A S M A
D A U L E H
C 7 1 5 6 1 6 7
“Be in the world as if you were a stranger or a traveller along the path.” - PROPHET MOHAMMAD
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1_ SITE RESEARCH CHAPTER 2 _ CARTOGRAPHIES CHAPTER 3_ DEVELOPING THEORIES CHAPTER 4_ MODELLING JEBEL ISHIN CHAPTER 5_ DESIGN PROPOSAL CHAPTER 6_
CHAPTER 7_
CHAPTER 8_
CHAPTER 9_
EXCAVATING STRATEGIES
SITE STRATEGIES
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
FINAL DESIGN
N.B ‘JEBEL’ MEANS MOUNTAIN ‘WADI’ MEANS VALLEY
[7]
DESIGN STUDIO WADI RUM - A NOMADS TALE OF DRIFTING is a final year Master of Architecture thesis project developed in the Fluctuating Archipelago studio. The unit is taught by Clara Oloriz, Jose Alfredo Ramirez & Liam Mouritz. THE FLUCTUATING ARCHIPELAGO studio focuses on the development of design research through critical cartographies. There is an agenda of programmatic definition that responds to the social and environmental conditions of the chosen site. This is then related to the aforementioned issues and addressing islands paradoxical conditions. The idea is to construct through experimentation of material system models and site deployment strategies to propose prototypical designs and consequential or catalyst interventions, where time conditions will construct a project framework in its multiple dimensions and site engagement.
[9]
PROPOSITION WADI RUM - A NOMADS TALE OF DRIFTING is a development of my MArch 1 written thesis based on the understanding and development of ecological communities. The written thesis explored the concept of self built communities that operated on a share-economy. A NOMADIC LIFESTYLE suggests to notion of constant drifting people move around all the time to find resources that they can share between all living things: plants, animals and themselves. They are farmers, craftsmen and peace-lovers who chose to work with the elements and innovate in accordance to them. The Bedouin people are faced with challenges in their lifestyle, as their traditional Islamic, tribal culture has begun to mix with western practices. This is due to the influx of tourists to the site which means the are becoming victims of modernisation. My aim for this design thesis is to develop an alternative approach to tourist experience. Where the tourists can enhance the lifestyle and economy of the Bedouin, and in-return the Bedouin’s can help provide a means of therapeutic escapism and cultural education.
As this is a community built project the building design requirements become a balance between the environments, the Bedouin and the tourist.
[ 11 ]
SITE RESEARCH Understanding History, Context & Geology - CHAPTER ONE
SITE LOCATION Rum is a world heritage site, it is located in southern Jordan, a landlocked country with a predominantly arid desert climate. The desert of Wadi Rum consists of wide valleys of red sand (known as desert red) and yellow sand (desert white) and vertical walls of red ochre coloured rock sculpted by erosion, it is over 30million year old.
THE MIDDLE EAST
LEEDS [ 551.7 km2 ]
[ 14 ]
“Rumm the magnificent..vast, echoing and God-like..a processional way greater than imagination...the crimson sunset burned on it stupendous cliffs and slanted ladders of hazy fire down its walled avenue” - T.E.LAWRENCE (LAWRENCE OF ARABIA)
JORDAN
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum [ 720 km2 ]
COMPARISON [ Rum is 0.4 times bigger ]
[ 15 ]
SITE LOCATION
[MACRO]
Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan and 60 km to the east of Aqaba. It is the largest Wadi (valley) in Jordan. Due to its predominantly desert nature Wadi Rum finds it self as one of the most remote locations in Jordan. Hence connections to national transport networks are severely limited. Wadi Rum is one of 7 main tourist attractions in Jordan, Tourism generates $4 Billion a year in revue for the country. The majority of which come from Petra, Aqaba and Wadi Rum, aka “Golden triangle�. Where Rum is a stop off one day adventure before hitting the main site of Petra, or relaxing at the beaches of Aqaba. Due to its landlocked position, many weekend trippers make their way over from the surrounding countries..
TOURIST LOCATION
KEY
COASTLINE BOARDER LINE HIGHWAY WADI RUM GOLDEN TRIANGLE
[ 16 ]
SITE LOCATION
[MESSO]
KEY DESERT ROUTE COASTLINE BOARDER LINE HIGHWAY BEDOUIN VILLAGE (500 POP.) WADI RUM AQUIFER FARM LAND
The main Highway running through Jordan is Route 47. This provides the only singular access route into Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is home to 6,000 Bedouin’s who live in and around the area. In the past the Bedouin’s survived of an agricultural based economy, but with the increase in tourist demand there has been a shift. In 2011 perma-culture was set up , and since then has successfully grown to what is known today as “Rum Farms”. Rum Farms distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to the rest of Jordan. Due to the relativity low water tables in the area, several large aquifer are present which pump the water back up into the main lands.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
A = AQABA
P = PETRA
WR = WADI RUM
P
WR A
[ 17 ]
SITE LOCATION
[MICRO]
Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock, it is the largest Wadi (Valley) in Jordan. The desert of Wadi Rum consists of wide valleys of red sand (known as desert red) and yellow sand (desert white) and vertical walls of red ochre coloured rock sculpted by erosion, it is over 30million years old. 2
Widespread petroglyph’s, inscriptions and archaeological remains testify to 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the natural environment, illustrating the evolution of agricultural and urban human activity.
3 4
Today the current occupants of the site are Bedouin’s, desert dwellers or nomads. There is about 3000 of them, and until 60 years ago they lived on the perimeter of Wadi Rum. There are also many rare wild animals on-site such as the Oryx and various crops and herbs specific to this site.
KEY
1
COASTLINE BOARDER LINE MOUNTAIN FORMS WADI RUM
KEY MOUNTAIN PEAK PETROGLYPH WELCOME CENTRE ACCESS ROAD DESERT ROUTE HISTORIC RUINS WADI RUM VILLAGE WATER SPRINGS FREE RANGE TOURIST ACCESS RESTRICTED TOURIST ACCESS
[ 18 ]
SITE TYPOLOGIES
ROUTE 47
TRANSPORT
TRANSPORT NETWORKS Transport networks around the site is restricted mainly to road travel. Public transport infrastructure is poor, which is mainly caused by the isolated nature of the area. The highway road is route 47. When inside Wadi Rum, there is only one poorly constructed route that stops abruptly, the main options for transport are 4X4 Jeeps and Camels and Horses.
WATER FALL
WATER WELLS
WATER SPRINGS & WELLS A Couple of times a year flash floods occur onsite, causing temporary waterfalls to happen. In addition to this there are over 45 Spring locations across the entire site, which provide for fresh drinking water, the Bedouin’s have created basic irrigation systems and wells to capture this water. It is these springs that add to Rum’s uniqueness within the desert setting, and its the reason it was the preferred travel route for nabatean tribes in the past.
LAND-FORM TYPOLOGIES
MOUNTAIN SCAPE
1
The mountain-scape of the site is vast, It features dramatic sandstone mountains like the many-domed Jebel Um Ishin, and natural arches such as Burdah Rock Bridge.
CLIFF FORMS
2
The base of Wadi Rum is granite with sandstone walls, due to severe erosion over time these sharp cliff forms come to play that make it an ideal climbing location.
SAND DUNES
3
Crescent-shaped mounds are generally wider than they are long. They form under winds that blow consistently from one direction, and have a peak and a slip side.
HONEY COMB WEATHERING
4
Or Tafoni are small cave-like features found in granular rock such as sandstone, granite in semi-arid and arid deserts. They can occur due to salt weathering, wetting-drying, and freezing-thawing cycles.
[ 19 ]
WORLD HERITAGE Wadi Rum was listed as a world heritage site in 2011 for to two separate reasons: The First is because of its geology, its Land formations and because Wadi Rum contains almost all the minerals present in our planet. The red colour of the sand and mountains is due to the presence of iron oxide. The second is for its religious an historic ties. Remains of an ancient civilization called Thamoud, that pre-date the Romans have been found onsite in the form of petroglyph and inscriptions. There are over 25 thousand of them and they have a mention within the Quran. THE TALE OF THE SHE CAMEL SEEN IN-SCRIPTED ACROSS THE RUM MOUNTAINS AS MENTIONED IN THE QURAN.
