Introduction
Regenerative design in housing is about regenerating the natural environment to create sustainable living spaces that promote human wellness and holistic functioning. This approach considers design’s ecological, social, and economic dynamics to minimize costs associated with environmental degradation while maximizing benefits for users and communities. Regenerative design principles become increasingly relevant under rapid urbanization and climate issues that present significant sustainability challenges in the UAE/GCC region. This annotated bibliography focuses on academic literature regarding regenerative design in housing, using the sociocultural and environmental dynamics of the UAE/GCC as a background. The selected case study in Dubai shows the innovative aspects of regenerative design, while theoretical readings give a critical understanding of the underlying principles that govern sustainable architectural practices.
Annotation of Scholarly Sources:
AL-Dabbagh, R. (2022). Dubai, the sustainable, smart city. Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability, 7(3), 12. https://doi.org/10.1051/rees/2021049
AL-Dabbagh critically evaluates the sustainability practices involved in Dubai’s urban planning. In this article, the author reviews current policies and tools and sets forth barriers so that readers may follow through with what is being done by city authorities to integrate sustainability into its built environment. By analyzing regulatory framework and implementation strategies, this study highlights opportunities and challenges for regenerative design practices in the UAE/GCC region.
Dubai has witnessed high growth in urbanization, but this is associated with several environmental challenges as it depletes resources and produces adverse effects through increased carbon emissions. The Dubai government has devised different sustainability initiatives to respond to these mitigation problems and move towards a sustainable urban development model. AL-Dabbagh’s review critiques these measures, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The author highlights the need to adopt holistic approaches toward sustainability in which environmental, social, and economic elements play a crucial role during urban planning.
Hafez, F. S., Sa’di, B., Safa-Gamal, M., Taufiq-Yap, Y. H., Alrifaey, M., Seyedmahmoudian, M., Stojcevski, A., Horan, B., & Mekhilef, S. (2023). Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Buildings: a Systematic Review with Taxonomy, Challenges, Motivations, Methodological Aspects, Recommendations, and Pathways for Future Research. Energy Strategy Reviews, 45(101013), 101013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2022.101013.
Through an empirical case study on residential buildings in the UAE, Hafez et al. explore how sustainable architecture can support energy efficiency. The research presents innovative design strategies and technologies that can help reduce energy consumption and have a smaller environmental impact in the residential construction sector. The article proves the feasibility and benefits of adopting regenerative design concepts into urban development projects by presenting case studies that reflect sustainable housing initiatives.
The UAE’s harsh climate poses particular difficulties for sustainable building design regarding residential projects. The case study by Hafez et al. addresses how architects and engineers have resolved these challenges through innovative design approaches. In the UAE, passive cooling methods, efficient insulation, and renewable energy systems in sustainable residential buildings have significantly reduced consumption and carbon emissions. The authors accentuate the importance of context-sensitive design approaches that consider local climatic conditions and cultural preferences.
Al-Haroun, Y. A. M. (2021). Designing a Sustainable House in Kuwait. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(4), 1012–1025. https://doi.org/:10.13189/cea.2021.090405
The presented Al-Haroun conceptual framework article on sustainable housing in Kuwait is based on incorporating passive design strategies. However, the analysis of this research is based on Kuwait; it can be compared with other countries that belong to the GCC, such as the UAE. The framework pragmatically describes how architects can apply regenerative design techniques in the context of housing projects through climate-responsive architecture and passive cooling strategies.
The UAE and Kuwait climate is very similar, with high temperatures but low moisture. Thus, the principles proposed by Al-Haroun are relevant to sustainable housing design in UAE/GCC. The author’s design solutions are passive and largely dependent on natural ventilation, shading, and thermal mass to reduce cooling systems’ reliance. There are two main factors that sustainable housing projects desire to achieve: energy efficiency and thermal comfort – both of these can lead not only to better living conditions for occupants but also to a minimal environmental impact.
