REVIVING THE CONCEPT OF CARAVANSERAI: A CRITICAL STUDY FOR THE ADAPTIVE DESIGN OF AN INDIGENOUS BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN THE NORTH DISTRICT OF QATAR

Abstract

ABSTRACT After the oil and economic prosperity, the developments in architecture and urbanism shifted from the rural coastal area into Doha. This brought degeneration, especially to the Al-Shamal region that is still floundering with many abandoned and dilapidated villages. This thesis examines the caravanserai concept as a design tool for an indigenous boutique hotel in the coastal area of Al-Shamal in Qatar. It explores the prospect of development similar to the impact of many of the historic caravanserai in Islamic history. A mixed research method of qualitative and quantitative formed the basis of the holistic study. The study appraises three historical caravanserais in Turkey and Iran that are adapted as boutique hotels to ascertain their architectural significance and frameworks. Likewise, the evaluation of three boutique hotels in Doha serves as a local review of cultural and heritage tourism's current rudiments. Users and professional opinions are utilized to establish residents' needs and preferences regarding crucial design criteria for a Qatari boutique hotel in the Al-Shamal area. Analysis of caravanserai precedents indicate their multiplicity across the Islamic empire based on economic and social-cultural benefits. It is key to the cultural and architectural continuity of some building typologies that have been restored and revitalized over time. Besides, they can be located in the remote of all places just to provide comfort for travelers. The answers to the surveys illustrate that the development of a boutique hotel in the dejected area may be vital to the regeneration and optimization of the heritage tourism that is abundant in the locale. Likewise, the research defined that the heritage area with a littoral milieu encapsulates more attraction to the residents as an ideal location for a boutique hotel.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science