Even if the current global and local economic conditions have directed the real estate market towards adopting more cautious strategies, the expansion of Arab cities still seems unstoppable. Peri-urban and desert areas seem to be the new frontiers of accelerated urban development. For this reason, a moment of reflection is necessary to identify best practices and suggest sustainable strategies in the design of residential typologies in the extra-urban context. The Architectural Design course 2, I lead at Heriot-Watt University / Dubai, will undertake this research through a series of lectures and workshops offered by some of the protagonists of the regional contemporary architectural scenario.

I am pleased to announce the design seminar: "The extra-urban house. Forms and typologies of desert-side dwellings in the UAE ". With co-tutors: Andrew Shaw, Katarzyna Tracz, Guest lecturers and critics: Farid Esmail, Islam El Mashtooly, Farah Naz, Attilio Petruccioli, Hannes Werner.