Initiative Aims to Streamline Urban Planning and Involve Residents in Shaping Their Environment.
UAE citizens and residents are taking an active role in designing an upcoming park in Dubai. During a recent workshop, participants provided valuable input on features to include in the park at Nad Al Hamar 3, such as an interactive play area, a method to convert humidity into water for plants, and a shaded cycling track.
High school student Noora Abdullah Ashoor found the workshop a unique experience. "We discussed an interactive play area that would engage all five senses of children," she said.
The 17-year-old elaborated, "The play area would have a water fountain for the little ones and music played through speakers on the floor, which would be very engaging for them."
The workshop was part of the launch of the Dubai Urban Design Platform, an AI-powered initiative allowing residents to see how urban spaces can be transformed. This platform was activated in June following a directive from Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the AI retreat.
Noora emphasised the importance of maintaining the area's identity while designing the park. "We discussed planting Ghaf trees because they are well-suited to the environment here," she explained.
She also mentioned, "The floor will be painted in light colours to prevent heat absorption and ensure the playground remains vibrant despite the harsh sunlight."
Focus Groups
The workshop, attended by over 20 people of various ages, divided participants into two groups to discuss potential park features. Participants first wrote down ideas on sticky notes before engaging in a detailed discussion on what should be included.
Some of the ideas proposed included utilising solar panels, setting up an animal shelter, and installing features like a gym, cycling track, padel court, and water fountain. Moderators used the Urbanist platform to demonstrate how each feature would look visually in the park.
Ahmed Al Zarouni, Director of the Department of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities at Dubai Municipality (DM), was impressed with the ideas. "I was so excited to hear from them," he said. "Knowing what people want in their parks is essential since they are the users. They had some very nice and futuristic ideas."
Al Zarouni mentioned that other DM officials attended the session to discuss the technical aspects of the suggested ideas. "This pilot project involves the Nad Al Sheba 3 park," he said. "But we are willing to implement this approach for all our upcoming 32 parks."
The Platform
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) organised the workshop in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, Dubai Municipality, and Furjan Dubai.
Held at the Umm Suqeim Majlis, the workshop allowed attendees to explore various features of the Dubai Urban Design Platform. They examined its potential for designing public squares and urban spaces, identifying promising designs and ideas for future implementation in Dubai Municipality projects.
Participants reimagined several areas with pocket parks, sustainable squares, plazas, urban gardening, sustainable streets, and urban oases and canals.
Another area around the Al Qusais metro station was redesigned with an urban garden patch.
Officials emphasised that the initiative aims to streamline the urban planning process, reduce costs, and prioritise the active participation of city residents in shaping their environment.
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