A planning method for transit villages in Qatar: Souq Waqif historical district in Doha

Abstract

PurposeThis research study aims at revealing a planning method for the development of the Souq Waqif-Transit village.Design/methodology/approachOver the past decade, transit-oriented developments (TODs) have become an international city planning model for promoting sustainable urbanism. On a regional scale, the State of Qatar launched the construction of Doha Metro. The current network consists of three lines with a central interchange station within the city's most vibrant cultural core, i.e., between Msheireb Downtown Doha and Msheireb, near to the Souq Waqif historical site and Al Corniche waterfront promenade. The Qatar National Development Framework emphasizes the importance of stimulating sustainable urban growth by linking the Doha Metro with TODs.FindingsThe findings show that the benefits of a strategy for monitoring and assessing the potential benefits of the investigated TOD linked to the analysis of the indices for (1) travel behavior, (2) built environment diversity and (3) other categories specific to the site's historical-heritage preservation.Research limitations/implicationsNamely, a comprehensive approach for developing a historical site is/should be grounded in a planning method for enhancing the mixed-used urban fabric, public realm and walkability, and heritage preservation.Social implicationsThe insights from this research study aim to guide the long-term sustainable urban growth of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cities in the future.Originality/valueThe proposed sustainable growth planning scheme for the Souq Waqif addresses gaps highlighted through design tools of investigation. The missing attributes concern three key factors: (1) mixed-used urban fabric, (2) public realm and walkability and (3) built heritage preservation. The quality of streetscape, corridors, connections and connectivity of pedestrian and walkable network: TOD is not dependent on a singular mode of transport (Doha Metro), but it includes all systems that allow for mass public mobility within the city districts. Integrating other transport systems within mixed-use areas should be reevaluated based on accessibility to such systems, including taxi services, public bus services and public shuttles.