The Impact of Land Mix-use on Inhabitants’ Social Wellbeing in the Qatari Neighbourhoods

Abstract

Health and wellbeing have been key considerations in designing sustainable environments. However, most research on built environments and wellbeing has been conducted in Western communities, with very little research in the context of Middle Eastern countries. This study aims to fill the gap by investigating the impact of the residential built environment on social wellbeing in the cultural context of Doha, the capital of Qatar. The research studied six neighbourhoods in Doha. The investigation used subjective and objective methods such as interviews and spatial models (space syntax), complemented by questionnaires and an observation survey. The data were analysed separately; however, they are thematically discussed in this research. The findings of this research broadly support the work of other studies in this area, linking public spaces with the inhabitants’ casual interactions. However, this research found that some uses have a higher impact than others. In Doha, mosques significantly influenced inhabitants’ social interaction, especially men. The social relationships between neighbours were maintained in private spaces – Majles-. Majles had low integration with other spaces in the dwelling, which ensures household privacy. Based on the findings of this investigation, recommendations are made and guidelines developed for future residential developments in Qatar and the surrounding region to ensure the social wellbeing of communities.