Revival of The Fereej

“Fereej” is the Emirati Arabic dialect for Neighborhood – a word that carries significance in the psyche of the native population as it refers to social characteristic that have been lost in modern day developments of residential neighborhoods. This masterplan was proposed for a residential community within the center of the emirate of Sharjah as part of a larger initiative by the local authorities to revive the disparaged neighborhoods in the city center and attract Emirati families who have opted for the suburbs. The masterplan conceived to question the modus operandi of contemporary residential neighborhood planning strategies adopted in the gulf region often deploying uncritical western forms and typologies with disregard to the traditional values of the Emirati fareej.

The design adopts the concept of Mushtaraks or Shared Roads to further enhance pedestrian safety. These are paved surfaces for vehicular movement with no vertical separation and no defined travel lanes. Asphalt or pavers are used with no curb or upstand edges. Cars, pedestrians and bikes share the same surface. Building edges are protected by providing a landscape shrub zone around the building perimeter. Bollards can be used to define areas where car entry is not allowed.

A central courtyard forms a semi-public open space shared between a cluster of houses is designed as a primary element of the housing block. This common area would house outdoor activities safe for kids and isolated from vehicular traffic. The design aspires to create a sense of community between neighbors by encouraging social interaction and allowing neighbors within the same block to mingle and interact. The landscaping is kept to a minimum to reduce maintenance and irrigation costs and features traditional elements such as a water source (sabil) or a large tree for shading.

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