As temperatures and humidity levels soar to unprecedented highs, many people resort to various tricks and strategies to escape the heat. This is exactly what a group of students from the Canadian University in Dubai has done. In one of the city’s neighborhoods, eight architecture students are studying the design of miniature gardens to help reduce heat and promote a sense of community.
The students from the Canadian University in Dubai took part in a six-week course focused on designing “pocket parks” — small, low-cost, and informal public spaces, typically the size of one or two parking spots — according to UAE-based newspaper The National, which reported a visit to the project.
A Crowded Neighborhood: A Source of Inspiration for the Students
The students chose a location in Satwa — a crowded and vibrant neighborhood home to migrant communities, primarily from South Asia and the Philippines — as a source of inspiration for their designs. They have now created their own miniature gardens to be showcased at the university.
Shade, Breeze… and Birds Chirping
This humble, working-class neighborhood is bustling with restaurants, cafés, tailors, and cobblers. It's packed with buses and cars, and people seek refuge from the heat under umbrellas. But thanks to the initiative of the Canadian University students, large trees such as bougainvillea and rows of potted plants now offer refreshing shade and a breeze, accompanied by the cheerful sounds of birds.
In addition, the students explored how to use light-colored shading structures and tree planting to combat rising temperatures. They also studied the site, the neighborhood, the communities, and the area's demographic makeup.
Recycling Construction Sites
One student drew inspiration from a construction site, aiming to reuse discarded materials from old homes, such as concrete blocks. The design also incorporates reused scaffolding for shade, native plants, and repurposed goods — all to transform the space into a safe area, particularly for children.
What Did the Students Create?
Kiren Ronad, a fourth-year student, said she designed a pocket park equipped with curtains made from a special material that cools the air when sprayed with mist — particularly effective during strong winds. She also made sure to incorporate elements of Emirati culture into her design by using fabrics inspired by traditional Bedouin weaving patterns.
Meanwhile, Saqar Kazemian, also a fourth-year student, incorporated the traditional architectural feature mashrabiya into her design. The mashrabiya allows for natural ventilation and lighting while providing shade and privacy. She noted that in some countries, streets are occasionally closed to host local markets, which gives residents the opportunity to use the pocket parks to showcase and sell their handmade products, such as spices or clothing. Kazemian emphasized that this can even help increase local income for residents in the area.
Dr. Simona Azale, Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Interior Design at the university, explained that the concept of “pocket parks” first gained popularity in San Francisco in the early 2000s, when local designers began reimagining public spaces. She added that the idea saw significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE has also seen temporary examples during events like Expo 2020 Dubai and Dubai Design Week, as well as small protected spaces in Abu Dhabi.
