Dystopian Urbanity

This photographic project seeks to encapsulate the heart and soul of the Al-Eskan housing project, one among many urban endeavors that failed to fulfill their intended purpose. Initially conceived as a beacon of hope for a brighter future, promising improved infrastructure and opportunities for the community, now stands far from the envisioned dreamscape. This project serves as a poignant reminder of the complex realities faced by even the most well-intentioned urban initiatives. Utilizing candid captures and a documentary-style approach, to construct an authentic visual narrative that lays bare the essence of this urban landscape. The photographs bring into sharp focus the stark and utilitarian features of the architecture: brutalist structures, minimal ornamentation, repitative units and high-rise structures. In addition, we delve into the concept of separation of use zoning, highlighting the segregation of land uses that contributed to the project's challenges. Through these unfiltered glimpses of the project's unmaintained areas, dimly lit elevators, and the diverse individuals entwined with its story providing a comprehensive and unvarnished portrayal. It offers a complete picture, one that conveys the project's aspiration and the reality it ultimately became—a visual testament to the intricate dynamics and ultimate unfulfilled promise of urban development.