“Good” civic space

Looking beyond sustainable design, nicholas always strives to create urban environments which contribute positively to the biosphere. This means not simply “keeping things as they are” – which “sustainability” implies – but making a real difference.

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We advocate for liveable cities, where planned “good” civic space within the urban fabric enhances the quality of life.

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What “good” civic space entails can vary, but often it is a step-change in scale, and variety, which encourage people to slow down and interact. Interconnected courtyard forms, prevalent in traditional Middle East architecture, have this effect – as do laneways when entered from more generous spaces, which funnel people together.

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Let’s activate the public domain in our Middle East cities by using traditional forms and increase opportunities for chance social encounter.

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We strongly believe that development should be regenerative – improving outcomes for both the environment and for people.