The Contemporary Souk

American University of Sharjah, College of Architecture, art and Design, Sharjah

Project idea

This project is located in Warehouse 46 in AlSerkal, Dubai, UAE. The main concept in this project was to design a contemporary souk through folding elements derived from “The Origami Chair” by Frank Lloyd Wright. The folding element concept formed a "G" form that created space for programs and the programs are defined based on how you occupy the space. It allows people to experience a space that is sharing three different programs by first entering the market then up the stairs to the restaurant and then the café. And each program will explore time in relation to the experience of food in three speeds: fast, medium and slow.

Project description

The "G" form is floating to allow market program to happen under it, which gives unique experience as you have to pass under this heavy body. And it created a grand entry to the market. However, restaurant has a different experiential moment because it is engulfed by the folding shape with no windows or connection to the outside. You also go through different environment as you go up the tight and long staircase to the cafe as it is on a high level and has a view to the outside. Moreover, there is barely any visual connections between the programs but there are other connections directed to different senses coming from the pockets that are created from the foldings. Lastly, market is placed at the bottom and right by the entrance as it is a “fast” program, which allows people to enter and shop in the market quickly. Whereas restaurant is inside the body as it is a “slow” program where people sit and take their time to eat in a comfortable, private space. Finally, cafe is placed on a high floor and its access is right by the entrance as it is a “medium” program creating a fast access to the stairs but takes long enough to go up the stairs.

Technical information

Market is placed at the bottom and right by the entrance as it is a “fast” program, which allows people to enter and shop in the market quickly. Whereas restaurant is inside the body as it is a “slow” program where people sit and take their time to eat in a comfortable, private space. Finally, cafe is placed on a high floor and its access is right by the entrance as it is a “medium” program creating a fast access to the stairs but takes long enough to go up the stairs.