The Transformation of West Bay Area, Doha’s Business Center, Through Transit-Oriented Development

Raffaello Furlan (), Reem Awwaad, Alaa Alrababaa and Hatem Ibrahim
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Raffaello Furlan: Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Reem Awwaad: Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Alaa Alrababaa: Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Hatem Ibrahim: Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-23

Abstract: Urbanization has posed significant challenges to cities globally, including urban sprawl, traffic congestion, reduced livability, and poor walkability. In Doha, Qatar’s capital, these issues are particularly pronounced in the West Bay Central Business District (CBD). Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is widely recognized as a key strategy to advance sustainable urbanism and mitigate such challenges. This study employs the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) to systematically assess the urban design and spatial configuration of West Bay through observational analysis. The research aims to reassess the urban form and enhance transit integration through a multi-stage, iterative process, focusing on critical determinants such as compactness, complexity, and connectivity. The analysis is structured around five essential design dimensions: (i) walkability, (ii) ground-level land use balance, (iii) mixed-use and public spaces, (iv) inter-modality and transport hubs, and (v) the public transportation network. Findings reveal key urban design deficiencies, including limited intermodal connectivity, insufficient green open spaces, and a lack of diverse land use around the metro station. To address these gaps, the study proposes a set of context-sensitive policy and design guidelines to support TOD-based regeneration. This research contributes directly to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and supports SDG 9 and SDG 13 through its emphasis on infrastructure integration and climate-responsive planning. The findings offer practical insights for urban planners, developers, and policymakers engaged in sustainable urban transformation.

Keywords: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD); sustainable urbanism; urban compactness; walkability; intermodal transport integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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