EVIDENCE OF VEGETATION, WATER IS NEAR BY
[ 20 ]
SAND DUNES
MAIN ACCESS ROAD
GRANITE JEBEL BASE
JEBEL ISHIN, 2ND HIGHEST PEAK IN RUM
OCCUPANTS Today the current occupants of Wadi Rum are Bedouin, desert dwellers. With population of 3,000. However their numbers a declining due to the migration of the tribe into the cities, favouring the ease of modern life instead of their nomadic traditions. Bedouin’s live on the perimeter of Wadi Rum and between the valleys of the Hills. In the early 1940’s a semi permanent settlement cropped up by the base of Jebel Rum, now this is known as The Village of Rum, with an occupancy count of nearly 600 people today. Bedouin’s as a community used to live on an agriculture based economy, but due to the tourist interest in the site, there has been a shift into a tourism based economy.
A BEDOUIN IN WADI RUM , CAMPING OUT IN A TENT WITH HIS TEA.
WADI RUM VILLAGE
RUM VALLEY
LAWRENCE SPRINGS LARGEST IN RUM
JEBEL RUM, HIGHEST PEAK IN RUM
[ 21 ]
TERRAIN ANALYSIS 1 Using digital terrain models (DTM) at varying scales allows me to understand the relief of the site using 3 dimensional topographical models of the site. At a macro scale you can see that Wadi Rum is located on one of the highest areas of Jordan.
2
At a Micro scale you can see in more detail the fluctuations across the site, these fluctuations vary deeply. The desert floor altitude is around 900-1000 meters, and the major summits are around 1500, 1750m giving a vertical rise of 800m. The model highlights that the general trend for the area is for the Jebel to be in the smallest form along the south of the site with a gradual increase in size and height as you move in a northerly direction. This is due to strong wind weathering and erosion.
5
PROTECTED AREA OF WADI RUM
6
7
[ 22 ]
1_ MARSAD 1508m
2_ JEBEL RUM 1754m
3_ UM ISHIN1753m
4_ BARRAH 1584m 3
5_ QATTAR 1358m
4
6_ KHAZZIL 1420m
7_ BURDAH 1574m
Wadi Rum is a site of extremes, from the masses of rock to the fragmented pieces of sand, from the extreme heat to the extreme cold, from severe drought to flash floods. Even the name, Wadi meaning valley and Rum meaning elevated display a contrast. [ 23 ]
GEOLOGY SITE SECTION It would be more accurate, geologically speaking, to think of Wadi Rum not as a valley but as tableland, with sandstone pillars standing on it The visible line of contact between granite and sandstone can organize our understanding of this natural monument. This contact line is also the boundary between rocks of opposite origins. Granite is igneous (was molten before becoming rock), it is Jordan’s oldest rock, related to the continental basement that was formed by the cooling of the earth after its creation some 4.6 billion years ago. Sandstone is sedimentary, has been built up in layers under water some 500 million years ago. From this point where rocks created by fire meet rocks created by water, a line of gentle springs hide within its depth.
KEY POINTS 1. JEBEL RUMMAN 2. JEBEL RUM 3. WADI RUM 4. JEBEL UM ISHIN 5. WADI UM ISHIN 6. JEBEL BARRAH 7. ABU KHSHEIBAH 8. BURDAH
[ 24 ]
PURPLE UM-SHAH SANDSTONE
INGENIOUS ROCK
BROKEN SANDSTONE
WHITE RUM SANDSTONE
SITE INTERACTION
Mapping to show hiking routes on site vs, Jeep tours and the intensity of interaction.
HIKING JEEP TOURS
PROXIMITY ANALYSIS The Rings are set apart at 4Km intervals. On average in a hot arid climate it would take around 50 minutes to walk / hike 4Km. From here I can now understand how vast this site is, so instead of designing a series of structures deployed across the entire site. I will instead focus in onto one specific mountain. I will need to map my way to a choice.
JEBEL RUM
[ 28 ]
CARTOGRAPHY Mapping the drift of activity & elements through the site. - CHAPTER TWO
ABSTRACT MAP MOVEMENT IN A GRIDDED VALLEY
THREADING EXPERIMENTS During the research stages, it became apparent that this site contained within it a lot of drift, but not much settlement. In the sense that Bedouin’s travelled through the site, tourists travel but didn’t stay over, the extreme winds push sand through the site etc. This information can be shown via a layer of threading, where the movement of these elements are tracked and the topography of the site is rebuilt through the intensity of interaction. This then, shows which mountains are more occupied and which are not ( seen as black), ergo becoming a decision making tool for location of in intervention.
ATTEMPT 1.
VERDICT: CONFUSING
ABSTRACT MAP MOVEMENT ON A GRIDDED MOUNTAIN
I tried 3 experiments before I reached the best solution for the cartography. In all attempts the pins are at a scale of 100m spacing. However in the first two a 100x100m grid was imposed on the site, and in the final iteration, the outline of the mountain was traced instead.
KEY MOVEMENT OF SAND
MOVEMENT OF BEDOUIN’S
MOVEMENT OF TOURISTS
ATTEMPT 2.
VERDICT: CLEARER
MAP MOVEMENT ON MOUNTAIN AND VALLEY
MOVEMENT OF WATER
MOVEMENT NABATEAN (HISTORIC)
ATTEMPT 3. [ 32 ]
VERDICT: MOST LEGIBLE
Even though the first two attempts were unsuccessful, I picked from them threading weaving techniques that read better.
3
1. Sand Dune created by continuous looping of thread creating increased elevation. 2. Displaying increased density of movement by spacing of layers on mountain creates more densely ‘hatched’ areas. 3. Displaying the movement of the wind via mapping of the sand only going in one direction. 4. Showing where water springs beginning from inside the mountain and how they flow into the valleys. 5. Clearly separating threading layers by leaving gaps between them in elevation.
1
2
4
5
WIND MOVEMENT It is easy to see from the diagram across that strong winds channel into Rum ( 8-10m/s). These happen from two slightly varying directions. “Shamals” (Northwest winds) and “Khamsins” (Southeast). Shamals and Khamsins both can cause sandstorms on-site that last anywhere between 1 - 5 days. It is these South-Easterly winds that help shape the valleys of Rum through severe weathering and Erosion. These strong winds are a benefit, the sense that wind harvesting could be a major potential onsite.
[ 34 ]
JEBEL RUM
5m/s
10m/s
[ 35 ]
SAND MOVEMENT Dunes form the wind blows sand onto an obstacle like a rock, a bush or a mountain side. At the windward side the sand accumulates and forms a slope. Some of the sand blows over the top of the slope and tumbles down the much steeper slip face side. As the wind keeps blowing more and more sand accumulates and the sand dune grows bigger and bigger. The beauty of sand dunes is the fact that they move. It is a slow process but they move along with the wind.
[ 36 ]
JEBEL RUM
[ 37 ]
BEDOUIN MOVEMENT With the various and often dramatic seasons changes, the Bedouin’s of Rum constantly migrate around the site to seek protection from the elements and feed their live stock. This Diagram maps their movement and interaction with the site. During the Summer months the Bedouin’s climb the various Jebel to seek coolness and catch a breeze. During the Spring and Autumn months the Bedouin’s roam the grounds of Wadi Rum, sticking to locations that are around springs as that is where crops tend to grow. They migrate every 4 - 6 weeks once their livestock have grazed on the possible crop in the area. During the Winter months, the Bedouin’s seek refuge from Wadi Rum’s strong winds and flash floods in the canyons of the site.
