Chris Williamson RIBA: Winner of World Design Awards 2025. Vision: Dubai as a Global Exemplar Our proposal pioneers active travel, establishing a model for world-class cities like Toronto, London, Copenhagen, and Rome, encouraging greener, sustainable urbanism.

Dubai’s Context: Fostering Active Transport Modern Dubai is a Polycentric City. While cars and the Metro offer transport choices, our proposal makes walking and cycling attractive, comfortable, and engaging. This enhances physical and mental wellbeing by creating safe, calm, beautiful, nature-integrated environments. As city infrastructure, the urban spine forms the latest addition to RTA’s infrastructure for urban mobility

The Proposal: A Sustainable, Nature-Integrated Network We propose a sustainable walking and cycling route using local, pre-tensioned stone, signifying Dubai as a pioneering active city. Its innovative structure channels breezes, aided by solar-powered fans. Varied stone colours and integrated planting identify and celebrate Dubai’s distinct districts. The basic 5m x 5m module of pre-tensioned stone arches provides shelter, shade, safety, and wayfinding. Between arches, trellises with Bougainvillea, jasmine, and other fragrant climbers offer nature contact and wildlife habitat.

Impact: Enhancing Mobility and Liveability The aim is to attract travelers from cars to a more sustainable travel experience, link Metro stations, and provide an active travel hub between transport modalities.

Global Adaptability Our proposals will set a standard for other cities. In colder climates, heating could be added; structure and planting would be contextual. However, the principles of attracting active movement and utilising local materials and traditional construction remain equally relevant.

Project Details:-
Firm
Chris Williamson RIBA

Architect
Chris Williamson

Project Name
Dubai Active Mobility

Project Category
Architecture Design – (Concept)

Team
Chris Williamson RIBA

Project Location
Dubai

Country
United Kingdom

Photography ©Credit
Chris Williamson RIBA

Chris Williamson is the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Chris is the co founder of  Weston Williamson which has grown to a 250 strong practice with studios in 5 countries. During that time Chris has specialised in city shaping transport projects in London, Melbourne, Sydney, NEOM in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

In his new role as RIBA President Chris’s mission is to mentor and promote young architects. An example of this is the recent submission of proposals for Dubai Rapid Transport Authority with talented young architect and UAE resident Ope Adeyileka 

Visit www.chriswilliamsonRIBA.com for further details.