Urban Typology

060 062 061 063 064

Town Planning

The urban pattern of the Old Dubai was a result of the social and environmental needs of the people. The urban pattern was oriented towards the north-west direction with an approximate of 45 degrees to take advantage of the prevailing wind from the north-west which would end at small public open spaces. During the daytime the courtyards and alleyways help create cool corridors due to wind tunnel effects as a result of pressure differences between the solid walls and the corridors.

The courtyards were oriented to be parallel to the streets hence maximizing the shading for the streets.

Streets and alleyways

Sikkas or alleyways create a pattern of accessibility of well ventilated passageways through the urban fabric. The houses were closely located thus creating small narrow corridors which would be shaded.

Vertical Alleyways: Long and continuous alleyways that generally run along the north south direction with an approximate width of 1-2m. Residential units are positioned on either side of these alleyways and hence is always shaded.

Horizontal Alleyways: Horizontal alleys that are approximately 2-4m wide that is intersected by the vertical alleyways. These streets are not continuous but is used as places for stay, walking etc by pedestrians when shaded.

1.Heritage Village 2. Al Shindagha District 3. Al Bastakiya 4.Deira- Old City

Al Shindagha and Al Bastakiya are historical districts constructed in the 1890s. They feature the old courtyard typology, narrow corridors with wind towers.These districts were renovated by the Dubai Municipality in 1990s to preserve the historic culture and heritage of the area.

Heritage Village and Al Seef are much recent projects that was aimed to conserve the heritage. Al Seef was designed to emulate the old town and the souk experience.

Deira is one of the oldest communities located on the Dubai creek. It remains to be an important economic and commercial hub in the region. Due to its strategic location it was the link to the world’s historic trade routes and was the location of the region’s biggest markets.

066 065

02 01

04

03 05

N

Dubai Creek- An important trading route which connected the emirate to India and East Africa

067 068 5. Al Seef Old Town

Plan of Al Shindagha District angled to take in the north-west winds. Shaded public spaces between the houses. Narrow corridors that end with a wind tower