Building inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready cities

Cities are more than concrete and steel — they are the environments where people live, work, and connect. The way we design shared spaces profoundly impacts social interaction, economic resilience, and long-term sustainability.

In the UAE, where rapid urbanization intersects with cultural diversity, designing community spaces is not just an aesthetic exercise but a strategic necessity.

Over the past several decades, the UAE has experienced significant urbanisation, with Abu Dhabi’s built-up area expanding from 0.5 square kilometres in 1955 to 758 square kilometres in 2018, and Dubai’s built-up area growing from 54 square kilometres in 1975 to 977 square kilometres in 2015. As of 2020, nearly 64 million square metres of built-up area in the UAE adhered to local green building regulations.

The UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’ under the theme ‘Hand in Hand’ signals a national commitment to strengthening social bonds and inclusive growth. This is a pivotal moment for developers, and urban planners to move beyond conventional urban development and create spaces that actively contribute to economic vibrancy, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Key considerations in designing ideal community spaces

Honor cultural heritage while embracing the future: A well-designed community space should reflect and celebrate its cultural roots while remaining adaptable to contemporary needs.

Heritage elements — such as traditional architecture, courtyards, and shaded pathways — can be integrated into modern designs to maintain authenticity while ensuring long-term functionality. Developers should prioritise designs that feel culturally familiar yet offer modern conveniences, fostering a sense of place and continuity.

Embed sustainability at every level: Future-ready community spaces must be climate-conscious, incorporating passive design strategies, renewable energy solutions, and resource-efficient materials. This means designing spaces that mitigate urban heat islands, optimise natural ventilation, and reduce energy consumption. Features like shaded pedestrian corridors, solar-powered amenities, and water-sensitive landscaping should be embedded into urban design from the outset — not as afterthoughts.

Prioritise inclusivity and universal accessibility: An effective community space is one where every resident — regardless of age, ability, or background—feels welcome and engaged. Ensuring accessibility goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements; it requires proactive planning.

Developers should integrate wheelchair-friendly pathways, multilingual signage, sensory-friendly zones, and culturally inclusive programming to make public spaces truly welcoming for all. A great example of this in the UAE is the AccessAbilities Expo, held annually in Dubai, which brings together solution providers, equipment manufacturers, and education entities to enhance accessibility and inclusion.

Leverage technology for smarter, more responsive spaces: In an era of smart cities, community spaces should incorporate technology that enhances usability, engagement, and sustainability. Interactive wayfinding, responsive lighting, and digital feedback kiosks can make spaces more user-friendly.

Meanwhile, solar-powered public infrastructure and AI-driven resource management systems can optimise energy use while keeping operational costs low. Urban planners should view technology not as a luxury, but as an essential tool for efficiency and engagement.

Integrate art and cultural programming for vibrancy: Community spaces flourish when they become platforms for artistic expression, cultural exchange, and public engagement. Art installations, performance spaces, and rotating cultural programs turn static spaces into dynamic environments that evolve with the community.

Planners should ensure that public spaces are designed with the flexibility to host events, exhibitions, and pop-up activations that keep them lively and relevant.

Align development with long-term urban strategy: Community spaces should not be designed in isolation—they must be woven into a city’s broader urban framework. Strategic land-use planning should ensure that parks, plazas, and public gathering spaces complement surrounding residential, commercial, and institutional developments.

Cities that plan holistically ensure that these spaces remain adaptable, well-maintained, and financially viable over time.

Position educational institutions as community anchors: Educational institutions — schools, universities, and research centres — can serve as pillars of community engagement, talent attraction, and knowledge exchange.

Cities should integrate educational hubs with coworking spaces, libraries, and mentorship initiatives to create ecosystems that foster continuous learning and collaboration.

Designing for the future: Redefining the blueprint for inclusive, sustainable, and technologically advanced community spaces requires intentionality. Urban planners and developers must work together to create spaces that do more than exist — they must serve as active, evolving centers of human interaction.

Industry stakeholders should take concrete steps, such as reaching out to local authorities for policy integration, participating in industry forums and summits, and partnering with advocacy groups to ensure that community design is inclusive, future-proof, and responsive to societal needs.

Amir H. Greiss is the founder and CEO of SharpMinds Consulting Engineers.