The research concluded with a synthesis of “decoding the sustainability of the cities.” After rigorous documentation, analysis, and comparison of similarities and variations of the selected Gulf cities, neighborhoods, and dwelling units, the data were processed with computational hierarchical clustering. This technique aggregated multiple sets of parameters, which decoded the spatial and organizational attributes of the settlements in the past, in a manner analogous to that used in the scientific clustering of data in gene biology.
The analysis showed that the traditional Gulf settlements were tangibly characterized by zero energy demand and were essentially carbon-free. Passive adaptive building sustainability strategies included compact, mid-density settlements; good pedestrian connectivity through narrow, shaded pathways; shade producing courtyard building typologies with shared walls of adjacent plots, high thermal lag construction, and natural ventilation. The complementary analysis of intangible parameters of cultural patterns for social equity encouraged flexible governance. Furthermore, the commonly shared interpretation of Muslim cultural concepts of privacy and hospitality at the unit level allowed the dense cellular structures to achieve social unity. In summary, the research found that the qualities of Gulf Sustainable Urbanism can be condensed to a set of six interrelated principles: Flexibility, Compactness, Interdependence/Self Sufficiency, Proximity, Engagement, and Climatic Adaptability.
The discussion in the panel will be based on these salient lessons from the past and will explore how much relevant they are today, either directly or through careful interpretations. The panel will use the body of knowledge from this research to propose its transformation for holistic, sustainable decisions for the future urbanism of the Gulf region and beyond, to work with nature and minimize the dependence on artificial means.
Discussants:
Dr. Shaibu Garba, Qatar University, Sultan Qaboos U, Oman
Prof. Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Sir James Sterling Chair in Architecture, Head, Liverpool University School of Architecture
Architect Yannis Orfanos, GSU Research, Harvard GSD