Latest news with #urbanism
Fast Company
14 hours ago
- Fast Company
City planning without permission
When I worked as a corporate consultant, I had access to all sorts of enterprise software packages that would've been cost-prohibitive to most people, but that didn't stop me from trying out free programs. Especially if it meant I could dabble in someone else's area of expertise without getting permission for a software seat license. If you're an armchair urbanist or moonlight as a community activist, you know how important it is to maximize your impact with limited time. I've been there, I'm still there, and I can help. There's a treasure trove of free web tools online related to urbanism. I don't know of anyone using all of these all the time, but I use some of these every week. Use these resources to demonstrate expertise in your amateurbanism work. 'Amateurbanism' is not a dig at people who aren't working professionally in planning, design, or engineering. As someone who gets paid to plan and implement great street networks for all ages and abilities, I want amateur urbanists to be equipped for conversations and presentations about creating happy, healthy communities. Google Maps Many earthlings have used Google products, and the satellite views and street views are great ways to ground a conversation about project sites and travel routes. I find that a lot of people don't realize Google Maps has drawing tools, so you can illustrate proposed locations for community gardens, protected bike lanes, festival street closure areas, etc. This is ideal for location-based projects. Google Earth Google Earth brings in the 3D visualization of terrain and buildings. You can model things like where a new playground structure could fit in a park, granny flat additions in backyards, or simulate the changes brought by a proposed rezoning. The measurements also help with space planning. OpenStreetMap Anyone can add overlooked details like accessibility obstacles, safety concerns, parking availability, EV charging infrastructure, and much more to OpenStreetMap. This is a great tool to engage your email list, organization members, or friends. Your team can generate maps that reflect your knowledge and pro-community bias. Envision Tomorrow This is a scenario planning tool funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It models the impacts of growth and development scenarios on factors like land consumption, transportation habits, greenhouse gases, and affordability. If you're comfortable with Google Maps, you'll be fine here. You might use Envision Tomorrow to analyze or critique a zoning ordinance, downtown revitalization plan, or transportation plan. Walk Score You've probably heard of the site that evaluates neighborhood walkability based on proximity to everyday destinations. (They also include bike and transit scores.) This helps assess site accessibility when reviewing development proposals to advocate for community needs like locating affordable housing near transit. But it's also a great conversation starter at a county or city level. Realtors love this reference and so should you. Streetmix Streetmix is collaborative street design between residents and city planners. You can model traffic-calming measures, sidewalk expansions, and storefront space. If it's a great neighborhood street idea, it's designable in Streetmix. highway lighting versus pedestrian lighting sharrows versus bike lanes multiuse paths versus sidewalk–bike lane combos right-sized vehicle lanes versus deadly-sized vehicle lanes I can't overhype Streetmix. They make it shockingly simple to expose the silliness of Departments of Transportation (DOTs) while inspiring alternatives to the same old junk infrastructure. Canva Canva turns you into a professional designer. Their templates, graphics, and text options are more than you'll ever need for slide decks, reports, social media content, and memes. Use Canva for outreach campaigns, events, ideas, and causes. In fact, stop reading this post, open Canva, and make something. SketchUp SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling tool, but does have a learning curve. I've seen it used for park proposals and streetscape ideas for public meetings. But my favorite is when developers use it to illustrate the not-too-scary density of commercial buildings and multifamily housing. UrbanSim If you're comfortable with GitHub and coding, then UrbanSim might be a playground for you. The models begin with detailed data about a region, and then estimate and validate interconnected model components. Public agencies and consultants use this to model how land use policies and transportation changes could impact housing affordability, environmental sustainability, traffic patterns over time, and more. The core platform is open source. It's a higher learning curve, but I thought it was worth including.
