Envisioning Urban Parks

Abstract

Urban parks enhance cities' aesthetic appeal and play a crucial role in carbon absorption. However, some of the existing park designs have limited functionality and insufficient integration of educational and recreational elements, besides lacking community engagement, which results in a diminished sense of ownership. Moreover, many designs prioritize neither sustainability in construction nor clean energy (e.g., cement production alone contributes to approximately 90% of its carbon emissions from fossil fuels). To address these concerns, redesigning urban parks as sustainable, circular environments that align with nature, local heritage, and community needs is a priority. This envisioning aims to implement a thorough evaluation of the context and condition of any given park, yielding unique design concepts that adhere to both national and international sustainability standards and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The team has done two case studies: (1) envisioning Al-Riyam and Kalbuh Parks as Ophiolite Land and (2) envisioning part of Al-Qurum Park as Blue Carbon. The new philosophy of these parks is based on inspiration from their natural surroundings, emphasizing principles of circularity and decarbonization. Their planning also includes suggesting the most suitable sustainable material alternatives, recycled options, and innovative solutions. Furthermore, there is a focus on the efficiency of resources and waste management, for example, through integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind trees, and utilizing processes like electrocoagulation for greywater recycling while incorporating drought-resistant flora. Additionally, the designs will leverage advanced technologies (e.g., AI and hologram) and provide multizones for health, education, and entertainment, featuring diverse facilities and activities. This project serves as a model for envisioning sustainable urban parks worldwide, reflecting the interconnectedness of human experiences and the environment under the title: from human to human by human.