To Hamad Khoory, architecture is the mother of all arts; it’s a culture you walk through. The 30-year-old Emirati has excelled in visual arts since high school. After unearthing his passion for architecture, he decided to follow a career that would use his zeal for the subject.
When it comes to design, Khoory, who works as an architect and partner at the Loci studio, finds a story behind every wall.
“The design should reflect people’s culture, value, religion and past – consciously or unconsciously,” he says.
In Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District, he explains, all the buildings are almost the same colour.
“What you see is the product of their culture, values, history and interaction with the environment. The way streets are organised help the community to socially interact and intermingle.”
By studying the buildings of a region, one can tell people’s values and how they organise their space. Most of his designs are inspired by the context – religion, culture, geography – and his team have worked on projects in the UAE, Oman, Iraq and Egypt.
“In Oman, for example, we were tasked to design a commercial tower for a private company,” he says. “After studying the region, we included a fort at the top of the building to give it a sense of authority and heaviness. The design also included interlocking volumes to be consistent with other buildings in the area. There was also a courtyard that showcases traditional architecture in the region. As for landscape, we got the inspiration from the traditional water irrigation system known as falaj.”
He says that it’s important for an architect to understand who they’re designing for and where they’re building. Human and environmental aspects go hand-in-hand.
“What we do is try to create a balance between modernism and traditionalism. It depends where we are designing; accordingly, we will adapt to that context and its surroundings, while being functional.”
Where do you like to hang out in Dubai?
I am a beach and nature person.
What do you think about the UAE’s architecture?
It has not been thought through, and I would say most of our designs are not sustainable. We import people from abroad, and too often, the final product is not related to our culture, people, and climate. Modernism is not glass and steel.
If you designed cities in the UAE, what changes would you make?
First, we need to learn how to live with the harsh climate. Covering the area with glass and steel will not help in reducing the heat or bringing light. We should design a city through studying who we are designing for. We need to look at the human aspect, too. People are forgetting who to design for and where they’re building.
What country do you admire for its architecture?
Morocco. It is a beautiful place, and the architecture make a statement about the country, people, culture and past. Even though they have modern buildings, their buildings are a mixture of tradition and modernity.
Which buildings in the UAE inspire you?
DIFC Gate Village in Dubai. They have taken into account principles of traditional architecture and urban design in the region, while incorporating the latest construction technologies and materials. It is a timeless master plan, which works in harmony with the region’s culture and harsh climate.
What’s your work philosophy?
We want to set trends for regional design. We also want to inspire the next generation through our work and also begin exporting design instead of importing.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood in the UAE for its beauty and design?
Al Fahidi Historical District, also known as Al Bastakiya: it stands as a precedent of how architecture and urban design should be in this part of the world. The architecture and urban design is in complete harmony with the human proportions, environment and most importantly the social values of its inhabitants.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
Be honest with yourself, your work and your client.
Describe yourself in five words.
Workaholic, passionate, honest, humble, patient.
What is your form of meditating?
Praying.
aalhameli@thenational.ae
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