Oculus in The Rub? al Khali, Abu Dhabi
Oculus in The Rub? al Khali, Abu Dhabi Mega Dunes Eco Lodges, UAE Building, Middle East Structures
Oculus in The Rub? al Khali, Abu Dhabi
6 Aug 2020
Oculus
Design: AIDIA STUDIO
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
A Biomimetic Approach
The design of the Oculus is inspired by how desert organisms through specific features in their anatomy are able to self-shade to reduce their internal temperature and in doing so are able to survive the extreme temperatures of desertic climates. Adaptability is at the core of a discretionary performance letting them increase activity during the night where the heat recedes.
So in designing an inhabitable pod for the desert, we devised a form which morphs into different configurations depending on the time of the day, climate and the programmatic needs of users, i.e. star gazing, spotting wildlife while in privacy.
An Adaptive Skin
To comply with all the required functions of the cabin, the Oculus has been given a versatile shading system which contracts and retracts as needed. At the crown, the skin system folds downwards revealing a frameless acrylic dome allowing uninterrupted views of the milky-way above.
During daytime, the skin retracts sideways opening the front of the pod and unveiling the doors to the front deck. The skin can also be fully deployed for privacy, filtering heat while allowing light for liveability. When fully deployed the pod camouflages with its surroundings becoming unnoticeable to the wildlife.
Sustainability
The main ...
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