Oasis Urbanism: Architecture Designed for Movement, Not Permanence

In her recent article for ArchDaily, Ananya Nayak highlights the significance of oasis settlements in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, emphasizing their role in facilitating movement rather than functioning as isolated areas. She critiques traditional architectural views prioritizing stability, referencing initiatives such as the Royal Commission for AlUla’s restoration of ancient irrigation in Saudi Arabia and the Bled el Abar collective’s revival of Bir Ettin in Tunisia, both vital for pastoral nomadism. Nayak notes that UNESCO now acknowledges these oases as dynamic cultural landscapes, where the interconnection of water management, agriculture, and habitation is prominent.