Drawing from Africa’s earthy forms and the UAE’s sculpted deserts, Sharjah Bridi Park fuses ecology with architectural expression. Set within the protected expanse of Al Bridi Reserve in Sharjah, the Sharjah Bridi Park is designed as a unique landscape dedicated to research, education, and the exploration of African vernacular ecosystems. Designed by Urko Sánchez, the project transforms the site into a terrain where architecture and nature integrate and create an intriguing architectural landmark that emerges from the desert setting. The park creates an engaging environment that invites visitors to learn, explore, and experience ecology through an immersive design.
The architecture unfolds as a thoughtfully designed park with public and service spaces that shape the visitor journey from the entrance pavilions and ticketing areas to retail zones, educational camps, and supporting facilities. Urko Sánchez draws inspiration from a profound study of traditional African building typologies while reinterpreting them in a contemporary context.
Inspired by the richness of vernacular architecture, the project includes pavilion-like structures with flowing forms, local materials, and traditional craftsmanship that create a functional design that is rooted in its surroundings. Studying local thatched roofing helped the structure adapt and transform into a climate-responsive design. The architecture respects local culture while creating comfortable and environmentally smart spaces.
Materiality forms the backbone of the project’s vernacular design, where thatch and timber are brought together as a part of the overall design. Instead of acting as a separate layer, the thatched roof is conceived as a natural extension of the timber framework beneath, creating a unified architectural system. The structure and material work in harmony to transform into a biophilic design where timber infuses rhythm and structural clarity, while thatch adds softness and texture and responds to the surrounding landscape.
The use of earthy, locally sourced materials lends a grounded and tactile quality that integrates natural richness and durability within a contemporary setting. Timber and thatch were integrated in harmony to filter light and heat, while thoughtful planning creates comfortable spaces responsive to their environment and creates a brilliant indoor-outdoor connection.
Sharjah Bridi Park Project Details
Project name: Sharjah Bridi Park
Location: Sharjah, UAE
Architect: Urko Sanchez Architects
Year: 2021
Photography: Arch Exist
