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Masters degree in Urban Planning and Design - Qatar University rchitect, B.A. – Eastern Mediterranean University Research Associate, College of Engineering, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qatar University.
In a rapidly developing nation such as Qatar, the prime aspect of growth is directed toward delivering social, economic, and environmental coherence in its neighborhood development. Qatar's current fast economic growth and the physical transformation of its built environment compromises social and environmental aspects. However, if applied suitably, these transformations can enhance these compromised aspects while increasing economic prosperity. Such transformations include major urban public transit systems currently under construction for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2030 Qatar National Vision (QNV-2030), which aims to connect the center of Doha to several megaprojects and transit villages around major metro stations. The main goal of projects such as the Doha Metro System is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road networks while providing a “stress-free” transition experience. Therefore, the pursuit of transit-oriented developments (TODs), as part of an integrated transportation and land use strategy, will aid in the revitalization of urban neighborhoods in terms of both social and environmental aspects, while allowing for economic prosperity. The main challenge for urban planners is to design the metro stations and accompanying facilities to be well integrated into the urban context of their surroundings, thus reducing traffic through the design of mixed-use, compact transit villages. This study aims to explore the extent to which the new metro station can be interconnected with the spatial form of the built environment of the Souq Waqif neighborhood. This research study argues that efficient integration of land use with balanced transportation will contribute to creating a more livable environment with reduced automobile dependence while aiding the economic context. The research design includes qualitative data based on theoretical studies to assess the principles of TODs and the extent of further implementations that can be employed for the Souq neighborhood to become a TOD.
Heba O. Tannous; Raffaello Furlan; Mark David Major. Souq Waqif Neighborhood as a Transit-Oriented Development. Journal of Urban Planning and Development 2020, 146, 05020023 .
AMA StyleHeba O. Tannous, Raffaello Furlan, Mark David Major. Souq Waqif Neighborhood as a Transit-Oriented Development. Journal of Urban Planning and Development. 2020; 146 (4):05020023.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHeba O. Tannous; Raffaello Furlan; Mark David Major. 2020. "Souq Waqif Neighborhood as a Transit-Oriented Development." Journal of Urban Planning and Development 146, no. 4: 05020023.
This paper presents some of the findings of a study comparing the form and function of two traditional markets on the Arabian Peninsula: Souq Mutrah in Muscat, Oman, and Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. Globalization and rapid urbanization characterize both Doha and Muscat, which share similar historical origins as coastal settlements despite stark differences in topography; Oman is mountainous, whereas Qatar is flat. We investigate the urban morphology, land use and function of the two souqs using several representational techniques typical of morphological research, including space syntax analysis. The purpose is to develop a deeper understanding of (1) the evolution of space and form in these marketplaces over time, and (2) the possible implications for their functioning as urban places. The analysis demonstrates the critical importance of the contextual relations at the macro- and micro-scale of the urban environment for understanding the complex nature of these souqs as places today, helping to deepen our knowledge about traditional markets in the Middle East.
Mark Major; Heba Tannous. Form and Function in Two Traditional Markets of the Middle East: Souq Mutrah and Souq Waqif. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7154 .
AMA StyleMark Major, Heba Tannous. Form and Function in Two Traditional Markets of the Middle East: Souq Mutrah and Souq Waqif. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (17):7154.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMark Major; Heba Tannous. 2020. "Form and Function in Two Traditional Markets of the Middle East: Souq Mutrah and Souq Waqif." Sustainability 12, no. 17: 7154.
Constructed in the 1980s, the BCR Corridors complex is the most iconic building at Qatar University (QU). However, it is also notorious for way-finding difficulties. The problem appears to derive from the repetitive similarity of individual parts in its modular design. Elevators, stairwells, screens, and temporary installations also create impediments to user readability and visibility. Collectively, this tends to complicate its relationship to the immediate context of the university campus. Recently, researchers at QU conducted a post-occupancy evaluation (PoE) of the BCR Corridors. It included (1) direct observation of movement flows and static occupation of space in common areas, (2) room use and photographic surveys, and (3) computer modeling of the spatial layout using space syntax. Space syntax is an international research program of academics and practitioners studying the role of built space in society from the single building to entire cities. The purpose of the PoE study was to understand observed patterns of movement and space use with reference to the problems for way-finding in the BCR Corridors. Based on this, researchers developed proposals for design alterations to enable easier use of the complex. The findings of the study support the above hypothesis about navigation problems in the building.
Mark David Major; Heba O. Tannous; Doha Elsaman; Lolwa Al-Mohannadi; Meera Al-Khulifi; Shaikha Al-Thani. Complexity in the Built Environment: Wayfinding Difficulties in the Modular Design of Qatar University’s Most Iconic Building. Smart Cities 2020, 3, 952 -977.
AMA StyleMark David Major, Heba O. Tannous, Doha Elsaman, Lolwa Al-Mohannadi, Meera Al-Khulifi, Shaikha Al-Thani. Complexity in the Built Environment: Wayfinding Difficulties in the Modular Design of Qatar University’s Most Iconic Building. Smart Cities. 2020; 3 (3):952-977.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMark David Major; Heba O. Tannous; Doha Elsaman; Lolwa Al-Mohannadi; Meera Al-Khulifi; Shaikha Al-Thani. 2020. "Complexity in the Built Environment: Wayfinding Difficulties in the Modular Design of Qatar University’s Most Iconic Building." Smart Cities 3, no. 3: 952-977.