Is #Dubai a failed city? I recently visited and found it impressive: shimmering skyscrapers, endless bling-bling, even integrated in their public space. Here are some of my (personal) observations 👇 - ThreadSky

strobbe.bsky.social • 35 days ago

Is #Dubai a failed city? I recently visited and found it impressive: shimmering skyscrapers, endless bling-bling, even integrated in their public space. Here are some of my (personal) observations 👇

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strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

FYI @brenttoderian.bsky.social

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

First things first! As a fountain enthousiast, I can confirm they have one of the most impressive fountain shows in the world - even inside the shopping malls! 😍💦

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

🌴🚶‍♀️🚶 As a public space expert, I’ve been impressed by some truly beautiful areas in #Dubai — well-designed and carefully maintained. Many of these spaces appear to be related to private real estate developments (and 'attractions') rather than part of a broader, citywide public space strategy. ✨ ✨👇

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

It’s clear the developers understand the value of high-quality public spaces in attracting buyers and visitors, adding a touch of luxury and exclusivity - especially around the very high level shopping malls.

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

🏝️🚝 The monorail to (and through) Palm Island is an impressive piece of transport engineering — definitely worth a visit for transport enthusiasts and urban planners! But can you imagine walking next to this big road?

FYI @mathieunicaise.bsky.social

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

🏙️ Skyscraper after skyscraper, without much more 'in between', Dubai looks a far cry from the ‘15-minute city’ ideal — where everything you need is within easy reach. Since public transport (metro/bus) currently remains underdeveloped, many are heavily reliant on cars...

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

... so traffic jams are a daily reality, and the relentless expansion of real estate, paired with car dependency, threatens to exacerbate these issues. The city’s growth seems focused on scale and spectacle (buildings and roads) rather than sustainable, human-centered urban planning. 🚗🚗🚗👇

mathieunicaise.bsky.social•35 days ago

Thx! What about switches and maintenance?

strobbe.bsky.social•35 days ago

It's basically a back and forth line. But there are (some) switches (see photo). Maintenance on a monorail is a bit more complicated I think. Maintenance in general? Awesome (thx to cheap labor). Somebody told me: "there's a whole life for the city at night, where maintenance and cleaning happens".

mrbadguy78.bsky.social•35 days ago

Very interesting, thank you 🤩

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