KEY SPRING / AUTUMN WINTER SUMMER
[ 38 ]
7 PILLARS OF WISDOM
AL MAKHMAN CANYON
JEBEL HAJAJ BASE
RAKBAT CANYON
KHARAZEH CANYON
N.NASRANI
ELEVATION OF JEBEL UM ISHIN PLAN OF JEBEL UM ISHIN
KEY POINTS 1. 7 PILLARS OF WISDOM
5. JEBEL HAJAJ
2. JEBEL JEBEL HAJAJ
6. AL MAKHMAN CANYON
3. WADI SIQ MAKHRAS
7. JEBEL KHARAZEH
4. THAMOUDIC STEPS
8. CANYON OF ZERNOUK EL DABER
11. S.NASSRANI
9. JEBEL UM EJIL
13. RAKBAT CANYON
12. DARIF AL MURAGH
10. N. NASSRANI
[ 39 ]
HISTORIC DRIFT Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times, the rockcut capital city of the Nabatean, became during Hellenistic and Roman times a major caravan centre for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India, a crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is halfbuilt, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. An ingenious water management system allowed extensive settlement of an essentially arid area during the Nabatean, Roman and Byzantine periods. It is one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites set in a dominating red sandstone landscape. ANCIENT TRIBES TRAVELLED BETWEEN MEDIAN AND PETRA, AND Wadi Rum WAS USED AS THE CONNECTING POINT. THIS SI MARKED BY A STEAM OF PETROGLYPH LOCATIONS ACROSS A CERTAIN PATH.
[ 40 ]
PETRA, JORDAN
MEDIAN, SAUDI ARABIA
TOURIST MOVEMENT tourists mainly experience the site on 4x4 Jeep rides that offer cyclic rotations around the site. These are quite limited and the main routes take between 30 minutes to 3 hours and consist of a loop around one main mountain Ishin. Routes taking longer than 3 hours are rarely accessed. This is due to the fact the visitors to rum are always at a midpoint stop, not intending to stay over. This is because they are on route to petra or aqaba, which have tourist infrastructure in place.
HIKING AREAS FREE ACCESS LIMITED ACCESS
[ 42 ]
RAIN FALL Flash-floods happen during the winter season, spanning from November to March they occur sporadically with the sudden appearance of clouds. During Flash floods it is common for temporary waterfalls to appear on-site. This is Due to the various naturally occurring water Springs systems. The Diagram across illustrates how springs are formed, when it rains water seeps through the permeable rock layers, making its way through the mountain until it hits an impervious layer - in this case Granite rock. So the water is forced to find an alternative exit through the face of the Jebel. At the point where the water exists, the Bedouin’s have dug wells, to collect the water. LOCATING THE SITE NEAR A WATER SPRING WOULD BE IDEAL FOR WATER PROVISIONS.
1_GUSHING RAIN
[ 44 ]
This plan of Jebel rum demonstrates how the rainfall on-top of the Jebel runs. It is worth mentioning that where ever there is vegetation there is a water source, and that is how the Bedouin’s navigate their way .
2_STREAMS CREATED
3_FLOODED SITE
FINAL CARTOGRAPHY This cartography maps the five main layers of drift that occur through the site of Wadi Rum.
CHOSEN SITE: JEBEL ISHIN
By recreating the topography through the mapping of the drift it becomes apparent which mountains are in use and by what means. This helps me to narrow the location choice of my intervention. THE SITE MUST HAVE: 1. Water access for provision. 2. Strong winds ( shown by pile up of sand dunes), this allows for renewable energy source . 3. Heavy Bedouin use this allows for familiarity with site. 4.Tourist Attraction points. Giving tourists an interest with site.
KEY MOVEMENT OF SAND
MOVEMENT OF BEDOUIN’S
MOVEMENT OF TOURISTS
MOVEMENT OF WATER
MOVEMENT NABATEAN (HISTORIC)
[ 46 ]
I found it interesting that all the mountains surrounding Ishin had heavy tourist interaction across the top of them, but Ishin didn’t. This Jebel offers great views, but isn’t readily hiked due to its steep elevations, it was dubbed “mother of 20” as 20 people have died trying to hike this Jebel. I feel like by intervening on this site, it would better connect the rest of the Rum district, while also providing for great views, and safe climbing routes. The site also has plenty of petroglyph dotted around its walls and is mother to the largest sand dune in the area, at 400m high. It also has several water springs.
DEVELOPING THEORIES The concern, Island theories, & the concept. - CHAPTER THREE
THEORIES AND ISSUES
BEDOUIN’S Bedouin’s are under threat of modernisation due to mass tourist influx on-site, and a shift from a agricultural based economy to a tourism one, thus they are neglecting their routes.
BEDOUIN NOMADIC CULTURE
BEDOUIN
MODERNISATION
TOURISTS Tourists that visit the site, come in surges of arranged tours, there is no infrastructure on site, and the time spent is limited to a few hours , providing for a weak appreciation of surroundings.
NO INFRASTRUCTURE
JEEP TOUR
LACK OF SITE EXPERIENCE
CONTEXT All previous civilisations have left their mark on Wadi Rum for future generation to discover, however all the Bedouin’s have to show is concrete box like houses, which will soon vanish with time.
[ 50 ]
A’AD
THAMOUD
NABATEAN
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
A’AD
PETROGLYPH
CARVED STEPS
CARVED INSCRIPTION
BEDOUIN
CONCRETE HOUSE
PROPOSAL
CARVE INTERVENTION
DESERT ISLANDS & OTHER TEXTS Gilles Deleuze OCEANIC ISLANDS
CONTINENTAL ISLANDS
“Oceanic islands are originary, essential islands. Others emerge from underwater eruptions, bringing to the light of day a movement from the lowest depths.”
Wadi Rum was formed by tectonic plate movement causing an uplift on orginially flat land and creating Mesa’s.
“Continental islands are accidental, derived islands. They are separated from a continent, born of disarticulation, erosion, fracture”
Each mountain is invisioned as an island within a “sea” of sand.
TWO DESERTED ISLANDS Mark Lee
Victims
Berlin as Green Archipelago
Hedjuk
Oswald Ungers
By carving a series of structures across the Wadi Rum site, I will be Implementing elements of Hedjuk’s theory creating islands of activity. These Islands of activity will be created with participation from bedouins and tourists. They will provide for contemplation while participtaing.
“The structures are characterized by a lack of stability or permanence. Each structure is complete and figural; each structure is an island in its own right...structures are isolated...precariously connected to one another, touching one another without interlocking...implying a loosely held together network.”
Hedjuk
THE CONCEPT As this projects main concept is to reignite the Bedouin culture , and provide a process of revival, it is important to capitalise of the Bedouin daily life. Studying this will allow an implementation of the Bedouin culture to be weaved into the activities and spaces of this project. Allowing the tourists to experience a unique culture and allowing the Bedouin’s to continue to practice its existence. This drawing illustrates the journey that would be taken vertically up the mountain, with activity clusters that echo Bedouin culture. The journey would follow from sunrise to sunset allowing the hiker to take in the majestic views of the site.
[ 52 ]
MODELS illustrating human activity across the chosen site. - CHAPTER FOUR
MODEL MAKING
[ 56 ]
[ 57 ]
JEBEL ACTIVITY ZONES This model of Jebel Ishin, shows the various existing activities that take place on and around the Jebel.
COOLER JEBEL TOPS MAKE FOR GREAT VIEW DECKS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS
By knowing these activities I can begin to add, develop and enhance them by providing architecture that relates to them.
IDEAL LOCATION FOR WATCHING SUNRISE.
The aim is to also understand the Jebel material properties , from granite to sandstone. This allows for a better understanding of which sites can be carved. Luckily the granite rock is only in the lower 30meters of the site which can be easily bypassed. Across are initial sketch ideas that have been formed from understanding the specific Jebel forms.
JEBEL PEAKS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR SPOTTING RARE IBEX. EAST SIDE IS BETTER SHADED, IDEAL FOR RIDING AND RESTING IN EVENINGS
MAJORITY OF STEEP HIKING ROUTES ON WEST ELEVATION.
FLAT JEBEL TOPS NEAR SPRINGS ARE A GREAT SOURCE OF VEGETATION GROWTH.
IDEAL LOCATION FOR WATCHING SUNSET BETWEEN JEBEL’S.
WHITE RUM SANDSTON
DURABLE AND IDEAL FO CARVING, SAME STON CARVED IN PETRA.
LOW RISING ELEVATION 300M - EASY TO CLIMB
UM SHAH SANDSTONE DIFFICULT TO CARVE, HOWEVER ONLY 30M IS PRESENT AT BASE, THIS WILL BE AVOIDED.
