Hullspace

Hullspace takes its cultural and formal inspiration from the traditional boat of the Gulf region; the Dhow. It pays tribute to the craft and history of the Dhow by reconstructing it through contemporary digital means to yield a dynamic spatial experience.

The cross-sectional analysis of the wooden hull of the Dhow led to the project’s steel frame structure. Curved rid elements from the structure of the boat were extracted and cataloged to create modules that can be connected in a series of sequences and forms. Cables stretched within the frames form curved surfaces which are reminiscent of traditional sail rigging and fishing nets. The installation is designed to produce a dynamic, reconfigurable object that takes on different architectural forms as it responds to site conditions. Hullspace provides visitors with a meandering journey through complex sculptural forms and offers a glimpse into the historical seafaring culture of the Gulf.