Re-Urbanism: Reviving the Desert Eco-System

Abu Dhabi University, Department of Architecture and Design, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Abu Dhabi

Project idea

Re-Urbanism explores the design of a desert culture and research centre that re-thinks the relationship between urban development and nature.

The main objective of this proposal is to design a cultural and research hub in Dubai that would bridge the gap between the modern city and its authentic roots. Focusing on redefining the relationship between the city, its inhabitants, and the desert, one that represents a natural phenomenon in culture and history.

Project description

The project examines the urban growth of Dubai and explores its relationship with the natural environment. Being edged by the sea and desert, the project addresses the notion of a "re-urbanism" of Dubai in a way to oppose the norm of going vertical and dispersed, rather than horizontal, compact, and walkable.

The project was designed by analysing historical districts in Dubai and suggests a micro-urban composition under a massive roof structure that could be interpreted as a tent. Such a philosophical approach triggers a series of questions that could be raised with regard to the urbanism and architecture of the city.

Re-Urbanism was designed to respect the surrounding desert landscape as well as respect the traditional urban form of Dubai. The building provides cultural, edutainment, and research spaces for the city.

Technical information

The main construction element used in the building is prefabricated steel. The columns are steel elements, mainly I-beam columns, to avoid any bracing on the façade. The I-beams will be designed so that for columns that require lateral bracing, a T-section will be welded into the web of the I beam at a 90-degree angle to resist lateral forces. 

The blocks in the building are 3D printed using sand and local resources. Precast elements are used for slabs and façade elements, which are assembled on site. The blocks are supported on the curved waffle slab. The waffle slab is supported by the specially designed steel columns. 

The hollow steel structure is supported by four steel structural towers. The large tent which shades the building is made out of goat and camel hair, which is the traditional material handwoven by Bedouin women on ground looms. The tent is suspended by cables from the hollow steel structure.