ZEMCH 2019 International Conference Proceedings April.2020 | Page 47
Investigating Optimization of Sustainability at an
Urban Level: A Case Study of Dubai Neighborhoods
Sundus Shareef 1, * and Haşim Altan 2, *
British University in Dubai, Faculty of Engineering & IT, Dubai, UAE; [email protected]
Final International University, Faculty of Architecture & Fine Arts, Kyrenia, Cyprus; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected], +971‐50‐638‐9133 (S.S.) [email protected]; Tel.: +90‐533‐
835‐9090 (H.A.)
1
2
Abstract: The United Arab Emirates witnessing an enormous growth and the sustainability attitude
has become one of the most important priorities in this development. This paper aims to optimize the
environmental sustainability of the Emirate of Dubai communities by adopting the case study as a
method of research. The investigation of the case study is looking at sustainability levels that consists
of two major factors in neighborhood sustainable design, such as livability and thermal performance.
The strategy of enhancing and optimizing the communities’ sustainability starts with an approach to
the applicable modifications and solutions to the existed community master planning where the
modifications cover the two main urban design variables; (a) Building design, and (b) Open and
landscape areas. The effect of the adopted scenarios is analyzed to find the improvement in
environmental and thermal performance. The study has adopted two computer software packages,
namely CityCAD and IES‐VE, to undertake the assessment. Furthermore, the factors of urban
sustainability are evaluated using the USGBC’s LEED neighborhood assessment tool, and the results
has shown that the environmental sustainability levels can be increased after the adoption of certain
suggested scenarios, and the case study community can be turned toward “Sustainable Community”
by implementing the recommended actions and modifications.
Keywords: Sustainability; Housing Communities; Sustainable Urban Environments; Neighborhood
Sustainability; Building Height Diversity; UAE
Investigating Optimization of Sustainability at an Urban Level: A Case Study of Dubai Neighborhoods
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