ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to identify consolidated planning strategies that address climate-sensitive urban design (CSUD) and sustainable lifestyle in Muscat/Oman. In achieving this, a comprehensive socio-spatial and environmental approach through planning a system of urban spaces in Muscat is introduced, with a focus on transforming the so-called wadis – undeveloped, sloped dry riverbeds which form natural barriers and segment the urban fabric of Muscat –into urban green spaces. This research work’s context is Al Azaiba Park, as it is the first realized wadi park project in Muscat. The intensive analysis illustrates that further implementations of converting wadis to parks is recommended due to benefits including improved outdoor comfort, walkability, and improving the micro-climate use. Findings also show that CSUD in Oman contributes to achieving four of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) addressed in the UN summit in 2015, namely goals 3, 9, 11, and 13 of making cities inclusive, healthy, and resilient. Furthermore, the work presented in this chapter considers how a CSUD approach can be effectively implemented with a mixed land-use policy, densification, and urban infill of vacant plots and thus formulate consolidated planning strategies that may be relevant to regions with challenges similar to those in Muscat/Oman.