[ 58 ]
GRANITE
NE
TAFFONI - COULD BE USED AS SHELTER
HISTORIC SITES, 7 PILLARS OF WISDOM AND PETROGLYPH
SAND DUNES MAKE IDEAL TOURIST ACTIVITY SPOT
EASILY CARVED, CAN BE A BIT FRAGMENTED AND FRAGILE.
NABATEAN STEPS COULD BE INCORPORATED INTO WALKING ROUTE
JEBEL CANYONS, FORM IDEAL LOCATIONS FOR TENTS DURING WINTER MONTHS
OR NE
WATER SPRINGS IRRIGATED AND USED FOR DRINKING
[ 59 ]
EXTENDED WALKS
The west side of Jebel Ishin has steep cliff like sharp formations which make it ideal for challenging hiking routes. However this means that this part of the elevation can not be easily accessed by your average tourists, to allow a vertical appreciation of the site, walkways would be added which would allow the tourist to take a more scenic route while appreciating petroglyph on the way up.
HONEYCOMB WALKS
The east elevation of Jebel Ishin is severely eroded due to the prevailing winds on this side. This means that an excess of honeycomb weathering is present, aka taffoni. This taffoni can be manipulated and house various camping activities where tourist can hike, sit, rest. Later on it could be further carved to provide for sheltered dwellings.
[ 60 ]
COVERED UNITS COULD FORM TEMPORAL POPUP SHOPS, CAFÉS, ETC.
WEST ELEVATION IN RED HIGHLIGHTED ARE POTENTIAL ROUTES CAPTURING HISTORIC PETROGLYPH SITES
SKETCH IDEAS - ELEVATED WALKWAYS
The Maijishan Grottoes, China There are 7,000 Buddhist sculptures and about 1000 square meters of murals it is 142 meters high. The stairs and walks ways connect the various carved cave -like temple spaces. The stairs leading up and around were originally made of wood but later replaced by metal supports – for safety reasons.
CAPTURING VIEWS AT SUNRISE AND SUNSETS
CARVED WALKWAYS COULD LEAD TO PERMANENT CARVED DWELLINGS OR REST POINTS.
EAST ELEVATION IN RED HIGHLIGHTED ARE POTENTIAL ROUTES CONNECTING HONEYCOMB ERODED SITES
Escalator in Toledo, Spain The escalators are flanked on one side by a retaining wall cut into the hillside. This structure is folded and cantilevered out at the top to create a protective covering for pedestrians. Its green, planted roof also forms a visual continuation of the slope, even though it does not precisely follow the natural contours of the ground and rises slightly towards the outside.
MANIPULATING TAFFONI TO FORM SOCIAL SPACES
ERODED FACADE BY STRONG WINDS AND SAND IMPACT
LARGELY ERODED FACADE BY STRONG WINDS AND SAND IMPACT.
NABATEAN RUINS AND NABATEAN STEPS.
LARGEST WATER SPRING FORMATION ON PEAK OF JEBEL. CREATES WATER FALL ON ELEVATIONS DURING FLASH-FLOODS.
SLIGHTLY ERODED FACADE BY STRONG WINDS AND SAND IMPACT.
PETROGLYPH LOCATIONS.
ES
HONEYCOMB EROSION
WATE
ns across the site vary from petroglyph markings on the facade to ruins left by the s. Again the majority of these are found ade of this Jebel, due to the fact that this is through the site so was more frequented. of the markings are visible from a 300m own. This frees up the upper Jebel.
Honeycomb erosion or taffoni, is a natural occurrence in the desert. Due to the natural nooks and craves created that shelter from the elements this will be used within the scheme for sheltered carved walkways. For this reason placing the eco-lodge within this area is ruled out.
Identi ter is s source of veg and g Jebel has be
DIRECT FORCE OF S/E WINDS IMPACTS SITE HENCE HONEYCOMB EROSION ON FACADE.
800M ABOVE GROUND PUTS THIS DIRECTLY OF WIND S/E WINDS.
LOW VIEW OF SUNSET BETWEEN TWO JEBEL CAUGHT HERE.
LARGE WATER SPRING COLLECTION POINT, FUNNELS OFF INTO FOUR MAIN DIRECTIONS AND SEVERAL SUB AREAS. DUE TO PEAK AND LOCATION, STRONGER S/E WINDS CAUGHT HERE.
BEST SUNSET VIEW ACROSS RUM VALLEY CAUGHT HERE.
CANYON CAUSED BY WATER AND WIND EROSION. WATER SPRINGS FUNNEL ON EITHER SIDE OF MOUNTAIN.
DIRECT FORCE OF S/E WINDS IMPACTS SITE HENCE HONEYCOMB EROSION ON FACADE.
ER ACCESS [VIA SPRINGS]
PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION
tifying water spring locations are importation, as wascarce and the eco-lodge needs to be located near a e of water. Water springs also naturally have streams getation growing near them which can be cultivated grown in the future. For this reason any part of the that does have a stream or spring running through it een eliminated as a potential site location.
As the structure will be embedded into the mountain it will be sheltered from extreme conditions. However due to the natural occurrence of strong winds identifying the peak locations where it hits the Jebel is ideal of harvesting the energy to encourage passive design and renewable resources. Strong S/E winds indicate the South side would be best suited for a building location.
DESIGN PROPOSAL Precedents, Program & building description. - CHAPTER FIVE
CAPPIDOCIA PRECEDENT Cappidocia region is located in the Anatolian part of turkey surrounded by ancient civilisations where nature and history came together, while geographic events formed the “fairy Chimneys”. These formations have been carved by wind, sand and rain into shape. This is very similar to Wadi Rum. Volcanic eruptions 30m years ago coated the land with ash, which over the millennia compacted into soft tufa rock. The Hittites who occupied the country in the 3rd millennium found it easy to excavate into caves for storage at constant cool temperatures. As the Anatolian Region was fought over by successive empires, the inhabitants found themselves retreating underground and excavating large cities where they would stay for months on end. This subterranean way of life resulted from several different factors.
40OC
40OC
35OC
Building above ground level requires various methods of temperature control to maintain a comfortable living environment. Without insulations the dwelling would easily become uncomfortable.
The site of cappidocia is prone to alternating climates of very hot and very cold weathers. In the region the aspect of functionality is a sustainable matter of fact. The energy conservative property of the interiors and functions suitable to climate factor are the reasons of sustainability. The underground sites are particularly useful for storage as the outdoor temperature can vary from -20°C to nearly 40°C. The internal temperature of the sites remains constant throughout the year at 7°C to 15 °C depending on the proximity of the air shafts.
[ 66 ]
15OC
The earth acts as insulation, meaning a more comfortable environment is easily achievable simply by going underground. This is due to less surface area exposure to solar gain.
EXCAVATION PRECEDENT Excavation is a process of removal not addition, it has been estimated that the advance rate of a hand-worked tunnel in hard rock was perhaps 9 meters per year. None of the usual structural principles apply, an excavated dome in effect is weightless, it can rise above thin columns and stay in place even if those are removed.
4m 3m
8m
It would take 1 man , 1 month to carve a room that was 8x4meters in width and 3 meters in height. This diagram across highlights the excavating process occurring within cappidocia. Stage 1 would be excavating a shaft that descends as far as the water well which could be up to 70 to 80 meters deeps. Then by making excavations directly towards the sides of the shafts the extraction of the soil can be made by means of a pully wheel from the air shaft which have been previously opened. Without the excavated ventilation shafts then the workers would not have been able to work comfortably. The cappicodians used a variety of digging techniques for various different uses , some of these were to create large open wells, for ventilation. Some such as a drive point were used to dig light, and ventilation shafts into surface rooms. And finally tools as simple as a pick axe were used to carve a room .
[ 67 ]
PROPOSED PROGRAMME This thesis project is to be produced as a design guide, so that its fundamental design principles can be applied across the Wadi Rum site. To develop a detailed design which responds to all site conditions across the whole of the site, would be impossible due to its vast area. However by creating a design guide which utilises a system of standardised primary, secondary and tertiary systems, this can then be applied over time to the rest of the site. PRIMARY SYSTEM
SECONDARY SYSTEM
TERTIARY SYSTEM
TEMPORAL ECO -LODGE
EXTENDED WALKWAYS
CARVED STRUCTURES
This system is temporal and acts as the catalyst to the site, the main purpose of it is to use workshops and craft spaces where tourist and locals can learn skills to help build the site.
