Beyond brick and mortar: redefining architecture and impermanence

At just 24, Palestinian architect and designer Sara Bokr is already making waves in the region’s architectural scene. Only two years have passed since she graduated from architecture school, and she has already founded her own design practice, Circ Studio, and has led groundbreaking projects that challenge architectural norms for UAE-based brands. Earlier this year, she unveiled The Material and Fabrication School of Gaza, a project that reimagines how Gazans can create spaces of refuge amidst the relentless bombing and ongoing genocide. For her transformative work – building structures that embody compassion, resilience, and fairness – Sara earned a spot on our inaugural Dazed MENA 100 list.

On December 13, during Sole DXB’s opening day, Dazed MENA’s deputy editor Sarra Alayyan sat down with the trailblazing architect for the first of 11 conversations with regional creatives, hosted in collaboration with Sole DXB. In the discussion titled “Beyond Brick and Mortar: Redefining Architecture and Impermanence,” Sara delved into her influences, from playing The Sims to growing up in a Syrian refugee camp, shared the story behind her Omooma (أمومة) chair – designed to create welcoming spaces for breastfeeding mothers – and reflected on her creative processes. Sara also spoke about her vision for the future of architecture, the intersection of design and social impact, and much, much more.