Elena Ruzova

advisor

S.G. Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Arts and Industry

Russian

Design of interior and exterior environment more

Modern architectural trends are closely connected with the development of the principles of New Urbanism, going back to the movement of garden cities. The problems of the world's megacities are mostly due to the high rates of urbanization, and, as a result, its influence on the natural framework and the comfort of the urban environment. The concept of New Urbanism includes design solutions for cities aimed at creating a comfortable urban environment at the scale of the person, with updated functions of streets and public spaces as points of attraction for social activity, as well as reorganizing the movement of residents within the city through environmentally friendly forms of public transport and cycling. New urbanism is designed to organize the basis for the sustainable development of urban areas and establish such principles of urban development and changes in the environment that can ensure a high quality life without harming the nature.
The presented project is based on the principles of New Urbanism and is an architectural development of a cultural and research center. It is a compact city block, integrated into the natural landscape of the UAE desert, near Dubai. The urban skyline of Dubai reveals the opposition of historical urban trends and the structure of architectural complex, delicately inscribed in the natural environment of the desert dunes. The author was inspired by the style of the old Medina and the atmosphere of Al Madam - Buried "Ghost" Village, 60 km from Dubai. The design concept is seen as a “Desert Oasis”, which creates the most attractive image of an architectural object with a shaping based on natural history citation, combined with cutting-edge 3D printed block printing technologies, a choice of building materials, including traditional Bedouin fabric, introduction of vertical "green" agricultural production.
As the most interesting aspects of the project, I would like to mention the multi-level nature of the complex, which minimizes the occupied land area; binding fabric of through flowing stairs-transitions connecting separate parts of the center; modular system of architectural background; the contrasting of the dominant vertical support columns with the horizontal tent roof structure, resembling a giant piece of flowing fabric.
In summary, the work is an example of a humanistic design approach, where respect for cultural and historical national traditions is subtly combined with modern trends in the quality of architecture and planning, with an emphasis on the beauty and aesthetics of the urban environment, finally creating a special atmosphere - a sense of place.
The project deserves the highest rating.

Dear Elena Ruzova,

Thank you very much for your incredible feedback and for taking the time to review my work. I am extremely grateful for your support. Your comments perfectly describe my concept and design intentions. It is an honor to have my work reviewed for this award. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Best regards,

Merna Khaled