Irish Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, July 14th: On streets of apartments, charities and minding the bees
Sir, – Given the size of the problem with housing in Ireland, current Government policy that focuses on apartment building as a solution is an unambitious goal that is stuck in the weeds. To solve the crisis, we need a bigger metric than just apartment units. In fact, the problem is so big, we should start thinking about building streets of apartments, shoulder to shoulder with each other that combine to form villages and then grow into towns and so on. Building streets might also go some way to resolving the idea that Irish people don't like apartments to the same extent as our continental neighbours. When we talk about the fine apartments in Europe, it's not only the apartments themselves that we like, it's the streets, the public spaces, fountains, squares, food outlets and kiosks that we like the most. READ MORE However, much of the apartment building in Ireland happens in suburbs where there is not much around, apart from other people's houses. That's not to say we shouldn't build apartments in the suburbs, but rather than constructing standalone apartment buildings that are gated off from the rest of the community, we should be aiming to create cohesive blocks of apartments with access to ground floor retail and public spaces at street level. Creating streets from new apartment buildings could help form urban villages that act as centre points for existing housing estates where there are none, and could lead to gentle urbanism in the suburbs. While the arguments for and against the new apartment standards rage on, perhaps we need to shift our thinking and stop dwelling on what's inside these apartments and focus on how these buildings can create quality third spaces for everyone to enjoy outside. In an age when housing policy seems stuck for ideas and buy-in from existing communities, giving more consideration to creating streets and third spaces around apartments is really thinking outside the box. – Yours, etc, CATHAL MELINN, Whitehall, Dublin 9. Sir, – Brianna Parkins' article (' Apartments with fewer windows sound okay, until you live in on e,' July 11th) on the Government's proposals to permit the construction of darker and more cramped housing units, sometimes called homes, highlights once more the genius of Official Ireland. That is, the ability to assess a bad situation, analyse the causes of its occurrence, and then go ahead and make it much worse. With so much talent in this country, how does Official Ireland continually show such lack of it? – Yours, etc, PAUL McLOUGHLIN, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford. Die by bullets, die by starvation Sir, – For more than six weeks, Palestinian families across Gaza have faced a brutal and often lethal Hobson's choice. They must decide whether to risk life and limb to retrieve aid, or whether to stay put and go hungry for another day. It's a case of whether to die by bullets or die by starvation. In front of the eyes of the world, the humanitarian system is being torn up in Gaza. Massacres at so-called Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) sites are now a routine occurrence. Since the GHF began operating at the end of May, more than 700 people have been killed and nearly 5,000 injured while seeking aid. Hospitals, already stretched to breaking point after 21 months of conflict, are utterly overwhelmed by the numbers in need of treatment. The four GHF distribution sites replaced more than 400 aid locations run by the UN and NGOs across the Gaza strip. The GHF system forces desperate people to trek long distances through active conflict zones, often under a hail of bullets and bombs, and leaves them waiting in fenced areas to collect an aid package that will last only a few days. If the humanitarian system as we know it is to be resuscitated, we need aid delivery once again in the hands of principled humanitarian partners as well as all crossings into Gaza to be opened up so aid can be brought in on a scale that matches the needs of two million people suffering desperately without enough food, water or medical care. – Yours, etc, ROSAMOND BENNETT, Chief executive, Christian Aid Ireland, Dublin 2. The epaper and the good old days Sir, – It is only in the past week or two that I have realised that my subscription to The Irish Times digital services gives me access via the epaper to daily full-screen copies of the newspaper from one, two, five, 10, 25 and 50 years ago. Since then, I have been vicariously living in the past. And what have I learned from my reading? That there really is no such thing as 'the good old days', that's what. – Yours, etc, JOE McLAUGHLIN, Midlothian, Scotland. Charities and trade unions Sir, – It is deeply disappointing to see some charitable organisations adopting the language and practices