conceived as a hotel pod complex within the rub’ al khali desert, in abu dhabi, the ‘oculus’ by aidia studio, draws influence from the anatomy of desert organisms, which enables them to reduce their internal temperature, and survive through extreme climate conditions. having adaptability at the core of its design, the structure has the ability to morph into different configurations depending on the time of the day, climate, and the programmatic needs of users.

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 1

all images courtesy of aidia studio

 

 

to comply with all the required functions of the cabin, the oculus by aidia studio has been given a versatile shading system that contracts and retracts as needed. at the crown, the skin system folds downwards revealing a frameless acrylic dome allowing uninterrupted views of the sky above. during the daytime, it retracts sideways, opening the front of the pod and unveiling the doors to the front deck. meanwhile, when fully deployed, the pod camouflages with its surroundings becoming unnoticeable to the wildlife.

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 2

 

 

the main idea behind the radial panels dressing the cabin is to improve the environmental performance of the building through self-shading. the design is inspired by several desertic cacti species that feature thick outer skins, and fins that diffuse heat and solar radiation. this idea was translated through the deployment of sixty articulated shading panels which create a dense lattice sheltering the cabin. to adapt to the curvature of the pod, the panels densify towards the crown, thus augmenting their reflective capability from the harsh vertical sun radiation.

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 3

 

 

the oculus provides a spacious open-plan suite facing the gravel plains, while it is purposefully positioned to amplify the striking sky view. the entrance to the unit is made from the north side, past the entrance hall, with this side of the cabin featuring an opaque wood cladding for privacy. furthermore, the cladding also intends to shield the pods from the sandstorms. the oculus aims to use sustainable materials such as certified wood and organic fabrics of natural colour tones to blend as much as possible with its surroundings.

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 4

 

 

the oculus can be constructed from 30 prefabricated off-site modules which can be easily assembled to erect a self-supporting structure. similarly, the modular shading panels are intended to be manufactured off-site and prepared for bolting onsite. the cabin is grounded through thirty adjustable pillars allowing installation in different ground conditions. the construction process should be quick and with minimal disturbance to the natural environment.

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 5

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 6

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 7

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 8

aidia studio proposes an inhabitable pod for the desert that morphs into different configurations 9

 

 

project info:

 

name: the rub’ al khali oculus
architecture office: aidia studio
design team: natalia wrzask, rolando rodriguez leal
location: rub’ al khali desert, abu dhabi, UAE
total area: 3500 sqm

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom