MEAN*
(Middle East Architecture Network)
MEAN* Is an Innovative Architecture Practice that works at the nexus of design and emergent technologies.
Since its inception in 2016, MEAN* has developed projects of varying scales and functions. The overarching theme of the work produced by MEAN* responds to the contemporary context of the Middle East, developing a site-specific, native architectural language in juxtaposition to avant-garde technologies.
MEAN* utilizes cutting-edge computational design processes and digital fabrication tools to leverage the quality of architectural solutions. Our mission is to amalgamate computation, material research, and digital fabrication, to provide interdisciplinary solutions that respond to current economic, environmental, and social challenges.
MEAN* worked on projects ranging from large public buildings, residential, retail to small experimental structures and products. Most of which had been praised by international awards and publications for the innovative approach taken to materiality, fabrication methods, and outstanding design quality.
A major focus in the body of work at MEAN* remains rooted in the preservation of the character, ecology, and history of the locale, while projecting towards a globalized future. We aim to produce contemporary, visionary, and world-class architecture - with a vernacular mindset.
Publications
-Parametric Architecture 'MEAN* Designs Le Monde D’Hermès Kiosk In Dubai Design District' 2022 Link
-World Architecture 'MEAN* Reveals Cathedral-Like Pavilion With Lightweight Fabric Strips' 2021 Link
-INHERITAGE '3D Printed Majlis + Desert Pavilion' 2021 Link
-Identity 'A New Era of Design' 2021 Link
-World Architecture 'MEAN* Designs Modular 3D Printed Majlis House with Smooth Concrete Walls in Abu Dhabi' 2021 Link
-COMMERCIAL Interior Design '3D Printing Was Used to Create This Traditional Emirati Majlis' 2021 Link
-The National 'Dubai Architecture Studio Designs 3D Printed Majlis That Can be Set Up Within Weeks' 2021 Link
-Identity 'Ripple Effect' 2021 Link
-DesignBoom 'Mawj is a 3D-Printed Armchair that Explores the Possibilities of Robotic 3D-Printing' 2020 Link
-Design Milk 'Undulating + Futuristic, Meet the Mawj 3D Printed Chair' 2020 Link
-AD Middle East 'Riyad Joucka Designer of The Year Nominee' 2020 Link Link
-AD Middle East 'AD Design Awards 2020: Winner Innovation & Sustainability' 2020 Link Link
-CNN Arabic 'House 00, floating resort and others...Designs for a Post-Coronavirus World' 2020 Link
-La grand livre de l'impression 3D'Deciduous Pavilion' 2020 Link
-La Vie 'Technological Sense of the Desert Pavilion' 2020 Link
-FRAME 'How this conceptual modular live-workspace transforms traditional WFH scenarios' 2020 Link
-CNN 'MEAN’s Machines; Futuristic Designs Inspired by Nature' 2020 Link
-World Architecture 'MEAN* Unveils Its Design Proposal For Modular Barjeel Art Foundation Museum' 2019 Link
-The National 'The Dubai firm building for the future' 2019 Link
-Forbes 'Through Design, Jordan aims to Position itself as a Hub of Modern Culture in the M.E.' 2017 Link
-Dezeen '10 Jordanian Designers Changing the Middle East' 2017 Link
-Monocle Section D: Amman Design Week, 2017
-Monocle Section D: Detour Hong Kong, 2013
-AD Architectural Digest November / December, 2017
-ICON 'Shellstar Detour Hong Kong' 2013
-International Conference on Flexible Formwork: Proceedings, 2012
Exhibitions
-2040: d3 Architecture Exhibition, 2021
-Downtown Design, 2020
-Art Nights, DIFC, 2019
-Dubai Design Week, 2018
-Amman Design Week, 2017
-Alserkal Avenue AAVS Dubai, 2016
-AA Global School Program AA London, 2015
-A4 AAVSDXB Expocity2020, 2015
-Detour Design Festival Wanchai, Hong Kong 2013
-AA Annual Show AA London, 2012
Notable Projects
-House 00 (Ras Al Khaimah) 2020 Link
-Desert Pavilion (Wadi Rum) 2020 Link
-co-cross (Dubai) 2020 Link
-Deciduous 3D Printed Pavilion (Dubai) 2019 Link
-MEAN Light Sculptures (Dubai) 2019 Link
-Meandering Arcades (Sharjah) 2019 Link
-Sabeel Water Fountain (Dubai) 2019 Link
-EXPO 2020 Boulevard Roundabout (Dubai) 2019 Link
-The UN Square Murals (Amman) 2019 Link
-Urbani Balkoni (Zagreb) 2019 Link
-Audi Innovation Hub (Dubai) 2018 Link
-MEAL Design Innovation Campus (Dubai) 2018 Link
-RTA 3D Printed Bus Shed 2018 Link
- ARID installation (Jordan) 2017 Link
-Yeoui Naru Ferry Terminal (South Korea) 2017 Link
-Blue Clay Spa (Latvia) 2016 Link
Riyad Joucka
Riyad Joucka (MArch AA- Distinction) Is an award-winning architect, entrepreneur, and researcher.
In 2016 He founded MEAN* ‘Middle East Architecture Network’ as a network of highly skilled individuals working in an interdisciplinary modus operandi.
With MEAN, Riyad has worked on projects ranging in scale, from products to buildings. The unifying aspect of his work is to utilize a critical approach to designing with a local mindset while using advanced processes for planning and construction.
Riyad worked in Hong Kong and New York from 2012- 2017 at the intersection of academia and practice, with a focused interest in design that is at the nexus of technology, material research, and computation.
He earned his Master of Architecture with Distinction at the Emergent Technologies & Design program at the AA School of Architecture in London.
- Lectures +Academia + Research
-Burda Festival Talk/ Abu Dhabi 2018
-Dubai Future Foundation/ Pioneer Series Talk
-2018 AA Visiting School Dubai UAE- Director (2014-2019)
-Smart Geometry Gutenberg, Sweden (2016)
-WAUM Workshop Santiago, Chile Tutor (2015)
-AA Visiting School Tehran, Iran-Tutor (2014)
-AA Visiting School, Jordan– Director (2013)
Education
-MArch Master of Architecture, AA Architectural Association School of Architecture (London, UK)
-BArch Bachelor of Architecture, Carleton University, (Ottawa, Canada).
Awards
-Architizer A+ Awards: Architecture + Modeling Category : ‘Shell Star’
-Honorable Mention: Shortlisted for the Triumph Pavilion Competition, for a pavilion design commemorating the recent peace treaty between North and South Sudan
Practice
-Architect/ SHoP Archtiects – New York City (2016)
-Architect/ Woods Bagot – New York City + Sydney (2015)
-Architect/ FR-EE – New York City + Mexico City (2014)
-Façade Consultant/ Front – Hong Kong (2013)
-Lecturer/ University of Hong Kong – Fab Lab Manager (2012)
