Vaastu-compliant Palace Design
Reimagining fortress architecture.

Reimagining fortress architecture.
This project began as an invitation to participate in a design bid for Emirates Land Group, centered on creating a fortress-inspired palace in a specified site in Abu Dhabi. The brief outlined program requirements, Moroccan architectural influences and design alignment with the Vaastu system, a traditional Indian architectural philosophy that emphasizes harmony between space, energy and natural elements.
My process began with a site visit and documentation to ensure that the design is harmonized with the surrounding context. Instead of conceptualizing the fortress as a single monolithic block, I envisioned it as four corner pillars framing a central courtyard, referencing traditional Moroccan houses. Following Vaastu principles, the spatial layout was meticulously designed to align with directional energy flows and promote balance. To further elevate the design, I included roof gardens and terraces enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design emphasized craftsmanship, commissioning artisan work for key elements such as the Zellige tiling and other bespoke finishes.
My proposal was selected as the winning architectural design, where I led the conceptual and schematic design phases.