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Planning Middle Eastern Cities: A Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development

Emanuel Bell

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Published in Planning Middle Eastern Cities: An Urban Kaleidoscope (Planning History And Environment)

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The Middle East is one of the most rapidly urbanizing regions in the world. By 2050, it is projected that more than 70% of the region's population will live in cities. This rapid urbanization is putting a strain on the region's infrastructure, resources, and social fabric.

Planning Middle Eastern Cities: An Urban Kaleidoscope (Planning, History and Environment)

by Yasser Elsheshtawy

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

To address these challenges, Middle Eastern cities need to adopt sustainable and resilient urban planning practices. This means creating cities that are environmentally friendly, economically prosperous, and socially just. It also means creating cities that are resilient to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and other shocks.

The Challenges of Planning Middle Eastern Cities

Middle Eastern cities face a number of unique challenges, including:

Rapid urbanization: The Middle East is one of the most rapidly urbanizing regions in the world. This rapid urbanization is putting a strain on the region's infrastructure, resources, and social fabric.
Climate change: The Middle East is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The region is already experiencing rising temperatures, droughts, and floods. These impacts are expected to worsen in the future.
Natural disasters: The Middle East is also prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. These disasters can cause widespread damage and loss of life.
Political instability: The Middle East is a region of political instability. This instability can make it difficult to plan for the future and implement sustainable urban development policies.

Principles of Sustainable and Resilient Urban Planning

Sustainable and resilient urban planning is based on the following principles:

Environmental sustainability: Sustainable urban planning seeks to minimize the environmental impact of cities. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and energy, and protecting biodiversity.
Economic prosperity: Sustainable urban planning also aims to create economically prosperous cities. This includes creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty.
Social justice: Sustainable urban planning seeks to create socially just cities. This includes providing affordable housing, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting social inclusion.
Resilience: Sustainable urban planning also aims to create resilient cities. This includes building cities that are resistant to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and other shocks.

Best Practices for Planning Middle Eastern Cities

There are a number of best practices for planning Middle Eastern cities, including:

Compact development: Compact development is a form of urban planning that seeks to create dense, walkable neighborhoods. Compact development can help to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Green buildings: Green buildings are buildings that are designed and operated to minimize their environmental impact. Green buildings can help to reduce energy and water consumption, and they can also improve indoor air quality.
Sustainable transportation: Sustainable transportation is a form of transportation that seeks to minimize its environmental impact. Sustainable transportation includes public transportation, walking, and biking.
Climate adaptation: Climate adaptation is the process of adapting to the impacts of climate change. Climate adaptation measures can include building seawalls to protect against flooding, planting trees to provide shade, and creating green roofs to reduce heat island effects.
Disaster preparedness: Disaster preparedness is the process of preparing for natural disasters. Disaster preparedness measures can include developing evacuation plans, stockpiling food and water, and training emergency responders.

Planning Middle Eastern cities for sustainability and resilience is a complex challenge, but it is one that is essential for the future of the region. By adopting the principles and best practices outlined in this chapter, Middle Eastern cities can create sustainable, resilient, and prosperous communities for their residents.

Planning Middle Eastern Cities: An Urban Kaleidoscope (Planning, History and Environment)

by Yasser Elsheshtawy

4.1 out of 5