Built Form of the Souq Waqif in Doha and User's Social Engagement

Abstract

The Souq Waqif is located in the heart of the old downtown of Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar. The Souq Waqif is one of the most important heritage sites in the country. Over the years this market became abounded until his highness Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al Thani and his wife, her highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, recognized the importance of protecting and restoring this heritage site by funding the heritage restoration project of the Souq Waqif. It’s a wide-open outdoor space with air-conditioned shops. The users spend most of their time in the outdoor space where most social activates take place. This research study explores how the urban form of the Souq Waqif contributes to the formation of social interactions, and how its urban form can be implemented. The key factor of this research study is the impact of the urban morphology on the thermal comfort of the users in the hot-arid climate of Qatar. Other controlling factors in this process will be explored as well. The research question is answered by adopting both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research study is developed through three steps: (A) theoretical study, (B) analytical and applied study, and (3) interviews. Finally, an approach to enhance open spaces at the Souq Waqif is revealed: namely, the use of more vegetation, the formation of more shaded spaces for more thermally comfortable environment, and the development of a well-designed signage system contribute to implement the users’ social engagement.