Production Log #4 Kogi @ COP28 - Dubai’s Ancient Architects and their Answer to our Climate

After witnessing an unusual amount of artificiality and natural destruction in the city, it was one of the most refreshing moments to arrive at the SMCCU. It is the old town and a traditional cultural center of Dubai. As we enter with Ana Maria and Arregoces in to the building made of old corals and clay, it is refreshing in a very literal sense. There is no Airconditioning, and the openings of the small towers that are on top of our room capture air to circulate to the entire complex of buildings. „If someone would build a house for me like this today, I would move in immediately“ Says Ahmed, the manager of the cultural center, who is also a great storyteller and tour-guide. He captivates all our attention with his stories about how the thick coral walls were strong, yet so breathable and unique in their properties that back then, his mother could ask someone to bring over salt from the other room. “Why aren't you building these building now, if you know their impact on nature is much smaller?“ Asks Arregoces, clearly amazed by the mastery of the old architects. There is a moment of silence and everyone in the room was looking at Ahmed, awaiting a an answer to a question that the whole world seems to ask right now. With a heavy heart he continues that „The economy makes it easy for everyone to just buy an AC and finding the skill required to build These elaborate structures is difficult. I have to fix my house every year, and this old town doesn‘t have a crack in decades“. After another silent moment of awe, he guides us outside to a tent where a local Beduine was gifted a little corner of the village to showcase the indigenous life. As one can imagine the Kogi loved it and every one was a little jealous when the old Beduine dug a 15 year old metal pot out of his bag as a gift for them, after they had a little chat about coffee. Everyone went to bed happy, knowing that not all of Dubais beauty was swallowed by Ideas of progress.