URBAN STUDY OF THE CONTEMPORARY LOW-DENSITY NEIGHBORHOODS IN QATAR: TYPOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES AND ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Abstract

The research conducts a study of contemporary low-density neighborhoods located in sub-urban zones in Qatar regarding their typological principles alongside their architectural aspects. The study uses a traditional Arabic-Islamic urban planning methodology to investigate spatial arrangement and privacy management along with evaluating social aspects of urban design. Since the traditional Arabic-Islamic planning methodology was derived from shari’ah as it was involved in Muslims life including the built environment. Qur’an and Sunnah were the primary sources that Muslims depended upon to derive the planning principles. Protrusion in to Tariq al Muslimeen, visual privacy are examples of cases that shari’ah was the primary source of consult. The investigation also examines contemporary developments in urban planning and assesses the extent to which new urbanism aligns with Qatar's urban development. The study combines qualitative heritage neighborhood evaluations with quantitative modern design evaluations through a mixed-methods research methodology. The findings show that modern planning lacks important features, including ineffective pedestrian-friendly design features along with minimal cultural expressions. This research advocates for sustainable urban design methods that unite Qatari architectural traditions while aiming to improve connectivity, public areas, and neighborhood mixtures. The study delivers an integrated approach to unite cultural heritage traditions with contemporary urban principles and presents guidelines for enhancing current neighborhood planning in Qatar.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies