2nd Annual Smart Skyscrapers Summit - Dubai - May 2015

Socio-cultural Sustainability and Tall Buildings: Planning Challenges and Design Opportunities Dr. Yasser Mahgoub Head of Department of Architecture and Urban Planning College of Engineering - Qatar University

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Introduction The love affair with tall buildings is undeniable. Initially very much a western society symbol of power and progress that started in the late 19th century, the tall building love affair has well and truly infected developing nations throughout Asia and the Middle East, for many of the same reasons.

Keen to be seen as the new power-houses of the world, these nations are falling over themselves to build the biggest and greatest symbols of their city's and creator's success.

However, do tall buildings actually make these cities better places?

Jon Brock (Urban Melbourne, 01/09/2014 )

Introduction • Tall Buildings, in name and social function, are modern expression of the age-old symbol of a pillar that connects earth to heaven and the four compass directions to one another.

Giza Pyramids, Egypt

Shibam, Yemen

Mayan temples in Tikal, Guatamala

Introduction • The construction of tall buildings emerged as a feasible economic solution to provide more spaces in dense old cities such as Chicago and NY.

Introduction • Tall buildings in emerging cities of the Middle East are statements of modernity, globalization and economic prosperity.

Introduction The built environment found in the Gulf countries has passed through rapid changes during the second half of the 20th century, as a result of economic wealth generated after the discovery of oil that initiated major urban development schemes to improve the quality of life and urban environment.

Introduction • Tall buildings in the Middle East often carry a connotation of pride and achievement.

World’s Tallest Building, Burj Khalifa, Dubai

World's Tallest Clock, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers

The human dimension of skyscrapers

Public Realm A common concern with tall buildings is the way they relate to the public realm on the ground level. Their success in touching the sky should be measured by their success in reaching the ground.

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers • With 800 tower projects expected to be completed over the next decade in the Middle East, it is important to retain a sense of cultural identity and heritage.

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Problems Identification Globalization

Rapid Urbanization

The Urban Planning Process

2010 FIFA World Cup Announcement

2005 Pacific Consultants International QNMP 2030!

1993 Louis Berger & HOK Physical Development Plan

1985 Dar Al-Handasah Doha’s City Center

1983 HOK Doha Landscape Master Plan

1979 Shankland Cox 20 years Urban Strategies

1975 Pereira Architects New Waterfront

1972 Llewellyn Davis 1st Master Plan

1950’s – 1970’s Uncontrolled Growth

Pre 1950 - Pre-Oil Era Vernacular Settelement

History of Urban Planning in Doha

Doha Skyline Development

Doha skyline, 1960

Doha skyline, 2005

Doha skyline 2007

Doha skyline 2010

Doha skyline 2013

QU

West Bay Lagoona

KATARA

The Pearl Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Khalifa City

Port Doha Downtown Airport

QF Education City

West Bay

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers • Problems in

West Bay high-rise district in Doha

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

PRE-PLANNING PHASE

A shallow part of the Gulf that has been dredged and planned to be developed

PHASE I Planned as a district for luxurious residential villas.

PHASE II Planned as a highrise district that represents highquality design

Small plots, narrow streets and loopcirculation usually used in residential villas districts in Doha.

High-quality tall building that failed to create street attractive public realm.

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

The existing urban regulations lack the integration between the buildings and the surrounding space

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Existing Building Regulations

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Existing Public Realm

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Pavement obstructed with fences

Unshaded pedestrian pathways

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Lack of connectivity with the public realm

Street level security gates and parking lots

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Socio-cultural Challenges of Skyscrapers

Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Livability of high-rise districts

Regulatory framework

Integrated urban planning process

Shift from conventional codes to form-based codes

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Form-Based Codes (FBCs) FBCs focus on the image of the development such as building height and bulk, faรงade treatments, the location of parking, and the relationship of the building to the street and to one another then integrate those factors towards better appearance and qualities of the public realm (Local Government Commission, 2013).

3d Visualization Techniques

Three-dimensional visualization of designs using computer software as 3d MAX, Revit and Maya facilitates the task of placemaking with high-rises as a more challenging building typology. This emerging technique also helps in interaction with the community.

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Mixed-Use

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Vertical land Use

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Mixed Building Heights

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Pedestrian Environment and Circulation

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Pedestrian Environment and Circulation

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Pedestrian-Only Alleys

Pedestrian Environment and Circulation

Towards Sustainable Skyscrapers

Pedestrian-Only Alleys

Contents • • • • • •

Introduction The human dimension of skyscrapers Skyscrapers impact on the urban context Socio-cultural challenges of skyscrapers Towards sustainable skyscrapers Conclusions

Conclusions As urban areas grow in population and number, urban designers and architects must examine, embrace, and enhance the relationship between tall buildings and the built environment.

(Kheir Al-Kodmany and Mir M. Ali: The Future of the City: Tall Buildings and Urban Design, 2013.)

Conclusions In the Roadmap on the Future Research Needs of Tall Buildings issued by CTBUH , the authors identified 11 “priority research topics and research gaps in the field of tall buildings.� These 11 fields are: 1. Urban Design, City Planning and Social Issues 2. Architecture and Interior Design 3. Economics and Cost 4. Structural Performance, Multi-Hazard Design and Geotechnics 5. Circulation: Vertical Transportation and Evacuation 6. Fire and Life Safety 7. Cladding and Skin 8. Building Materials and Products 9. Sustainable Design, Construction and Operation 10. Construction and Project Management 11. Energy: Performance, Metrics and Generation (Roadmap on the Future Research Needs of Tall Buildings. Philip Oldfield, Dario Trabucco & Antony Wood , Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat: Chicago. 2014)

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers

Conclusions

Public Public Realm Realm As tall buildings grow in height and number, more attention should be given to their impact on the public realm.

Socio-cultural Sustainability and Tall Buildings: Planning Challenges and Design Opportunities Dr. Yasser Mahgoub Head of Department of Architecture and Urban Planning College of Engineering - Qatar University

Thank You.