A design thesis submitted to the department of architecture and design at Abu Dhabi University By Dalia F. Sawas #1016679 In partial fulfillment for the requirement of bachelor degree of Architecture Fall '16-'17 Al-Ain, UAE Dr. Paolo Caratelli
// Acknowledgment To start, I am grateful to God for the good health and wellbeing that were necessary to complete this book. I wish to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Paolo Caratelli, my mentor and project instructor for the continuous encouragement and patience during the entirety of my student years. I am also grateful to Ms. Alessandra Misuri, Ms. Yusra Saleh, Dr. Nadia Mounajjed,and Ms. Deborah Bentley. I am extremely thankful and indebted to them for sharing their expertise, and sincere and valuable guidance and encouragement throughout my years of study. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to all of the Department faculty members for their help and support. I also thank my parents for the unceasing encouragement, support and attention.
Architecture and war are not incompatible. Architecture is war. War is architecture. I am at war with my time, with history, with all authority that resides in fixed and frightened forms. -Lebbeus Woods
//ABSTRACT The concept of this proposal has been derived from the idea to counter the modern idealism. In the last decade, there has been a vast increase in deprived urban areas. Sustenance of local architecture in the UAE is growing, but is still a mirage behind the alien-like structures in urban contexts around UAE. In Lebbeus Woods words, ‘The aim is not to disturb the stability, but to provide strategies for adaptation when transformation occurs. Even more, they celebrate change and the energies driving it, as the essence of existence.’ Change is coming and it is time to change the way we approach the future. Sustainability and preservation have become such clichés, but only because we turned our heads to the wrong direction. Exploring Parasitic Architecture has been deemed as its named ‘parasitic’, what if it’s a solution?
plore Futuristic Parasitic Architecture and the program will serve under the main emotions I had while discovering it; Fluidity, Movement of Space, Extremity, and Machine. FARM LAB will have a one of a kind program which serves botany, and scientists while acknowledging the unique position of its biological and technological surrounding. Creating an idiosyncratic narrative while maintaining the design credibility and endless possibilities.
This thesis and design will ex-
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//PREFACE The narrative of the idea behind this thesis starts with extraterrestrial activity around AlAin’s most iconic landmark. Jebel Hafeet has become an attractive site due to its imposing nature, all the more reason for any sort of brutal infliction of alien life. This thesis explores when biology and technology combine and how they create endless possibilities for humans and their environment as well. Also, the transformation of a foreign form into a manageable and useful program which benefits scientists to explore and experiment, also create produce and profit. This extreme type of architecture is exploring parasitic designs while maintaining build-ability and realistic goals. FARM LAB will be a one of a kind research center specialized for botany and its many branches, just whats missing not only in AlAin but all of UAE. The form will act as a hub for scientific research which will include plant nurseries, Laboratories, Vertical Farms, green houses, specialized facilities and departments, high-tech botany workshops, testing labs, Herbariums, common rooms, library, exhibition areas, offices, meeting rooms, sleeping headquarters for scientists and staff, etc. The extensive vegetation and program forces the “human restoration� to be as sustainable as possible so it can be useful and harmless to the fragile texture of Jebel Hafeet. 14
//OBJECTIVES The Research contains 4 different scopes & objectives: • LOCATION: Due to the sensitivity of Jebel Hafeet, it is crucial to keep in mind how information of its geography and vegetation might inflict future boundaries and reservations onto the design phase. Also, collecting vegetation and animal information unique to the area is what drives the concept of this thesis. • RESEARCH: Part of the research involved studying the issues and what is lacking in the area, something that will give meaning to the research and the program created. • THEME: Parasitic Architecture can be termed “as an adaptable, transient and exploitive form of architecture that forces relationships with host buildings in order to complete themselves.” (Sara, 2012) The method of reasoning behind this body of work is to create and widen the exploration embraced as a major aspect of this undergraduate thesis into parasitic influence. • PRACTICALITY: This research will be proof that even the most invasive events can be turned into useful tools for humans. Furthermore, when it comes to designing a climatic and botanic research center it is important to create a worthy space for scientific research but also create comfort spaces for the scientists and staff residing in the building. This feeding on our environment has to stop, we need to create a space which can turn the worst of odds to our favor. 15
