Expert architect's book translated into Arabic in Oman

 A Danish architect’s book on architecture and public planning has been translated into Arabic by Muscat Municipality. 

The book, “Cities for People”, is written by Jan Gehl, who is a world-renowned architect and urban design consultant. 

The book had its Arabic language launch on Wednesday last week under Muscat Municipality’s week-long events program, titled “The Future of the Architectural Identity of the Muscat Governorate.” 

“Cities for People” has been translated into 24 languages globally, and Arabic has been its latest translation. 

As part of the launch, the author also gave a lecture at Sultan Qaboos University, and its attendees included students, academics, experts, and architects.

Jan Gehl’s experience with architectural projects focus on walkable areas, minimizing the use of cars, and replacing them with public transport. 

“This book is one of the most important reference books in urban planning, as it discusses the historical development of the concept of cities that are built for people and their needs,” said Saif Saba'a Al-Rashidi, Media Advisor in Muscat Municipality. 

“The philosophy of this book is based on the fact that we plan our cities for people rather than cars. If we change that, then we transform cities into livable spaces, fulfill the desires and aspirations of the inhabitants and become healthy cities.”

“The aim of providing an Arabic translation was to spread knowledge for professionals in the planning of cities in the Sultanate, and in the Arab world in general. The translation has been a collaborative effort with Sultan Qaboos University’s Translation department,” Al-Rashidi added.

The author of the book, Gehl, explained that the book focuses on turning desolate environments that lack life and vibrant spaces, into urban environments which prioritise people and how they live in public spaces. 

“In the book, I identify four issues necessary for the success of planning any city: the city needs to be vibrant, safe, sustainable and healthy.”

“Even in the largest of cities, it is necessary to focus on these issues on a very small scale, from individual neighborhoods and streets. We should be aware of our surroundings at the speed of the person walking on his feet, rather than the perception of the speed of a car or bus or train.” 

The book is a result of more than forty years of architectural and city-planning research, according to Gehl. 

"We are cities and cities form us. We must redesign the city's human dimension, which necessitates the provision of pedestrian corridors and bicycle paths, and reduces the expansion of streets, sidewalks and parking.”

Gehl’s work has been globally recognized in his capacity as a professor, researcher and consultant in many countries around the world.

In 2004, he undertook a study of the quality of life in public places in London, commissioned by the Central London Partnership and Transport for London, and developed better public spaces in Wakefield and Castleford as part of his Castleford project.

By 2007, he was hired by the New York City Department of Transportation to recreate the streets of New York City by offering designs to improve life for pedestrians and cyclists. On the guidance of his research, NYC’s Ministry of Transport has implemented new urban policies in project planning and design.

Source: Timesofoman