undergraduate thesis A.Y. 2019
CONCEPT
"Luxury of Being"
To reinvent the relationship with the physical and transition our material needs from a luxury of having to a luxury of being.
PHILOSOPHY
"Invite Life"
Architecture is not about making a statement, but creating a moment.
site development plan
The criteria for the site was to be distanced enough from the iconic Dubai skyline, maintain the feeling of isolation but remain accessible to major road networks and utility lines.
The zoning of the resort was according to the highest points of topography as well as distance to noise and optimizing best desert views.
The form mimicked the sand dunes of the Arabian desert, but made use on convex curves to protect the inner spa sanctuary and resort.
SITE ELEVATIONS
The design solutions and strategies were chosen specifically to reflect the traditional Islamic culture, Bedouin desert nomad character and modern Emirati lifestyle.
RECEPTION LOBBY
Be greeted with cultural performances, dates and coffee before heading on to the main Spa Sanctuary with your choice of camel, Arabian horse or vintage Land Rover.
MAIN LOBBY
The lobby is meant to feel as if one was in a place sculpted by the desert, witgreeted after the long journey in a hypostyle hall of sand columns dripping from ceiling to floor.
AMENITIES
In observance of the dominant Muslim presence in the UAE, the salon & gym are segregated into female and male areas, with the female sections placed at the far ends to avoid being seen by passerby. There are provisions as well for a V.I.P. experience in each space.
The salon & gym are segregated into female and male areas as well as have provisions for a V.I.P. experience. Several communal spaces for the whole family are available such as a game room, yoga deck and pool deck with plush arabesque lounges.
Islamic geometry was translated into a garden to create multi-sensory experiences such as a barefoot path, use of fragrances of the Middle East and trickling fountains.
Food & Beverage
The resort offers a multitude of dining experiences immersed in the different elements: The Main Restaurant being nestled in sand whisps (earth), the floating restaurant (air) and water restaurant surrounded by lotuses or candles at night.
Cultural performances and a traditional Bedouin camp (fire) can be set up anywhere in the spa sanctuary. The buildings are all laced with the traditional Muslim screen or mashrabiya using Islamic geometry on sandcrete.
Accommodations
The villas are situated in a way that the living area gives an unobstructed view to the open desert. One site is allotted for a private spa area while each bedroom is enclosed into a circle, with sandcrete whisps to frame the desert view and maintain the feeling of isolation.
The exteriors are made of a sandstone, sandcrete finish to appear seamless from the ground to building skin but the interiors reflect the cozy Bedouin camp, elevated with Emirati opulence.
The Spa
The spa sanctuary offers traditional wet areas, global bathing rituals as well as couple and VIP rooms for 6 to accommodate spa parties.
Head to the small Star Grotto to bathe in the best of the Middle East, with fragranced pools such as jasmine, rose, lavender, coffee and pomegranate.
Global bathing practices are offered such as the Japanese Onsen, Russian Banya and Turkish Hammam.
Wherever your spa journey takes you, take a moment in our garden courtyard and soak in the luxury of being alive.