Part of a chain of similar projects in Lebanon, Qatar and the UK, this tourist resort aims to revive Islamic architectural heritage to counter the loss of connection between architecture and its cultural context. As well as hotel rooms, multipurpose halls, a restaurant and open terraces, the project includes a village square that serves as a gathering place. A pre-existing building has been adapted and new ones constructed using climate-appropriate traditional features and ornament, from courtyards, arcades and iwans to mosaics, decorative tiles and woodwork. Although some new technologies have been applied, the project makes extensive use of salvaged materials.
Source:
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.
