This research and planning project explores the influence of spatial planning in facilitating the process of energy transition within the context of Dubai. Energy use within the built environment is closely related to the organization of urban form and functions. Spatial planning can influence diverse sectors in urban areas including the energy sector. The role of spatial planning in the energy transition is a crucial one since it can challenge fundamental norms that don’t promote energy efficiency. Planning processes and systems can pave the way for a collective investment in public goods that can help to promote long term environmental benefits. The results of this research illustrate the impact of spatial planning to change the relationship of space to energy. Energy strategies need to start having a stronger link with urban development plans to be able to effectively change the ‘decision rules’ that can lead to an improved energy performance. Through this research I want to contribute to this question and explore the parameters of planning that can impact energy use in Dubai. The intention of this research and design project is to begin a discussion about the role of spatial planning in the energy transition in cities. My assumed role in this project is of an urban planner to inform Dubai government on how to facilitate a process for developers, urban designers and architects to work within. This project has a strong research base which will guide the redesigning of the planning process in Dubai to better balance competing interests and engage with all stakeholders. This research attempts to bridge the gap between energy strategies and urban development policies.

The intersection of effects of climate change, urbanism and communal action provides an opportunity for architects and planners to reinforce the complex system of cities by challenging current norms and empowering residents with tools to influence spatial form that they interact with. Going forward solutions that demand a conservative use of current resources while pushing consumers to change their habits are needed for our civilization to sustain. Urbanism is a pivotal point in this journey as it represents both a conservation strategy as well as a lifestyle change. Through urban form analysis, the project explores designing for resilience and diversity in our cities so that we are better equipped to deal unforeseeable changes in the future. An interpretation of corridors as an adaptive framework in cities is explored within the context of Tilburg, Netherlands.

The Urban Fabric is a dynamic organism, constantly growing, breathing and changing. Rapidly expanding cities and fast paced developments are becoming the norm in our cities today. The ability of architecture and urbanity to be able to adapt to unforeseeable changes is currently one of the most significant issues in the built environment today. The true realization of our civilization’s urban consciousness is the capability of individual units to be able adapt to different uses and different users over time and allow for innovation within the complex city system. Even though it is timeless, this issue is gaining importance as things are moving faster than ever in the current urban fabric. The essay focuses on the issue of the effects of climate change in our cities today. The link between the theoretical ideas of city structure and the adaptability of spatial form is explored. The viability and diversity of corridors in the city structure is recognized. Corridors form the backbone of the urban structure that connects other spatial elements in the overarching urban environment. The conclusion highlights design guidelines for the spatial framework of corridors in a city to be able to adapt to vivaciously changing urban environments today. The geographical context of the analysis and consequent conclusion lies within Tilburg, Netherlands. It should be noted that the theoretical background and the suggested design guidelines can break out of the geographical barrier and be migrated to cities that are of a similar size and climatic conditions.

Sao Paulo, a megacity of almost 11 million inhabitants in its city center, is facing environmental, societal and infrastructural challenges due to its rate of rapid urbanization. The rivers in the Tiete basin reflect the painful truth of unmanageable urban planning and the unawareness of water as a valuable source. The rivers, once the blood vessels of the city, now function as a barrier in the development of the city by their stench and filthy appearance. An integrated design approach, covering multiple scales and disciplines, aims at tackling the issues by emphasizing the value of water. The Pinheiros should function as a bridge to improve social accessibility, environmental quality, and the connection between people and water. In a natural environment nothing is straight, everything is connected and balanced in an organic form. In Sao Paulo, as the city has expanded, the urban form has become linear and rigid. The city has modified the natural shape of the river. Blue arches envisions a resemblance of the original meandering shape of the Pinheiros. By connecting blue-green infrastructure on both sides with a green bridge for commuting and leisure, allowing for the meandering shape of the ecological places to cross the river.

This research and design studio combines infrastructural sub-structure design with urban realm design. Set within the framework of Sustainable Urban Engineering of Territory (SUET), a case for activating the public realm of Zuidplein, Rotterdam is explored in this studio.