Building with superblocks: Study of Gulf corporation cities

Abstract

The concept of the superblock has been effective in accommodating urban growth. However, the superblock approach to urban design remains subject to criticism from urban critics due to its departure from finer-grain urbanism. Denouncing this ineffectiveness is not rooted in evidence-based literature, thus it overshadows the superblock’s inner streets’ potential in accommodating walking trips. This research assesses superblocks in four growing Gulf cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuwait City. It analyzes streets’ connectivity of samples (n = 27) representing different planning ideologies and growth periods. Connectivity is quantified using Pedestrian Route Directness. Findings show how the superblock’s design has evolved and how it can be efficient at local scales depending on its inner morphology. This paper provides a groundwork from which more questions addressing a larger scale can be pursued, such as the ability of superblocks to address larger walking scales or regional integration.