[ 68 ]
This system is the smallest structure,but will have the greatest use. It will provide new access vertically up the site to varying activities. Its main purpose is to provide a connection between the tertiary and primary sites.
The function of this system is to provide Bedouin lifestyle experiences such as weaving, pottery making and camping, etc. There will be a series of spaces scattered along a journey to encourage travel, more spaces grow over time.
INDUCTION RELATIONSHIPS
SHOWER FACILITIES
NATURE CLASSES
CRAFT S WORKSHOP
FARMING STABLES
COOKING CLASSES
SLEEPING LODGES
INFORMATION POINT
MEDICAL STATION
MAKING BIVOUACS
OBSERVATION DECKS
2021 - ON GOING
TOILETS
2018-2021
BEDOUIN CAFÉS
2017-2018
HUNTING LESSONS
PHASE 3
COMMUNAL SPACES
PHASE 2
CARVING WORKSHOPS
PHASE 1
ROCK CLIMBING
CAMEL RIDES
PETROGLYPH TOURS
HIKING TRAILS
In addition to these systems, the site is expected to expand over time, much like Arcosanti. To establish a plan for this development I have used the three varying stages of evolution. Below I illustrate the relationship between these stages.
[ 69 ]
SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS This diagram illustrates the spatial relationships at the density of the primary, secondary and tertiary systems. Using the data analysed previously, I have used 200m as maximum travelling distance between the tertiary systems. This diagram also illustrates the key role the secondary system plays in connecting the primary and tertiary systems.
LOCATION DIAGRAM MT_ISHIN ARROW RESEMBLES ROUTE THROUGH THE SITE
KEY PRIMARY
SECONDARY TERTIARY
[ 70 ]
PROGRAMME REQUIREMENT
ACTIVITY
PROGRAMME
ENVIRONMENTAL
CLIMBING TASK LIGHTING CARVING VENTILATION CRAFTS COOLING REST AREA HEATING FARMING H2O PURIFICATION COMMUNITY ACOUSTIC MEDICAL AID SECURITY COOKING WASTE MANAGEMENT ACCOMMODATION
[ 71 ]
BUILDING DESCRIPTION Using the inspiration of local historic carving techniques, this proposal aims to construct carved structures which can be utilised across Wadi Rum as a productive way forward to an architecture that is systematic, ecological and durable. The formation of the carved walkways will respond to both existing prime hiking routes and honeycomb weathering locations on site. They will act as a mediator connecting the various eco-activites on site.
[ 72 ]
BUILDING DESCRIPTION It is envisaged that new accommodations will develop organically over a period of time as the new economies become more developed. However to begin with we must set off the catalyst design which will act as “base camp”. Here tourists and Bedouin’s will be taught new skills that they can deploy on-site. There will be several departments that work-shoppers may choose to work in. These include construction, facilities maintenance, agriculture, pottery and weaving.
EXCHANGE
WADI RUM VILLAGE
TEMPORARY BASE CAMP
I have highlighted the initial location of the temporary structure, red dotted lines mark proposal route for carving structures into the Jebel. The temporal site location has been in this base as it is shaded from the Elements of extreme winds, which flow to the other-side of the mountain. This gives an ideal beginning location that is shaded from extreme solar gain and unneeded wind. It is located parallel to existing Wadi Rum village so an exchange of skills, knowledge and trade can develop.
SITE PLAN KEY SAND DUNE WIND DIRECTION SITE LOCATION PROPOSED BRIDGE ROUTES
[ 73 ]
PROGRAMME The site is split up into various specific zones each resembling an aspect of the Bedouin’s daily Journey from sunrise to sunset. The Structures meander up the site, changing in form and function. All structures are placed parallel to the direction of the Northerly winds to make use of passive ventilation strategies.
[ 74 ]
[ 75 ]
FOCUSING IN As there are a variety of different zones within my site, for the nature of this thesis I will be picking on specific zone [ Weaving Workshops ] and exploring it in more detail with regards to spatial layout, sections, and plans.
[ 76 ]
[ 77 ]
WEAVING PROCESS The floor plan needs to flow correctly inorder to enhance productivity on-site. To do this I first need to understand what is entailed in the Weaving process, from here I have produced a flow diagram where activities have been grouped. This allows for shared programmes to be more efficiently located.
CLEANING
SHEARING
DYED
SPACE RELATIONSHIPS
DEVELOPING FORM
The cluster of activities will be grouped together in one main double height space. Centric layouts will be preferable as this space becomes easier to ventilate and is true to Bedouin culture.
A honeycomb module system has been ap structure is suited as it is similar to vaulte vernacular sense.
KEY WEAVING WORKSHOP SLEEPING ACOMM CAFE TEACHING SPACES WASH FACILITIES STORAGE
[ 78 ]
ROUGH SPIN
Sleeping accommodation will be primitive style pods that grow in-between main function spaces.
DRYING
pplied to mountain wall, this ed roofs so will help from a
HAND SPUN
LOOM BALLS
GROUND LOOM
WOODEN SHUTTLE
END PRODUCT
ADDING ACCESS
All structures are places along the East west orientation, and they all have one main point of access which is through the external elevated walkway system.
[ 79 ]
EXCAVATING STRATEGIES Sandstone Properties, Excavating tactics & Precedents . - CHAPTER SIX
GEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES As the proposal is carved into the mountains it is of paramount importance to understand the properties of the rock on-site as this will form the main structure of the building. Due to the fact that my building approach is not a typical one, and is set into the mountains I will not need a standard foundation system as the mountain structure is sufficient within itself to hold the structure up. The site contains both igneous and sedimentary rocks, this means that rocks formed by fire meet rocks formed by water. The base of the Mountain is Granite, which is a solid impermeable layer. And the rest of the mountain is a sandstone material known as um shah sandstone which is red in colour as it is rich in iron. This type of sandstone is the exact same that is present in Petra which is testimony to the durability of the material and great structural strength.
CLASSIFICATION CHART: INORGANIC LAND-DERIVED SEDIMENTARY ROCKS TEXTURE
CLASTIC (fragmental)
TEXTURE
GRAIN SIZE
BIOCLASTIC
COMMENTS
ROCK NAME
MAP SYMBOL
Pebbles, cobbles and/or Rounded fragments Conglomerate bloulders embeded in Angular fragments Mostly quartz, feldspar Breccia sand,silt or clay. and clay minerals; Sand may contain Fine to coarse grain Sandstone ( 0.2 to 0.006 cm) fragments of other Silt rocks and minerals. Very fine grain Siltstone ( 0.006 to 0.004 cm) Clay Compact and easily split Shale ( less than 0.004 cm) CHEMICALLY AND/OR ORGANICALLY FORMED SEDIMENTARY ROCKS COMPOSITION COMMENTS ROCK NAME GRAIN SIZE
MAP SYMBOL
Varied CRYSTALLINE
COMPOSITION
Halite
Rock Salt Crystals from chemical precipitates and evaporites.
Rock Gypsum
Varied
Gypsum
Varied
Dolomite
Microscopic to coarse
Calcite
Cemeted shell fragments or precipitates of biological origin.
Limestone
Varied
Carbon
From plant remains
Coal
Dolostone
Clastic rocks (sandstones, shales, etc.) are classified on two criteria - texture (grain size), and composition. The mountains in Wadi Rum are predominantly a Sandstone composition, so it is important to fully understand it components and properties. METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Formed under extreme heat and extreme pressure. (e.g. marble)
[ 82 ]
IGNEOUS ROCKS
Formed from cooling Magma or lava. (e.g. Granite)
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Formed from pieces or chunks of other rocks. (e.g. Sandstone)
Sandstone’s banding is due to layers of sand that are deposited with differing characteristics. Sandstone is formed in many deposits that are episodic in nature and the resulting layers can be very different from previous layers. Sometimes the sand is courser or finer than the previous layer and this difference causes the banding.
Sorting of clasts indicates the degree to which the clasts in a rock are all the same size or include a variety of sizes. Well-sorted sediment consists entirely of sediment of the same size, whereas poorly-sorted sediment contains a mixture of more than one clast size. Mt Ishin has a mixture of moderately sorted clasts near the top of the structure, which would be fragile if carved. Well to very well sorted clasts in the main segment of the mountain. This level of compact structure is ideal for carving.
