Hamad Khoory: Transforming Urban Landscapes with Culturally Inspired Architecture

Hamad Khoory has managed to fashion a niche that not only coexists but also combines these two tensions. As the principal of LOCI-a design studio based in Dubai he founded in 2012-Khoory has gained major recognition in the fields of contemporary architecture, urban planning, interior architecture, and product design. His works mirror how context shapes architectural undertakings, and his philosophy is typically marinated in respect for culture and the environment.

When Hamad Khoory entered the architecture field, the beginning was indeed impassioned and well-appreciated from an art point of view. Grown up, he was fascinated with the world of art and sculpture, which actually laid the base for a future career in architecture. He supplemented this interest by taking two visual arts courses that furthered his artistic perception. In fact, these early artistic exposures proved to be some of the most important influences to occur in the development of his philosophy of design, which strongly advocates the marriage between art and architecture. Khoory received both his undergraduate and postgraduate training as an architect from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. An academic career that traversed continents: from Boston, USA, to Berlin, Germany; both great tolerance cities and assimilations of varied architectural styles and influences. This wide exposure gave the definition to his design philosophy, introducing a great respect toward the cultural and environmental contexts in which architecture exists.

Hamad Khoory founded LOCI-the design studio that would come to redefine contemporary architecture in Dubai and beyond in 2012 . The name LOCI itself is derived from the Latin word for “place,” reflecting the studio’s commitment to designing spaces that are inextricably linked to their cultural and environmental contexts. It is LOCI’s belief that a design philosophy should be responding to the unique characteristics of a site rather than imposing one singular notion on it.

LOCI works within a wide spectrum of design disciplines, ranging from contemporary architecture to urban planning, interior architecture, and product design. Studio projects express deep respect for the environment and commitment to sustainability. LOCI marries traditional notions of architecture with a sensitivity to contemporary design, bringing function to culturally relevant space. Prior to the founding of LOCI, Hamad Khoory developed valuable experience working with some of the most prestigious multinational companies in the field of architecture, having started his career with British multinational engineering and design firm W.S. Atkins, where he honed his skills in large-scale projects. He then moved to RMJM, another international architectural firm, where he furthered his experience in urban planning and design.

Khoory’s professional sojourn started from the UAE to Brazil, having also worked with Ruy Ohtake Arquitetura e Urbanismo in Sao Paulo. This experience allowed him to be immersed in Brazilian culture and architecture, thus further enriching his approach to design. The multifarious projects and environments in which Khoory has practiced give him a globally unique yet deeply culturally contextual view of architecture. What, then, sets LOCI apart from other design studios is a steadfast commitment to contextual design, sensitive to culture. In every project, Khoory and his team are extensively aware of the immediate environment, culture, and history. This approach makes every LOCI project a beauty to behold, connected with the local landscape.

One of the highlight projects by LOCI is that of urban planning, whereby the studio has engaged in the design of sustainable and culturally sensitive space both in Dubai and other regions. Such projects reflect Khoory’s inclination toward urban development as a blend of tradition and modernity in respect to space.

Hamad Khoory is highly enthusiastic about promoting sustainable architecture and town planning. He quite often delivers lectures and conducts workshops on his insights to infect the next generation of architects with appreciation for context-sensitive design practices. At LOCI, his commitment to sustainability reflects upon everything: from the materials used to the design processes applied. Coupled with his passion for architecture to be the leading force in community building and life improvement, he cannot stop pushing the limits of what is possible in today’s design.