STUDY OF DUBAI CREEK IN VIEW OF THE INSCRIPTION ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST FOR THE UNESCO, FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE DEPARTMENT OF DUBAI MUNICIPALITY, 2012
Consultant to provide technical assistance for the preparation of the Nomination File in view of the inscription of Dubai Creek on the World Heritage List for the UNESCO, for the Architectural Heritage Department of Dubai Municipality.
The output of the consultancy was a series of research papers detailing three distinct aspects relating to the history and heritage of Dubai and of Dubai Creek: Life along the Creek, Boats and boat owners and seafarers, A comparative review of the Gulf cities and their commercial role from the late 19th century to the present.
While Dariush Zandi has been consulting for major development projects, his heart lies with ones that involve and focus on preservation and working with nature, environment, history and traditional issues. The Courtyard building in Dubai, where he is based at, is one such example, and is the home to the two entities he has founded, Total Arts and Total Design.
COURTYARD CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTER, DUBAI, 1996-1998
Design and project manager and developer, for the construction of a 70,000 sqft commercial complex. This landmark's design contrasts distinctive exterior features with the warm, artistic feel of the offices, retail spaces, artist workshops, and studios. The center has been instrumental in transforming the Al Quoz neighborhood into an artistic and cultural hub.
The Courtyard's concept was to create a viable multidisciplinary community center, which could house a variety of functions, exhibitions and cultural activities in a city with many different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. It was created to be a place for people to meet, interact and learn about each other while engaging in art and culture. The efforts to make the Courtyard green and colorful were enjoyed and appreciated by all involved.
MIRDIF RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX, DUBAI, 1996-1997
Designer and contractor for a set of private villas, incorporating the layout of indigenous architecture, at the edge of the desert. The project was completed with the assistance of architects Mr. Farrokh Frank Sabouri and Mr. Jamali. The concept was to create a house which revolved around a courtyard. When drawing the plan, note was taken of the direction of sunrise and sunset in relation to the house, to optimize the use of natural light. Traditional elements were also used with a great deal of care. Balconies and roof gardens are very practical and people can stand on the balcony or in the veranda and face the open desert, people can also climb onto the roof garden to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the vast stretches of sand. In the garden, a gazebo creates a nice nook for residents to sit during the warm and cool months. The colors are vividly contrasting, especially those on the doors. The buildings must be colorful to balance the landscape.
FARM HOUSE
Designed a private house with a farm, incorporating the surrounding nature, in a mountain village. Effort was made to make the designing process very simple and straightforward by approaching the route of being indigenous, climatically suitable, environmentally and geographically sustainable. Respect was given to building with the environment, which means understanding about the climate, the orientation of the land and the natural elements.
