Assessing the Spatial Distribution and Accessibility of Urban Parks: The Case of Dubai

Abstract

The concept of the 'Minute City' (MC) has attained momentum in sustainability discussions, advocating for a transformation in urban layout and transportation towards more efficient functionality. While its effectiveness has been acknowledged in urban cores, its adaptation in suburban areas remains a point of contention. This study investigates the application of the 15-MC concept within Dubai's diverse neighborhoods. Specifically, it investigates the connectivity between parks and residential areas across 25 neighborhoods in Dubai, comprising 14 central and 11 suburban locales, using two distinct scenarios: 'streets only' and 'streets with alleys'. Key evaluation metrics include time, distance, directness, and diversity. The findings indicate that, on average, both central and suburban network configurations offer reasonable walking distances and times to access community parks. Moreover, a significant portion of Dubai's neighborhoods demonstrated positive results in terms of directness and diversity under both network scenarios, underscoring the effectiveness of the network design. However, it is crucial to note that local conditions, such as high temperatures and infrastructure constraints, necessitate a thorough reassessment that goes beyond the scope of the current study's findings.

Date of Award	26 Apr 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	KHALED ALAWADI (Supervisor)