of exploitative employers (' Disgusting: Leading Irish charities accused of hypocrisy for failing to work with unions ,' July 11th). The recent statement by the Capuchin Day Centre, claiming it 'places huge value on its employees' while refusing to engage with trade unions is a case in point. Saying they 'engage directly with employees' may sound reasonable, but in reality it echoes the old tactics used by employers to avoid collective bargaining and deny workers their right to organised representation. Trade unionists rightly condemn this approach. Charity should begin with fairness to your own staff. If an organisation depends on the goodwill of the public, it must also show goodwill to those who do the work. – Yours, etc, JOHN SUTTLE, Dollymount Ave, Dublin 3. Sir, – I can well understand Siptu's Brendan Carr's 'disgust' with large charitable organisations' reluctance to recognise trade unions. Back in the 1980s while I campaigned with others for disability rights, many large charitable organisations across the country were very resistant to notions of individual or collective rights for their service users. The notion that disabled people had a voice and rights like anyone else was something they did not welcome. They felt they were the best judge of what disabled people wanted and needed. I think part of the reason for this is that many of these organisations had their roots in charitable, philanthropic and Catholic traditions. Their attitudes reflected more of a paternalistic rather than an empowerment ethos. Their focus has largely been on service delivery particularly in areas such as disability and provision for older people. Nonetheless, they led the way in the provision of services while the State has been happy to sit back and allow this development to take place. While disability activists generally found individual unions and trades councils supportive, this was not the case with Ictu officials at the time. Furthermore, most unions did not understand the complex nature of voluntary organisations and the not-for-profit sector. Trade unions tended to be used for traditional models of negotiation based largely on the private and public sectors. In more recent times, trade unions have become more about individualism, and engagement with wider social issues has weakened. For instance, trade unions have largely turned their eyes away from issues such as older people's care and the privatisation of the sector. Such issues are still largely seen in caring and medical terms rather than as a trade union or civil rights issue. I would argue that much could be gained from The Wheel's [an umbrella body that represents many charities and NGOs] suggestion to explore with unions how there can be greater engagement between employers and staff. In particular, in relation to pay and conditions, but also in regard to the quality of the service that is delivered. Most importantly, the voices of service users whose wellbeing depends on responsible providers and caring staff must be included in this dialogue. – Yours, etc, MARTIN HOBAN, Co Cork. Bonfires and the Twelfth Sir, – The burning of a migrant boat effigy on a loyalist bonfire has shocked decent people north and south and I see that Amnesty International has added its voice to condemnation of the 'protest'. Though it was indeed an offensive and provocative incident, was it any worse than the nationwide displays of bigotry we've witnessed here over the past three years? Banners with hateful slogans like 'Get them out!' and Ireland for the Irish!' have appeared in towns across the land. Those who attend these protests appear offended when asked if they consider themselves to be racist. 'Oh God no, of course not', they plead, 'we're just concerned about services in the area, the number of GPs ... sure otherwise we'd be delighted to see them coming...' I suggest there needs to be an urgent emphasis on anti-racism courses in all primary and second-level schools. These courses should be comprehensive and professionally delivered. Judging by the degree of venom, ignorance and naked hostility evident at anti-immigrant marches and pickets, we've already lost a sizeable minority of the population to the politics of hate and division. Let us act now to reclaim our decency as a nation. From an early age, children could be taught that there's a world of difference between patriotism and racism; between fascism and traditional nationalism. They might be taught that there's no 'plantation' under way in Ireland akin to the ones undertaken by various English kings and queens and by Cromwell. No attempt to 'replace' us all with another set of people – that conspiracy theories beloved of internet keyboard warriors are madcap claims that have no more credence or provenance than has the most fanciful fairytale. A major anti-racism drive in the schools mightn't help present-day victims of that age-old