Living neighborhoods : towards sustainable residential compounds in Qatar 

The need for sustainable compound designs in Doha is great. Among the most polluted cities in the world, and with one of the highest ecological footprints, Qatar's capital city's water and energy consumption is considered nearly five times greater than is sustainable (WHO, 2014) Residential construction accounts for about 96% of construction (EPA, 2012), and construction is one of the primary activities that consume energy and produce pollution (WWF, 2014). Using sustainable technologies in residential compound designs is therefore imperative, especially given the fact that the lack of use of renewable energy and sustainable building materials means that the compounds do not comply with the values and knowledge that are accepted in Islam. If the current methodology in compound housing development is applied to address Doha's future growth in housing demand, it will cripple the city's ability to achieve a sustainable future. The aim of this research is to produce sustainable compound design solutions for Doha's housing demand. Using a qualitative and interpretive research methodology, the research tools include literature review, analysis of revealed doctrine, site surveys and case studies. Design strategies derived from Islamic knowledge and values are identified and used to shape the building typologies, location, and movement between residential compounds. Different green building technologies in line with Islamic values are identified and incorporated along with case, studies of policies that have been implemented in cities throughout the world in their efforts to become more sustainable. These cases demonstrate the impact of sustainable policies on cities and communities, and offer suggestions for how similar policies can be implemented in Doha. The results of this research are used to produce a compound design proposal offering a solution to existing problems in the urban fabric, a visible representation of that solution, and a roadmap for future housing compounds in Doha.