In the Middle East, where ancient cultures intertwine with modern life, architecture reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The arid climate shapes not only the physical landscape but also the cultural and spiritual aspects of daily life. Designing in this context entails a delicate balance between preserving heritage and responding to contemporary needs.

Why this is personal to me

During the formative years of my career as an architect in a professional environment, one project held a special place in my heart: the Masdar master plan. In this endeavor, our team's primary focus was on the human experience, with a specific emphasis on elevating comfort and adaptive design. Our approach was rooted in the integration of passive design features, all with the goal of improving comfort across multiple dimensions, from temperature perception to glare reduction and managing the impact of radiant heat. Even today, these research findings continue to shape our design philosophy.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: Reviving Traditional Middle Eastern Architecture

Traditional Middle Eastern architecture, rooted in ingenious engineering and passive design, once adeptly tackled the region's climatic challenges. Today, our heavy reliance on air conditioning has caused us to overlook the enduring value of these time-tested methods. Rediscovering them can enrich modern design on technical, physical, and aesthetic fronts.

Our architectural identity and urban spaces are deeply interwoven with cultural histories. In my study, I focused on the family house courtyard, historically the heart of a home. It not only hosted gatherings but also extended its benefits beyond spatial boundaries.

Vernacular architecture with inner gardens, intricate patterns, and shaded pathways emerged as responses to the harsh climate. These designs reflect centuries of human ingenuity in thriving under challenging conditions. Combining these traditions with contemporary architecture pays homage to the past while creating functional, sustainable, and emotionally resonant spaces, preserving cultural heritage for the future.

Embracing Well-being, Privacy, and Comfort

The Middle Eastern approach to design extends beyond the physical into the emotional realm. Architecture serves as a conduit for well-being, privacy, and comfort. Courtyards become tranquil retreats, while mashrabiya screens offer both privacy and ventilation. This holistic approach caters to the cultural values of the region, creating environments that nurture the mind, body, and soul.

Celebrating the Seasons

Designs in the Middle East are attuned to the nuances of the seasons. Spaces are adapted to accommodate extreme heat, with active shading systems providing respite during the scorching summer months. As the cooler months arrive, architecture seamlessly invites inhabitants outdoors to embrace the natural beauty and forge connections with the community.

Balancing Heritage and Future-Proof Design 

The vision of the future, firmly rooted in the past, is a central theme in Middle Eastern design. Celebrating tradition while embracing cutting-edge solutions results in structures that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally sensitive. This balance exemplifies the Middle East's journey toward progress while staying connected to its roots. 

In conclusion, architecture in arid desert-like climates is a story of innovation, adaptation, and respect for tradition. It's a canvas where architects seamlessly blend climate-responsive strategies with cultural nuances, creating spaces that are not only functional but deeply meaningful. Through a delicate interplay of materials, technologies, and cultural understanding, these designs are a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human life and the natural world. 

Enhancing Outdoor Thermal Comfort: Strategies for Enclosed Courtyards.

Creating comfortable outdoor spaces within enclosed courtyards has been a key focus of our research, which explores the influence of various factors on thermal comfort. This study, conducted during the summer months with average climate conditions, highlights the critical role of solar radiation on outdoor comfort.

Shading emerges as the most effective strategy for enhancing comfort, while the contribution of wind, especially in humid climates, proves to be less significant. Courtyard orientation plays a crucial role in the amount of shade available, with east-west elongated courtyards found to be less comfortable.

The introduction of trees and galleries into enclosed courtyards significantly improves outdoor comfort, with galleries standing out as the most efficient shading strategy, provided the building's temperature remains constant. These findings provide valuable recommendations for optimizing outdoor thermal comfort in various ventilated and shaded courtyard configurations.

In conclusion, creating comfortable outdoor spaces in enclosed courtyards during hot summer days hinges on effective shading strategies, including the use of galleries and trees. Courtyard orientation and design are pivotal factors in ensuring a comfortable environment for users, underscoring their importance in architectural and urban design.