insidious and destructive human vice, but it might ensure that we don't end up with another generation of bigots wrapping themselves in the tricolour as they seek to dehumanise people who've lost everything and whose only 'crime' is to look 'different'. – Yours, etc, JOHN FITZGERALD, Lower Coyne Street, Kilkenny. Sir, – Today (July 12th) many of our fellow countrymen and women will participate in marches organised by the Orange Order to celebrate their culture. Such displays are accepted generally, though there are some caveats associated with a minority of marches. Last night we witnessed the setting fire to some gigantic bonfires as an aspect of the same Orange culture. Again, a minority of these bonfires are constructed in contested locations or contain articles repugnant to sections of our society as depicted by the Moygashel village bonfire with its replica of a group of immigrants in a boat crossing the English Channel. The location of a bonfire close by electrical control units housing the supply of electricity to two major hospitals and nearby to an area containing asbestos is abhorrent. But, so too is the horror of many in our society by the PSNI refusal to assist contractors hired by Belfast City Council to remove this bonfire. Is the PSNI still a police force for one section of the community in Northern Ireland? Who really wishes for a United Ireland? – Yours, etc, PETER BUNTING, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Sir, – Probably unlike many of a nationalist persuasion, I don't have an acute problem with the Twelfth celebrations and the accompanying bonfires, principally because they are more a representation of the past than the present. There is a genuine cultural dimension for the equal Protestant community as it is a celebration of King William's victory at the battle of the Boyne in 1690. While there will always be a sectarian element who seek to exploit differences, we should not stoke up the flames, but allow time to let the embers of any lingering hatred to die out naturally, as it will. At least respect cultural difference, even if we cannot embrace it. – Yours, etc, AIDAN RODDY, Cabinteely, Dublin 18. Be careful with the bees Sir, – Recently, while mowing a lawn, which contained a lot of white clover, I noticed a large number of bees on the clover. I assumed that they would fly off before being engulfed by the mower. However, on paying closer attention, it appeared that quite a number of them were unable to escape before being run over. I slowed down to a crawl, but still some did not make it in time. When meadows are being cut, a device called a flushing bar is attached to the mower. It creates a disturbance in advance of the implement to allow nesting birds to flush, to avoid injury or death. I wonder would it be possible to incorporate a similar device on both push and ride-on mowers, thus saving countless numbers of bees. – Yours, etc, RICHARD GELLETLIE, Blainroe, CoWicklow. Temple Bar and night life Sir, – I enjoyed Frank McDonald's article (' Why I moved out of Temple Bar after 25 years ', July 12th) but must quickly correct him to say that no late bar will be able to open until 6am under proposed legislation. The late bar is the dominant late night venue and its latest trading time of 2.30am will be unchanged. Only a small number of nightclubs may sell alcohol until 5am, with the potential – but largely unlikely option – of dancing to 6am. We expect tailored closing times in each district, shaped by local feedback. The free-for-all idea that some like to paint has no basis, and, as always, the judge's decision will be final. I welcome Frank's mention of an 'effective European-style noise control regime'. It should go hand in hand with the long-promised European-style licensing system. Given the edgy, ghost-town effect Temple Bar often suffers from, let's hope its few dance venues interested in later hours soon get that chance. At a time when Dublin needs something – anything – our increasingly well-managed night-time economy can unlock vital benefits for performers, workers, citizens and tourists alike. – Yours, etc, SUNIL SHARPE, Give Us The Night, Drimnagh, Dublin. Not in the mood Sir, – Ben McCabe (Letters, July 10th) notes that a regular contributor to The Irish Times Letters page has migrated to the Irish Independent on a particular day and wonders, jokingly, if the reason is climate change. Could it be that the regular contributor simply had their letter rejected by The Irish Times and offered it to the Indo instead who went ahead and published it? Speaking from experience, it does happen and thanks to the Indo for indulging my views when the Old Lady of Tara Street was not in the mood. – Yours, etc, BRIAN AHERN, Clonsilla, Dublin.
Irish Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘Amazing' plans for Dublin's Sheriff Street include offices and a hotel. Amazing for whom?
