Analysis towards an Oasis settlement in Oman as a prototype for future development

1. Beauty of the Past
Analysis towards an Oasis settlement in Oman
as a prototype for future development
Identity is Not a circular pro-
cess, rather linear and changes
through time, It allows flexibility
in the future development.
Prof. Dr. Sonja Knebel
1.0

2. Table of Content
03
04
05
06
12
16
26
33
40
44
Introduction
Intuitions
Acknowledgement
Transformation Process
Oasis pre & post 1970
Transformation between 2002-2014
What is an Oasis
Definition
Functionality
Study Area
Location & Demographics
Landuse map
Atmosphere
Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Layers of Situation’s evaluation
Program’s Aim
Settlement’s Useres
Statistics of Habitat
Typologies
Zoning
Current situation
Action Plan
Social Dynamic
Whithin Household
Within Public Spaces
Introduction
“The Sultanat of Oman is inhabited 8000 years ago. The ancient civilization until
1970 have lived on Trading, fishing, cattle breeding and agriculture. Around
200 B.C, Oman was also known to trade copper, building materials and fine
Marble.” (Hoch)
These civilizations settled clearly on specific locations where water existed, cre-
ated an irrigation system called Aflaj (water channels fueled with monsoon rain
from the mountains) to keep the water equally distributed in the settlements.
“Due to drought and harsh environment Oases settlements were the adapted
solution for life to exist. It shaped an ecological and cultural behavior in the
Arabian Peninsular. Oman to be well known with the Aflaj system as well inter-
nationally today. “ (Prof. Dr. Moawiyah Ibrahim, 2001)
However, after 1970 with the ruling of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos, the econom-
ical boom from oil and gas was rapidly increasing. The modern development did
not only take a place in cities and towns, it also had an impact on rural Areas.
Oases and other settlements started to lose identity, leaving behind elements of
ancient civilizations like ruins, forts, mud-brick houses and Aflaj systems. Urban
sprawl is spreading all over Oman. The bases of an Arabian architecture and ur-
ban planning is no longer adapted to the environment nor to the Omani culture.
My aim in this project is to reverse the negative impact of this new development
by creating a versatile solution for an existing Oases. Not to be implemented, it’s
a standardized fiction to be taken as conceptual strategy in the short and long
term growth. My approach is based on the understanding of the Arabian social
structure and lifestyle. Together with the understanding of local architecture
and the structure of urban spaces in general. This will help Imposing authentic-
ity as an identity of the city growth.
In my opinion the meaning of authenticity is preserving the given as well the
positive qualities of the past and make them apt for a number of usages in the
future. Its an adaptable process. I don’t think losing our authenticity will make
us modern. I think with preserving and improving our own knowledge in archi-
tecture and urban planning will give us the strength to live in harmony with our
environment and culture. It will help us have a unique direction towards modern
lifestyle.
“Try to inherit the good from our civilization and give away the bad, we should
hold on the qualities of our culture, and learn from the others, but never blindly
copy. Its never beneficial to blindly copy wither the good or the bad” a word from
His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos, 1970s.
As mentioned earlier, one part of the tradition in the Omani culture was clearly
03

