At One with Nature

Obada Adra Associate Director CRTKL

In a world of uncertainty, the happiness of society has become critical and governments are taking action to ensure citizen-wellbeing remains at the heart of building strong communities. The impact of nature on general wellbeing inspires feelings that not only connect us to each other but also to our environment. There has been significant momentum geared towards creating sustainable and resilient projects that aim to improve the quality of air, increase contribution of clean energy, and preserve natural resources, while fostering real economic growth and social development.

Research has found that our environment can have both a positive and negative influence on feelings by either increasing or reducing the stress of everyday life. Humans are genetically programmed to find trees, plants and water that help us keep calm and happy contributing to our overall wellbeing. Findings from a report by The Lancet also show that even a one percent increase of greenspace is predicted to reduce all-cause mortality by 95 percent. Therefore, a pleasant green environment contributes to the enhancement of physical and mental health.

In line with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision and UAE Sustainable Development Plan, a brand new destination in the heart of the city that seeks to bring the outdoors in was conceived. The project, Central Park at City Walk, aims to advance Dubai’s liveability and sustainability making it one of the world’s most desirable places to live, work and play.

Central Park is a destination reminiscent of New York’s famous Central Park, and is located in City Walk, an urban living hub in downtown Dubai. CallisonRTKL (CRTKL), a global consultancy specialised in architecture, design and technology, collaborated with Meraas for the smart, humancentric and ambitious concept.

Located between Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road, Central Park will establish itself as one of

Dubai’s most unique living communities. The architecture follows a contemporary and sleek design that acts as a backdrop to the vibrant city, using light colours and materials that emphasise a connection with the natural environment. The landscape design at Central Park aims to incorporate sustainable elements to maximise the benefits of the ecosystem and the wellbeing of its residents.

Draped in plants and flowers suspended in hanging baskets from balcony edges, the development is an inspired solution for a green and healthy, residential community lifestyle. Promising to be a car-free, pedestrian-friendly area, it is ideal for families seeking an environmentally conscious neighbourhood. “The landscape design aims to incorporate sustainable best practices. High-level strategies

consider decision-making hierarchy of preservation, conservation and regeneration to maximise the benefits of the ecosystem. Preserving limited resources, reducing waste, and preventing air, water and soil pollution, fertilisation options, integrated pest management, and the appropriate use of turf and xeriscaping were all considered as an integral part of the landscaping design process,” explains Obada Adra, Associate Director CRTKL. The public space is 62,500 square metres in size and with population of 8,800 a 7.1 square metre space is assigned per person. The development also encompasses 12 residential buildings across nine

plots, consisting of 200 community amenities and 36,000 square metre of green spaces. The tranquil destination activates an ambiance of sophistication that contributes to the overall wellbeing of its inhabitants.

The leafy park boasts a wide-ranging variety of active lifestyle amenities aiming to inspire creativity and productivity within the community.

These include a running track, kids play area, dog park, pools and water play areas, multi-use games and sports lawns, games tables, fitness stations, a spa and sauna, yoga and meditation areas, picnic pavilions, retail stores, restaurants, barbecue areas, among others.

Sustainability challenges are now affecting every country in the world, and as a result, it is important to create a greener and more sustainable place to live. Over the years, Dubai has successfully positioned itself as a global leader in innovation and urban development, with the ambition to become the smartest and happiest city in the world.

This increased drive is now paving the way for architects and developers to build infrastructure that contributes to a more sustainable and productive environment. Rather than contributing to carbon emissions, smart infrastructure enables the empowerment of citizens, providing resourceful solutions to everyday problems transforming the way people live, and importantly, how they feel.