//METHODOLOGY The thesis originally started by identifying the scenario of the extraterrestrial activity and rationalizing possible locations. Studying how the site is affected and searching for theoretical articles and art that explain the invasive act. A big part of the research was heavily influenced by Neo-noir movies and art, but also theoretical architect Lebbeus Woods. Creating and studying the scenario also paved the way to discovering Parasitic Architecture. Parasitic Architecture can be considered as an adaptable and temporary structure that feeds off the current form, living or dead. Parasites usually work with existing bodies and hence can be considered as an architectural intervention that transforms a form by refining and redefining it to create a new perspective to become more acceptable to the public. It can also create new space which can be deemed useful. After finding the perfect location acting as a host, the research deepened as a site visit was mandatory to locate the exact site. Wind, and other natural factors determined the site, thus initiating a wide search. A trip to the AlAin municipality was useful to combine tools and information that is not public knowledge. Since the research concept is one of a kind, all similar projects are either conceptual or found in many studies not one so it was limited to web browsing. Later, to obtain information about how possible users 16
of this project would benefit off of, a questionnaire was handed out. People of different ages and genders were asked to give opinions and write down emotions so it would be easier to capture and create a design later on that would represent those ideas. This type of human interaction was the main method of collecting user data. An interview was made with Dr. Bahij Sawas, a genetic engineer working at Agriculture research center in Aleppo, Syria. The two different user feedback were then compared and gave an inside to their perspectives and possible design solutions. After defining the program and solutions, it was clear that a budget had to be calculated to create a list for materials, labor work, and equipment. Finally, design studies conclude this thesis by representing a proposal for the design stage which is represented by a simplified digital model.
Fig.1- Archigram, Walking City, 1964
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//WORK PLAN
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//Vertical Architecture & SCI-FI It requires little removal to reveal the interest that vertical urban structures have held for advanced designers and organizers. The Italian Futurist Antonio Sant’Elia, (L, C, & L, 2009) for instance, imagined urban communities where ‘elevators [would] swarm up the facades like serpents of glass and iron’ and where the road would ‘no longer lie like a doormat. but plunge several stories deep into the earth ‘. A couple of years after the fact, the architect Auguste Perret envisioned a Paris without bounds with avenues 250 meters wide and on either side houses that reach to the clouds ‘ (Passanti, 1987). While Le Corbusier – a famous figure whose distraction with verticality have thrown long shadows in cutting edge urban and structural history – communicated his aspiration to redo the urban scene without bounds as ‘a vertical city which will pile up the cells which have for so long been crushed on the ground, and set them high above the earth, bathed in light and air’ (Passanti, 1987).
Enthusiasm for the improvement of the vertical urban pivot has, accordingly, been a focal strand of the current building creative ability and close by this inventive distraction, bolstered by the designing developments normal for the period, procedures of urbanization have likewise reached out over the vertical hub. Over the span of their development and augmentation, urban improvement forms have exhumed downwards, making underground urban scenes ruled by the infrastructural plexus that is the essential of present day urban life. In the meantime, they have extended far into the spaces of the air and sky, flagging corporate status, political and monetary centrality, and mechanical dominance as they reach for ever-more noteworthy vertical augmentation. (Hewitt & Graham, 2014)
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//POST NATURAL
In the event that machines are the encapsulation of a question focused culture and nature is a social articulation of procedures, then post-natural is the place these perspectives unite through new material combination. The post-natural revels the intricate transaction between societies, nature, biology and biotechnology, which brings about the consistent mix of falsely composed and designed specialists into the earth, for example, hereditary adjusted living beings or robotic frameworks. Post-natural landscapes are social readings of the earth where human and non-human specialists are substantially incorporated through fluctuating compound trades and are imperceptible to occupants, who consider these textures as ordinary encounters. Similarly, that the post-computerized age has seen an era of youngsters that jab at paper anticipating that it should bounce into collaboration with them, post-natural locals anticipate that their surroundings will be vivacious, not dormant, and react to them at the human scale. The united landscapes harbor a range of conditions and en-
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counters that are as changed as the arrangement of life itself. Cases of developing post-natural scenes incorporate the change of local biomes by mechanical poisons and more key recommendations to catch counterfeit and natural structures. (Armstrong, 2015)
//ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY RESPONSES TO INVASIVE ALIENS The overall association of species with new topographical ranges is affecting worldwide biodiversity in various significant ways. Local vegetation and faunas are being altered forever by the monstrous presentation of outsider species, to such an extent that attack scientists talk about the outcome as “biotic homogenization.� Evolutionary connections of outsider and local species are for all time changing these part species, and in addition the groups they shape. Presented species are one of the primary driver of increase in rates of extirpation and elimination of local species, particularly in isolated situations, for example, maritime islands and
freshwater lakes and streams. (Cox, 2013) Over time, intrusive species have a tendency to end up integrated into the new biotic group in a manner that their underlying effects are relaxed. Combination happens through the procedures of coevolution and counter adaptation. Coevolution is the common trans-formative adjustment of at least two species to each other: herbivore with plant, predator with prey, and parasite with host. These developmental groupings in the long run may prompt to examples of shared advantage for the associating species. Counter adaptation is a related idea and alludes to the aggregate of trans-formative alterations by individuals from the local group to the new trespasser. These changes may include enhanced guards, refined focused capacities, or adjustments for misusing the new group member. As we have seen, the attacking species is additionally developing acclimations to the physical and biotic conditions it experiences. (Cox, 2013)
//P6
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Fig.4 Fig.2
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Fig.3
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//C A S E S T U D Y #1- BAMA ECO RESORT
Fig.7- Map from ScribbleMaps
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Fig.8
Name/ Bama Eco Resort Architects/ davidclovers Location/ Bama, Guangxi, China Size/ 9500 sm (Area 1) Client/ Huyau Type/ Arrivals building and natural water Therme Status/ Concept Design complete
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Reason for selection/ Natural Aesthetic and the way the building deals with the environment it is surrounded by. It helps understand the materials, and natural effect on the design.
Fig.9
Fig.10
Fig.11
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The design by davidclovers for the Bama Eco Resort includes two key areas of an eco-tourist resort project that intends to be a flagship project for China demonstrating how architecture can both re-work and reinvigorate sensitive habitat sites. Using innovative construction methods and design processes, both projects “farm� the existing terrain of the site finding its latent potentials. (Furuto, 2012) Clad using a custom terracotta tile that is intended to blacken over time the arrivals building is mostly buried below grade, flanking the river. It is the gateway project for the property in numerous respects. Cars and buses are pushed below grade, threaded through and around a large bamboo light well and water collection pond. Here tourists coming to visit Bama Cave will see various exhibitions and retail outlets. (Furuto, 2012)
Fig.12
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Night view- Area 1 Fig.14
night view- Thermal baths 28
Fig.13
Covered with a green roof comprised of a series of earthen disc-skylights, daylight and artificial light emit different colors from the “native habitat garden� through skylights into the floors below. The garden, managing storm and gray water, is a collection point for tourists before and after their visit to the cave where glimpses of the major landmarks and tourists below are revealed. (Furuto, 2012) Getting dropped off at grade, resort guests promenade through two historic trees into a recycled wood check-in area. Cantilevered over the river, this part of the building harnesses the sensorial aspects of the site. Using water’s reflection, sound and the color vegetation from the roof garden above, the building immerses guests in color, light and sound prior to their boat journey to the hotel. (Furuto, 2012)
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//C A S E S T U D Y #2- HIDING IN TRIANGLES
Fig.15- Map from ScribbleMaps
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CONTOUR LINES
Fig.16
Reason for selection/ The mountainous location of this building helps understand how parasitic architecture attaches itself to the mountain and how circulation is handled.
BIKE + VEHICLE ROUTE
Name/ ploma
Hiding in Triangles / Di-
Architect/ Philip Modest Schambelan + Anton Fromm Location/ Pregasina, Garda, Italy
Lago
di
Type/ Mountain Bike Hotel Structure/ steel / polycarbonate (residential units) Size/ 1500 sm
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Fig.17
Steel skeleton
Fig.18
Skeleton + volume
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Fig.19
Circulation
Lake Garda is known as a tourist destination and includes many resorts and hotels along its coasts. This exclusive mountain bike hotel may soon be one of those tourist destinations. The hotel hangs 500 meters high on a side of a cliff which provides immediate access to tracks surrounding the lake. This location provides spectacular views and the hotel will be perfect for easy bike-in and out access. The concept of triangles reaches t every aspect as the hotel is connected to the side of the cliff through 3 cores lodged into the cliff for steadiness. The circulation is unique for its easy enter and exit strategy which is spread around a couple of areas throughout 6 floors also minimizing traffic. The ramps lead directly into the rooms and each user can store their bike inside thanks to its soft 12-degree tilt. (Cilento, 2010)
Fig.20- Render
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Fig.21- Plans + Circulation
The top floor, Level 0, includes communal spaces like a coffee shop, snack bar, the sun deck and a media room. Natural daylighting is used extensively throughout the hotel to provide clear, bright light and also to bridge a strong connection with the natural beauty surrounding the cliffside resort. (Cilento, 2010) 34
Fig.22- Volume + Space Distribution
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//C A S E S T U D Y #3- NET ZERO HOUSING
Fig.23- Map from ScribbleMaps
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Reason for selection/ -Design Philosophy -Aesthetic -High-tech Materials -Sustainability
Name/ Net Zero Housing Status/ Student work Designer(s)/ nan
Sriram
Ramakrish-
University/ The Ohio State University Type/ Residential units Fig.24- Site resource plan: six resources identified
Year/ 2050
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Late into the future when many forms of energy have decreased and have become too rare and expensive even with advanced technology. Ohio, known as a state with insufficient solar energy has cold winters and lack wind enough for wind turbines to make energy. This type of architecture no longer follows the debate of ‘form follows function’ but follows ‘form follows resources’. (Ramakrishnan, 2016)
Design Philosophy/ 1- Alternate energy source 2- Resource management 3- Minimalist multi-performance design 4- Learning from locals 5- Geometry Fig.25- Residence elevation: protecting loss of resources
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Fig.26- Site resource plan: six resources identified
Fig.27- Whole building section: resources secured
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//C A S E S T U D Y #4- ROCK STADIUM
Fig.28- Map from ScribbleMaps
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Architects/ MZ Architects Location/ Al Ain, United Arab Emirates Owner & Developer/ Aldar Properties Type/ Football Stadium Plot Area/ 563,333 sm Total Built-Up Area/ 206,300 sqm Total Number of Seats: 40,000 Year/ 2013 Fig.29- Satellite shot of site
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Inspired by Al-Ain’s desert landscape, the architects commemorate the desert as much as the game it hosts. The stadium sinks 200,000 m2 into the deep sand. The concept behind the stadium lies in the sand like a treasure coming up with inclined planes.
Reason for selection/ The type of extractment of the same type of mountain rock of Jebel Hafeet. Fig.29- Mountain Extractment 42
Fig.30- Mountain + stadium Section
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Fig.30&31- Digital Renders
“Working with the existing site and using the local materials, the architects find themselves playing with a carefully studied palette of rock and sand that not only lead to the main façade/visual panels system adhering to the site but also create a more sustainable approach to construction and design where no material is forgotten or displaced and where all is reused. Careful patterns are created with the recuperated stone, creating interestingly designed man-made strata patterns that emphasize the natural characteristic of the site.â€? (Furuto, Rock Stadium Proposal / MZ Architects, 2013) 44
Issues + solutions/ Issues of scale, timing and activity were highly investigated by the architects and by forcing the stadium into the ground, the designers were strategically able to deal with the challenging issue of massiveness of scale and of the often voided space. The project not only gracefully blends itself into its surrounding but plays on the notion of distance to alternate between a strong camouflage at distance and a forceful presence at close range. (Furuto, Rock Stadium Proposal / MZ Architects, 2013)
A sculpted landscape or a defined void, the Rock Stadium becomes a jewel in the desert which lights up at night allowing the active evenings to turn the stadium into a massive light beam that emerges from the ground straight to the higher sky and creates a symbol, a sign, a guiding agent to the national event and place of activity in an otherwise sign-less desert environment. Its grand entrance into the underground creates a monumental approach to the space of events, similar to the imposing entrance of the Temple of Anahita. Whether it is the long and narrow corridors connecting the parking space to the stadium through scattered openings and perforations into the main rock faรงade, or the breaking planes emerging from the ground and creating at their fractured intersections carved out passageways that lead the visitor into its underground heart, the entrance to the stadium is a magnificent one. (Furuto, Rock Stadium Proposal / MZ Architects, 2013)
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//C A S E S T U D Y #5- BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Fig.32- Map from ScribbleMaps
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Fig.33&34- Exterior & Interior Shots
Architect/ H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture Location/ Texas, USA Completion/ 2011
Reason for Selection/ Learning from its program, and circulation between private and public spaces.