3. 05
04
based on Oases agriculture, sea fishing and regional trading. Each settlement
represented a tribe of people to make it exist and protect it from the severe
environment’s differences. They depended on sources of water. And made the
best out of it. Nevertheless, in my project I am focusing on the structure of the
historical oases and the possibilities to suggest adjustments in the modern life
style.
“There are around 2430 Oases only in Northern Oman. Research managed
to classify these Oases into typologies according to topography and geological
survey data. For example, the elevation’s heights and the hydrological stream
as significant attributes to assess classifications. In Northern Oman it self
there are 6 types of Oases to be identified. Plain Oases (48.5%), ground wa-
ter based, Foothill Oases (46.2%), depending on large natural wadis, Mountain
Oases (2.8%), its water supply is the natural springs from the aquifers of the
mountains, Urban Oases (1.7%) supplied by off-site water and not inhabited
and Kawr Oases (0.5%) supplied also by natural springs. Finally, the Drainage
Oases (0.3%) which considered to be the most traditional in Oman.” (Buerkert
& Schlecht, 2007) and that’s the type I want to focus on in my design.
Intuitions
After 1970, Muscat city became the magnet of many Locals in Oman, Due to
the economical boom in the region from oil industry. The migration from rural
to urban was a common phenomenon. More job opportunities were offered.
And the promise of a better life style or perhaps modern urbanity was growing
faster in Muscat; because it became the government’s power center.
Therefore, my family who are originally from a small town, called Bediyah in Al
Sharqiyah region eastern side of Oman, preferred to move to the city as well.
Nevertheless. My Hometown is known to be surrounded by golden dunes. The
access to nature is authentic. It is a tribal town, founded by the “Al Hajri” tribe.
Now it is more diverse with even groups of nomads living there. The culture,
the clothes and the atmosphere are authentic in comparison to other regions
in Oman. Somehow the people were constantly engaged in shaping the image
of Bediyah.
However, we still had the connection to the town although we lived in Muscat.
My grandparent’s, cousins and the extended family still lived in an Oasis in Bedi-
ya. This was a reason for us to still visit our hometown in occasions or holidays.
As a small girl growing up in the “city” and going to the village for holidays, this
gave me the opportunity to experience both and realize how lucky my cousins
were to live in an Oasis. Every time I went there I was fascinated by the spaces
and the dynamic between the locals in the village. On the other side, every time
My cousins came to visit us in the city they were also happy and fascinated with
the more modern urban life. This made me wonder, what is it that makes us
love or hate a place. And do I really know the value of living in Muscat? Do my
cousins know the value of living in the village? My fascination for urban spaces
and people’s behavior in them was growing.
My curiosity made me study urban planning. I wanted to find out more. I wanted
to know why didn’t my relatives love their village whereas I didn’t I love the city?
So I got to realize through time that I was missing authenticity in Muscat and
then again I was missing modernity in Bediyah.
According to my impression at the last visit to Bediyah, it has changed a lot. The
atmosphere of authenticity is vanishing and which makes people discontent.
There is an anxiety of losing identity. Urban sprawl is spreading in all parts of
Oman. One of the side effects of this phenomenon is the loss of authenticity.
My above-mentioned experience led to the motivation to find out the balance
between modernity and tradition. Creating a better solution to urban sprawl,
learning from the typically compact traditional Omani settlement and finding
new strategies for future growth.
Acknowledgement
I am grateful to the people I met across my journey in Germany. First of all, my
family who allowed me to come here despite social difficulties. The Government
of Oman for their financial support. And never to forget Michaela Liehner who
pushed this collaboration between the German university in Oman and RWTH
Aachen.
Prof. Rolf Westerheide and Dr. Claudia Kruschwitz, whom they guided me with
passion and acceptance to be part of the team in the department of urban
planning at RWTH. They guided me with hospitality and support first as a human
and then as a student.
In the end I would not have made it without Prof. Heiner Hoffmann, Manfred
Nettekoven, Paula Liehner and Stella Moulara, whom they helped me to stay
warm and authentic. They saw me for whom I am in my mind. They encouraged
the reflection of my values and identity. Intellectually, I gained growth from them
and from there I will continue in the path of passion.
Thank you

