ard (أرض) implies earth in Arabic. ard is a sustainable design initiative based out of Dubai that has its roots in tradition, heritage and vernacular architecture. At ard we believe that vernacular architecture as a whole which has resonated true sustainability for centuries must not be limited to mere conservation. Our attempt is to revive it in a way that it appeals and integrates with the modern times. ard incorporates technology with vernacular methods through design research and aims to lead this to a new realm of vernacular & sustainable built form.
While climate change poses a real threat world over, the importance of Green & Sustainable Architecture is now an urgent reality. Ironically, our fore fathers mastered the skills of sustainable living centuries ago. Using natural materials that the earth provided, Palm-frond Architecture (Arish) and mud-brick Architecture (Adobe) were the order of the day within the deserts of the Emirates. These ancient techniques not just made use of what was naturally available but were also designed to be responsive to the arid climate of the region. Mud bricks and palm leaves were not just breathable materials which kept internal temperatures lower, but other passive cooling techniques such as the wind towers greatly impacted the flow of air through convection and kept the houses naturally cool in summer.
As we start our journey, ard aims to create an interface that blends the cultural heritage of the U.A.E with today’s built environment. Until the late 60’s and early 70’s in the pre-oil era, about 80% of U.A.E’s population lived in Arish & mud structures. Today, about 420 million dried date palm leaves are sent to landfills each year in the U.A.E alone which could other vise be utilized effectively.It’s about time we revive these age old techniques and take them forward in a way that they blend seamlessly with the current fabric of our cities and adapt to the changing needs, aesthetic sensibilities and environment of today