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8.5 The loCal reConneCTion of inTernaTional urban models: a simulaTion in dubai

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.

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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

and make it completely accessible by pedestrians and cyclists along with public leisure activities. These activites could form the core attration of this new stretch. A sequential display of recreation, diversions and ventures could encourage the users to walk the entire stretch.

The implementation of tactical urbanism with the use of light, fast and inexpensive interventions in an experimental way can help test solutions in a reversible manner for Dubai’s new context.

The new urban street can be designed to include several types of seating, children’s play areas, racks for private and shared bicycles, jogging tracks, open - air gyms with equipments, open air theatres for public performances, games and sports areas and many more. The temporary nature of this street would help to accomodate activites that would provide a comfortable environment to its users throughout its harsh weather as well.

Another feature that could improve the usability and comfort of this street during the peak summers would be water mist sprays (popularlu known as the outdoor misting system) that helps reduce the ambient temperature around the misted area. This is also remarkably an energy and water efficient method for public spaces.

Similarly, free public drinking water facilities would be an advantage for several users. Small-scale pop-up kiosks could open up opportunities to several inidividual vendors and improve the economic viability of this location.

By beautifying the streetscape and improving the green cover with thick branched trees to provide shaded pathways meanwhile creating unobstructed views of Dubai’s downtown.

Top to bottom

A rapid transit road with heavy traffic separates the two key developments from Burj development.

Proposed spine forms a safe and shortest possible connection (Source: Author, Mariette Robin)

Strategy diagram of Vision (Source: Author, Sneha S Kumar)

Well-furnished pedestrian and cycling pathways making it an enjoyable boulevard along the key vehicular access to this developement.

The central spine connecting Dubai downtown, City Walk and Boxpark could feature a range of activities such as green parks, children playgrounds, open spaces for outdoor leisure activities and games, cycling, walking, running, jogging, dine-out options.

The existing facilities in Dubai Downtown could be improved to enrich the experience of walking and cycling around the downtown. It could include more leisure activites to attract the local users along with the heavy tourists it experiences throughout the year.

An elevated pedestrian bridge or pedestrian underpass would be an ideal, safe, well-furnished connection to link the developments on the east and west side of the Sheikh zayed road.

Simulation for the connection spine (Source: Author, Mariette Robin)

Simulation for the connection spine (Source: Author, Mariette Robin)

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