GRANITE BASE.
IDEAL FOR CARVING
NOT IDEAL FOR CARVING
NOT IDEAL FOR CARVING
Very Poorly Sorted
Poorly Sorted
Moderately Sorted
Well Sorted
Very Well Sorted
Very Poorly Sorted
Poorly Sorted
Moderately Sorted
Well Sorted
Very Well Sorted
[ 83 ]
MATERIAL PROPERTIES Sandstone is a natural material that widely used in the world. One of the most effective construction materials. Sandstone used as a building material since the ancient civilizations. It is a building material that is reliable and long-lasting. The smooth sandstones used for formations of walls, pillars, ceilings and balustrades. When used, it conveys elegance and class to the room is it used. Sandstone with a rough texture can be used for fireplaces, walkways and walls. The stone’s durability can never be, doubted. It can handle heavy weights, therefore, a good material for foundations and supports. Sandstone can be cut, carved and polished for different applications. The inherent material deterioration problems generally occur gradually over long periods of time, at predictable rates and require appropriate routine or preventive maintenance to control.
NATURAL AND INHERENT PROBLEMS DESCRIPTION
PROBLEM Moisture related problems
IS IT AN ISSUE?
REASON
May be evident in sandstone as spalling, erosion, cracking, flaking.
Excess moisture could damage formation of carved structures if not controlled.
Weathering
Disintegration of the stone’s surface usually caused by erosion, chemical action and moisture freezing in the stone.
Wadi Rum is large prone to weathing and errosion, surface protection will need to be implemented on site.
Exfoliation
Seperation and loss of large areas of stone along the bedding planes usually caused by stones being face-bedded.
All stones on site are natrually bedded.
Blind Exfoliation
Seperation of stone along bedding planes, but where layers are still lossely attched behind the surface.
All stones on site are natrually bedded.
Blistering
Swelling and rupturing of a thin uniform skin caused by air borne chemicals reacting with the stones surface.
Sandstone layers are deepset and thick, minimising the potential for blistering.
Cracking
Narrow fractures in the stone from 1/16 to 1/2 inch wide.
This happens along strong wind routes, Carving here will be minimal if any at all.
Detachment
A clean break in the stone, usually resulting from sharp impacts to surface.
Any sharp impacts onsite will be man induced and thus planned for and controlled.
This chart explains the various naturally occurring problems that could appear on-site. It attempts to understand if they will be an issue within the design proposal and follows with a reason.
TYPES OF WEATHERING
Formed of sheets of sand.
Naturally bedded withstands weathering.
[ 84 ]
Very porous, water penetration.
Deteriorates over a long time
Face bedded stone deteriorates faster.
Strong in compression, weak in tension.
Utilising carved structures would help address many of the problems on-site , in addition to creating a unique tourist experience. Carved structures would allow for tackling issues by thermal mass, they provide protection from the elements and coupled with various vernacular design strategies would provide the most optimum solution that requires simple construction techniques. I Will be specifically looking into the various types of mechanical weathering ( most common onsite), and possible solutions to combating them through design.
MECHANICAL
CHEMICAL
Physical disintegration and reduction in the size of the rocks without changing their chemical composition.
Decomposes, Dissolves, alters, Weakens the rock Through chemical processes to form residual materials.
BIOLOGICAL
Disintegration or decay of rocks and minerals caused by chemical or physical agents of organisms.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
THERMAL EXPANSION
FROST WEDGING
40 C
0C
Expands
Contracts
o
Water seeps into cracks and fractures in rock
Water freezes and expands wedging the rock apart.
SOLUTION
Repetitive freeze thaw eventually breaks the rock.
o
Expands (Eventually outside layers peel off (scree))
SOLUTION
AVOID CARVING HERE
Frost wedging is more prone on exposed flat surfaces, for example the tops of mountains. So as this is something that can not be avoided the best way would be to carve in elevation only.
40 C
o
CARVE IN ELEVATION
Due to extreme desert condition, thermal expansion will always take place. This however can be avoided by carving deeper into the mountain, where temperature levels are more steady.
FLAKING DUE TO EXPANSION
CARVE DEEPER
WIND ABRASION
SALT WEATHERING _ HONEYCOMB FORMATIONS
WATER FLOW
WATER FLOW
WATER FLOW
WATER FLOW
WIND DIRECTION
WEATHERD ROCK/SAND
ABRATED SURFACE
SOLUTION
Working with the sites existing geology and geometry would mean finding existing weathered spaces and by excavating them further over time they become habitable architecture.
Wind will continuously pick up weathered particles, to protect the mountain face, extended walkway would act as a barrier, taking the brunt of the abrasion while mountain face stays intact.
MANUALLY EXCAVATE HONEYCOMB ERODED SPACES TO MAKE THEM HABITABLE
WATER FLOW
SOLUTION
EXTENDED WALKWAY
MOUNTAIN FACE
[ 85 ]
PRECEDENT 1 HAND-HELD IRON TOOLS NATHAN HUNT was commissioned by Hunt Studios to carve a 16-foot monolithic tomb in the style of the Nabatean, who built Petra in Jordan 2,000 years ago. Nathan carved the façade into a giant sandstone boulder up in the mountains near Santa Barbara, California.
The task was to be completed without any scaffolding or modern day tools.
The sandstone used was an exact replica of the rock found in Petra, it was a fine-grained solid sedimentary sandstone, which is ideal for carving.
Initially Hunt began his project by being safety harnessed to the side of the boulder, however the unsteady nature quickly made carving difficult. Shortly after they developed a temporary platform structure that could be moved down the facade of the rock in intervals, removing an evidence of its place with it. In time nomadic drills were used instead of hand-held chisel.
MEASUREMENTS COPIED FROM PETRA IMPOSED ON ROCK.
MEASURING DONE ON ROCK-FACE WITH PEN AND RULER.
METAL PIN RODS WEDGED INT
ROPE AND CABINETMAKERS USED TO LATCH ONTO ROCK-FACE.
FIRST SECTION CARVED USING HARNESS & NOMADIC DRILL.
PLATFORM CREATED USING SIM
PRECEDENT 2 TOP - DOWN APPROACH Petra, originally known to the Nabatean as Raqmu, is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. The city is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It was established possibly as early as 312 BC as the capital city of the Arab Nabatean.
They put giant steps into the mountain so that they could see the quality of the rock, and by building these steps there was nobody hanging by ropes or dangling dangerously off the mountain, so they were able to stand on safe ledges while they did their work.
Using the precedent example from before we can apply this strategy on the larger scale of Petra to try and understand how large monument were carved.
They wanted to make sure the masons were safe because these people were highly skilled and there weren’t many of them.
HIKING UP TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN TO LOCATION.
RODS PLACED ACROSS ROCK FACE UNDER BURROWED ACCESS.
BEGIN EXCAVATING THE SPACE
BORROWING A TUNNEL-LIKE ACCESS POINT ACROSS FACE.
PLATFORM CREATED FROM WOOD, FOR STABILITY.
MOVE THE PLATFORM DOWN
[ 86 ]
Comparing modern day carving mark to ancient carving marks its easy to see that they are identical, thus meaning the techniques have not changed nor have the tools.
TO ROCK FACE.
SHAPE MARKED ON ROCK AND CARVED INTO ROCK FACE.
FURTHER CARVING REMOVES METAL ROD’S PREVIOUS MARKS
MPLE WOODEN PLANKS.
PLATFORM AND RODS ARE MOVED DOWN A LEVEL.
PLATFORM REMOVED AS RUMBLE CREATES ACCESSIBLE RAMP
IRON CARVING TOOLS USED ON-SITE WITH MALLET:
DEEP INTO THE ROCK FACE.
AND REPEAT PROCESS 3+4+5.
RUBBLE USED AS ACCESS, RUBBLE REMOVED AS SPACE IS CARVED.
RUBBLE ENTIRELY REMOVED AND MONUMENT COMPLETE.
CLAW CHISEL Used to remove smaller chunks of rock in an intricate manor.
FLAT CHISEL Used to smooth over edges created by harsher chiselling tools.