4. 07
Transformation Process
06
“We would like to address a word to
Omani women and call upon them
to take advantage of all the oppor-
tunities that have been granted to
them, so that they can prove their
worth and show that they are ca-
pable of overcoming any obstacles
that might stand in their way”, His
Majesty, Sultan Qaboos.
This have changed the social dy-
namic in a settlement and brought a
new lifestyle to follow. The econom-
ical base has dramatically changed
to depend on oil industry. The conse-
quences are to be seen in the physi-
cal structures, ecological and archi-
tectural. Investments on education
and infrastructure was a priority.
The population has increased and
the need for new housing zones was
rapidly increasing. The development
was faster than it could be handled
sometimes.
Water supply
In the Rub Al Khali desert of the
region, civilizations managed to
survive. Without water they would
not exist. As a result of the difficult
environment, inhabitants managed
to rely on occasional ground water
and wells. They built channels on the
surface and dug in tunnels to dis-
tribute water into the settlements.
“In Al- Sharqiyah region, North-east
Oman, the Aflaj system (water chan-
nels) represents the “daudi” type of
irrigation. It consists of a sub-sur-
face tunnels. These vertical tunnels
inside the ground are usually fed by
the streaming flow from rainwater.
This type is known to be constantly
flowing with water. It can also be ex-
tended for long distances between
(3 to 12 km)”. (United Nations Envi-
ronment Programme)
Agriculture and Livestock
“The Agriculture in most Oases set-
tlements in northern Oman rely on
pumped groundwater. Unlike the
Drainage Oases type, that I am fo-
cusing on, their plantation relies on
the natural drainage line” (Buerkert
& Schlecht, 2007). In Al-Hawiyah
Oasis, the main produced crop is
dates. In the summer the families
gather to harvest the dates and
sort them out. Usually it is quite an
occasion in the settlement. where
most people, men and women, work
together on the harvesting. There
are also other fields, growing Omani
lime, bananas and mangos. These
crops arrived Oman through the
trading practice in history.
Livestock is still important in oases
settlements. cattle, camels, goats
and sheep are mainly owned by the
herders and farmers in the settle-
ments. According to the agriculture
census 2005, Al Sharqiyah region
was the third in Oman with the most
amount of domestic animals. It had
around 398 041 head owned at
least by private farmers.
An Oasis consists of a number of
significant aspects to function as
a subsistent system. Aspects like
Architecture and urban spaces,
together with socio-economic ele-
ments, water supply and agriculture
played a basic role in the circuit of
Oases settlements.
Architecture & Urban
structure
“The Architecture since 1970 was
dramatically influenced by the de-
velopment of infrastructure in the
whole of Oman”. (Scholz, 1999).
But from the remaining ruins and
traditional mud-brick structures,
also my experience coming from an
oasis village northeastern Oman,
I can identify the qualities of these
structures and the social dynamics.
A courtyard house was common in
the village. The idea of these houses
suit the cultural and environmental
needs of its inhabitants. The flexi-
bility of these premises is crucial.
A courtyard is multifunctional. one
could sleep there in in the sum-
mer, eat there during the day, host
guests, or even kids play there. This
space is also used as a threshold.
All rooms would open to the court-
yard. I introduced an illustration of
a floor plan of my family’s courtyard
house in Al-Hawiya showing the dy-
namic during the day and at differ-
ent occasions. Another reflection of
these courtyard houses is the urban
space that surrounds it. They func-
tion in a same way and structured
nearly in the same setup. Usually in
the middle of the settlement there is
a plaza “saha” with the main ameni-
ties and mosque, which represents
the courtyard in a unit. Surrounded
with a cluster of houses with veins
of narrow corridors. These narrow
corridors are called “sikkah”. They
are usually semi private streets that
lead to private clan. The hierarchy of
spaces is defined between private
(courtyards), semi-private (narrow
corridors) and public (souq or main
plaza).
Socio-economic aspects
The combination between social
and economical behavior played
an important role in a settlement’s
system. Each family owned a clus-
ter of small houses with a piece of
farm land in the agricultural zone.
The exchange between goods was
common. It was also common to
travel and bring goods to sell them
in the settlement. People worked on
herding and farming in general. The
role of women and men was clearly
defined. Women worked inside and
men worked outside the protected
housing units. However, nowadays
the role of each is expanding with
more options. His Majesty, Sultan
Qaboos, allowed women to study
and work. He allowed equality in jobs
opportunities between both sex.

5. 09
08TransformationProcess
Jobs
Public Space
HabitatsLifestyle
Hot & Cold
Education
Madrasa
village corridor
Architecture
Transportation
Agriculture
Under
a Tree
Al Hajri Tribe
(Originated from Yemen)
Back to Quarter
Morning
Bedouinn
( Travelers)
Camels,
Donkeys
Moving to Dunes
night Animal’s Pastures

