Amy

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Abeer Abu Raed

Idea projektu

The societal norms of past decades have been trapped within four straight walls, branding them as “classrooms,” which feels limiting, restrictive, and confining. Amy is a place not only for children to access their own creativity through spaces and experiences, but also to discover what they are truly made of and unlock their inner potential even at a young age. My goal was to give them this sense of freedom and discovery, while still being properly guided and nurtured as they move through the different areas of Amy. I wanted them to experience the outdoors, to feel truly free and open in how they express themselves. This is the main reason why Amy is composed of two separate masses, allowing children to interact with the surrounding nature and the playful experiences waiting to be explored.

Popis projektu

The project proposes a Child Creative Centre in Al Khuzam, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. As we all know, the Middle East has a hot and dry climate; however, breaking free from the four walls was essential to allow children to be exposed to their environment, which is why I developed strategies that respond directly to the climate. Firstly, the orientation of Amy aligns with the prevailing winds, creating natural ventilation in all areas, especially the outdoor spaces. This is further enhanced by a long-span roofing system that curves downward, allowing not only shading along the pathways but also helping to channel the north-west wind, making it feel cooler as it moves through the site. Furthermore, not all children are active and extroverted; some prefer to sit, read a book, and enjoy quiet time alone. This is why it is essential to have two separate masses: one for activity (red building) and one for calmness (blue building).

Technické informace

Amy is a Child Creative Centre, designed specifically for children to cultivate creativity through exploration, learning, and experience. The building includes a multi-purpose hall and a restaurant within the blue mass, creating more enclosed and calm indoor spaces that support reflection, rest, and quiet social interaction. In contrast, the active side remains more open, fluid, and connected to nature, encouraging movement, play, and discovery.

The inclusion of a farm and a tree that grows from the outdoor space into the interior is a key experiential element. It allows children to physically witness nature entering architecture, breaking the boundary between inside and outside. This creates a new understanding of space for children, where architecture is not separate from nature but part of it. It introduces them to a new vocabulary of spatial experiencewhere learning happens not only in classrooms, but through direct interaction with living systems.