Urban design firm URB has released renders of its conceptual "green spine" which would transform a 64-kilometer highway in Dubai into a solar-powered tram line with lush green overpasses, pictured in this render. <strong>Look through the gallery to see more of the futuristic proposal.</strong>
Urban design firm URB has released renders of its conceptual "green spine" which would transform a 64-kilometer highway in Dubai into a solar-powered tram line with lush green overpasses, pictured in this render. Look through the gallery to see more of the futuristic proposal.
URB
If built, the Green Spine would integrate a variety of smart technology, including "internet of things" (IoT) sensors that could manage energy consumption and smart traffic control, and autonomous solar-powered trams, pictured in this render.
If built, the Green Spine would integrate a variety of smart technology, including "internet of things" (IoT) sensors that could manage energy consumption and smart traffic control, and autonomous solar-powered trams, pictured in this render.
URB
A cycle track alongside the tram line would further expand Dubai's low-impact transport options. "The most significant opportunities to make cities more livable and human-centric start with reimagining mobility," says Baharash Bagherian, founder of URB. "By seamlessly integrating accessible green spaces, efficient mass transit, and active transport with all essential amenities, we can address multiple challenges simultaneously."
A cycle track alongside the tram line would further expand Dubai's low-impact transport options. "The most significant opportunities to make cities more livable and human-centric start with reimagining mobility," says Baharash Bagherian, founder of URB. "By seamlessly integrating accessible green spaces, efficient mass transit, and active transport with all essential amenities, we can address multiple challenges simultaneously."
URB
In addition to public transport, the green highway could include community facilities that would help transform Dubai into a "20-minute city," reducing the need for residents to travel far from home to access essential amenities, such as groceries, pictured in this render.
In addition to public transport, the green highway could include community facilities that would help transform Dubai into a "20-minute city," reducing the need for residents to travel far from home to access essential amenities, such as groceries, pictured in this render.
URB
Above the tram and cycle track, a network of footpaths would enable easier connectivity to mass transit systems, and green spaces — such as gardens and parks, pictured in this render — would be planted with one million trees that could provide natural cooling and cleaner air for the city.
Above the tram and cycle track, a network of footpaths would enable easier connectivity to mass transit systems, and green spaces — such as gardens and parks, pictured in this render — would be planted with one million trees that could provide natural cooling and cleaner air for the city.
URB
“Dubai is rapidly expanding, with its population expected to nearly double to 8 million by 2040,” says Bagherian, adding that mobility is "more than just the movement of people.” While the Green Spine is currently conceptual, Bagherian hopes it will turn "from vision to reality" as part of Dubai's 2040 urban masterplan.
“Dubai is rapidly expanding, with its population expected to nearly double to 8 million by 2040,” says Bagherian, adding that mobility is "more than just the movement of people.” While the Green Spine is currently conceptual, Bagherian hopes it will turn "from vision to reality" as part of Dubai's 2040 urban masterplan.
URB
This isn't URB's first design for a greener Dubai. Its other futuristic concepts include <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/dubai-mangroves-design-spc/index.html">Dubai Mangroves</a> (pictured in this render) — a project that aims to plant 100 million mangroves along a 70-kilometer (43-mile) stretch of Dubai's shoreline.
This isn't URB's first design for a greener Dubai. Its other futuristic concepts include Dubai Mangroves (pictured in this render) — a project that aims to plant 100 million mangroves along a 70-kilometer (43-mile) stretch of Dubai's shoreline.
URB
And URB's smart cycling infrastructure, called "<a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/the-loop-urb-green-development-dubai-spc-intl/index.html">The Loop</a>" (pictured in this render) is another concept that could make commuting in the city greener. The 93-kilometer indoor cycling super highway is designed to wrap around the city, and would be filled with trees and plants.
And URB's smart cycling infrastructure, called "The Loop" (pictured in this render) is another concept that could make commuting in the city greener. The 93-kilometer indoor cycling super highway is designed to wrap around the city, and would be filled with trees and plants.
URB