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Strategies for the urban regeneration of the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha, Qatar
Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal,
16
(3),
318-339
(2023)
Abstract
Doha has witnessed rapid urban growth, an increasing population rate and a greater reliance on cars as the primary mode of transport. This has caused social and environmental problems related to a sprawling urban pattern, increased levels of air pollution and high traffic congestion, among others. One of the key issues related to urban land use distribution is the lack of connection between green spaces and the neighbouring urban areas. Using the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) as a case study, this research investigates the existing condition of the MIA Park and recommends strategies for implementing urban regeneration and enhancing the accessibility and connectivity of green spaces in Doha. The data is collected through: (1) site observations; (2) unstructured interviews; and (3) visual material (ie photographs and maps). Findings suggest that accessibility to the MIA Park is compromised due to a lack of comprehensive urban design elements and inefficient intermodal integration. The findings provide useful insights for drafting policies for urban and green space integration in a heavily car-dependent Middle Eastern city scenario. The findings contribute to understanding the landscaping of Doha city, namely, how public green spaces are integrated with the urban areas, and how this aligns with the aims of Qatar’s national planning strategies. This study reveals that Doha lacks a well-connected green network that is accessible to all modes of transport, especially pedestrians. National planning strategies need to consider the significant accessibility and connectivity issues in the green spaces of Doha to achieve sustainable development.
Keywords: urban growth; green urbanism; Corniche; Museum of Islamic Art Park; Doha
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Eman Saleh Al Fadala holds a Bachelor’s degree in geographic and urban planning from Qatar University in the State of Qatar and is currently undertaking a Master’s in urban design and planning at the same institution. She has seven years’ work experience in the facilities management field at museums in Qatar. Currently, she is working with Qatari Diar on the Lusail Project.
Raffaello Furlan holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees from IUAV University in Venice (Italy), and a PhD in Architecture from Griffith University in Brisbane (Australia). He has held visiting and permanent positions in Australia (University of Queensland and Griffith University in Brisbane), UAE (Canadian University of Dubai) and Qatar (Qatar University). He has been teaching Art History, History of Architecture, Project Management, Urban Design, Architecture Design and Interior Design. His areas of interest include Vernacular Architecture, Architecture and Urban Sociology, project management, art history. A member of the Board of Architects in Italy and Australia, he has 20 years’ professional experience, split between design management, project management and supervision roles, with some highly respected companies, six years of which were in Italy, 10 years in Australia, and four years in Middle East.
Reem Awwaad holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture, urban design and planning from Qatar University. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at Qatar University. She has five years’ work experience in transport planning and traffic impact studies at a private consulting firm. She also has four years’ research experience. She has worked as a research assistant in three funded research projects, presented at international conferences and published articles while working and studying. Her areas of research include urban design of neighbourhoods, environment-behaviour studies, green urbanism and housing typologies.
Khalida Lifam Marthya holds a Bachelor’s degree in architecture from University of Kerala, India, and a Master’s in urban planning and design from Qatar University. She is currently a Research Assistant at Qatar University.
Tagwa A. A. Osman holds a Bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Khartoum, Sudan, and a Master’s in urban planning and design from Coventry University, UK. Her research interests are at the intersection of urban sustainability, transit-oriented design, urban and regional planning, and digital humanities. She has professional experience as a Part II Architectural Assistant at Al Nafaj Architecture Studios in several projects in Sudan, UAE and Saudi Arabia. She is currently a Research Assistant at the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Qatar University.
Rashid Al-Matwi is an Assistant Professor of architecture and urban design in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qatar University. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, and a PhD in urban and regional development from Cairo University. Prior to joining Qatar University, Rashid had a long career in the public and private sectors. He has worked at Qatar Development Bank, where he was Secretary of the Board and Consultant. Before that he worked as Senior Adviser for the renowned architecture company AS&P (Albert Speer & Partner). In addition, he worked in the Urban Planning Department of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture in Qatar, where he held several regulatory and managerial roles such as the Head of Project Planning, Design Control, Quality Control and Architectural and Municipal Projects. He has worked in and supervised many public and private architectural and urban planning projects.
