A Traditional Escape

The concept of this project was the integration of traditional elements of the local cultures with modern approaches. This concept can be seen though the traditional design characteristics throughout the building, such as the courtyards or the adobe vaults, as well as the chosen program. The selected program does not only follow the competition’s requirements but also the traditional approach taken for this project, aiming not only on tourists but also for the local populations. Furthermore, the structure is meant to counter the harsh environment of the desert as well as benefit from its unique climatic conditions.

The intent behind the organization of this project is three-fold. First, it is concerned with the local climatic characteristics. It’s orientation and openings to better manage sunlight and the support elements such as the windcatcher support towers were all placed according to the best way to counter the difficult desert climate. Second, it is concerned with access points. Entrances and exits were placed according to the site’s access pathways and exits towards the natural environment. The latter is highly directed due to the physical aspect of the program which has to do with physical activities such as trailblazing and exploration of the near mountain hills and dunes. Third, it is concerned with the visitor’s experience. Whether that is towards the journey to the spiritual underground experience or the social gatherings in the central courtyard or the upper level, what the visitor sees, feels and experiences is of vital importance.

This design came through quite a few iterations which were tested both in the required isolated location and to a more community oriented site. This was done in order to test the structure for the required number of people using it, the way people move in and around the building as well as how to access it. The final outcome seemed the most appropriate for the selected site and the local conditions.

The program was aimed towards all kinds of visitors. People who would like to relax and enjoy a calming stay with social gatherings, food and drink, people who would like to take the time to learn new things like in the author’s retreat were they can read or write, people with a more adventurous spirit who can go exploring in the mountain sides or trailblaze in the dunes, people who seek spirituality and have a unique underground enlightening experience or even people aiming to acquire new skills or enhance their existing ones. It targets not only tourists but also people from nearby and local communities. Given that the competition requested all 6 realms of wellness: occupational, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical and social, it gave the opportunity to explore a program for all types of people from all walks of life.

Staying with the traditional approach and the vernacular styled local architectural approaches, the materials selected are of local preference. They are mostly adobe combined with a few other elements throughout the structure, such as gabion walls in the underground.

Another characteristic that was attempted for this project is the flexibility and interchangeability of the program and the interior spaces. The program is not meant to be permanent, and it can change based on the needs of the people using it. It can be changed based on the date of the year where they can focus the program to a certain event or holiday, if the program required needs a specific occasion, or even the time of the day, if there is a need for specific lighting conditions. The spaces inside, other than the traditional elements, offer also the concept of open spaces which allows them to be reallocated according to the current needs.