Co-designing the pedestrian revolution in Muscat

Abstract

Rapid growth coupled with the prevailing land allocation system in Oman led to a shift from compact dwellings typologies to detached single-family houses, arranged in monofunctional zoning systems that exclusively rely on cars. Due to the sprawled transformation, authorities are unable to provide new neighborhoods with basic infrastructure and attractive open spaces. Consequently, the level of non-communicable diseases is increasing, making urban regeneration programs promoting active lifestyles in built environments a matter of public health. In our research we explore participative-planning strategies to enhance pedestrian activity within existing neighborhoods and regenerate public spaces. We conducted a quantitative survey using a standard walkability scale and physical maps to identify barriers to pedestrian activity. Subsequently, we employed the data to frame culturally sensitive co-creation workshops, gaining in-depth knowledge to guide future redesign proposals. We found that mosques are walking magnets yet engender contrasting views with regard to walkability; finding solutions to the spatial problems could develop them into walkable cores. We also observed that residents were aware of health problems caused by lack of physical activity and how that links with the built environment they inhabit. They were eager to discuss solutions, including alternative governance models, as long as the process was short and produced immediate small interventions with high-level impact on their surroundings. We employed a fine-grained combination of methods to address site-specific challenges. Its quantitative data allows the insertion in a broader discourse and the linkage to a large body of research in walkability. Co-creation workshops, especially city games, proved to be a powerful tool to initiate dialogue on complex spatial negotiation, even in societies where participatory approaches do not have a well-established tradition.

Construct validity of the physical activity neighborhood environment scale-Oman

“…A similar approach has been used to confirm the construct validity of the neighborhood environment walkability scale (NEWS) measureusing an appropriate tool for objective measures such as the neighborhood environment walkability scale (28). The most significant differences in perceptions of built environment attributes were related to three attributes; land use mix, pedestrian infrastructure and social environment confirming the importance of the WOW project in promoting the pedestrianization of residential neighborhoods (11). The importance of neighborhood infrastructure supportive to being physically active, particularly the need for public spaces away from vehicular traffic was emphasized by participants in earlier qualitative studies carried out in the country (5,29).…”

“…(3) Areas with a straight-line buffer of 500 m (5-min walk) around the local mosque. In Oman, neighborhood mosques are evenly distributed, usually a walkable distance for area residents (11) and work as a community gathering point.…”

“…Some efforts have been made to improve neighborhood walkability in Oman. The Where Oman Walks (WOW) project was initiated by a research team atof the German University of Technology in Oman in 2018 (11). It aims to develop urban regeneration strategies with a focus on pedestrianization of the residential neighborhoods in the Muscat capital area.…”

Green Pocket spaces strategy for active and inclusive communities in Muscat.

“…A small but growing body of evidence on physical activity and the built environment is emerging that can inform national and local policies (Al Riyami, Afifi and Mabry, 2004;R Mabry, 2018;Mabry et al, 2020;. The focus has been on pedestrian activity within existing residential areas (De Siqueira and Al Balushi, 2020;. Engaging community members has identified redesign proposals focusing on neighbourhood mosques as central for walkable cores.…”

“…Engaging community members has identified redesign proposals focusing on neighbourhood mosques as central for walkable cores. It also pointed to the need for socially acceptable public spaces for women, such as neighbourhood parks, where they can socialize and engage in physical activity (De Siqueira and Al Balushi, 2020); a commonly raised issue in policy discussions on physical activity in Oman (Al Riyami, Afifi and Mabry, 2004;Mabry et al, 2014Mabry et al, , 2020Ruth Mabry, 2018).…”