The Urban Morphology of Mshereib, the Heart of Downtown Doha

Abstract

Doha experienced a remarkable transformation since oil and natural gas exportation began in the mid-twentieth century. Rapid urbanization and globalization ('process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide involving goods, services, data, technology, and capital') characterize this transformation. Doha expanded to accommodate significant population increases and lifestyle changes. The urban expansion was auto-centric and suburban, similar to post-war development in the United States and other western societies. Qatari citizens 'emptied' Old Doha as they moved to contemporary villas in new developments at the suburban periphery. In response, the Qatari government launched plans for Msheireb Downtown Doha. Its purpose is to attract Qataris back to Doha's historic center by providing a walkable, mixed-use urban environment promoting a new model of sustainable urbanism. The design and planning explicitly seek to become rooted in Qatari social identity while preserving cultural heritage and historic resources. Our paper investigates the urban form and function of Msheireb Downtown Doha to evaluate its success. It examines the urban morphology, including figure-ground and pedestrian sheds analysis from crucial locations and surveys of ground-level land uses, active/inactive frontages, and the pattern of building heights. The goal is to illustrate and understand the project's urban form and function logic. Based on this, we argue that Msheireb Downtown Doha does satisfy the inhabitants' desire for a downtown lifestyle. It offers a model for urban regeneration consistent with the Qatar National Vision 2030 for an advanced society, sustainable development, and a high standard of living for people.