6. 11
Transformation process
10TransformationProcess
Google Earth Maps
The Village is no longer functioning like before. The new generation do
not want to work in these farms. The development is very fast, we dont
know how to cope with it. I am old and it is hard for me to feel compfort-
able here anymore. There are cars everywehre. Also through our
narrow streets. where usually we sit and kids play. we want develpment
but we need to fit within our compfort. “Shaikh Ubaid “
2002 2006 2009 2013 2014
Although there was a significant
Strom ( Juno) hit the Coasts of
Oman from the North to South
and created damages through
flooding, Bidiyah was not effected
by it due to the wisdom of
location. the big wadi still runs
right through the villages but non
of them were effected the
flooding.
The settlment is noureshed with
rich farms and active life. people
work in farming still and find a way
to make money out of it. enough
water flowing in the village and
brought life to the Aflaj ( Channels)
in the palm fields.
The village started to dry out
due to water scarsity. citezens
dont want to work on farming.
New roads have been
constructed. And this took
away the horse and camels
running trail from the village to
be shifted somewhere else
away from the center.
The droht continued to increase dues to
the previous problems mentiond.
drying out farms is still a problem. the
village is losing nourishment and still not
finding ways to improve. mud-brick
houses are falling apart with no effort to
be recognised.

7. 13
12WhatisanOasis
Definition of Oasis
Oasis
Plural Oases
A small area in a desert that has a supply of water
and is able to support vegetation. An oasis forms
when groundwater lies close enough to the surface
to form a spring or to be reached by wells.
(http://www.dictionary.com/browse/oasis)
Wadi (Annual River)
Sand Dunes
Underground Channels
Aflaj ( Irrigation system)
Residential Quarter
Main fresh Water Basin for daily uses
Mosque
Palm Groves
Low Area
Temperarly structure
Animals (Goats, Horses, Camels , Chickens)

8. 15
14WhatisanOasis
Oasis Ecosystem
Basically with out water and people, this Oasis
would not have existed from the first place. The
civilization used the ground water in the area
and channeled it through surface Canals and
tunnels. The environment of Rub Al Khali desert
is known to be very difficult to survive in. But the
water kept flowing non stop until today. The ag-
riculture gets sweet ground water and for the
daily usage, people share the main water basin.
Many skills appeared for this Oasis to be com-
plete. people could mainly be proper Farmers
for decades. They constructed Aflaj System
(Water irrigation) to run through the settle-
ment and the fields. The constructed housing
structures from Mud-bricks. There were also
home doctors, this skill is still practiced. Basi-
cally, they were architects, planners, Hunters,
doctors, defenders and worked on handcraft
skills. Also the political system was well orga-
nized. Negotiation was an important aspect to
be part of the Settlement.
What made people stay
Agriculture
Wadi ( Water Source)
Village
Collected water
Aflaj fo Irrigation
Source of Income
Sense of Comunity
Temporary Structure
Natural Border
Transportation
Efficiency
Safety
Animals
Provides Food& Jobs

9. 17
16
Area of Study
Rub Al Khali, the second largest des-
ert in the world, also covers large sur-
faces of Oman. Al-Sharqiyah Sands
lays on the northern end of the Rub Al
khali desert. In this part of the desert,
you will also find a number of Oases,
such as Al Hawiyah. Their water sup-
ply is based on wells.
Due its interesting landscape, Bedi-
ya has become a local and interna-
tional tourist attraction. Just driving
through the district, you will experi-
ence the diversity of atmosphere. It
can be a friendly neighborhood where
kids would play. Or it is a venue for the
local camel owners, driving their pick-
up behind a group of camels to get
them to a destination. And the access
to the ocean of sand dunes is always
the most entertaining part. The color
and the texture of these dunes are to
be known rather specific for Bediya.
Rub Al Khali got different charac-
ters in the region. This leaves every
oasis with a unique atmosphere.
Nevertheless, there is a particular
problem to be discussed throughout
my project. Urban sprawl is a com-
mon phenomenon all over Oman.
Anyone driving through the country
will realize that. Of course there still
are the historical settlements, still
holding the identity of a traditionally
compact Omani settlement. For ex-
ample, the morphology of my study
area is showing the high density
zones growing to lower density frag-
mented zones towards in the South.
Of course urban sprawl in this case
did not just suddenly appear. The
root of this fragmentation appeared
as a result of the plot distribution
system. Omani citizens are allowed
to apply for a 600 qm² plot owner-
ship. This distribution of plots is
done randomly in a lottery system.
Every few years the government
gives away to a batch of locals
the opportunity to pick up a plot
randomly and pay a fee of approx-
imately 1200 Euro. This process
allows random residential units to
pop up in the middle of nowhere,
sometimes with no access to in-
frastructure. Today this problem
has side effects that are going to
be mentioned later, in the anal-
ysis section. In my proposal I am
going to tackle these side effects
and I will rethink possible solutions
to the topic of urban planning in
Oman. The goal is to reverse or re-
move such negative consequenc-
es on future urban growth.
The methodology is mainly focused
on qualitative site analyses. That
means observation, mapping and
interviews. In addition, keeping in mind
the interesting research done by Dr.
Sonja Nebel and Aurel von Richthofen
on UrbanOman. Then presenting a
versatile solution towards an oasis
settlement as an implementation
example for my ideas. The process
would concentrate on a small scale
and a short term planning to en-
sure immediate urban interventions.
These interventions will be the tools
and rules to appreciate the value of
traditional elements in a neighbor-
hood and allow the new development
to merge with the specific environ-
ment. The product will be backed with
a Manual and an Implementation ex-
ample of my concept.

