An interpretation for the future : experimental proposals for building the Sahara desert by hidden resources

The thesis work is a trial for a solution to many threats facing the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean is a very complicated region, connecting three different continents, a source of life for millions of people who share the same sea, but not the same culture, language, government, and nature. Illegal migration by crossing the Mediterranean sea to enter Europe is one of the most threatening problems facing the region. The high dense cities, and building on agricultural lands are two major problems facing North African countries, which leads to the illegal migration to Europe where there is a percentage of unemployment for European youth, which does not solve the problem, but makes it more complicated. Also the flooding possibility is a threat for both sides of the Mediterranean shores. The Thesis is proposing a general idea as a solution for the mentioned threats. Migration to the north by crossing the Mediterranean sea is a dangerous solution. The thesis is also proposing migration, but a bit to the south instead; moving to the Sahara desert in northern Africa! Is it possible? The answer to this question is shown in the different chapters of the thesis, taking in consideration the three keywords of the proposal (Moving to the Sahara desert). The thesis describes and analyses the “Sahara” in detail, highlighting some important natural resources with high potential that could be used in the experimental proposals, also studying vernacular architecture and the technology of earth building. Infra-free systems, building in extreme environments, and hot weather is mentioned as a proof of the possibility of building in a “desert”. Showing migration concepts, and some forced migration case studies is essential for the third keyword of the proposal, which is “moving”. Finally, the thesis proposes land use, urban, environmental and architectural experimental proposals using the Sahara's resources for the possibility of living in it and creating new peasant communities for the future of the region's agriculture and food independency. It is possible to live in the Sahara; the thesis's proposal proves this possibility and shows that it could be inhabitable with the least costs, only by using its local resources, also shows in timeline how fast is this possibility with self-sufficiency. As for infrastructure, there must be a governmental will for connecting the Sahara with the existing North African dense cities. Finally, the thesis interprets the future of the southern Mediterranean region in general, and it's most significant problem which is migration.