Transforming Desert City Planning: A Historical and Environmental Perspective

Desert cities are unique urban environments that face a range of challenges related to water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and environmental degradation. The traditional approaches to urban planning in these cities have often been unsustainable, resulting in environmental problems and a decline in quality of life.

Riyadh: Transforming a Desert City (Planning, History and Environment Series)

by Yasser Elsheshtawy

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53311 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages

FREE

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, environmental challenges, and innovative planning strategies for desert cities around the world. It draws on cutting-edge research and case studies to examine how these cities have adapted to their unique environments and how they can be transformed into more sustainable and livable places.

The History of Desert City Planning

The history of desert city planning can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where cities such as Ur and Babylon emerged in the arid plains of the Middle East. These cities relied on irrigation systems to channel water from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, and they developed innovative construction techniques to cope with the extreme heat. Over time, desert cities spread across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Central Asia, and each region developed its own unique planning traditions.

In the 19th century, European colonial powers began to establish cities in desert regions around the world. These cities were often designed according to Western planning principles, which were not always adapted to the local environment. As a result, many of these cities experienced environmental problems and social unrest.

In the 20th century, new approaches to desert city planning began to emerge. These approaches focused on sustainability, community engagement, and environmental conservation. Today, desert cities around the world are experimenting with innovative planning strategies that seek to create more livable and sustainable environments.

The Environmental Challenges of Desert Cities

Desert cities face a range of environmental challenges, including:

• Water scarcity: Desert cities are often located in areas with limited water resources. This can make it difficult to provide adequate water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation.
• Extreme temperatures: Desert cities experience extreme temperatures, with high levels of solar radiation and low levels of humidity. This can make it uncomfortable and dangerous to spend time outdoors.
• Air pollution: Desert cities often have high levels of air pollution, due to a combination of factors such as dust storms, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities.
• Environmental degradation: Desert cities can be vulnerable to environmental degradation, such as soil erosion, desertification, and loss of biodiversity.

These environmental challenges can have a negative impact on the health, well-being, and quality of life of desert city residents.

Innovative Planning Strategies for Desert Cities

A range of innovative planning strategies have been developed to address the environmental challenges of desert cities. These strategies include:

• Water conservation: Desert cities can conserve water by using drought-resistant plants, implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, and recycling wastewater.
• Energy efficiency: Desert cities can reduce their energy consumption by using passive solar design, installing energy-efficient appliances, and promoting renewable energy sources.
• Air pollution control: Desert cities can improve air quality by implementing vehicle emission standards, promoting public transportation, and planting trees.
• Environmental restoration: Desert cities can restore degraded land by planting native vegetation, reducing soil erosion, and rehabilitating water bodies.

These strategies can help to create more sustainable and livable desert cities.

Case Studies of Desert City Planning

This book includes case studies of innovative desert city planning projects from around the world. These case studies examine how different cities have addressed their unique environmental challenges and how they have transformed themselves into more sustainable and livable places.

The case studies include:

• Phoenix, Arizona: Phoenix is a desert city that has implemented a range of water conservation strategies, including the use of drought-resistant plants, water-efficient irrigation systems, and recycled wastewater.
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai is a rapidly growing desert city that has invested heavily in renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
• Masdar City, United Arab Emirates: Masdar City is a planned city that is designed to be carbon neutral and zero waste. It features innovative buildings, sustainable transportation systems, and a focus on recycling and renewable energy.

These case studies provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of desert city planning.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, environmental challenges, and innovative planning strategies for desert cities around the world. It draws on cutting-edge research and case studies to examine how these cities have adapted to their unique environments and how they can be transformed into more sustainable and livable places.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in desert city planning, urban design, environmental sustainability, or the future of cities.

Riyadh: Transforming a Desert City (Planning, History and Environment Series)

by Yasser Elsheshtawy

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53311 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages

FREE