Strategies for the Enhancement of Users’ Social Interactions in Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street in Doha, State of Qatar

Abstract

Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street, with its unique mix of land use and geographical location, has become one of the most densely populated streets in Doha City, the capital of Qatar. Over the past few years, many establishments and transitional developments, such as various services, commercial malls, and the like, have altered Al Mirqab Al Jadeed’s urban characteristics. Moreover, this rapid development has overtaken urban spaces, leaving no place for green areas or proper urban furniture—and thus resulting in human social decay. This shortage of green areas has discouraged and diminished the quality of outdoor activity (whether in terms of walkability or social interaction) in the street, thereby affecting the quality of living, human health, social fabric, and surrounding neighborhoods. This research study investigates existing urban components (soft and hard) as well as green areas (pocket gardens, shading elements, footpaths, etc.) in the streets, considering their influence on human behavior from a social and environmental point of view. In doing so, it engages with issues of social sustainability and urban design in the context of local neighborhoods. A literature review was conducted of topics having to do with sustainable development (social sustainability) and principles of urban design, exploring the body of knowledge about sustainable development. Accordingly, site observation and analysis, together with in-depth interviews, have been adopted as the main research methods, so to highlight the street urban fabric while simultaneously enhancing quality of life and social interactions in Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street. The findings of this study elucidate the connection between social sustainability and urban design standards, shedding light on the effect of built forms on user behavior and thereby contributing to the body of knowledge about socially sustainable development and urban design. In doing so, they support the application of theoretical knowledge on a practical level and in real-world scenarios.