Good public spaces connect everyday destinations and give people practical reasons to walk, meet and spend time outdoors. In Dubai, the design of those spaces needs to bring shade, accessibility, landscape, drainage and maintenance together from the beginning.
Start with the journeys
Map the routes between homes, entrances, shops, community facilities, parking and transport stops. Test whether they are direct and easy to understand. A destination that appears close on a plan may be difficult to reach when walls, vehicle entrances or indirect crossings interrupt the route.
Make shade useful
Prioritise key walking connections, waiting areas and seating. Study the location of shade at representative times and seasons, rather than relying only on the position of trees or canopies in plan. Consider early occupation as well as mature tree growth. Shade reduces direct solar exposure, but comfort also depends on temperature, humidity, wind and surrounding surfaces.
Coordinate planting and infrastructure
Tree roots, irrigation, lighting, drainage and utilities share limited space. Use coordinated sections to test how these systems fit together. Select planting with regard to climate, soil conditions, water demand and the maintenance resources available. A planted strip should not automatically be assumed to provide adequate stormwater capacity.
Provide a continuous accessible route
Review gradients, level changes, surfaces, crossing arrangements and resting opportunities as one connected journey. Keep furniture and equipment clear of the usable route. Confirm the current accessibility provisions applicable to the site before setting dimensions or specifying details.
Plan for long-term care
Discuss cleaning, irrigation, replacement materials and equipment access with the operator. During phased construction, occupied areas still need safe routes and functioning services. Identify who will maintain temporary arrangements until permanent works are complete.
Dubai planning context
Dubai Municipality launched the Greenery and Plantation Manual 2026 on 3 September 2026. Its announcement describes guidance for the planning, design, delivery and maintenance of green and open spaces. Project teams should consult the relevant current provisions when developing the landscape brief.
CRI connects landscape and master planning with transport and infrastructure to help create outdoor spaces that work as part of the wider development.