Welcome to the desert - Al Ain, the garden city of the United Arabic Emirates, at the boarder to Oman, is characterized by a network of low raise block structures, clean roads and seven oases. Known as an area which can’t be associated to the iconic architecture of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The design studio, which will be held in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi University (ADU), Department of Architecture, aims to show a diversified view on Al Ain, the desert and the build environment of the UAE region in general. On behalf of a seemingly impossible task, the question of how to design a walkable cityscape in the desert is addressed.

At the beginning of the design studio the students will get an insight in cultural, political and architectural characteristics of the UAE. This initial phase helps to emulate a personal outlook for the task and design approach. Accompanied by weekly meetings and initial webinars, the participants elaborate a stepwise project idea following a three-pillar approach:

Off-Grid: the absence of a supplying grid, tightens the connection to the climate, tradition and context.

Digital Inquiries: current and future technologies promise a slightly different approach to planning, using and readapting urbanized spaces.

Urban “Machinoeki” – the human station: a Japanese concept of paths, shelters and places of gathering, to boost the pedestrianization level.

The three-pillar approach helps to outline a design proposal for the walkable connection of Al Qattara to Al Mutawaa oasis by considering the surrounding areas, the regional context and the nearby Oman border. A reflection of car-driven-society and the cultural impact of the proposed solution will be subsequently evaluated with proper design ideas.

EXCURSION + WORKSHOP

After the final presentation of the design studio in January, students have the chance of a proof-of-concept on site at the beginning of February. During a workshop in Al Ain and merging with local students from the ADU, a similar task, like in the preciding design studio will be posed. The working method during the fast-and-dirty workshop is limited to analogue techniques such as sketches and working models. The public presentation involves guest-critics from the academic and practice related field.

The aim of the design studio is to reflect planning approaches from the drafting table to the on-sight experience.

COOPERATION WITH ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY

Paolo Caratelli, Associate Professor

Mohamed El Amrousi, Department Chair

Alessandra Misuri, Lecturer

EXCURSION AND WORKSHOP

The design studio and workshop are related to each other. A single completion is not possible.

Abu Dhabi – Al Ain – Abu Dhabi 30/01-07/02/19

Approx. costs 1.200€ - inklusive with (Proper flight reservation / Coordinated car rentals in groups / Payments occur on sight and probably in cash (tbc) / No money will be collected by teachers or TU Vienna)

DATES

First meeting: 09/10/18 – 3pm – Panigltrakt EG

Weekly reviews: Tuesdays 3-8pm - Panigltrakt EG

Final Presentation: 22/01/19 - Panigltrakt EG

Compulsory attendance at all meeting/reviews/presentations