Strategy for shading walkable spaces in the GCC region

Abstract

The Gulf region experiences a hot and arid climate that makes walkability almost impossible, leading to reliance on private vehicular transport that contributes towards high carbon footprint in various dense urban settlements within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Public transport plays a vital role in the reduction of carbon emissions from the increasing amount of private transport. There is a gap, however, since pedestrians within hot and arid regions need to get to their various destinations under shaded conditions. This calls for shaded walkways during regeneration of the urban fabric to facilitate walking for transit and, where possible, walking for leisure. The paper addresses the need for walkable spaces; it looks at Qatar’s regeneration as a case study, analyses efforts made in similar climatic conditions and provides adaptable solutions that can facilitate walkability within existing and urban regeneration. The paper proposes the use of both natural and artificial modes of shading, taking into account the challenges currently faced within hot and arid regions. A transport-oriented development (TOD) approach is proposed as an adaptive solution to formulate a strategy for shading transit routes/pathways for pedestrians. The strategy was conceptually developed and reviewed through a focus group with industry experts. The findings of the study can provide a strategy to improve walkability within the GCC region during regeneration projects. Walkability adds value to facilities and infrastructure while improving healthy lifestyle and reduces reliance on private modes of transport through improved connected spaces. Walkability can improve public transit and reduce carbon emissions within urban city clusters.