Creek's Edge
[By Meera Almarri]
Unfortunately, the human interaction with the creek became less over time; when the city grew more significant, the creek disappeared and became less visible. Whereas before, it had more people interact with the water, nowadays, seeing a direct access way on the promenade that gives easy access to the creek is like finding a feather in a haystack.
As the city grew bigger and bigger, the city and the people forgot the creek's importance and moved away from it; therefore, we need to go back to it, to the city's soul and heritage.
The main element and theme in the project is Dubai Creek since it is how and where Dubai started. The creek affected the city's growth in many aspects, but not too many people recognize its importance. Today the creek is being treated as an element that people crossover rather than being the main element used to be in the past. The creek's life has changed over time; today, not too many people often visit the creek area; therefore, my goal is to attract people back to the area and provide them with a chance to directly access the water creek, just like the old days.
A solution to the problem is CREEK'S EDGE, which is a maritime complex, where people can visit and learn more about the creek history, as well as spend a fun time in the area by introducing traditional activities and entertainment so that when people visit the place, they have the experience not only by seeing it in style but by living in it too. It will enlighten the people with a rich history, it will entertain them, and it will connect them with the unique traditional transportation system (the Abras) and make society feel more attached to the city's start point and heritage.
SITE ANALYSIS
The site selected for the project is a location that gives the users the chance to interact with the creek. The best place to represent the creek and its importance and history in the old Dubai Area. The location is vibrant and active with people and ships movement, and the site is rich with history and cultural diversity.
The creek area will allow the user to interact with water, gain knowledge from the historical area, experience culture and heritage by using the different amenities, move from a place to another using the abra, and interact with people from different cultures.
Main Theme: Dubai Creek
The creek was Dubai’s starting point; it is an area that is rich with: heritage, history, culture, life, and identity.
DESIGN PROCESS DIAGRAM
Allow more access to creek water, and enjoy different creek views.
MAIN CONCEPT DIAGRAM
Each function in the project spreads and slopes down to move closer to creek water, giving the user a clear view of the creek as well as the chance to get closer to water.
Main Project Goals
Enlightenment : Museum & Theater.
Entertainment: Market & Theater.
Connection: Terminal & Bridge.
The maritime complex is divided into 5 main functions: Abra Terminal, Market, Museum, Theater, and a connection Pedestrian Bridge.
Project Special Features:
- Park with an Open Market.
- Park with an Open Market.
Zones & Description
- Terminal: Wide Lobby with creek view over the abra decks | Tickets Booth & Kiosks at the lobby| Lounge | Quiet Seating Zone | Cafe | Administration | Mini Gallery.
- Theater: Lobby with seatings and snack kiosk | Vip Seating at the 2nd floor | Administration | Creek View Theater | Vip Seating Area.
- Museum: Lobby | Ramp circulation to Galleries | Workshop on the 2nd floor | Administration | Creek Level Deck to exhibit water.
- Market: Flexible openable glass market space (could be indoors and could be open to outdoors) | Cafe & Restaurant on the 2nd Floor | Pedal Boats Deck | Floating Seating Area Deck.
- Terminal: Wide Lobby with creek view over the abra decks | Tickets Booth & Kiosks at the lobby| Lounge | Quiet Seating Zone | Cafe | Administration | Mini Gallery.
- Theater: Lobby with seatings and snack kiosk | Vip Seating at the 2nd floor | Administration | Creek View Theater | Vip Seating Area.
- Museum: Lobby | Ramp circulation to Galleries | Workshop on the 2nd floor | Administration | Creek Level Deck to exhibit water.
- Market: Flexible openable glass market space (could be indoors and could be open to outdoors) | Cafe & Restaurant on the 2nd Floor | Pedal Boats Deck | Floating Seating Area Deck.