Arif, M., & Aldosary, A. S. (2023). Urban Spatial Strategies of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A Comparative Analysis and Lessons Learned. Sustainability, 15(18), 13344. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813344
Arif and Aldosary comprehensively reviewed the GCC’s sustainable urban design practices. The article summarizes the literature on sustainable development and specifically points out key challenges and opportunities to make environmental sustainability effective by fostering the urban population. These case studies and policy frameworks also used evidence on societal, cultural, and environmental indicators influencing regenerative design projects in the United Arab Emirates/ GCC region.
Another crucial matter that has led to the emergence of ecological and natural resource problems is rapid urbanization in most GCC countries, which puts pressure on the ecosystems and resources. In analyzing the successful cases of sustainable urban planning, the authors prove that this principle could provide more livable and resource-effective cities across the UAE/ GCC region.
Jamoussi, B., Abu-Rizaiza, A., & AL-Haij, A. (2022). Sustainable Building Standards, Codes and Certification Systems: The Status Quo and Future Directions in Saudi Arabia. Sustainability, 14(16), 10314. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610314
Jamoussi et al. discuss the green building regulations concerning sustainability in the UAE. The evaluation assesses the efficacy of existing regulations and identifies ways to improve environmental performance in the built environment. As the article evaluates policy interventions and industry practices, it reveals that regulatory frameworks are crucial in fostering the implementation of regenerative design principles within housing and urban development projects.
Green building regulations contribute significantly to the design of the built environment and architectural design practices. In the UAE, government initiatives such as Estidama and Dubai’s Green Building Regulations have proven vital in encouraging developers to focus on sustainability when building projects. The analysis by Jamoussi et al. highlights the importance of strict regulatory systems that require energy-efficient design standards, renewable integration, and resource conservation. By promoting the link between regulatory incentives and sustainability goals, policymakers can accelerate the transition towards regenerative design practices in the UAE/GCC region.
Abu Ali, M., Alawadi, K., & Khanal, A. (2021). The Role of Green Infrastructure in Enhancing Microclimate Conditions: A Case Study of a Low-Rise Neighborhood in Abu Dhabi. Sustainability, 13(8), 4260. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084260
The case study done by Abu et al. discusses sustainable housing as a design strategy suitable for building in areas such as regions of arid land like that of Abu Dhabi. The study highlights climate-responsive design and passive technology; these methods have proven effective in resolving territorial issues resulting from urbanization. In doing so, the article provides valuable insights based on successful models of sustainable housing projects by analyzing regenerative design principles for the UAE/GCC region.
The desert climate of Abu Dhabi represents a different challenge to sustainable design, such as high temperatures and limited water supply. In the case study by Abu et al., these responses are investigated in terms of how architects have responded to challenges through passive cooling techniques, water-efficient landscape design, and renewable energy integration. For the sustainable housing projects in Abu Dhabi, regenerative design approaches are shown competent and potentially beneficial when environmental performance issues and occupant comfort are taken into account. The authors advocate for site-specific conditions, specific cultural preferences, and long-term sustainability goals.
Fahmy, A., Abdou, A., & Ghoneem, M. (2019). Regenerative Architecture as a Paradigm for Enhancing the Urban Environment. Port-Said Engineering Research Journal, 23(2), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.21608/pserj.2019.49554
Fahmy et al. provide a holistic discussion of research methods in architecture, encompassing theoretical perspectives and methodologies. The article offers helpful advice for researchers in architecture, particularly regenerative design. Through critical debate about theories of space and place-making, the reading brings insights into principles that shape sustainable architectural practices in the UAE/GCC region.
The research methods of architecture also perform an essential function: to increase knowledge and guide the design practice in architecture. This article by Fahmi et al. serves as a starting point to understand the theoretical aspects of regenerative design, delving into topics like place attachment, environmental psychology, or sociocultural factors affecting architectural preferences. By incorporating theoretical knowledge into the design process, architects can develop more responsive and sustainable built environments that satisfy users’ needs and produce a minimal environmental impact. The theoretical perspectives discussed in the text enrich students’ knowledge of regenerative design principles and their application in housing development projects in the UAE/GCC region.
