A passion for sustainable design, combined with the pursuit of holistic wellness, brought Mona Abdullah Al Ali a big prize last year: the Mubadala Design Commission Award, an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation.
The young Emirati, who has a master’s in engineering systems and management from Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Institute, won for her submission titled Enlightenment House. Al Ali’s design was inspired by the indigenous al qebqab flower, which blooms high in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Known as a medicinal herb, the plant is traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis – something that the architect herself struggled with for many years.
“It all stemmed from my own health problems,” she says. “I envisioned Enlightenment House as a 19,000-square-metre, holistic extension to a healthcare facility. It has four levels, an urban walkway and a spa, and is designed to include special spaces for rest and relaxation, both indoors and outdoors, which I felt would be beneficial for patients suffering from chronic diseases, as well as the general public.”
Enlightenment House is a fitting metaphor for the spirit of innovation and creativity channelled by determined young Emiratis today. Its design deftly dovetails the UAE’s cultural and physical features with state-of-the art technology, while keeping sustainability and comfort in mind.
Fujairah-born Al Ali, who also has a degree in architectural engineering from UAE University, says she has been drawing ever since she could hold a pencil.
“I’ve loved doodling all my life, and in school I was given all the art projects to do,” she explains. “So it was only natural to go to the next level – design and architecture.”
One of 13 siblings, Al Ali laments that she’s often roped into helping her brothers and sisters with their school art assignments. “It’s hard not to get involved,” she laughs.
While Al Ali ranks Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania as her top example of good architecture, some of her other favourite man-made structures are right here in the UAE: the old Emirati houses in Dubai’s Al Bastakiya neighbourhood and Abu Dhabi’s Martyrs’ Memorial. The imposing, 23-metre-tall structure, designed by Idris Khan, a British architect, was erected to the east of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in September last year.
“Everything about this memorial is awe-inspiring,” Al Ali says. “The concept, the design of the metal panels and, most of all, what it ultimately represents: valiance, patriotism, loyalty and sacrifice. It’s everything our nation stands for.”
Al Ali also believes that sustainability and low-energy consumption are cornerstones of good design.
“I think one of the most important things to consider is Sun and wind analysis,” she says. “This has an important environmental impact on the ‘performance’ of any building, especially in the hot climate of the Middle East. The selection of the building’s orientation – which way it faces – and deciding where windows and exits/entrances should be placed, is all determined by the position of the Sun, heat and light.”
To that end, Al Ali’s creations invariably feature solar panels and heavily invest in good-quality, sustainable materials, such as high-performance window glazing and insulated facades. But perhaps her first love is integrating nature in each of her designs.
“The best part is figuring out how to include nature in your plans,” she says. “For example, providing a green roof on a building. It is a great way to utilise space. It provides a lovely, easy-to-access retreat for residents, while at the same time minimising heat gain from the Sun by offering cool pockets of shade. I also like blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces with green areas.”
While Al Ali has previously worked on design plans for many private and semi-governmental initiatives, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, she’s currently running a small independent landscape and interior design business in the capital.
“It’s called Monart Oasis, and it’s only been up for about a year now,” says Al Ali. “I am a freelance architect and designer now, and have completed five projects so far, all for Emirati homes.
“My speciality is designing ecological gardens and outdoor spaces, and I like to use desert plants, such as date palms. I believe it’s important to promote and be proud of our natural riches, although sometimes, depending on requests, I also use exotics such as Yucca gloriosa [Spanish dagger] and Strelitzia reginae, which is better known as Bird of Paradise.”
But it’s not all work and no play for the architect.
“I like to swim whenever I can,” Al Ali says. “I’m happiest when in the pool, and try to go at least twice a week. I love water, not least because it has helped me greatly with overcoming arthritis.”
Which city has your favourite architecture?
I find it hard to pick one, because there are too many to choose from.
Who is your favourite architect?
Frank Lloyd Wright.
Do you count the Burj Khalifa among your favourite structures?
It is a magnificent achievement, but it’s not really my style.
What would your dream house look like?
I haven’t decided yet, but it would be modern, with clean lines, and integrated with nature.
Which country do you plan to visit next?
I would love to visit Australia for its variety of natural landscapes.
How do you unwind and relax?
I head to the spa for massage treatments. I also like to watch reality shows on television.
What are your hobbies?
I like oil-painting, horse-riding and cooking.
What do you do to stay fit?
I try to visit the gym as often as possible, because I am into toning. But swimming is my all-time favourite activity.
What's your favourite food?
I always opt for Thai cuisine when eating out.
Which is your go-to restaurant in the UAE?
I like Lemongrass. It’s a Thai restaurant chain with really great food.
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