183 8.5 The local reconnection of international urban models: A simulation in Dubai This thesis focused on in-depth research and analysis of our cases which helped us understand the functions of the studied developments and their relevance with context. What worked in one city may not necessarily work in another without modifications to adapt to the context.
This research and analysis allowed us to structure a set of contextually adapted guidelines that can act as a base for the future circulation of urban models in Dubai. As the longest road in the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed road is an arterial highway that connects major areas of the UAE. stretching from Al-Silah in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi until in Ras al-Khaimah emirate, and runs almost parallel to UAE’s coastline along the Persian Gulf. While it is known for its hyper connectivity, it tends to create a barrier for the immediate developments on either sides of it, something that is evident in our area of study as well. We see Downtown Dubai, City Walk and Boxpark suffering from this fragmentation. In the first image we see Sheikh Zayed road splitting the area of study into two. The public or users of these spaces could benefit from a completely pedestrianised connection spine that runs all the way from Boxpark to Downtown Dubai as seen in image 2. The central spine connecting Dubai downtown, City Walk and Boxpark can feature a variety of activites to improve the experience along the passage. This uninterrupted and pedestrianfirst transit priority corridor could create a new place of social interaction for the citizens of the neighborhood. An effortless change would be to limit the traffic along the street
Joint work
