Dubai Urban Planning – the Modernist Theory

Posted: August 27th, 2021

Dubai Urban Planning – the Modernist Theory

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Dubai Urban Planning – the Modernist Theory

Dubai is rich with different modern buildings that were regarded as local landmarks, characterized by different architectural designs brought around by international and Arab architects. Therefore, this discussion focuses on two physical aspects; that is, the distance between buildings and windows of the houses. This is followed by a criticism of the modern theory applied in the design.

            According to Wright’s theory of Broadacre City, by which each family is assigned an acre of land where an apartment, train station and few offices. In Wright’s concept, he believed that such a set-up would guarantee confinement of all apartment dwellers. The theory has been widely applied in Dubai with construction set-ups emerging across the city. However, the broad city concept consumes large spaces especially with large highways that are designed to facilitate movement of people from one place to the other. At same time, in attempt to ease movement, some new structures have encroached into the residential areas leading to overcrowding. Hence, this theory appears less effective in a rapidly growing city like Dubai.

Figure 1: The Alkhail Road – Case of Large Highways Source: “All about major UAE highways: E11, e311, e611 & more,” 2020t

The need for urban planners to sort out incompatibilities within the city resulted into establishment of zoning regulations. Zoning is advanced by both La Corbuiser and Wright’s theories. Particularly, distance between buildings was among major physical aspects that were given consideration. The zoning codes also designate a specific use of public spaces, with intention of protecting residents against certain adjacent uses.Figure 2 below illustrates zoning within the city.

Figure 2: Jabel Ali Free Zone Source: Gulf Archives News

Figure 2 shows zoned area of Jafza where distance between buildings is applied based on use. Residential structures are distanced from working offices at a defined distance.  Modernist theories emphasize on the adequate distance between buildings because it enhances quality of life for the occupants through the adequate circulation of air. However, the modernist theories fail to appreciate the fact that long distances from the city reduces public interaction with city life.

Regarding windows, many structures such as the Rashid Hospital, Burj Khalifa, and the Rose Tower are provided with many windows to ensure ventilation and free flow of air across the rooms. The window structures are designed to increase ambiance for the quality living among occupants.

Figure 3: iStock Building in Dubai Source: Gulf Archives News

Figure 3 is the distribution of windows across the iStock building in Dubai.

According to Le Corbusier – the Radiant City theory, he advocates that the society within the urban setting should be organized through formally organizing the space. He acknowledges that it is not possible to regulate cities, but this can be made easy through the controlled establishment of pyramid hierarchies (Fishman, 1982). The theory also assumes that there is neither poverty nor crimes in this city since all individuals benefit through collective life (Fishman, 1982). However, this model consumes much space leading to under-utilization of construction materials. Therefore, it is not suitable for Dubai.

References

Fishman, R. (1982). Urban utopias in the twentieth century: Ebenezer Howard, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Le Corbusier. MIT Press.