Why the 20-minute city is a natural fit for the Gulf

As city leaders around the world seek out design strategies to help them enhance central business districts to be more lifestyle-oriented, in recent years the concept of walkable cities has grown in popularity – particularly in cities such as Dubai and Doha.

Vibrant neighbourhoods where all the essentials – restaurants, shops, schools, as well as hospitals and clinics – typically lie within a 20-minute reach are redefining city living. But for these types of cities to be successful, they must prioritise sustainability, inclusivity and specialised design, while remaining accessible and connected.

The growing threat posed by climate change, coupled with the expectations people have for the places in which they live, is driving urban planners to look for new ways to reinvigorate existing areas and build spaces that meet sustainability goals. As a result, designers are increasingly adopting interdisciplinary approaches that include urban green cover and public spaces that can withstand and adapt to environmental, social and economic stresses.

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Although there has been a tendency in the Middle East for mixed-use developments to be within large, enclosed boxes, the past few years have witnessed successful examples of models that veer away from this formula. The result is a shift towards reducing the amount of energy used to cool large volumes of atrium space, designing physical connections to our outdoor environment and connecting open spaces to the surrounding urban fabric of the city to encourage physical movement.

In fact, many of these principles are deeply rooted in the culture of this region, such as the shading of outdoor spaces and using the direction of buildings to create wind tunnels. But perhaps due to rapid modernisation, such principles may have been forgotten.

A new mixed-use development in Riyadh called 1364ah Lifestyle Centre is a great example of inclusive design. This lifestyle centre is inspired by natural strata formations prevalent in the rugged landscape that surrounds the city. It also integrates services, retail, dining and entertainment options in a single location, reducing the need for long commutes, and allowing residents and visitors to fulfil their daily needs in one place.

The mall's location in the Diplomatic Quarter, a key area of Riyadh, makes it accessible to those living and working nearby. Its proximity to offices, embassies, healthcare facilities and residential areas ensures that people can access services without needing to travel far, aligning with the 20-minute city’s goal of reducing travel time and improving convenience.

The cost-of-living crisis is another trend that urban planners need to consider. Although this is a global challenge, some cities in the Middle East have experienced skyrocketing inflation regarding housing prices. For instance, inflation in Turkey reached nearly 80 per cent in 2022, according to the World Economic Forum – the highest level in 24 years. A resulting trend of increased price consciousness has resulted in a "value hacking" mindset, where consumers seek to maximise their budgets without sacrificing quality.

Urbanisation is another significant driver of the increasing demand for housing, particularly in rapidly growing cities. As more people move to urban areas for better opportunities, the pressure on housing markets intensifies. This migration leads to higher demand for residential spaces, often outpacing the supply, which can result in skyrocketing property prices and rental rates.

In the Middle East, urbanisation is occurring at a particularly rapid pace, with cities like Riyadh, Dubai and Doha experiencing substantial population growth. This surge is putting additional strain on housing availability, making the provision of affordable, well-planned urban housing a critical challenge for urban planners. This challenge could potentially be met through strategic partnerships between mission-driven developers, housing authorities and even non-profits.

Designing around the 20-minute city concept calls for a move away from general master planning to specialised city design that meets blended work-life demands. Today, urban planners and designers must consider more mixed-use, flexible approaches that integrate living, working and leisure into every district, as well as development to cater to the varied needs of urban dwellers. An example of this is Msheireb Downtown Doha, a $5.5 billion, 310,000 square metre project.

Its sustainability can be seen in how it preserves heritage sites, uses local materials, leverages natural light and ventilation, and adopts green technologies for efficient water and electricity use. One notable achievement is the reduction of energy consumption by 32 per cent as landscaping on roofs, streets and internal courtyards contribute to the project’s low carbon footprint.

Within the Middle East, authorities are actively embracing the walkable city approach with regards to existing urban areas, and those that have yet to be built. For instance, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan recognises the significance of time in people’s lives and acknowledges that effectively managing and utilising time for commuting and meeting basic needs is crucial to enhancing residents’ quality of life.

As we look to the future, urban planners in the region are using innovative design strategies to create even tighter neighbourhoods, while forecasting future societal habitation trends, as far as 10 years down the line, given the average project timeline. The region is going to quickly move to 20-minute cities, meaning planners must find bespoke solutions to ensure such metropolises thrive now and in the future.