The Sheraton Park and Users’ Human Behaviour: Strategies for Implementation of the Public Realm in Doha

Abstract

The Sheraton Park was opened to the public in the late 2015; it features five main water components, which portrays different themes pertaining to five senses. It also features green belts at the street frontage and planting, outdoor fitness and playground area, a miniature fan zone with a massive led screen, pyramids (first aid points) and 4 parking levels. This research study investigates (A) the relationship between the physical settings of the Sheraton Park in Doha and users’ social behavior; (B) how social interactions vary by age, gender or place depending on physical spatial features; and (C) the extent to which the spatial form can be implemented to improve social interactions in urban parks in Doha. Qualitative methods, such as site visits and observation, maps, photographs and on-site surveys are adopted as the main assessments tool to investigate the users’ activities and/or human behavior at the Sheraton Park. The study allows understanding of the extent to which the settings of the Sheraton Park can be implemented in order to encourage social activities.