Sabkhas (salt flats) are natural phenomena—a unique result of converging climates, winds, and river flow—with the potential to rehabilitate the natural global order.
The ancient term sabkha originates in the Arab world. Today, it has become well-established in the global lexicon of geological and ecological discussions around sustainability: These overlooked ecological networks of wetland plants can sequester more carbon per square meter than rainforests.
The Anatomy of Sabkhas investigates how these precious resources form, how they have aided the development of human civilization throughout history, and how they have subsequently infiltrated our traditions, rituals, festivals, smartphones, and cities today
About the Authors
Rashid and Ahmed Bin Shabib are urbanists and researchers of cities across the Middle East and North Africa. They are the founders of Brownbook, a magazine that focuses on cities across the region. They have curated several exhibitions and collaborations, including at the Vitra Design Museum (2017), Serpentine Gallery (2016), UAE Pavilion Milan Expo (2015), and Lars Muller Publishing (2019). They both hold degrees in Urbanism from the University of Ox-ford and were nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2010 and 2019. Wael Al Awar founded waiwai (formerly known as ibda design) in 2009 after moving back to the Middle East from Tokyo. He has extensive experience in designing projects of various scales and programs, including art centers, parks, schools and university campuses, mixed-use developments, private villas, and mosques. With interests in natural phenomena, landscape, and formless diagrams of relations, Al Awar has a multi-disciplinary approach to design and seeks to challenge conventional processes to push the boundaries of design. Kenichi Teramoto joined waiwai as a principal architect and partner to Wael Al Awar in 2012. Previously, Teramoto worked with renowned architects in Tokyo and Rotterdam on local and international projects, building extensive design experience in both Asia and Europe. His architectural design proficiency includes a diverse range of projects, including art centers, parks, school and university campuses, mixed-use developments, private villas, and mosques.
About the Publisher
Mondadori Electa SpA was founded in 1989. The Company’s line of business includes publishing and printing books and pamphl
