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Project Name: Adjacent
Team: Amir Lahouti, Shadi Bitaraf, Ziba Najafi
Year: 2023
Location: United Arab Emirates
Category: Competition
Developing cities in the Persian Gulf region have become hubs of attraction, drawing diverse ethnicities from around the globe to the United Arab Emirates with their modern amenities and facilities. While this influx fuels growth and progress, it also underscores a pronounced divide between local communities and immigrants. This cultural expansion and the resulting diversity reshape habitats, gradually eroding the presence of traditional residential patterns in this climate.

Historically, the indigenous traditions and culture of this land molded non-physical boundaries into various forms of living spaces. These boundaries ranged from spatial distances to tangible barriers like thick walls, delineating spaces and separating residences. Today, this physical demarcation has evolved into enclosing walls that partition land and separate neighboring houses.

Conversely, recent centuries have seen the proliferation of mass construction as a cost-effective solution to housing shortages in many developing nations. Standardized living spaces are erected without regard for cultural, climatic, or traditional considerations, serving merely as shelters devoid of individuality.

This project endeavors to identify and mitigate the impact of predominantly prefabricated dwellings by reducing the barriers and walls between neighbors. It pioneers an innovative approach to affordable housing by advocating for the sharing of non-private spaces between adjacent houses, fostering new connections among the local residents of the United Arab Emirates.

Indeed, rather than perpetuating divisions in this diverse and richly varied society, a novel approach to coexistence is advocated for the native residents of the Emirates. This approach is rooted in the values and spatial opportunities offered by the historical cultural heritage of the region. Rather than fortifying boundaries, this project seeks to embrace the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and historical significance inherent in the Emirates. By drawing inspiration from the traditional values and spatial dynamics of the region's cultural heritage, a fresh paradigm of coexistence is envisioned.

This paradigm emphasizes inclusivity, cooperation, and the celebration of cultural pluralism. It encourages a reimagining of living spaces that honors the indigenous traditions while fostering interconnectedness and mutual understanding among residents. Through this approach, the project aims to not only preserve but also revitalize the essence of community and belonging in the Emirates. By bridging cultural divides and promoting harmonious cohabitation, it aspires to create a more cohesive and unified society reflective of the rich heritage and diversity of the region.