SUSTAINABLE URBANISM: ADAPTIVE RE-USES FOR SOCIAL-CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY IN DOHA

Abstract

Rapid urbanization is a consistent concern for policy-makers and urban planners globally. Concerns about population growth and the resulting urbanization in developing countries have been an issue of particular concern for researchers and policy-makers globally. Oil rich and culturally strong Middle Eastern Islamic states have been underexplored in the sustainable urbanization literature. This research study attempts to close the gap in the literature by studying the oil and culturally rich city of Doha which has undergone significant urban transformation since the discovery of oil. Specifically, this research study explores and describes the feasibility of adaptive reuses for social urbanization in Doha’s sustainable urbanization vision. The data used in this research are collected via a mixed methodology research design. In this regard, the data was collected from focus group questionnaire with architects and construction engineers with some exposure to the built environment in Doha. Survey data was collected from among students who have lived or are living in Doha. The research instruments (focus group questionnaire and surveys) were designed to gather data informative of the user perspectives on the feasibility of adaptive reuses for social-cultural sustainability in Doha’s sustainable urbanization policies and practices. The results are analysed and discussed. Implications for practice and further research are identified.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering