Desert Eyes A magical oasis between the dunes
Located in the arabian oryx protected area in the UAE, the design is flexible and can be replecated anywhere throughout the area, it can also be exapanded and added upon if required.
A tent like structure shades the pods as well as the connecting walkways, as it weaves the whole design along with the desert, and the newly added landscape, to make it a man made oasis that responds to the waves of nature. The users will therefore be able to walk around the pods, under the tent and observe the beautiful nature, pollution free skies, and the magnificent wildlife, or bask in the greatness of the milky way while sitting or lying down on the benches that are designed to respond to the waves that the wind creates on the sand when it blows through the dunes.
From the tents that provide better air flow coming from the desert to cool the walkways as well as the areas that surround the pods and benches, to the solar panels on top of the PVC tents to help power the pods, and the fire torches that light the pathways to give the place the feeling of a camp in the middle of an oasis, as well as the cooling system that uses water in order to reduce the consumption of energey while cooling the pods, and finally the waste desposal system that redirects The design of the bubble like pods, and the shading structure that covers most of it is inspired the waste into the surround green areas to use as fertilizer and the excess water to be used for irrigation and to cool the by the dunes of the desert, the waves in them, and the fluidity of their natural state. surroundings. The entire design is deliberately sustainable and environment friendly, as it blends technology and innovation and weaves it into the environment, to allow the users to connect more with the surroundings and feel part of the beautiful The easy to assemble pods provide a clear view to the milkyway, and allow the users to experi- eco system. ence the stunningly peaceful desert landscape, as well as the magnificent oryxes that wander the protected area. And for all that and more, Desert Eyes is the perfect place for everyone, from couples who want a romantic and relaxing As the design blends with nature and responds to it, it acts as a nest that exists in considera- getaway, to families and friends, and for them all to enjoy the uninterrupted nature and bask in the magic of the sky at night. tion of the surroundings, and cradles human interaction within the vast desert.
Concept Diagram
Concept Sketches The begining of the design process of Desert Eyes!
Starry nights!
Cheerful sunlight!
A magical nightime
Quality Time!
Full of life during the day time!
Safe Haven! Cozy with a view
A place for everyone
Cool Desert! 100% Sustainable & breezy
Inspired by the dunes! Shaded but still full of light!
Standard Pod Plan Standard Pods
Scale 1:200
VIP Pod Plan
VIP Pods
Scale 1:200
Community Hub
Community Hub Plan Scale 1:200
Site Diagram Benches Inspired by the waves of the dunes, these public benches provide a place to relax under the stars amongst the dunes.
Shading The PVC tents take the abstract shape of the natural movements in the dunes landscape.
Pods Diagram Galvanised steel frames Strong, lightweight, economic, , suitable for indoor and outdoor use, can be painted in any RAL color.
PVC, polyester, and glass panels Highly durable, easy to keep clean, resistant to scratches and fire, UV and heat resistant.
Pods Easy to assemple pods that offer a clear view to the star filled skies through their transparent roofs. And while the solid walls provide privacy in areas that are exposed to the public , the transparent walls in other areas of the structure allow the user to enjoy the peaceful desert landscape and wildlife.
Space divider partitions Easy to install, resistant to scratches and
Cassette flooring Landscape The green patches around the pods and walkways are a way for the users to be connected with nature, and provide them with relaxation and peace in an oasis in the middle of the desert.
Walkways The simple wakways weave the pods together with the public Community Hub, through public and private paths throughout the oasis like design of the area.
Can be moved independently and can fit any size of the dome tent. Can easily hide and protect the cables and wiring and they are a perfect solution for uneven surfaces. Can be equipped with carpet.
Private terrace Easy to install, steel railing running
Site Plan Scale 1:800
Community Hub Section Scale 1:200
Standard Pod Section Scale 1:200
VIP Pod Section Scale 1:200
Underground Channels
Grey water will be collected from the bathrooms via an inclined pipes-net connected in a simple way to be eventually collected in small tanks and be used again for irrigation.
Solar Panels
The solar panels are distributed above each pod throughout the design to collect the maximum amount of light during the day and convert it into electricity.
PVC Tents
Evaporative Cooling System
Controls air flow from the dunes to the pathways, as well as creating a shade and comfortable area for pedestrians to walk through.
Evaporative cooling uses the high temperature of the desert to heat the water and change it from liquid to vapor. When evaporation happens, this heat is taken out from the water that remains in the liquid state, resulting in a cooler liquid.
Sustainable Light Source
Using torches as a sustainable source of light.
Greenery
Inside The Pods
Inside The Community Hub Steps
4 steps were added to each pod to prevent the accumulation of sand next to the pods.
Green belts were added to increase the oxygen in the surroundings, clean the air, reduce temperature, trap carbon dioxide, and provide an aesthetic view for the residents.
Site Section Scale 1:400
VIP Pod Elevation
Standard Pod Elevation
Community Hub Elevation
Scale 1:200
Scale 1:200
Scale 1:200
Site Elevation Scale 1:400