Transnational Communities and Vernacular Expressions in Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Spaces

Abstract

Today, identity and social status are increasingly being manifested by housing typologies. The massive construction industry that has mushroomed in the Gulf region and parts of Asia is being supported by a large population of workers requiring accommodation. In the Industrial City, on the mainland of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) labor housing conglomerated on a large scale with a capacity of 40,000 workers, with other camps on a smaller scale existing on the islands of Yas and Al-Reem. One of the challenges is the design and sustainability of such building stocks. This article studies the design of vernacular architecture in the industrial areas of Abu Dhabi as representations of urban enclaves, continuity and discontinuity from tradition. It also highlights the importance of safety guidelines in spaces where multi-cultural communities co-exist.