In the bustling cities of the Middle East, where development is rapid and on a grand scale, a unique challenge arises: how to create a sense of place and community within dense urban environments. This is the intriguing question that DLR Group, a multidisciplinary design firm, has set out to answer.
The issue, as Henrique Dias, Middle East Hospitality & Mixed-Use Director at DLR Group, points out, is not density itself, but the design and experience of it. When cities are built with an emphasis on scale and repetition, they risk becoming overwhelming and alienating for those who inhabit them.
"Density isn't the problem; it's the repetitive, overwhelming design that creates a challenge," Dias explains. "We aim to create spaces that connect users with their environment, offering a sense of distinctiveness and place."
DLR Group's approach is to bring a human-scale perspective to these massive urban projects. By integrating porosity and organic flow, they transform what could be monolithic blocks into legible, approachable communities. The goal is to create environments that feel intuitive and welcoming, fostering a sense of emotional security for residents.
"Architecture can sometimes be ego-driven, with flashy sculptures that lack context," Dias reflects. "We believe in designing with humility, ensuring the architecture aligns with the user experience and meets client expectations without overpowering the space."
One key aspect of their design philosophy is the role of landscape architecture. Stefan du Toit, Design Director, Landscape, explains how they use landscape as an interface between the scale of architecture and the human scale. By stepping down massive volumes with curated topography and layered experiences, they create a more digestible and relatable environment.
"We break down the mass using plants, shade structures, and artistic features," du Toit says. "This allows us to introduce amenities at multiple levels, transforming the sheer scale into human-scale experiences."
This approach is evident in projects like EMAAR - The Heights in Dubai. Here, DLR Group organized over 7,500 homes into intimate neighborhood clusters, each with a central Wellness Club, ensuring a sense of community and walkability. The design considers thermal comfort and sensory engagement, with shaded routes and green buffers, encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings.
"In hot climates, we must design outdoor spaces that are inviting," says Shawn Meyers, Middle East Master Planning Director. "By providing shade, seating, and reasons to linger, we encourage residents to walk and connect with their neighbors."
Another project, LIWAN Najd in Riyadh's Granada District, showcases how DLR Group weaves continuous pedestrian networks and car-free wadis, using natural elements to lower temperatures and create a comfortable walking environment. The design is centered around civic nodes, ensuring essential daily life is within walking distance.
"Streets must be functional and beautiful," Meyers emphasizes. "We want to challenge the notion that it's too hot to walk. By creating inviting spaces, we encourage a more active and engaged community."
DLR Group's designs also respect the terrain and cultural context of each project. In Makkah, where the site is steep and mountainous, they used the terrain as an organizing framework, allowing the built forms to merge naturally into the landscape.
"For destinations like Makkah, the design must be humble and supportive of the spiritual journey," says Vaida Buchrotaite, Middle East Director of Interior Design. "The interiors continue the story of the architecture, with restrained materiality and gentle spatial layering."
In conclusion, DLR Group's approach to urban design in the Middle East is a fascinating blend of scale, walkability, and sensory environment. By prioritizing human-scale perception and authentic community building, they are shaping urbanism that is not only functional but also emotionally resonant and deeply rooted in its context.
"What makes this work particularly fascinating is the balance between monumental scale and intimate human experience," Dias reflects. "It's a delicate dance, but one that, when executed well, can create truly remarkable urban environments."
This raises a deeper question: how can we ensure that urban development worldwide prioritizes the human experience and sense of place? It's a challenge that DLR Group's work inspires us to consider.
