Monthly Archives

May 2009

Barrak Al-Babtain 20
0
ArchitectureUrban
May 31, 2009

Souq Sharq

Souq Sharq is classic example of an architect crippling a design by attempting to force one single idea on a project regardless of negative consequences. It is an attempt at creating iconographic architecture at the expense of more basic circulatory, programmatic and conceptual strategies. Souq…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Urban
May 25, 2009

Office da

Contrasting with the abomination of Aswaq Al-Qurain (which is close to completion) is a highly successful proposal in Sharq by Boston based architecture firm Office da. The project is a mixed use residential district in the heart of Kuwait City. At first glance, the cynical…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Urban
May 24, 2009

Urbanism?

The evolution of urbanity in Kuwait is a deeply contradictory process rooted in a profound lack of self awareness and a shameful desertion of cultural and social identity. Whatever remains of our authentic urban language has devolved into a Disney-fied parody of tradition. A predictably…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 21
0
Metro
May 24, 2009

Kuwait Metro: The Map

Here is an updated (version 1.1.2) map of our proposal for the Kuwait Metro project. This design was based heavily on the Kuwait Overland Transport Union map. The major problem that was evident in that proposal were two parallel lines that went north/south on either…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Metro
May 19, 2009

Kuwait Metro: Over or Under?

A major decision regarding the design of the metro project is whether to go underground or above ground. The ideal solution would be to have it all on grade (on the existing ground level) as that would be the cheapest option, both for laying track…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Metro
May 19, 2009

Kuwait Metro: Progress

KUWAIT: Work on a planned $7 billion metro project will be postponed for at least 18 months as the government undertakes a wide ranging study of the country's land based transport requirements. Sources in Kuwait said that the project, which has been planned independently of…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Energy
May 15, 2009

Kuwaiti Fuel Tax

"Domestic consumption levels are Between 2007 and 2018, we are forecasting an increase in Kuwaiti oil production of 40.9%, with crude volumes rising steadily to 3.70mn b/d by the end of the 10-year forecast period. Oil consumption between 2007 and 2018 is set to increase…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Metro
May 14, 2009

Kuwait Metro

I wake up, fall out of bed. I drag a comb across my head. Find my way downstairs and drink a cup. I grab my keys, start my car and drive to the closest Park and Ride station; Bayan. It takes a few minutes to…
Read More
Barrak Al-Babtain 0
0
Energy
May 11, 2009

Fuel Subsidies

Kuwait subsidizes the fuel it sells in our gas stations. The true market value of the petrol we pump into our cars is far higher than what we pay. The government does this to encourage economic growth by lowering energy costs on its citizens and…
Read More