Zara Chen | Lauren Foisy | Sophia Lu | Ali Akbar Sahiwala | Ploy Sungkobol
“We in the UAE, have no such word as ‘impossible’; it does not exist in our lexicon.” Sheikh Mohammed Ruler of Dubai, UAE
Overwhelming heat, long hours, little comfort to rest and littered worksites are among some of the issues faced on site.
We utilized the Four D Model to frame our understanding and develop a comprehensive design solution.
Ras al-Khaimah Umm al-Quwain Ajman Fujairah Sharjah Dubai Abu Dhabi
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
300,000 jobs will directly be created, with 30% being related to the construction industry
$ 8.4 billion estimated ďŹ nancing costs, totaling about 8.9% of the country’s GDP
Zawya Financial Reporting
UAE
Pakistan India
Bangladesh Phillippines
Migrant Worker Population (in Thousands)
Indians
500
Pakistanis 1750
1000
Bangladeshis Asian
500 1250
European and African
Emirates Center for Human Rights
Sri Lanka
Labor Reform in the UAE
Regulations in Place In 2009, the Wage Protection System (WPS) was implemented to ensure workers receive their salaries without delay. The Cabinet has adopted a manual providing minimal requirements for employers to provide suitable housing for workers. Measures have been set up that help shield workers from illegal recruiters.
www.uaeinteract.com
A day in the life of a construction worker 4.30am Wake up
5.00am Breakfast
5.30am Leave from camp
6.30am Start working
8.30am Mini break
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Midday break
3.00pm Continue working
4.30pm Mini break
5.00pm Continue working
5.30pm Return to camp
We aim to enhance working conditions, improve safety, health and appreciation of the workers, while increasing eďŹƒciency of large construction companies.
Image by Brent Stirton
Coverall
Simplicity Re-designed collar reduces amount of fabric needed for manufacturing, maximizes comfort, and provides additional protection from the sun.
Base Design: The base coverall was designed with minimal features to keep cost low. It incorporates the use of recycled polyester, providing comfort and breathability, while helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste being shipped to landďŹ lls.
Recycled Polyester Mesh A mesh material located under the arms, and near the knees, will provide additional ventilation. Material will be 100% recycled, made from plastic bottles.
Coverall Design Options: Additional features can be integrated into the base design coverall.
Protection
A Place to Rest An optional hood will give workers added protection from sun exposure, with a UV coating on the material.
Adding a hood for sun protection and a mat for rest, will further alleviate problems faced on site, by offering them respite from the sun and dirt.
A removable sleeping mat will provide workers a surface for napping during daytime rest breaks.
Manufacturing Process
PET Bottles are purchased from recycling companies.
Adapted from DGrade
Bottles are sterilized, dried and crushed into small chips, separating clear PET bottle chips from the colored chips.
Chips are heated and spun into yarn threads, crimped to give texture. Lastly, they are dried, baled, and tested.
Yarns are then dyed and fed through a knitting machine to produce a ďŹ nal product.
Partnerships
DGrade is a recycled clothing company based in the UAE. DGrade takes plastic bottles, breaks them down into plastic yarn, and weaves them into everyday wear including coveralls.
Arabtec is a multinational construction company founded in 1975 and headquartered in Dubai. They are the largest construction ďŹ rm in the Arabian Gulf with over 40,000 employees.
User BeneďŹ ts Buffering capacity of heat will reduce climatic stress and improve comfort levels as the rate of perspiration is dependent on clothing worn. Ventillation zones in areas where needed most, will increase air-ow around the body. Dri-Fit material pushes sweat away from the body and onto the garmet surface, reducing moisture levels. The hood will be tested under UV standard 801, to protect workers from sun damage.
http://www.uvstandard801.com/en/uv_standard_801/uv_standard_1/uv_standard_2/uv_standard_2.html
Reduce number of heat related injuries
Increase physical work capacity
Boost worker morale
Improve reputation of contracting ďŹ rm
Future Growth Set up an additional manufacturing plant in the UAE Collect used coveralls to establish a closed-loop manufacturing process Contribute a percentage of proďŹ ts towards developing training facilities and institutions in origin countries