La Karama

•

Al Karama: Revisited.

Site Analysis:

According to general population statistics, Al Karama covers approximately 2km², with an average population density of 33,508/km². The area is dominated by expats- primarily South Asian expatriates - and men (Elsheshtawy, p212-213), as seen through the figures below. Interviews and fieldwork was conducted in the proposed site areas, acting as the basis for our project.

At the center of ‘La Karama’ as an urban proposal, is the users of the specified area. By considering the general demographic and the nature of the area, the submitted proposal relies heavily on participatory design, the creation of public spaces, as well as the creation of a variety of different, low-budget leisure zones to cater to the users. Avoiding gentrification and unnecessary demolition is also a key consideration.

The site of Al Karama, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is one of the oldest and most populous residential areas in the city. Considering this, the urban renewal proposal, La Karama, has three main objectives:

Firstly, the proper and effective integration of the local population within this urban renewal project.

Secondly, a complete avoidance of gentrification in the area.

Thirdly, a high focus on sustainable development, especially from a socioeconomic perspective. The name, ‘La Karama’, follows the trend of newly established areas in Dubai, such as ‘La Mer’, and hopes, through the use of semantics, to socially elevate the area.

Considering a user-specific approach to the urban renewal of the allocated plots, a lot of emphasis was placed on the site, as well as its specific conditions. Through studying its general demographics and statistics, ’La Karama’ offers different urban solutions to the area.