Environmental Sustainability Comparative Assessment of Low-Rise and High-Rise Neighbourhoods based on People’s Lifestyle Preferences: The Case of Doha, Qatar

Abstract

The urban form of Doha city has undergone numerous changes owing to rapid economic growth during the past few decades. The Qatar National Vision 2030 highlights Environmental Sustainability as one of the key sectors of Qatar’s First National Development Strategy. Achieving Environmental Sustainability requires analysis from meso and micro scales. This study selected a high-rise neighbourhood (West Bay) and a low-rise neighbourhood (Onaiza) in Doha city to be analysed. The study objectives are to, a) investigate environmental factors based on two levels: meso and micro scales and, b) develop planning strategies to enhance Environmental Sustainability in both low-rise and high-rise neighbourhoods. The research tools include content analysis, observation study and open-ended interviews. The results revealed similarities in lifestyle preferences for meso parameters, walkability and waste segregation, and micro parameters, surroundings and green infrastructures. Backyard farming is preferred by the low-rise neighbourhood while high-rise neighbourhood residents choose more sustainable alternatives for mobility. The study emphasizes the importance of public awareness and participation in formulating urban policies due to the changing dynamics of the city’s population.