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Migrating Sandscapes: From the Microparticle to the Architecture

Albunni, Lamia
http://orcid.org/0009-0006-2259-207X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin168477385476086

Abstract Details

2023, MARCH, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture.
The migration of dunes is a widespread phenomenon. Hundreds of years ago, the nomadic tribes adopted their transient character due to the shifting landscape. Many ancient cultures have settled and evolved into major urban centers from the heart of the Arabian Desert. Modern cities in desert regions are battling the restless dune sand that advances into their urbanized territories. The current architectural response to this harsh environment raises many ecological and economic concerns. Cities like Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha are surrounded by dunes of sand, yet they do not use local sand as a resource. Instead, river sand is imported from other countries because it is deemed more feasible for the industry. The significance of the desert is evident in its rich resources and poetic cultures; thus, it is crucial to consider the usage of the abundant resources, rethink the current architectural position and educate the next generations. In this study, the literature review touches upon the poetry of the desert and refers to theories and philosophies of the sublime. This research examines the overall architectural progression of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, takes a scientific experiment that tests desert sand as a primary ingredient for modern construction material and uses it to design regional architecture for a productive desert community. The desert philosophical theories and the scientific material studies set the basis for an architectural scenario of transiency, temporality, and growth. The selected site, Al Thumamah, acts as a gateway to the existing city, and the scale of the site opens a territorial dialogue between the permanent city of Riyadh and the ephemeral qualities of the desert. This thesis aims to set a vision for the desert city of tomorrow that seeks to employ regional material with traditional construction methods to reconnect the locals with their culture and natural resources.
Michael McInturf, M.Arch. (Committee Member)
Edward Mitchell, M.Arch (Committee Chair)
70 p.
Architecture
Desert Environment; Dune Advancement; Sand Formations; Territorial Formations; Crystallization; Material Life-Cycle

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Albunni, L. (2023). Migrating Sandscapes: From the Microparticle to the Architecture [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin168477385476086

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Albunni, Lamia. Migrating Sandscapes: From the Microparticle to the Architecture. 2023. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin168477385476086.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Albunni, Lamia. "Migrating Sandscapes: From the Microparticle to the Architecture." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin168477385476086

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin168477385476086
178
© 2023, some rights reserved.Creative Commons License Migrating Sandscapes: From the Microparticle to the Architecture by Lamia Albunni is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at etd.ohiolink.edu.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.