Muharraq lecture on building human-centered, healthier cities

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Muharraq Municipal Council recently hosted an enlightening lecture titled “Humanized and Safer Cities for Humanity,” delivered by Dr. Fatima Al Hammadi, Assistant Professor at the University of Bahrain’s Department of Architecture and Interior Design.

The session formed part of the Council’s second annual summer program, aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of municipal council members and employees while also inviting participation from the broader community.

Dr. Al Hammadi’s presentation focused on the concept of “healthy cities” as a critical component of humanized urban planning.

Idea

She stressed that the idea goes beyond aesthetics and infrastructure to encompass health, social well-being, and economic vitality — factors she described as essential to improving the overall quality of life for residents.

The lecture began with an exploration of the theoretical foundations of healthy cities, highlighting how traditional urban planning often fails to prioritize physical and mental health.

Common urban issues

Dr. Al Hammadi pointed to common urban issues such as overcrowding, insufficient green spaces, and rising rates of lifestyle-related diseases as consequences of outdated planning approaches.

She outlined international benchmarks for healthy cities, which include the expansion of green areas and public parks, the creation of safe and walkable roads and cycling networks, improved air quality, and the development of public spaces that encourage physical activity and social interaction.

Importantly, she noted that achieving these standards doesn’t require excessive resources. Smart planning and the strategic redesign of existing spaces, she emphasised, can significantly improve the urban experience and promote healthParticipants are being briefed about various initiatives ier living environments.