Conclusion
This annotated bibliography summarizes the literature on regenerative design in housing utilized by scholars within and outside the UAE/GCC region to interpret socio-cultural dynamics. Case studies, policy analyses, and theoretical readings demonstrate that the bibliography represents the importance of integrating sustainability principles in architectural practice and urban development initiatives. By embracing regenerative design approaches, architects and urban planners can create more sustainable, resource-efficient built environments that provide a quality life for users today and future generations in UAE/GCC.
Moreover, the conclusions made based on this annotated bibliography indicate that environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic well-being are inherently linked with providing sustainable urban futures. Urbanization is still a rapid process in the UAE and other GCC countries. Therefore, regenerative design principles that meet the interests of current and future generations should be used. This requires a multi-stakeholder strategy with government agencies, private sector actors, research institutions, and local communities exchanging innovativeness on sustainable design practices. Finally, this bibliography offers an insightful tool for better-informed decision-making to ensure livable and sustainable cities through the use of regenerative design principles that collectively work with natural resources and cultural wealth.
References
Abu Ali, M., Alawadi, K., & Khanal, A. (2021). The Role of Green Infrastructure in Enhancing Microclimate Conditions: A Case Study of a Low-Rise Neighborhood in Abu Dhabi. Sustainability, 13(8), 4260. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084260
AL-Dabbagh, R. (2022). Dubai, the sustainable, smart city. Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability, 7(3), 12. https://doi.org/10.1051/rees/2021049
Al-Haroun, Y. A. M. (2021). Designing a Sustainable House in Kuwait. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(4), 1012–1025. https://doi.org/:10.13189/cea.2021.090405
Al-Sallal, K. A., Al-Rais, L., & Dalmouk, M. B. (2013). Designing a sustainable house in the desert of Abu Dhabi. Renewable Energy, 49, 80–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.01.061
Arif, M., & Aldosary, A. S. (2023). Urban Spatial Strategies of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A Comparative Analysis and Lessons Learned. Sustainability, 15(18), 13344. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813344
Cole, R. J. (2012). Regenerative design and development: current theory and practice. Building Research & Information, 40(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2012.617516
Fahmy, A., Abdou, A., & Ghoneem, M. (2019). Regenerative Architecture as a Paradigm for Enhancing the Urban Environment. Port-Said Engineering Research Journal, 23(2), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.21608/pserj.2019.49554
Hafez, F. S., Sa’di, B., Safa-Gamal, M., Taufiq-Yap, Y. H., Alrifaey, M., Seyedmahmoudian, M., Stojcevski, A., Horan, B., & Mekhilef, S. (2023). Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Buildings: a Systematic Review with Taxonomy, Challenges, Motivations, Methodological Aspects, Recommendations, and Pathways for Future Research. Energy Strategy Reviews, 45(101013), 101013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2022.101013
Hojnicki, C. (2017, January 23). Brussels Could Set the Standard for Sustainability. Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/brussels-could-set-standard-for-sustainability
Jamoussi, B., Abu-Rizaiza, A., & AL-Haij, A. (2022). Sustainable Building Standards, Codes and Certification Systems: The Status Quo and Future Directions in Saudi Arabia. Sustainability, 14(16), 10314. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610314
Saradara, S. M., Khalfan, M. M. A., Rauf, A., & Qureshi, R. (2023). On The Path towards Sustainable Construction—The Case of the United Arab Emirates: A Review. Sustainability, 15(19), 14652. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914652
Taleb, H. M. (2014). Using passive cooling strategies to improve thermal performance and reduce energy consumption of residential buildings in U.A.E. buildings. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 3(2), 154–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2014.01.002
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