10. 19
18AreaofStudy
Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of National Economy (web),
http://www.citypopulation.de
Location & Demographics
Oman
3,992,893 inh [2014]
Area: 309,500 km²
Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of National Economy (web), http://www.citypopulation.de
AL Sharqiyah North
Governorate
164.842 inh [2010]
Area: 21,136.02 km²
Density: 7.7 inh./km² [2010]
Change: +2.17%/year [2003
to 2010]
Bidiyah District
20,946 inh [2010]
Area: 3,625.07 km²
Density: 5.8 inh./km² [2010]
Change: +2.27%/year [2003
to 2010]
Al Hawiyah Oasis
899 inh [2010]
Area: 1.547 km²
Density: 581.2 inh./km²
[2010]
Change: 0.28%/year [from
2003 to 2010]
Middleeast
Sur
Muscat

11. 21
20AreaofStudy
Land-use Distribution
Farms
Animal Huts
Sand Road
Low Area
300
300
260
2
2
3
3
3
4
5
5
5
4
3
1
1
1

12. 23
22AreaofStudy
Ruins
Mad houses and towers are
today in a very bad shape
Open Spaces
Life in the village is still
othentic
Water Source
Natural Water recources
are no more important
due to desalination
Water
Temporary Structures
are srtill important and
in Use for Gatherings
or to keep the animlas
3
4
1
5
Animals & Agriculture
2
are srtill important and in Use for Gatherings
or to keep the animlas

13. 25
Reuinspoor preservation
Elements of Tradition
Mudbrick housing
Gohst towns
Architecture pre1970
replaced with Concrete Structures
ReuinsPalm Groves
Elements of Traditions
Agriculture
Elements of TraditionsTraditional Irrigation
Elements of Traditions
Decreased Local Food Production
Aflaj System
Lower Area
Farming is a low income Job
Distributed Agriculture Land
24AreaofStudy

14. 27
26SwotAnalysis
Layers of Analysis
Potential:
Existing meeting point for all
stakeholders including kids and
animals. Strong historical meaning,
it was a space for the main water
Basin, where everyone could get
fresh water.
Problem:
No amenities, No facilities. Weakly
bordered space.
Intention:
Enhance, repair and preserve
identity of this place.
Problem:
Fragmented urban structure that is
losing the identity of a traditionaly
compact omani settlement.
Intention:
Bring back identity to these
structures and higher density. Also
borders the area of development to
avoid fragmented growth.
Problem:
There is no horizontal accessibility.
Intention:
Improve pedestrian and cycling
routs. Also introduce new public
transportation system.
Problem:
3 Typologies and some random
structures are scattered in the
area. Courtyard houses, from
the 1980s, 150-300 m2. Also
the 600m2 villa types. Finally the
mudbrick structures ( ruins)
Intention:
Introduce housing typologies,
mixed used and puclic buildings
to enhance diversty.
Mud-brick
Courtyard
Villa
Housing Typologies
Identifying dominant typologies
Sprawl Zones
low density fragmented spots
Urban Structure
Hirarchy of spaces
Circulation
car based development
N

