The Anatomy of Sabkhas

Sabkhas (salt flats) are natural phenomena—a unique result of converging climates, winds, and river flow—with the potential to rehabilitate the natural global order.
 

The ancient term sabkha originates in the Arab world. Today, it has become well-established in the global lexicon of geological and ecological discussions around sustainability: These overlooked ecological networks of wetland plants can sequester more carbon per square meter than rainforests.
 
The Anatomy of Sabkhas investigates how these precious resources form, how they have aided the development of human civilization throughout history, and how they have subsequently infiltrated our traditions, rituals, festivals, smartphones, and cities today. Written and edited by urbanists and architects, the book examines the ways that sabkhas might actively contribute to more sustainable built environments and how, in tandem, sabkhas can not only support our natural environment but also heal it.
 

Rashid and Ahmed Bin Shabib are urbanists and writers on cities across the Middle East. They are the founders of Brownbook, a magazine that focused on cities across the region for over a decade. They have curated several exhibitions and collaborations, including at Domaine de Boisbuchet (2021), Lars Müller Publishing (2019), Vitra Design Museum (2017), Serpentine Gallery (2016), and UAE Pavilion Milan Expo (2015). They both hold degrees in Urbanism from the University of Oxford and were nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2010 and 2019.
 
Wael Al Awar is a founding partner and principal architect at waiwai. He has a multi-disciplinary approach to design and seeks to challenge conventional processes to push the boundaries of design. Kenichi Teramoto joined Al Awar as a principal architect and partner in 2012, and became a founding partner in waiwai following its 2019 rebranding. His architectural design proficiency encompasses a diverse range of projects that encourage unexpected experiences, activities, and behaviors.
 
waiwai is an internationally award-winning multidisciplinary architecture, landscape, graphic, and urban design studio with offices in Dubai and Tokyo. waiwai was a shortlisted nominee for the Aga Khan Architecture Award in 2019 and has won many awards: Silver Medal at the London Design Awards in 2016; Silver Medal at the New York Design Awards in 2018; Gold Medal at the Hong Kong Design Awards in 2018; First Prize at the Arab Architect Award in 2019 and First Prize at the AIA Middle East Design Awards in 2018.