RELIVING IN THE FEREEJ

Bringing Back UAE’s Cultural Identity

A central courtyard forms a semi-public open space shared between a cluster of houses is designed as a primary element of the housing block. This common area would house outdoor activities safe for kids and isolated from vehicular traffic. The design aspires to create a sense of community between neighbors by encouraging social interaction and allowing neighbors within the same block to mingle and interact.

The houses wihtin the courtyard are placed in such a way that it takes advantage of the prevailing wind direction. The entrance of the courtyard facing the prevailing wind direction acts as a wind funnel, capturing and chaneling the wind into the area. This strategy to harness wind improves ventilation, cooling, and comfort within the space.

Instead of following a strict grid-like pattern, these organic roads prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, creating a safer and more pleasant environment for non-motorized modes of transportation. This will ensure the vehicle’s speed is maintained. The curves and bends are carefully planned to maintain appropriate sightlines, safe driving conditions, and efficient transportation routes.

Green spaces or urban greenery, play a crucial role in enhancing the livability

The site is easily accessible and consists of multiple ingress and egress points to avoid congestion, provide pedestrian connectivity within the site from one cluster to adjacent clusters, and neighborhood recreational spaces. The design adopts the concept of Mushtaraks or Shared Roads to further enhance pedestrian safety. These are paved surfaces for vehicular movement with no vertical separation and no defined travel lanes. Cars, pedestrians and bikes share the same surface.

Aerial perspective of the site from recreational area

The materials used are very similar to the traditional materials, but are used in a contemporary way. Subtle colors that reflect their heritage; earthy shades of stone. Wood is used on the shutters just like it was traditionally used. The mashrabiya is interpreted in a modern way by extruding out the wall itself and using a contempary pattern on the screen.

At the same time, they allow for the circulation of air and ventilation. The openwork design of the screens permits airflow, creating a cooling effect.

These shutters serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing privacy, shade, and ventilation while adding a touch of traditional charm to the building’s exterior. Wooden shutters are typically crafted from solid wood, such as teak, oak, or cedar, known for their durability and resistance to weathering. The shutters are designed with slats or louvers that can be adjusted to control the amount of light and airflow.

The primary purpose of windcatchers is to facilitate natural ventilation. They typically consist of tower-like structures positioned on the rooftops. They are constructed with openings or vents at the top, facing the prevailing wind direction. As the wind flows into the windcatcher, it creates a pressure difference that draws air from the lower parts of the building. This induces a steady airflow, promoting ventilation and replacing warm air with cooler air.