15. 29
28SwotAnalysis
Potential:
Self sufficient agricuture providing
food and microclimate.
Problem:
Drying out farms due to low
interest in farming.
Intention:
Make farming more attractive by
creating a strong identity of an
oasis settlment. Allow attraction
to brings interest back. by
introducing small scale urban
interventions.
Potential:
The Dunes topography is drawing
a natural border to the village. This
is helpful to restrict sprawl from
expanding.
Intention:
To respect nature and forbid any
kind of permenant development.
Allow certain activities with short
term temporary structures.
Potentials:
Harmony as well with animals.
The locals are already skilled to
care for animals like goats,
camels and horses.
Problem:
The owners need to have the
animals in their sight, but the
spaces are taken for biger
housing structures.
Intention:
Define spaces for animal needs
as well.
Problem:
The area is very much
monofunctional.
Intention:
Inscrease the variety of mixed
used options.
Animal zones
Identifying animal’s trails
Functions
Identifying built up
function
Agriculture
Identifying Area of Oasis
distribution
Nature
Identifying main topogra-
phy levels
Mosque
Mixed
public building
school
Animal huts

16. 31
Threats & Potentials
Hub : Gathering points for daily activi-
ties and events, also as central open
space for all group of people to use.
surrounded by shops or just residen-
tial uses.
30SwotAnalysis
280
260
250
Farms & Palm Gardens
residential
Animal’s Huts
Drying Farms
Not mixed use
Dried Aflaj
Monofunctional
Good Microclimate
Growing Local Crops
Historical Elements
Ruins
Beautiful views
New quarter
few Ruins
Beautiful views
Nomads
Still Travel in the desert
Communal Sense
Strong Identity
fixed structures
Low Quality Housing
Sprawl
No Horizontal Access
decreasing Society
Dried Palm
Existing Hubs
Potential Hubs

17. 33Program
32SwotAnalysis
Program
As a result of the analysis above, I re-
alized in order to achieve my aims, I
must set up the basic portfolio of re-
quirements. For example, based on
the structure of the oasis and its func-
tionality, Also the social dynamic helps
me defining the space typologies re-
quired by both traditional and modern
life style. Based on the mapping anal-
ysis of morphology, accessibility, func-
tions, open spaces and agriculture.
This helps weighing the strengths and
the challenges in the Area. Therefore,
in the program I will emphasize the
potentials in order to come to grips
with the problems.
The program below is a foundation,
a beginning of the project. However,
there will be detailed plans to follow
throughout the project. I have based
this program on my personal experi-
ence and personal observation of my
hometown settlement. In parts, I use
my instinct when choosing between
options or finding options in this
framework.
However, below are the significant
points of my program’s requirements:
• Rezoning the area will contribute
to creating boundaries for individual
uses. For example: for urban, nature
and buffered zones.
• Doubling the existing density, in or-
der to achieve the typically compact
Omani settlement and creating an
identical allure.
• Developing at least 3 categories
for standard building typologies. one
for housing, mixed use and for small
shops.
• Introducing two types of open spac-
es. One type represents the Arabian
style. Which consists of semi-pri-
vate spaces (within a clan) and pub-
lic space (as a main plaza). Second
type is to represent more hierarchy
of spaces. Semi-public, semi private,
public and private.
• Introducing functions like an acad-
emy for traditional architecture, a
mosque and local shops.
• Introducing at least one public palm
garden.
• Creating a manual of rules for the
the planning process. This will be the
toolkit to create scenarios of the de-
sign.
• Presenting examples of zoomed in
areas for further details. In order to
help visualize implementation

18. 35
Settlement’s Users
34Program
Aim: Increase the Attraction of
diversity.
Reason: Allow tolerance as norm.
day
Farmer, Small Omani families,
Elderly, Bedouins, Children and
Animals ( mainly Camels and Goats)
are the Main users of the Village.
They shape the Local Impulse.
Current Settlement’s
Users
Allow Tolerance for international and
national tourists. This will gradually
happen within Proper common spaces
to be planned.
Expansion for the extended families to
build their houses near their partents.
Students are as well a target in the
area. to encourage research in the
historical omani architectre.
Targeting Settlement’s Users

19. 37
36Program
Total Inhabitant of
Bediya
MNE, Census 2010
MNE, Census 2010
20,946
Total Inhabitant of Al
Hawiya Village
900
4.4 %
Average Omani
households
7.5
Average Expatriate
households
4.1
Housing Units, exclud-
ing temporary struc-
tures
102
Increase Capacity
The goal is to increase
the number of Habi-
tats in Al Hawaiya and
mixed a variety of
people.
Capacity of at least
doubled housing units
102* 2
Aim: increate habitats and density.
Reason: Avoid land waste.
Statistics of Habitat

