Designest, a series of intimate gathering spaces that look to provide ‘nooks’, nurture micro-communities and foster the exchange of ideas. Inspired by the historical significance of pigeon towers in the Arabian Peninsula, from enabling communications to showcasing prosperity and as vernacular architecture, Designest is conceived as a bio-inclusive space for both humans and non-humans.

Designest was originally conceived to be 3D-printed using recycled reinforced GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete), however, as can invariably be the case when developing any full-scale prototype with certain time, weight and cost constraints, multiple fabrication technologies were utilized, with support from leading 3D Printing and Fabrication firm Innofab45. The volume is achieved by a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) robot arm machining styrofoam to form the external envelope, fixed onto a steel structure. The external surface is treated with concrete and recycled GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and the pigeonholes are 3D printed using plant-based PLA (Polylactic Acid) mixed with wood powder. Other small-scale prototypes were produced using PLA, PLA treated with concrete and GRP, PLA mixed with wood powder and 3D sand printing. Should Designest enter into viable production, it will be 3D printed with either concrete or sand, blending cultural identity with cutting-edge construction technology; a harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity.