Integration of the Public Realm into the Urban Fabric for Sustainable Urbanism in Middle Eastern Cities: Sheraton Park in Doha, Qatar, as a Case Study

Over the last decade, Doha, Qatar, has undergone rapid urban expansion, favoring road networks over pedestrian-oriented design and prioritizing low-density, sprawling developments over compact, mixed-use neighborhoods. This evolution has resulted in a fragmented urban fabric, with residential, commercial, and recreational zones spatially disconnected—ultimately reinforcing car dependency. Such auto-centric planning has exacerbated environmental and social challenges, including traffic congestion, air pollution, and a weakened sense of community in isolated districts. Amid these challenges, there is an increasing call for sustainable approaches to urban planning and mobility. In response, Qatar has made substantial investments in public green spaces, strategically distributed across metropolitan Doha to enhance environmental performance and urban livability. A prominent case is Sheraton Park, situated near the iconic Sheraton Hotel and adjacent to the West Bay Business District. This study adopts a qualitative methodological framework grounded in visual documentation, systematic on-site observations, user surveys, focus group discussions, and in-depth semistructured interviews, to assess Sheraton Park’s current conditions. It identifies two primary challenges: (1) limited accessibility from surrounding districts, and (2) insufficient connectivity with nearby parks. Accordingly, the study proposes strategies to develop an integrated green infrastructure system aimed at enhancing both access and connectivity. The resulting framework emphasizes landscaped pedestrian and cycling corridors designed at both neighborhood and citywide scales. The research findings contribute to the formulation of a context-sensitive model for green infrastructure planning, aligned with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the broader agenda for sustainable urbanism in the Middle East.