Analyses of Accessibility and Policies for Active Modes of Transportation with Superblocks: Insights for Planning Practice from Abu Dhabi

Abstract

This research critically examines the role of superblocks in Abu Dhabi's urban planning paradigm, highlighting their pivotal contribution to the city's layout while also addressing the challenges they pose in terms of accessibility to key services and local transportation. It embarks on a detailed analysis of the spatial arrangement of essential services, the utility of active transport systems, and the importance of integrating residential areas, with a special emphasis on the functionality of alleys. By adopting a mixed-methods strategy that incorporates space syntax analysis, along with urban planning metrics such as Pedestrian Route Directness (PRD) and the Diversity Index, the study aims to identify strategic design principles that can inform the development of more inclusive and effective urban policies. The ultimate goal is to deliver solid recommendations that advance urban sustainability, reduce dependency on cars, and foster greater social inclusivity. This research is positioned to offer insightful, data-driven guidance for the evolution of Abu Dhabi's urban environment, ensuring it is responsive to the diverse needs of its growing population.

Date of Award	24 Apr 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	KHALED ALAWADI (Supervisor)