Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual
Guiding world-class public realm design across the Emirate
Emirate of Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council aimed to create world-class public spaces that truly serve their people. Our Public Realm Design Manual provides a clear, comprehensive guide to shaping high-quality, inclusive places across the Emirate
A blueprint for people-centred streets and open spaces
Developed for the municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia, this guidance sets a new standard and framework for delivering public spaces and streetscapes that support healthier, happier lives for all residents across the Emirate.
Structured as a practical three-part toolkit, the manual covers every stage of public realm delivery — from planning and design through to approval, construction and long-term management. It will be used by professionals across all disciplines to raise the design quality and operation of streets and public spaces at every scale.
The manual covers all typologies and hierarchies of open space with the intention of creating a world-class public realm network. It offers best-practice guidance and open space prototype designs that will complement the regulatory aspects of the manual and even provides an Estidama (Arabic for sustainability) rating system to embed sustainability in every public realm project.
Gillespies also developed a GIS-based Open Space Framework for the entire Emirate, ensuring long-term spatial planning for accessible, high-quality green space through to 2030.
Project details
Title
Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual
Client
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Status
Complete
Project team
Gillespies
Gillespies team
Jim Diggle, Michael De Wet
Photography
Gillespies | Shutterstock
