Zara Chen | Lauren Foisy | Sophia Lu | Ali Akbar Sahiwala | Ploy Sungkobol

“We in the UAE, have no such word as ‘impossible’; it does not exist in our lexicon.”

Sheikh MohammedRuler of Dubai, UAE

Overwhelming heat, long hours, little comfort to rest and littered worksites are among some of the issues faced on site.

We utilized the Four D Model to frame our understanding and develop a

comprehensive design solution.

UNITED ARABEMIRATES

Abu Dhabi

DubaiSharjah

AjmanUmm al-Quwain

Fujairah

Ras al-Khaimah

Zawya Financial Reporting

300,000 jobs

$ 8.4 billion

will directly be created, with 30% being related to the construction industry

estimated financing costs, totaling about 8.9% of the country’s GDP

India Bangladesh

Phillippines

PakistanUAE

Sri Lanka500

1250500

1000 1750

Indians

Pakistanis

Bangladeshis

Asian

European and African

Migrant Worker Population (in Thousands)

Emirates Center for Human Rights

Labor Reformin the UAE

Regulations in Place

In 2009, the Wage Protection System (WPS) was implemented to ensure workers receive their salaries without delay.

The Cabinet has adopted a manual providing minimal requirements for employers to provide suitable housing for workers.

Measures have been set up that help shield workers from illegal recruiters.

www.uaeinteract.com

A day in the life of a construction worker

4.30amWake up

5.00amBreakfast

5.30amLeave from camp

6.30amStart working

8.30amMini break

12.30pmLunch

1.30pmMidday break

3.00pmContinue working

4.30pmMini break

5.00pmContinue working

5.30pmReturn to camp

Image by Brent Stirton

We aim to enhance working conditions, improve safety, health and appreciation of the workers, while increasing efficiency of large construction companies.

Re-designed collar reduces amount of fabric needed for manufacturing, maximizes comfort, and provides additional protection from the sun.

Base Design:The base coverall was designed with minimal features to keep cost low.

It incorporates the use of recycled polyester, providing comfort and breathability, while helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste being shipped to landfills.

A mesh material located under the arms, and near the knees, will provide additional ventilation.

Material will be 100% recycled, made from plastic bottles.

Simplicity

Recycled Polyester Mesh

Coverall

Design Options:Additional features can be integrated into the base design coverall.

Adding a hood for sun protection and a mat for rest, will further alleviate problems faced on site, by offering them respite from the sun and dirt.

Coverall A Place to RestAn optional hood will give workers added protection from sun exposure, with a UV coating on the material.

Protection

A removable sleeping mat will provide workers a surface for napping during daytime rest breaks.

Manufacturing Process

PET Bottles are purchased from

recycling companies.

Bottles are sterilized, dried and crushed into small chips, separating clear PET bottle chips

from the colored chips.

Chips are heated and spun into yarn threads, crimped to give texture. Lastly, they

are dried, baled, and tested.

Yarns are then dyed and fed through a knitting machine to produce a

final product.

Adapted from DGrade

Partnerships

DGrade is a recycled clothing company based in the UAE. DGrade takes

plastic bottles, breaks them down into plastic yarn, and weaves them into everyday

wear including coveralls.

Arabtec is a multinational construction company

founded in 1975 and headquartered in Dubai. They are the largest construction

firm in the Arabian Gulf with over 40,000 employees.

User Benefits

Buffering capacity of heat will reduce climatic stress and improve comfort levels as the rate of perspiration is dependent on clothing worn.

Ventillation zones in areas where needed most, will increase air-flow around the body.

Dri-Fit material pushes sweat away from the body and onto the garmet surface, reducing moisture levels.

The hood will be tested under UV standard 801, to protect workers from sun damage.

http://www.uvstandard801.com/en/uv_standard_801/uv_standard_1/uv_standard_2/uv_standard_2.html

Increase physical work capacity

Improve reputation of contracting firm

Boostworker morale

Reduce number of heat related injuries

Future Growth

Set up an additional manufacturing plant in the UAE

Collect used coveralls to establish a closed-loop manufacturing process

Contribute a percentage of profits towards developing training facilities and institutions in origin countries