YOUSEF TAALAB
ARCHITECT & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Set the Controls to the Heart of The Sun


My Role

At Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT), I  permanently reinstated the acclaimed "Set the Controls to the Heart of the Sun" installation, originally part of SAT01. This ambitious project required adapting the work to serve as a lasting feature of SAT’s programming, ensuring its seamless integration within the context of the Triennial’s vision and the architectural fabric of its venue.

As an Architect and Production Coordinator, I managed all aspects of the reinstallation process, from detailed logistical planning to on-site execution. This involved coordinating with the technical teams to preserve the installation's conceptual and spatial integrity while adapting it for permanent display. My responsibilities included supervising the transportation, handling, and assembly of materials, addressing site-specific challenges, and ensuring the final installation met the highest standards of safety, durability, and aesthetic quality.

Project Goal

The project "Set the Controls to the Heart of the Sun" aims to challenge the conventional reliance on air-conditioning in the UAE by creating a transitional climatic space that mediates the extreme temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments. Using principles of passive cooling, the installation employs an intricate fabric roof to shade a courtyard, cooling the surrounding air during the day and dissipating heat at night. This innovative approach promotes sustainable cooling methods and aims to transform existing buildings for better thermal comfort. Link to Source


Installation View of All Zone © Foto: Ahmed Osama. Al Qasimiyah School, Sharjah, 2023. Image courtesy of Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
Installation View of All Zone © Foto: Ahmed Osama. Al Qasimiyah School, Sharjah, 2023. Image courtesy of Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
© 2025 Yousef Taalab. All rights reserved.