Public art project and lecture “Alleys: Regional and Local Perspectives”

Date
February, 2024
“Alleys: Regional and Local Perspectives” is a collaborative project by Dr. Khaled Alawadi alongside Inloco Storage, Dubai. Originally stemming from Dr. Alawadi’s discourse during Inloco Talks 2023, where he discussed how alleyways, known as a 'sikkak' in Arabic, shape cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The project illustrates the transformative effects of small-scale, grassroots initiatives, highlighting the essential roles that alleyways play in improving the livability and vibrancy of urban settings and local communities.

Throughout Arabic cities, the sikkak have played a significant role in fostering social cohesion, while broader passages have thrived as bustling hubs for commercial ventures and communal gatherings. Despite their importance, comprehensive studies on locations such as alleys and sikkak are scarce. Therefore extending the project beyond the initial public talk into a physical location, Alawadi's photography project and research aim to bridge this gap, showcasing the cultural richness of the sikkak and their diverse practical uses.
Location
Inloco Open Storage
Dr. Khaled Alawadi
Date: February, 2024

Location: Inloco Open Storage

“Alleys: Regional and Local Perspectives” is a collaborative project by Dr. Khaled Alawadi alongside Inloco Storage, Dubai. Originally stemming from Dr. Alawadi’s discourse during Inloco Talks 2023, where he discussed how alleyways, known as a 'sikkak' in Arabic, shape cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The project illustrates the transformative effects of small-scale, grassroots initiatives, highlighting the essential roles that alleyways play in improving the livability and vibrancy of urban settings and local communities.

Throughout Arabic cities, the sikkak have played a significant role in fostering social cohesion, while broader passages have thrived as bustling hubs for commercial ventures and communal gatherings. Despite their importance, comprehensive studies on locations such as alleys and sikkak are scarce. Therefore extending the project beyond the initial public talk into a physical location, Alawadi's photography project and research aim to bridge this gap, showcasing the cultural richness of the sikkak and their diverse practical uses.
Alleys: “Regional and Local Perspectives” Inloco Open Storage
Held and curated at Inloco Storage in Dubai, the experience begins with a stroll through the alleyway adorned with plants, flowers, and carefully selected vintage furniture and carpets, evoking the essence of an authentic, traditional alleyway. As dusk settles, the space transforms into an inviting, intimate environment, softly illuminated by warm fairy lights. Within the sikkak, visitors are presented with the chance to delve into the photographic works of Dr. Khaled Alawadi before entering the Inloco Storage building itself.

Within the photographs, the ordinary unfolds with a sense of expansiveness and possibility, yet everything seems perfectly poised. Neighbors' plants grow wild and in place next to each other, while chairs, bikes, and bins await their next use. The photographs capture the essence of genuine community living, where people engage in conversations while watering plants, and children play in the alleys, showcasing how we coexist side by side in this world. The photos on the alley walls are printed and pasted up like street posters, alluding to the tradition of street art rather than being displayed in the usual photo-exhibition style.
Held and curated at Inloco Storage in Dubai, the experience begins with a stroll through the alleyway adorned with plants, flowers, and carefully selected vintage furniture and carpets, evoking the essence of an authentic, traditional alleyway. As dusk settles, the space transforms into an inviting, intimate environment, softly illuminated by warm fairy lights. Within the sikkak, visitors are presented with the chance to delve into the photographic works of Dr. Khaled Alawadi before entering the Inloco Storage building itself.

Within the photographs, the ordinary unfolds with a sense of expansiveness and possibility, yet everything seems perfectly poised. Neighbors' plants grow wild and in place next to each other, while chairs, bikes, and bins await their next use. The photographs capture the essence of genuine community living, where people engage in conversations while watering plants, and children play in the alleys, showcasing how we coexist side by side in this world. The photos on the alley walls are printed and pasted up like street posters, alluding to the tradition of street art rather than being displayed in the usual photo-exhibition style.
“In the realm of urban analytics, my focus has shifted to studying the alley spaces between buildings, known as “Sikka” in our local language. These alleys, often overlooked in traditional studies of streets, play a crucial role in providing shortcuts and enhancing connectivity. While urban design literature tends to neglect alleys, our mapping efforts have revealed their diversity and patterns, highlighting their potential as crucial components of the urban fabric.”
“In the realm of urban analytics, my focus has shifted to studying the alley spaces between buildings, known as “Sikka” in our local language. These alleys, often overlooked in traditional studies of streets, play a crucial role in providing shortcuts and enhancing connectivity. While urban design literature tends to neglect alleys, our mapping efforts have revealed their diversity and patterns, highlighting their potential as crucial components of the urban fabric.”
Dr. Khaled Alawadi
Dr. Khaled Alawadi