For generations, communities in Dublin 1 have been neglected, under-resourced and are now dealing with a wave of incongruous development that prioritises hotels, offices and luxury student accommodation over communities' needs. Nevertheless, Dublin 1 represents the beating heart of life in the capital, along with the Liberties in Dublin 8. These are areas that hold our stories, culture and character. Residents, businesses and social spaces can trace their roots across centuries, alongside the immigrant communities now contributing hugely to contemporary culture. Dublin 1 and Dublin 8 offer examples of what bustling, diverse urban ecosystems actually look like when, as the urbanist Jane Jacobs put it, they encapsulate the 'sidewalk ballet' of functioning street life. Some of the few streets in the capital that can authentically claim to reflect the essential features of what Jacobs described as the 'marvellous order' under 'the seeming disorder', are in both postcodes, including Parnell Street in Dublin 1, and Meath Street in Dublin 8. In a recent article in the Business Post, the chief executive of An Post and chair of the Dublin City Taskforce, David McRedmond, declared: 'Dublin 1 can become one of Europe's most happening neighbourhoods.' This statement ignores the area's existing vibrant culture and community. Happening for whom? READ MORE 'If we transform the core, there are other amazing adjacent plans such as Ballymore's to completely rebuild the Sheriff St area from Amiens Street to Spencer Dock,' McRedmond wrote. 'Amazing' is subjective. These plans include large office blocks and a hotel, along with build-to-rent apartments. So, 'amazing' for whom? Statements about rebuilding the Sheriff Street area can come across as insensitive because of the context of how the needs of the area were generally disregarded during the development of the IFSC. That left a legacy of existential fear within the community that it might be bulldozed once more. In a follow-up interview with the Dublin Inquirer, McRedmond said he was referring to plans about public space, and would 'hate to think that anyone would feel in any way insecure about their homes'. But, fundamentally, the future of this area should not be about more commercial development and expensive apartments, which few people in Dublin 1 can afford, but a grassroots approach that extends across public housing, amenities and facilities that meet the social, cultural and economic needs and aspirations of this unique part of the capital and those who live there. Underserved and under-resourced communities are not development opportunities. Cities are also about streets. It's unfortunate that so much contemporary development across the city results in hostile architecture that sucks life out of places, when we could instead be focusing on streetscapes with a sense of place and human-scale architecture. This cuts to the heart of conversations about 'regeneration' in Dublin 1. When it comes to 'potential', we have to differentiate between what is shared urban space presenting opportunities for all, and what looks like displacement through corporate gentrification. Ambitious plans with vision need to happen. For neighbourhoods, that's about listening, not declaring. In landmark buildings, it's about a coherent mission and purpose. This brings us to the GPO on O'Connell Street. First of all, it is unfortunate that parts of the building – over 75 per cent of it currently vacant – have not already been utilised as short-term cultural use in a city starved of both community centres and spaces for artists and collectives to meet, work and create. Secondly, the Government's recent communication about 'mixed-use' incorporating retail and offices raised more questions than it answered. If you don't actually have a plan, don't toss out something vague and random. It's no wonder the vacuum was then filled with outrage about the building's historic importance being undermined. The GPO should become neither shopping mall nor commercial offices. It represents a brilliant opportunity to create a landmark engine of creativity for Dublin that can inspire and facilitate generations to come. By creating something that both reflects and hosts contemporary Dublin – while taking inspiration from the positive aspects of entities such as the Southbank Centre in London, Factory International in Manchester, Kulturbrauerei in Berlin, Viernulvier in Ghent (and I could go on) – an ambitious, inclusive project would transform cultural activity in the city, alongside the Dublin Port Company's plans for the Artist Campus. The building's historic significance can also be preserved and expressed with a museum of revolution on its ground floor, which could also include a people's canteen. In tandem, Aldborough House – vacant, and on An Taisce's list of most-at-risk buildings, despite it being one of the finest Georgian buildings in the capital – should become a community and cultural space specifically for the communities of Dublin 1. The GPO is O'Connell Street's gem. We should be aspiring to create a world-class centre of culture, for and by the people. Let our diverse communities lead neighbourhood development and let artists inform the opportunity the GPO presents – just as so many of them urged our republic from the realm of the imagination into reality.