20. 39
38Program
Typologies
Aim: Introduce standard Typical Omani
Typologies. with mixed use and residential.
Reason: Encourage local identity of Omani
Architecture. And support diversity of users.
Single Housing cluster with courtyards for a
better micro-climate between 300-600 m2.
1-2 Floors
This kind of cluster is inspired from single courtyard housing
units in the Oasis of Al Hawiya. Forming sky spaces like a
courtyard encourages the flexibility of usage. It can be used
for occasions and daily gatherings as well for sleeping or
even cooking. This space need to be repaired and brought
back to modern life.
Souq Typology, within narrow streets and small scale
shops mixed with residential units in the upper floors
45-100 m2/unit.
3 Floors
Raw Houses forming a cluster of units with 50m2
palm gardens, 150-200 m2.
For small Families and Mainly.
2 Floors
pre 1970
90-240 m2
1970s- 80s
220-400 m2
Post 1990
600-1200 m2
Pre 1990
200-250 m2
Animal Huts

21. 41
40Zoning
Zoaing of the Current
Situation
250
300
School
Mosque
Shop
Shop
Mosque
Historical Tower (Ruin)
Sweat Water Pool
Hamma
Reins
Low Land Area, annual flooding happens and
sweet water from the north mountains run
through ( Wadi). building in these ares is
prohibit
Village border, created mainly within the natural
borders of the sand dunes hill. Therefore restric-
tions are necessary in the planning to keep the
borders respected and avoid sprawl and un sus-
tainable development.
Fields and Farming Area, individual farmhouses
scattered in this zone together with animal
huts. The kind of crops are mainly: Mangoes,
Banana, Lemons and others.
Main Hub called ‘ Saha’ in Arabic, space works
as a pulse in the Oasis for occasion gatherings
performing dances and celebrations. Also for
daily use of gathering between women kids
and men ofourse separately but in the same
zone. Main Amenities like shops, mosques,
Main water basin and Hamam are connected
Palm Trees gardens, providing an excellent
micro-climate in the whole village. Also a place
for picnics and big family gatherings in holidays
mainly. Long walks withing the trees and run-
ning water from the irrigation system ( Aflaj)
that comes through Channels from the north-
ern Wadi.
Dried out Palm groves due to low maintenance
and motivation to continue the farming tradi-
tion.
Archaeological Areas with Ruins that are fall-
ing apart with no attention to repair.
Topography, Dunes hills going up to 300
meters from 3 sides of the village. With the
drought there is a risk of desertification.
Low density scattered sing housing forming a
clear sprawl in the area.
Animal Huts, Are to provide shelter and
shades during the hot peak hours The whole
town is known for camel specialists and horse
riders as well.
Water Pool
Most compact area of the settlement. The zone
is identified as the historical core. Famiies and
their extend families expanded to live nearby. in
order to study closer to their origins.

22. 43
42Zoning
Action Plan to the Current
situation
Traditional Zone. This zone is important to show how the tra-
ditional urban structure could be expanded with the same
priniciples of the tradtional omani settlement with adjus-
ments of the modern lifestyle.
The area remains free from any concrete built structures.
due to the topography situation and zoning necessities
Farm Housing Zone. In the existing situation the area is
mainly used for fields and farm housing, therefore a need to
emphasis and enhance farm housings zone.
Main Hub. This Area is already the pulse of the whole village.
It lacks functions and mixed use means. Therefore enhance-
ments to bring accessibility and functions is important
Touristic Hub. The potential of a historical building in the this
plaza makes the possibility to bring identity as a story telling
of the village's history.
Oasis. These Palm Gardens need a new modernized system
to encourage farming in the village. A lot of these groves are
dying out because of the low interest in maintenance. Also
water scarcity is an issue in the Area,
Buffer zone between the 2 high density houing clusters. The
microclimate zone as well to be named. Palm Gardens to
be strictly imposed.
New part of the settlement, to be turned from a
sprawl zone to a sample of a compact new settle-
ment. this zone will represent modern urban struc-
ture.
Animal zones. allowing temporarly structures to be
buil onnly. And raw materials are restricted.
250
300
+
+
+
Legend
Hubs
Sand Roads
Roads
Historical ruins and landmarks
Remain unbuilt
Repair
Farming
Preserved Nature
Hub
Densification

