A jury of international experts and the AUD community voted on the work of architecture students from the American University in Dubai (AUD) and first place went to a community hub concept that sought out to bring a solution to "the alienation of the labor community from the city and the modern cosmopolitan society of Dubai."
Dubbed the 'Cohesion Labor Community Hub,' the concept is intended to occupy all four of the Al Qouz industrial areas, marking a link between the two main roads—Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al khail Road. The idea is to reconnect the four plots through a floating frame, which will ultimately "foster integration, communal coherence, and empowerment." The design will have direct implications for the labor community who will gain better access to different spaces—from working and co-working to self-development zone facilities and a larger mosque.
Award-Winning Community Hub Concepts
Maya Roufail Develops a Community Hub That Boasts Cohesion
Trend Themes
1. Labor Community Integration - Designing community hubs that bridge the gap between labor communities and urban society, fostering integration and empowerment.
2. Floating Frame Design - Exploring floating frame architecture to connect multiple plots and create cohesive community spaces.
3. Improved Access to Facilities - Developing community hubs that provide better access to diverse spaces such as work areas, co-working spaces, self-development zones, and religious facilities.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Opportunity for architects to design innovative community hubs that prioritize labor community integration and cohesion.
2. Construction - Creating floating frame structures and constructing community hubs that facilitate connectivity and empowerment for labor communities.
3. Urban Planning - Incorporating community hubs with improved accessibility and cohesiveness into urban development plans to support labor community integration.