New norms for a more sustainable Sharjah

The Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC) is all set to make the emirate a safer and more sustainable place for communities to reside, thanks to new guidelines it has issued on architectural design.

“Improved street and public realm design standards will lead to happier and more fulfilled communities. Mothers will be more at peace when they send their children out to play, seniors will be more comfortable navigating the streets when they venture out on their own and roadworks will be more streamlined,” Khalid Al Ali, SUPC secretary general, said at a recent workshop where the ‘Sharjah Architectural Design Guidelines’ were announced.

The guidelines prioritise the comfort and safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other community users who have special needs and requirements, with an overarching aim to transform Sharjah into a healthy, safe, happy and sustainable city.

New chapter

Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, SUPC chairman, said: “The initiative is the beginning of a new chapter in the emirate’s holistic development plans led by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who always prioritises the needs of the people. The goal of this ambitious initiative is to fulfil the growing needs of the new ways of life pursued by people in Sharjah, by creating a public realm that is inclusive, practical, pleasing and safe, and supports healthy and active lifestyles.”

Additional elements incorporated into the new guidelines are the introduction of ‘smart streets’, with unique characteristics and features that promote sustainability and eco-friendly technologies, as well as an integrated network promoting efficient mobility and accessibility of roads and neighbourhoods.