Researched and written by Harvard University, Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation have officially launched the 'Gulf Sustainable Urbanism’ Book at an event held at Mshireb Museum on 10th October 2020. An online platform was integrated to broadcast the live event.

The ceremony was attended by Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation officials, including Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Foundation Cultural Advisor, DR. Hafez Ali Msheireb Museums Director, Eng. Issa Al Mohannadi, the Chairman of Qatar Green Building Council, and Harvard University professors, along with VIP guests and delegates from the region.

Written by The School of design at Harvard University, the book covers an in-depth study of ten selected cities in eight countries in the gulf region. It Is an outcome of a decade of field research to establish a holistic framework documenting, analyzing and deciphering the principles of urban sustainability.

According to Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, “Sustainable buildings are a significant factor in protecting our environment, preserving our natural resources, and reducing water and electricity consumption in the long term. Our region needs such study and analysis as a solid base for the present and the future construction trends. The 'Gulf Sustainable Urbanism' Book will be excellent sustainability and urban planning reference for academic institutions, universities, and libraries.  It is a solid foundation to understand the construction and social trends back then and how it impacted the socio-economical aspects. “

He also stated that the book contains groundbreaking research that can serve as a useful guide for making holistic, sustainable decisions for the Gulf region's future urbanism. It shares a close resembles to their flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, the most sustainable city district in the world.

H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Foundation Cultural Advisor, conveyed Qatar Foundation’s supportive role in conducting research and stated that the GSU book meets all the significant needs in documenting a scientific reference in the Gulf region for researchers, experts, and students. He stressed on the Book conclusions' importance that creates a specific identity and forms for the Gulf architecture.

Starting in 2011, the Gulf sustainable Urbanism book is the result of more than nine years of research with the first phase completing in 2020. The study highlights three periods; past, present and the future.

Harvard University has completed the first phase, "The Past" and released the first part of the Book, which covered ten cities in eight countries bordering the Gulf's coastal zone. They include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, and Iraq. The study framework was based upon three research topics: 

1. Environment/Public Health

2.  Social/Cultural/Economic

3. Urban Form/Architecture.

These research topics are studied at four ‘scales’: region, city, neighborhood, and dwelling unit.

Eng. Issa Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar Green Building Council and former CEO of Msheireb Properties expressed his opinions on the book’s need for continuous updates and should cover the present and future phases to make it legacy for upcoming generations.

The launch event will be followed by online panel discussions on October 14th and 21st to discuss different topics related to ‘the historic environment, culture, and economy of the Gulf region,’ ‘the development of urbanism, and public health of the Gulf region,’ ‘the traditional neighborhoods and architecture of the Gulf region,’ and a special session titled 'The study of the past inform future sustainable urbanism in the Gulf.'

For more information and registration, visit: www.gsubooklaunch.com

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial