Project ARD

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Senior Thesis

ARD is a desert wildlife research and experience hub designed to reconnect people with a landscape that is often misunderstood. Located within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve near Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai, the site sits within one of the UAE’s most ecologically significant desert–wetland environments. While the desert is home to unique species such as the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and houbara bustard, many remain vulnerable or endangered, and public awareness of this biodiversity is still limited. ARD responds to this gap by creating a space where research, education, and immersive experience come together within the desert itself. The project is carefully positioned to balance accessibility and preservation, remaining close to Al Qudra Road while maintaining the natural quietness essential for wildlife. Architecturally, it blends into its surroundings rather than dominating them, using reflective surfaces to create a mirage effect and natural materials that echo the desert floor. Through immersive environments and direct engagement with nature, ARD transforms the desert from something perceived as empty into a living, dynamic landscape that invites exploration, learning, and connection.