of building strong communities. The impact of nature on general wellbeing inspires feelings that not only connect us to each other but also to our environment. There has been significant momentum geared towards creating sustainable and resilient projects that aim to improve the quality of air, increase contribution of clean energy, and preserve natural resources, while fostering real economic growth and social development. Research has found that our environment can have both a positive and negative influence on feelings by either increasing or reducing the stress of everyday life. Humans are genetically programmed to find trees, plants and water that help us keep calm and happy contributing to our overall wellbeing. Findings from a report by The Lancet also show that even a one percent increase of greenspace
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is predicted to reduce all-cause mortality by 95 percent. Therefore, a pleasant green environment contributes to the enhancement of physical and mental health. In line with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision and UAE Sustainable Development Plan, a brand new destination in the heart of the city that seeks to bring the outdoors in was conceived. The project, Central Park at City Walk, aims to advance Dubai’s liveability and sustainability making it one of the world’s most desirable places to live, work and play. Central Park is a destination reminiscent of New York’s famous Central Park, and is located in City Walk, an urban living hub in downtown Dubai. CallisonRTKL (CRTKL), a global consultancy specialised in architecture, design and technology, collaborated with Meraas for the smart, humancentric and ambitious concept. Located between Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road, Central Park will establish itself as one of