Fast Company
03-07-2025
- General
- Fast Company
The secret to good public policy is simplicity
'Plan for traffic jams, get traffic jams. Plan for human flourishing, get human flourishing.' That's not just some cheesy urbanism mantra, it's behavioral science. Human behavior is often just following the path of least resistance. Not necessarily because we're lazy, but because our brains are wired to conserve effort. Psychologists will tell you that the more friction we encounter (physical, mental, or procedural) the less likely we are to continue the thing we're doing. The fox and the grapes Aesop's fable The Fox and the Grapes is a parable about decision-making. The fox can't reach the grapes that are way up high on the vine, so he figures they must not be ripe. It's where we get the phrase 'sour grapes' to describe how someone rationalizes their poor reasoning. I came across a research study that applied Aesop's fable. Fifty-two participants judged the direction of moving dots on a screen by using handles in either hand. When researchers subtly increased resistance in one handle, participants unconsciously altered their judgments to favor the easier action. For example, adding resistance to the left handle made participants more likely to perceive the dots moving to the right, since moving the right handle was easier. 'Our brain tricks us into believing the low-hanging fruit really is the ripest,' neuroscience researcher Dr. Nobuhiro Hagura said. 'We found that not only does the cost to act influence people's behavior, but it even changes what we think we see.' Dr. Hagura's team found that bias occurred without participants realizing that one response required more effort. In other words, their brains recalibrated what felt right based on ease, not accuracy. Unconscious decisions People don't read zoning ordinances. They don't memorize bus schedules. They don't have a photographic memory of where to find bike lanes. They don't make pro/con lists before deciding whether to walk to the store or drive. Most daily decisions are unconscious. So if local government leaders want people to choose healthy, sustainable, socially beneficial behaviors, those behaviors have got to be the easiest ones to choose. Unfortunately, most American towns and cities are built the opposite way. Walking your child to school often means dodging traffic, climbing over curbs, and waiting at unshaded intersections with no bench in sight. Riding a bike might mean taking a lane next to speeding trucks. Taking transit might mean waiting in the mud with no sidewalk or shelter. But hopping in a car? That's easy. We've paved a deadly path of least resistance. What's doable, but requires some up-front energy by the expert planners and engineers, is to make safe and healthy choices as simple and intuitive by creating a system that nudges you in the right direction. Organizing principles Entrepreneurs often cite their one-line hook for a product or service as the key to staying focused. Urban planners, policy writers, and elected officials should steal this tactic. Every transportation plan, housing study, parking reform, or downtown revitalization effort could begin with a one-sentence purpose that's clear, memorable, and anchored in human flourishing. That sentence becomes your compass when debate veers off course. For example: Our streets will be safe for 8-year-olds riding bicycles. We will eliminate policies that interfere with abundant housing. Cars are welcome on our streets, but they will move slowly. Townhouses should be legal in every neighborhood. Our residents should not be forced to drive to get around. Housing people is more important than housing cars. The bus should not be stuck in traffic. These types of one-liners can be organizing principles, which is more powerful than empty slogans. If the plan, ordinance, or capital project doesn't help achieve the one-sentence purpose, it's off-mission. If it conflicts, it should be stopped.
Arabian Business
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Creek Harbour: Dubai's urban waterfront haven for the next-gen by Emaar
Dubai Creek Harbour presents a new model of lifestyle-led urbanism–designed not just for density, but for flow, greenery, and long-term liveability. Dubai Creek Harbour, Emaar's flagship waterfront development, is not simply a new address. It is a redefinition of what it means to live, connect and thrive in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Set on the historic banks of the Dubai Creek, the masterplan stands at the crossroads of culture, commerce, and innovation, presenting an integrated community shaped by foresight and functionality. Spanning over 6 million square metres of land area, the district is positioned strategically between Dubai's oldest trading neighbourhoods and its towering financial core. Residents are minutes away from the traditional souks of Deira and Bur Dubai, while also enjoying seamless access to Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and Dubai International Airport. This duality is central to its appeal: it anchors heritage while projecting forward. Framed by uninterrupted water views and an urban skyline that includes the future Dubai Creek Tower, the development is designed to support everyday life without compromise. Emaar has placed its emphasis on open green spaces, shaded promenades, and a pedestrian-first ethos that encourages walking, cycling, and connection. A district