Reimagining communities for a sustainable future

“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?” These words from the late Dame Zaha Hadid embody a design philosophy that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s a mindset that provokes us to reimagine urban development, instead of sticking to the tried, tested and conventional. Embracing new perspectives and exploring every angle can shape urban environments that are both functional and transformational.

Future cities have the potential to harmonise nature and human aspiration, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future.

In the coming years, the UAE is expecting a population increase of two million. The challenge is not just to create urban developments that will accommodate this growth, but to also align with the national Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and fostering thriving communities.

These challenges present the opportunity to rethink how we design, build, and inhabit our communities to ultimately develop urban resilience.

Visioning for intelligent design

Cities of the future aren’t built by merely incorporating innovations in sustainability. It is about creating a built environment where functional and environmental factors are interdependent. The need of the hour is to envision and develop cities as ecosystems, where people and nature can coexist in harmony.

In today’s new developments, urban planning can prioritise integrating green spaces, sustainable waste management and clean energy sources like solar or waste-to-energy, unlike conventional developments where these elements are often retrofitted. This way innovations in sustainability will only enhance, not disrupt, the human experience.

Innovations in building materials, such as rammed earth, use natural subsoil and minimal water, offering both aesthetic and sustainable alternatives. Eco bricks made from recycled plastic can minimise waste and the carbon footprint associated with the construction phase. These advances support the circular economy and help us realise a future where every component of urban design contributes to the environment.

When technology and nature unite

We are entering a new era where technology and nature could work together to shape the future of our built environments. Digital twins can simulate urban developments in real-time, optimising energy use, resource allocation, and even traffic flow. This fusion of technology and design empowers us to create cities that are both resilient and intelligent.

Passive design methods should also be at the forefront of planning. Simple considerations — such as the orientation of a building to harness natural light and ventilation—can have a profound impact on energy efficiency and the comfort of its occupants. Buildings that adapt to their environment, rather than imposing upon it, are key to elevating the experience of cities and creating meaningful developments.

At the community level, walkable spaces, cycle tracks, and mobility options that don’t rely on fossil fuels will redefine urban living. Imagine cities where electric vehicles glide silently through green corridors, where residents live, work, and play in spaces designed for health, well-being, and connection to nature. These must be considered as tangible goals of tomorrow’s urban planners.

Reshaping urban spaces with nature in mind

Today’s urban planning should reflect a deep respect for the environment, preserving open spaces, creating parks, and incorporating green belts that enhance biodiversity and human well-being. Water, one of our most precious resources, requires similar care. Incorporating systems for recycling greywater and reducing overall consumption can make every development a steward of the natural world.

To date, we have treated over 350m³ of wastewater daily, producing clean water for irrigation. Scaling this concept to urban environments means designing cities where water flows in sustainable cycles, feeding green spaces and supporting the health of both the environment and the community.

Building on experience, shaping the future

The lessons we’ve learned from projects like our headquarters designed by Zaha Hadid guide the future of smart cities. This state-of-the-art building, a LEED Platinum-certified building, serves as a living blueprint for sustainable urban design. Its principles — innovation, sustainability, and people-centred solutions — are adaptable to any scale, from individual buildings to entire communities.

Design can ensure that sustainability is at the foundation of every new city. While upgrading existing urban spaces can help meet environmental goals, the cities we are building now must be designed for long-term sustainability, supporting scalable solutions that are easily adopted by people.

Read: Building a greener future for the Middle East