Sustainabuild is a proposal which creates spaces that prioritize people, foster community, and promote environmental stewardship. Our approach encourages transit-oriented development, pedestrian-friendly design, with a focus on sustainability. Sustainabuild is for the dreamers, urbanists and sustainability enthusiast longing for a city designed to prioritize social interaction, cultural traditions and human centricity.
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1. Transit-Oriented Planning
Prioritize Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems to provide efficient and high-capacity transportation. Supplement MRT with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to enhance connectivity. BRT systems should feature dedicated lanes, quality stations, frequent service, and off-board fare collection. Integrate ferry connections to add variety to public transit options, offering scenic and efficient routes. Limit parking spots and discourage car use for short trips to promote sustainable transportation choices.
2. Pedestrian and Cyclist Priority
Implement slow-moving tram services like the Muharraq loop to intersect with bus routes, enhancing local connectivity. Create pedestrian and cyclist-only zones to promote safety and reduce traffic. The "Ghent Style Circulation Plan" minimizes traffic congestion by prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists. Promote e-bikes and cargo e-bikes for hauling and delivery to reduce reliance on cars. Adopting car-hostile designs reduces speed by incorporating medians, pinchpoints, chicanes, and lane shifts. Roundabouts, diverters, and signal progression further control traffic speed, improving safety and walkability.
3. Enhancing Outdoor Spaces
Design streets as pedestrian-friendly spaces with room for social interaction. Shading and weather protection improve the pedestrian experience with shading accessories. Transparency through window displays and active frontages creates livelier streets and supports small businesses. Incorporate art and beauty to enrich the pedestrian environment. Ensure universal design for accessibility, including tactile cues and quiet areas.
Reducing temperatures by design?
20%
Grass
Replacing surfaces with grass can reduce surface temperature by up to 9°C (16°F). This cooling effect is due to grass’s ability to reflect more sunlight and facilitate water evaporation, which dissipates heat
15%
Shade
Tree canopies provide shade that can reduce ambient temperatures by approximately 5°C to 7°C (9°F to 13°F). This shading effect minimizes direct solar radiation on surfaces, thereby cooling the surrounding air.
25%
Pavement Color
Utilizing light-colored or reflective pavements can decrease surface temperatures by about 10°C to 16°C (18°F to 29°F) compared to traditional dark pavements. These materials reflect more solar energy, absorbing less heat.
How should we prioritize?
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Pedestrians
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Cyclists
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Public Transportation
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Cars
Urban Mobility Pyramid
Prioritizing pedestrians and public transport over cars in the urban mobility pyramid fosters more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive cities. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure enhances public health, safety, and community interaction while reducing air and noise pollution. Investing in public transportation decreases traffic congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and provides equitable access to mobility for all socioeconomic groups. Unlike car-centric designs, walkable cities and robust transit networks maximize limited urban space, promote local businesses, and contribute to vibrant, livable neighborhoods.
Al Ghous Highway
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Seamless Public Transport
Dedicated bus lanes, strategically placed stops, and lane dividers create a faster, more efficient public transit system.
Swapping car-centric infrastructure for eco-friendly alternatives, lighter pavement, and more greenery reduces the urban heat island effect.
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Sustainable Transit
A new light rail transit (LRT) system with dedicated tracks offers a modern, sustainable transportation option.
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Al Sayh
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Efficient Public Transport
New metro and dedicated bus lanes cut commute times, while sheltered stops provide comfort.
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Safer Cycling
Marked cycle lanes with protective barriers encourage eco-friendly mobility, plus secure bike parking.
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Walkable Spaces
Human-scale lighting, shaded seating, and raised crosswalks create a more inviting pedestrian experience.
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Lush Greenery
Abundant trees provide cooling shade and a vibrant, nature-infused streetscape.
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Downtown Muharraq
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Pedestrian-First Design
Cobblestone streets, bollards, and benches create a charming, car-free environment perfect for strolling and relaxing.
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Shaded Comfort
Lush trees and shaded seating areas provide a cool, inviting respite from the sun.
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Accessible for All
Thoughtful design elements ensure the space is welcoming and usable for people of all abilities.
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Old Muharraq Bridge
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Revitalized Public Spaces
Comprehensive clean-up and beautification efforts have transformed the area, creating inviting waterfront spaces and lush greenery.
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Sustainable Mobility
The bridge has been reimagined as a car-free, pedestrian-friendly zone, complemented by efficient ferry services and a new light rail transit system.
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Ferry
Ferries promote sustainable mobility with lower emissions compared to many land-based transport modes. Additionally, they enhance connectivity between urban centers and waterfront communities, stimulating local economies and promoting tourism.
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Bin Mattar Square
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Reclaiming the Streets
Thoughtful intersection redesigns prioritize pedestrian safety, with features like raised crossings and protective bollards to calm traffic and create a more walkable environment.
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Greener Public Spaces
New lush green areas provide shaded gathering spaces for the community, while the integration of tram tracks enhances sustainable public transport connectivity.
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Art-inspired Shade
These creative installations provide relief from the heat, encouraging walkability and outdoor activity, while also serving as public art that enhances the city’s identity and cultural expression. Additionally, they can integrate sustainable materials or solar panels, further contributing to eco-friendly urban design.
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Tram System
Tram systems in cities offer an efficient, sustainable, and accessible mode of public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.