Building Cities with Superblocks: Mapping the Typology, Morphological Attributes, and Connectivity Efficiency of Superblocks in GCC

Abstract

In the past six decades, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have undergone remarkable urban transformations, fueled by oil discoveries and aspirations to integrate into the global economy. This evolution saw cities rebrand themselves, spearheading colossal urban initiatives aiming to reflect bigness, prosperity, and at times, a utopian vision. However, critical assessments suggest the persistence of sprawling, repetitive fragmented urban forms, despite the sustainability initiatives in the GCC cities' masterplans. This study uses morphological mapping to trace sustainable urban forms over six decades in sixty-five neighborhoods in seven GCC cities. The study examines the evolution of three dimensions: compactness, connectivity, and diversity. The aims are (1) to assess the extent to which sustainable forms have been implemented in neighborhood development, and (2) to identify model superblocks that can guide sustainable neighborhood development. Findings indicate that pre-suburban developments are designed more sustainably than contemporary neighborhoods but that a few modern superblocks model some elements of sustainability. Findings underscore the importance of translating sustainability goals into concrete policies and practices.

Date of Award	18 Apr 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Khaled Alawadi (Supervisor)