shaped by movement, light, and landmark design The masterplan allocates over 498,000 square metres to public parks and gardens, creating breathing space across the community. Here, design isn't ornamental; it's intentional. Residential towers are situated to maximise visual corridors and natural light. The streets are layered with cafes, tree-lined boulevards, and outdoor seating areas, inviting residents to dwell longer and live well. The masterplan's rhythm is human in scale but metropolitan in ambition. Whether you're heading to a waterfront promenade, a co-working space, or a boutique cafe, the journey through the district is as valued as the destination itself. Homes designed for unparalleled experiences With over 74,000 residential units and 5,500 Branded residences ranging from 1-, 2- 3-bed apartments and 3-bed townhouses, Dubai Creek Harbour has become the preferred destination for top-notch urban living. A master community with 7 km long running routes and 7 km long cycling tracks, the urban planning is designed keeping active lifestyle in focus. Additionally, it comprises of a total 280 swimming pools and 144 multi-sport courts to foster wellness and active living. Retail area GFA surpasses 532,000 square meters providing a huge potential of unique experiences for the residents beyond swanky shopping and F&B outlets. Moreover, Dubai Creek Harbour is also designed to strategically incorporate amenities such as schools, healthcare and mosques offering a holistic and seamless living experience to its dwellers. Connecting Dubai's past and future via the world's tallest metro station Connectivity is often the silent backbone of a thriving city. At Dubai Creek Harbour, it takes centre stage. The upcoming Emaar Properties Station will be part of the new Blue Line on the Dubai Metro and is set to become the tallest metro station in the world, rising to 74 metres above ground level. Designed by renowned global architectural firm, the station will span approximately 11,000 square metres. Its aesthetic draws inspiration from the idea of a 'crossing gateway', combining bronze metal panels, Jura limestone, granite flooring, and ceiling-level glass to allow natural light to flood the platform. Expected to accommodate 160,000 passengers daily, with 70,000 regular users forecast by 2040, the station is as much a civic monument as it is a functional infrastructure project. It links Dubai Creek Harbour to the broader metro network and provides residents with fast, reliable access to the rest of the city. 'The station is a transit landmark, but also a civic space–bringing people together at the gateway of one of the city's most significant new districts,' noted Emaar. Dubai Square: A new centre for culture, commerce, and connection At the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour will stand Dubai Square – a development that is set to redefine traditional retail and urban spaces. Far from a conventional shopping destination, it is being designed as a future-focused hub for culture, commerce, dining, and discovery. Spanning more than 500,000 square metres, Dubai Square will introduce an evolved model of mixed-use development, centred on public engagement and curated experiences. Its focal point, the Music, Colour and Fire Plaza, will be developed in collaboration with a globally recognised Chinese technology firm, and is expected to deliver an immersive light and sound experience unlike anything previously seen in the region. By day, the plaza will serve as a landscaped courtyard; by night, it will transform into a vibrant space for performances and creative expression. 'Dubai Creek Tower is more than a landmark; it's a hub for community interaction,' said Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar. 'This plaza reflects our focus on innovation through urban design.' The retail offering at Dubai Square will feature a curated mix of flagship stores, concept boutiques, food markets, and wellness zones – blurring the boundaries between commerce and community. It will be walkable, immersive, and purpose-built to attract high footfall. A rare confluence of value, access, and vision Dubai Creek Harbour is more than a residential district; it is a macro-level response to the needs of a growing, evolving city. With its geographic location bridging two distinct parts of Dubai, it allows for a lifestyle rooted in both continuity and change. Investors are responding to this. The demand is rising steadily, not because of speculative hype, but due to visible progress: completed phases, active construction, public infrastructure underway. Unlike many large-scale projects, this is not an idea on paper–it is a live environment contributing to the transformation of the urban fabric of this city. Homes here offer long-term value, not only in capital appreciation but in livability: light, space, movement, and the daily pleasure of being close to water and views to live for. For young professionals, families, and global investors, the opportunity is defined by both scale and specificity. For Emaar, Dubai Creek Harbour is the culmination of the vast experience garnered over the decades of urban planning and master community development. It is the company's clearest articulation of what comes next. And for the city, this is not a future waiting to be built. It's a new centre taking shape right now. Dubai Creek Harbour isn't on the horizon. It is the horizon–and it's already within view.
