IndietroIn an extraordinary environment, right in the Jordanian desert, inspiration came not only from surrounding dunes and mountains, but also from the architectural heritage of the Bedouins who have historically inhabited the region. The building thus forges a unique bond with the place and its history and forms.
The entire program is laid out under a large concrete roof, which curves so as not to be just roofing but also walling, and descends to the sand to imitate dunes. In this way, the building strays from the conventional. Another characteristic feature is the perforated screen of CorTen steel, which filters light in the manner of the Arabic mashrabiya. The 1200 m2 building is just part of phase one of a 44 km2 leisure complex in the city of Aqaba that will include residential, hotel, and shopping areas, all set around an 18-hole golf club.
It was also very important for the practice to involve local people, whether teaching concrete-pouring techniques to workers or collaborating with artists in giving shape to the project.