POINTED CHISEL Used for coarse chiselling to remove large amounts of rock.
A pneumatic drill with a chiselled point end can be used onsite to speed up the process. In effect its the same technique as the traditional hammer and chisel, but with a mechanised hammer process to move stone faster. [ 87 ]
PRECEDENT 3
PRECEDENT_ CAVE-DIGGER RA PAULETTE is a man who obsessively digs massive, ornately carved, sandstone caves in Northern New Mexico as art. These works are commissioned by patrons, who envision smaller scale projects, but Paulette often take years to finish, and artistic conflict ensues over money and the scope of the project. Using only hand tools, including pick axes, shovels and scrapers, the 69-year-old sculptor burrows into the sides of the cliffs, opening up vertical shafts as he works to provide ventilation and natural light. Practical features such as staircases, windows and doors are integrated to make the caves suitable for use as sanctuaries or places for meditation. Paulette sometimes carves the inner surfaces with forms resembling flowers, figures and tree trunks.
Paulette begins by selecting a mountain face and simply hacking away at it in a continuous motion until the beginnings of an opening are
Arch like formation begin to appear within his carving, he uses a level to check that the ground level is flat before he continues excavating. The bottom right-hand corner of the image shows how he begins his excavated “tunnel� like process.
Paulette is self-taught; he never studied architecture, sculpting or structural engineering in a formal school.
RUBBLE ENTIRELY REMOVED AN
BARREL VAULTS With all arch-based constructions, there is an outward thrust generated against the walls underneath a barrel vault. There are several mechanisms for absorbing this thrust. One is, of course, to make the walls exceedingly thick and strong. A more elegant method is to build two or more vaults parallel to each other; the forces of their outward thrusts will thus negate each other.
LOAD LOAD
BUTTRESS PIERS BARREL VAULT
GROIN VAULT
With a barrel vault design the vectors of pressure result in a downward force on the crown while the lower portions of the arches realise a lateral force pushing outwards. As an outcome this form of design is subject to failure unless the sides are anchored or buttressed to very heavy building elements or substantial earthwork sidings. However with excavation works, this occurs naturally as the non-subtracted material of the cave acts as this anchor.
[ 88 ]
A series of sky lights decorate th for natural lighting and ventilati 20ft before he opens up a skyligh
EXCAVATING SPACE BY HAND:
Cave-digger digs in an upwards motion, always working his way towards the surface. When he reaches high enough he creates a skylight for ven-
ND MONUMENT COMPLETE.
he interior of the cave allowing tion. Usually he digs about 15 ht.
Wheelbarrow used to remove excavation.
Cave digger is able to achieve these great spaces using only hand held tools, he does not use any electrical equipment and he wheels all the excess material off-site on a wheelbarrow. STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE:
Scraper to get smooth surface finishes.
Trench shovel used to pick up rubble.
Mirror used to reflect sunlight from skylight into dark cave.
Ladder to reach higher spaces.
Pickaxe used to hack sandstone walls.
TIME SCALES DRILL & BLAST
TOP DOWN
CAVE DIGGER
It would take 1 man 40 days to carve an elevation size of 5x8
It would take 1 man, 1 month to carve a room of 8x4x3 meter dimensions.
WEAKENED STRUCTURE
THE FURTHER THE SPAN THE WEAKER THE STRUCTURE
Cracking in the base of one of the pillars was present due to a wider than usual span, he reinforced the pillar with re-bar hoping that would hold the structure up. It failed and the cave col-
5 - 10 meters can be excavated in one Blast. However it is unsafe.
From this research I have realised that I now will be working with the strategy of Petra externally for elevations, and for internal spatial carving I will use the tunnelling approach of Ra Paulette.
[ 89 ]
SITE IMPLEMENTATION This is a section through Jebel Ishin, a 100m square section has been chosen to deploy the current findings and create a carving strategy.
SCALE 1:1000
STRUCTURAL ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHILE EXCAVATING
OVER EXCAVATING LEADS TO WEAKER STRUCTURE
SPREAD OUT EXCAVATED PODS
[ 90 ]
SCALE 1:200
Conceptual section illustrating mountain excavations when complete.
[ 91 ]
SCALE 1:200
Zooming in at the 100m x 100m section of the Jebel.
SCALE 1:200
Offsetting grid-lines for walkways at 2m, excavations at 5m and staircases at 4m from mountain edge.
SCALE 1:200
Implementing a grid to allow for spacing and correct distance between structures when excavating a 10m dotted line to show a maximum capacity of two units in this space. And 1m blue lines to resemble smallest possible distance between walls or units.
SCALE 1:200
For structural purposes excavations must start from the Top and work in a downwards direction.
SCALE 1:200
Lower caves are dug out and walkways are created at the same time to allow for access.
SCALE 1:200
More offset lines created at 3m and 8m distances from mountain edge to accommodate for variety of spatial accommodations.
STEP BY STEP PROCESS
Working in an upwards motion when excavating gives you leverage to reach higher heights without the need of any additional equipment such as ladders.
[ 104 ]
Once the preferred height has been reach, one can begin to excavate the space downwards , and working backwards towards the initial starting position.
NOT TO SCALE Spaces as well as furniture can be carved into the structure using differing tools. For example if rock is excavated in the right ways, beds or seating resting forms can be simply produced.
The end product can give you a mixture of open and closed spaces, and various forms emerging from the ground level upwards.
[ 105 ]
ON-SITE STRATEGY Temporary Camp Sky Walks Carved Structures - CHAPTER SEVEN
TEMPORARY CAMP Phase one of my proposal begins at the edge of this buffer zone with the base camp. It is worth mentioning that the committee at UNESCO agree that buffer zones are in-fact not “fixed” areas of the site, they are subject to change depending on social, cultural, environmental and economic demanding of a site [3]. Bedouin’s are under threat to modernisation which is a social and cultural issue, not to mention that current tourist use of the site via Jeeps and 4x4 is harming the ecological and environmental aspects of the site. By placing the base camp there an initial relationship with the Bedouin’s can be developed,and over time the buffer-zone can be modified slightly to include within it the limits of this projects proposal which targets and resolves these issues. Wadi Rum protected area is under the sole management and authority within ASEZA, this means that ASEZA controls and implements any enforcement of regularity framework.
BASE CAMP LOCATION AND BEDOUIN JOURNEY
[ 108 ]
SKI
IN
&E
LED
XPE
GE
RIE
&L
NC
AB
E
OU
R
PR
DY EA
OW
AP
ST
LLS
OV AL
CO
M
E
KN
T EC H N
IC A L C
MANA
A PA C IT
GEME
Y
NT
DIAGRAM TO SHOW THE EXCHANGE CYCLE
STEP 1
STEP 2
BEDOUIN VILLAGE
BASE CAMP
SITE PLAN SHOWING BEDOUIN COMMUNITY IN THE VALLEY OF RUM BETWEEN TWO JEBEL ( ISHIN AND RUM)AND THE PROPOSED LOCATION OF THE BASE CAMP.
Interaction between sites
SPECIALISTS & VOLUNTEERS
TRIBAL OWNERS
ASEZA LEGAL OWNERS
STEP 3
ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAM NOT TO SCALE
STEP 1 : Base camp set up, in this temporal structure ( within the buffer zone) educational construction workshops are set up, it is open to the public. STEP 2: As the temporal site grows, they interact with Bedouin’s form relationships, increasing income through buying goods, and a transfer of skills occur. STEP 3: This dialogue and skill transfer will enable the Bedouin’s to realise the many benefits of this proposal and they will weigh in on the ASEZA management meetings convincing them to grant approv[ 109 ]
SLOPE ANALYSIS By running a slope analysis on the Jebel of Ishin I am able to pin point the precise elevation slope of each face of the mountain, this Helps me in planing the levels of hiking options available as well as providing an ideal place for accommodating my infrastructure.
STEEPNESS ANGLE
70O
[ 110 ]
60O
55O
50O
40O
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
EXPERT
ADVANCED
INTERMEDIATE
BEGINNER
30O
20O
10O
5O
[ 111 ]
INTERVENTION STRATEGY A section of slope analysis is taken, and using data found before building locations are applied to site. Buildings are spaced every 200 to 300m to allow to realistic hiking distance between various activity zones and time to appropriate surroundings.
