Based on a phased programme of preservation and adaptive re-use of the historic Bastakiya district of Dubai, the project has, since 1995, conserved 56 residential units of this group of traditional wind tower court houses that were under threat of demolition due to the development pressures in this rapidly growing city. The project has marked out a ‘preservation area’ where through adaptive re-use there are now art galleries, cafes, specialised museums, a traditional market and a majlis for the local community. In addition, planning controls and design guidelines have been developed for the area.

Source: The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.