23. 45
44SocialDynamic
Social Dynamic within
a Household
The Flexibility in this typical household in the settlement, represents a story of
daily life in a courtyard house. The Usage of the spaces inside the unit keep
changing according to needs, temperature or in Occasions. The middle court-
yard is mainly the common space where all room open to it. except the Men’s
guest hosting room “Majlis”. It usually opens to the entrance door. This makes
it easier for men.
Farmer
Young couple
Elderly couple
Travelers ( Bedouins)
Children
Animals
5
2
4
4-6 PM
Visiting time
7 Am
Breakfast
11 Am
Women gather
12:30- 1:30 PM
Lunch
2-4 PM
Compulsory Nap
7-8 PM
Dinner
9 PM
Bed Time
3
1
Time line during Occasions and holidays.
Time line during a Day
Fridays
Family day Eid Festivals Weddings Big Gatherings Funeral

24. 47
46SocialDynamic
Dynamic in Public Spaces
Mornings 7:00 - 11:00
Occasions & Festivals
Afternoons 11:00 - 15:00
250
250
Dynamic scenario during Occasions and holidays.
Time line during The day in the village to show the dynamic in public spaces. 250
During the morning usually the kids are in
school and only smaller kids,women and
elderly people are socializing before they start
preparing lunch for their kids and men. The
dynamic is very friendly. Laughter of women
and the soft screaming from kids playing is
mainly the atmosphere.
Morning 7:00 - 11:00 AM Afternoon 12:00 - 3:00 PM
During the afternoon are most people inside
their houses and kids are coming back to
school men. Few women would be watching
the kids from the windows making sure they
are safe walking back home. The animals are
as well getting back to their huts as it gets very
hot for them .
In Occasions and holidays usually are the men
and kids using the public space. The women
are on their ways to visit their neighboring
women and gather in the protected open to
sky spaces withing the semi private streets or
inside single units.
250
250
Dynamic scenario during Occasions and holidays.
Time line during The day in the village to show the dynamic in public spaces. 250
During the morning usually the kids are in
school and only smaller kids,women and
elderly people are socializing before they start
preparing lunch for their kids and men. The
dynamic is very friendly. Laughter of women
and the soft screaming from kids playing is
mainly the atmosphere.
Morning 7:00 - 11:00 AM Afternoon 12:00 - 3:00 PM
During the afternoon are most people inside
their houses and kids are coming back to
school men. Few women would be watching
the kids from the windows making sure they
are safe walking back home. The animals are
as well getting back to their huts as it gets very
hot for them .
In Occasions and holidays usually are the men
and kids using the public space. The women
are on their ways to visit their neighboring
women and gather in the protected open to
sky spaces withing the semi private streets or
inside single units.
During the morning usually the kids are in
school and only smaller kids,women and elderly
people are socializing before they start prepar-
ing lunch for their kids and men. The dynamic
is very friendly. Laughter of women and the soft
screaming from kids playing is mainly the at-
mosphere.
During the afternoon are most people inside
their houses and kids are coming back to
school. Women would be watching the kids
from the windows making sure they are safe
walking back home. The animals are as well
getting back to their huts as it gets very hot
for them.
In Occasions and holidays usually are the men
and kids using the public space. The women are
on their ways to visit their neighboring women
and gather in the protected open to sky spaces
within the semi private streets or inside single
units.

25. 48
Bibliography
Buerkert, A., & Schlecht, E. (2007). Oases of Oman. Muscat: Al Roya Press & Publishing
House.
Hoch, C. C. (n.d.). Trade and Tourism in Oman. Retrieved from http://www1.american.
edu/TED/omantour.htm
Prof. Dr. Moawiyah Ibrahim, P. D. (2001). Oasis settlment in Oman. land baden-württem-
berg.
Scholz, F. (1999). Muscat - Then and Now . Hans Schiler.
United Nations Environment Programme. (n.d.). Case Study 5: Aflaj Systems in Oman.
Retrieved from unep.or.jp: http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/Publications/TechPublications/
TechPub-8f/C/Oman1.asp
Master thesis 2016, Urban planning, University of RWTH Aachen