Rethinking Urban Spaces: The Quest for Sustainable Cities
By Sara Alzaabi, Abu Dhabi
In an era where urbanization continues its relentless march across the globe, the dialogue around sustainability in cities has gained unprecedented urgency. As discussions surrounding the enhancement of green spaces and the cultivation of a mindful urban lifestyle intensify, experts are poised to illuminate the evolving nature of urban landscapes and the essential elements necessary for fostering genuinely sustainable cities.
On June 20, 2025, as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, a pivotal panel discussion titled “Space as Medium – In/Visible City” brought together a diverse group of artists, architects, and thought leaders. The gathering underscored the multifaceted dimensions of sustainable urban development, revealing new perspectives and challenges that lie ahead.
Wael Al Awar, a Principal Architect and Founding Partner of the design studio Waiwai, championed the notion that “true sustainability” transcends the superficial acquisition of certifications and the mere application of eco-friendly technologies in infrastructure development. Al Awar contended that for sustainability to be genuine, it must stem from a robust understanding of the climate, materials, and cultural history of a region. “Sustainability should always begin with an understanding of the climate, materials, and the history of a place,” he articulated in a conversation with Aletihad, the Arabic-language daily newspaper, on the periphery of the panel discussion.
This perspective highlights the crucial need for urban infrastructure to not only respond adeptly to its specific environmental context but also to retain flexibility for future adaptations. Al Awar’s vision posits that “true sustainability is social and cultural as well as ecological,” emphasizing that a sustainable urban environment must embrace various interconnected dimensions while remaining adaptable to change.
Imagining the potential of urban landscapes designed to reflect the natural rhythms of the surrounding desert, Al Awar visualizes public spaces defined by elements such as shade, breeze, and water, rather than merely superficial aesthetics. He reflects, “Our cities have grown rapidly, but now we have an opportunity to reflect and to design for adaptation and resilience in addition to expansion.” His assertion that infrastructure should be perceived as a “living, adaptive landscape” rather than a static framework opens new avenues for Gulf cities to navigate toward a sustainable and resilient future.
Accompanying this architectural dialogue, multimedia artist Minouk Lim presented a compelling philosophical perspective on the role of art within urban spaces. Lim emphasized that art serves as a crucial bridge between the visible and the “unseen” spheres of urban life. She articulated that, “A sanctuary or nest is placed in the hidden area. Just as there are creatures that prepare for birth in the dark, we human beings also need to sleep, dream, and rest in the unseen. Therefore, we also need to care for the invisible, and that is what it means to preserve dignity.”
Lim’s poignant reflections invite us to consider the often-overlooked experiences of marginalized communities and the emotional landscapes that exist within our cities. She further expounded, “Taking care of a city is also not the power of a single person, but the conscience and solidarity of ordinary, invisible citizens.” Her insights remind us of the collective responsibility that lies with all city dwellers, emphasizing that true urban stewardship requires engaging with and uplifting the voices of those often relegated to the periphery.
As cities across the globe grapple with the pressing challenges posed by climate change, rapid population growth, and the need for effective urban planning, the call for sustainable development grows louder. Events like the Abu Dhabi Festival provide essential platforms for such vital discussions, highlighting how interdisciplinary collaboration can offer innovative solutions to the multifaceted issues faced by modern urban landscapes.
In conclusion, there lies an urgent need for urban planners, architects, and community members to engage in a holistic dialogue surrounding the future of our cities. By acknowledging the integral relationship between culture, environment, and sustainable design, we stand poised not only to reshape our urban landscapes but to weave a more inclusive narrative of what it means to truly thrive in an ever-evolving urban ecosystem.
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