VERTICAL ELEVATION IDEAL FOR CARVING AND SKY WALKS
IDEAL FOR LOW INTENSITY HIKING CONNECTION ROUTE BETWEEN STRUCTURES
100M RADIAL ZONE
CARVING STRUCTURES /ACTIVITY LOCATION
10 LOCATIONS TO MATCH THE BEDOUIN’S DAILY LIFE JOURNEY FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET. ALLOWING DIFFERENT VANTAGE POINTS THROUGHOUT DAY. [ 112 ]
[ 113 ]
[ 115 ]
[ 117 ]
[ 119 ]
[ 121 ]
50° ER
S
250
30°
2000
D
RE
R FE
E
PR
150
35°
250
DD
1100
LA
1100
60°
STAIR
IR STA
PREFE RRED
LADDERS
75°
PR EF ER RE D
90° 85°
20° 15°
RAMP
PREFERRED
7° 0°
1100
SLOPE AND TYPE OF STRUCTURE
250
200
250
1100
1500
2000
5°
4000
10°
SINGLE WALKWAYS
4500
250
250
150
1100
1100
200
250
1100
2000
250
1100
3000
5°
4000
DOUBLE WALKWAYS [ 122 ]
10°
1100 250
1100 250
1500
1500
1100
3500
250
250
1100
3500
1500
1500
1100
3500
250
250
1100
3500
1500
1500
1100
3000
7500
7500
7500
7500
7500
1100
7500
250
1100
3000
250
3500
250
250
1100
3500
1100
1100
250
250
3000
3000
3000
3000
[ 123 ]
1100 150
2000
150
1100
1500
SINGLE RISE
2000
2000
3000
1500
DOUBLE RISE
2000
[ 124 ]
1500
1500
3000
[ 125 ]
DECKING OPTIONS
PETRAGLYPH
HONEYCOMB
[ 126 ]
CAMPING DECK
VARIOUS CONFIGURATION OPTIONS [ 127 ]
[ 128 ]
[ 129 ]
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Testing form - CHAPTER EIGHT
Honeycomb structures are natural or manmade structures that have the geometry of a honeycomb to allow the minimization of the amount of used material to reach minimal weight and minimal material cost. A honeycomb shaped structure provides a material with minimal density and relative high out-of-plane compression properties and outof-plane shear properties.
CREATING FORM
REFLECT
SPREAD OUT
PUSH UP
ADDING WALKWAYS
ELEVATION VIEW
HONEYCOMB FORMATION
3m GAP
GOOD ACCESS SEVERAL SIDES
BEST OPTION DUE TO ACCESS POSSIBILITIES AND STRUCTURAL LAYOUT. [ 132 ]
POOR ACCESS
GOOD ACCESS ONLY ONE SIDE
LOAD
LOAD
SPACE BETWEEN PODS ACT AS STRUCTURAL COLUMNS/BEAMS
COLUMNS
BEAMS
ROTATE
COLUMNS
SPREAD OUT
SPREAD OUT
3m GAP
GOOD ACCESS BOTH SIDES USABLE SPACES
BEAMS
4m GAP
POOR ACCESS
GOOD ACCESS BOTH SIDES
ARRANGING FORM
CREATING FORMS By joining various modules across the grid, new forms can be created to host a wider variety of functions.
CREATING A JOURNEY By selecting a few form variations, these can be implemented to create a community of activity that are connected vertically through an external walkway.
KEY CARVED DOORWAY WINDOW
ELEVATION VIEWS A sketch example of the elevational view of the cliff face, illustrating entrances to function pods and view points.
UNIT
FORMATIONS
FUNCTIONS
SINGLE UNIT Sleeping space Sitting space Storage Electric lighting Dry food prep area 21m2 DOUBLE UNIT Sleeping spaces Sitting space Viewing Deck Storage Electric lighting 45m2 a wider variety of functions.
GROUP UNIT Sleeping spaces Sitting spaces Viewing Deck Storage Electric lighting Dry Food prep area 70m2 COMMUNAL SPACES Activity Rooms Cafe Large sitting spaces Viewing Deck Storage Electric lighting Running water Food prep area 130m2 WORKSHOPS
Open workshop Class rooms Storage Electric lighting Running water
mmunity of activity that
es to function pods and
200m2 WASH FACILITIES Showers Toilets Storage Electric lighting Running water 80m2 CONTEMPLATION Ablution Space Prayer Rooms Sitting Rooms View Deck Electric lighting
70m2
CONNECTING SPACES
EY
KEY
ECTED BY INTERNAL AIRS OR LADDERS
CONNECTED BY INTERNAL PASSAGES OR ROOMS
CONNECTED BY INTERNAL STAIRS OR LADDERS
[ 136 ]
CONNECTED BY INTERNAL PASSAGES OR ROOMS
COMPONENT BREAKDOWN
e, BEDOUIN CARVING: By taking inspiration from traditional bedouin weaving patterns, this design can be imposed on the surface of the stone and carved. Using various motif’s to symbolise the function of the room. In essence it would act as a key.
SKETCH VISUAL OF CAVE
e ng area
n is arved he space rear.
An inside perspective of the cave illustrating spatial aspects on the interior.
l bedouin weaving on the surface of the if’s to symbolise the ould act as a key. BEDOUIN CARVING: By taking inspiration from traditional bedouin weaving patterns, this design can be imposed on the surface of the stone and carved. Using various motif’s to symbolise the function of the room. In essence it would act as a key.
LOCATION STRATEGY
1. EAST ELEVATION SITE OF Jebel Ishin
2. LOCATE DEEPER AREAS OF EROSION ALREADY AVAILABLE ON SITE. THIS WILL FORM THE CARVED STRUCTURES.
5. ADD NEW STRUCTURE SITES TO CO-ORDINATE WITH HIKING ROUTES AND ELEVATED WALKWAY PATH.
6. TO AVOID OVER EXCAVATION AND WEAKENING OF THE Jebel’S STRUCTURE, MAKE SURE CARVING LOCATIONS ARE NOT TOO CLOSE.
[ 140 ]
3. USING ALREADY EXISTING STRUCTURE OF EROSION FOLLOW A PATH TO CONNECT SPACES. THIS WILL FORM THE WALKWAY STRUCTURE.
4. PLOT EXISTING HIKING ROUTES ON Jebel, SINCE THESE ARE PRIMARY TOURIST VENTURE, REST SPOTS NEED TO BE LOCATED ALONG THE HIKING PATH.
7. PROPOSED AREAS TO POTENTIALLY CARVE IN NOW LOCATED
8. APPLY THE HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE FORMATION TO MOUNTAIN FACE FOR SPATIAL ALLOCATION.
CATALOGUE OF COMPONENTS SMALL UNIT
SMALL UNIT
MEDIUM UNIT
4 X 8 (m)
3.5 X 4 (m)
3.5 X 5 (m)
5 X 4 (m)
PLAN
PRECEDENT
SECTION B
SECTION A
ELEVATION
Cappidocia precedent relates that it took one month for this shape to be carved by one man, thus this is my unit parameters that I will work with.
DOUBLE HEIGHT MEDIUM UNIT 5 X 4 (m)
LARGE UNIT
DOUBLE HEIGHT LARGE UNIT
CONTEMPLATION UNIT
5 X 5 (m)
5 X 5 (m)
3.5 X 7 (m)
SECTION B
SECTION A
ELEVATION
PLAN
CATALOGUE OF CONNECTIONS SMALL BARREL VAULT
DEEP BARREL VAULT
LARGE GROIN VAULT
MEDIUM GROIN VAULT
5 X 1.5 (m)
3 X 9 (m)
5 X 5 (m)
4 X 4 (m)
SMALL GROIN VAULT
LONG STEPS
SHORT STEPS
CORNER STEPS
2.5 X 2.5 (m)
9 X 1.5 (m)
7 X 1.5 (m)
4.5 X 5 (m)
FINAL DESIGN Wadi Rum; A Nomads tale of Drifting - CHAPTER NINE
SINGLE ONE BED
[ 152 ]
[ 156 ]
[ 160 ]
[ 164 ]
[ 168 ]