Size/ 70,000 sf Cost/ $25,000,000 Client/ Botanical Research Institute of Texas
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Design Philosophy/ This projects is divided into two volumes, the first block “Think Block”, includes administration and research offices, education department, exhibit area, and public spaces. The second block called “Archive Block”, includes the herbarium and library. 48
Fig.35- Master Plan
The ‘Archive Block’ houses the extensive collection of botanical specimens in the Herbarium, a two-story 20,000-squarefoot climate controlled storage hall, together with a distinguished book collection found in the library stacks. Because of the delicate nature of the specimens, the structure is nearly windowless—a solid box of tilt-up concrete panels to provide maximum temperature and humidity controls. (Ross, 2012)
Fig.36- Library
The ‘Think Block’ is a two-story structure of precast concrete panels punctuated with glass—broad expanses on the north side to bring in plentiful light and smaller openings on the south. A striking lobby greets visitor as they enter, featuring a grand central stair, reclaimed sinker cypress wall, and view through floor-to-ceiling glass to the restored prairie outside. (Ross, 2012) 49
Fig.37- Ground Floor
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Fig.38- First Floor
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Fig.39- Education Room
Materials/ On the Concrete, various examples of foliage, surface, and shading react to changing sun edges and seasons. The slanting ‘Think Block’ rooftop is a green scope of casual examples of provincial sedums and grasses of the local Fort Worth Prairie. The inside character of the building is that of a work place, offering a domain where investigations, education, joint effort, and instruction can occur in a collegiate, motivating climate. (Ross, 2012) 52
Fig.40- Herbarium
Project Name
Bama Eco Resort
Hiding
Type
Resort
In TrianBike Hotel gles
Design Concept
Location
Triangles
Program
Area1/ Check-in Public areas/ coffee shop, snack bar, the sun deck and a media room
Users
AREA
Lessons Learned
Public
9500sqm
How sustainability and local materials are important in making it blend with its surrounding
Private
1500sqm
circulation, parasitic architecture and how it works
Private
NA
design aesthetic, high tech materials, and techniques
206,300sqm
dealing with same type of mountain and keeping its identity
70,000 sqf
program, circulation and plot design
Residents/ single, double rooms Net Zero Housing
R e s i d e n - Lack of Retial Units sources
Rock Stadium
Football Stadium
Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Research Center
Typical Rooms
Football field, of Lobby, VIP Public lounge, Parking Herbarium, education rooms, Public/Pri‘Form follows library, exhivate function’ bition areas Mountains Alain
//Comparison and Summary table 53
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//Site Location
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Fig.41,42&43-
Google Earth Images
Jabal Hafeet is major topographic high, rising —1240 meters (m) above sea level and comprising Tertiary sedimentary rock. It is easily visible from space and is located just west of the Hajar or Oman Mountains that, in contrast, comprise largely Mesozoic igneous rocks. Located immediately south of the city of Al-Ain, in the eastern Region or Abu-Dhabi, it straddles the international border between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Jebel hafeet is an anticline feature that is actually the southernmost element of a small collection of anticlines. (Aspinall, 2004)
//Site Overview
Fig.44- Polar Sunpath
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Its neighboring structures extend northwards towards Al Ain but they have been severely eroded and are visible today as comparatively insignificant ridges or cuestas (Jebel al-Ain East and Jebel al-Ain West). The geology of Jebel Hafeet, therefore, cannot be understood in isolation and so the following discussion deals with the entire anticlinorium. Oriented essentially in a north-south direction, this anticlinorium reaches 29 kilometres (kms) in length and 5 kms in width. The Jebel is a barren, spectacularly rocky edifice of limestone which rises abruptly out of the relatively flat desert plains that surround it. (Aspinall, 2004) Fig.45- Top View of Jabal Hafeet
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Fig.46- Sun-dial Diagrams at 1pm
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//Topography & analysis
Fig.47- Topography contour lines (50m) 60
//Zoning & Site Opportunities + Constraints /CONSTRAINTS • ACCESS TO SITE • MOUNTAIN TOPOGRAPHY • SERVICES • WATER + ELECTRICITY /OPPORTUNITY • SLOPED VERTICAL-ITY • VIEWS • MATERIALS • SITE LOCATION • HEIGHT • WIND • TOURIST DESTINATION
FARMLAB
LOCATION Fig.48- Topography + Zoning
Fig.49- Top of Jebel Hafeet 61
//Geography Map Jebel Hafeet is situated along the western flank of Hajar or Oman Mountains, which were formed by major orogenic or mountain building events during at least two periods in geological history. The mountain belt is related to the Zagros mountains that extend from southeast Turkey: through Iran along the northeast flank of the Arabian Gulf; and across the Straits of Hormuz into the Arabian Peninsula where they trend southeastwards from the Musandam Peninsula. (Aspinall, 2004)
Fig.50 62
//Archaeology Map Cairn tombs at Jebel Hafit were among the first archaeological sites identified in the United Arab Emirates, and, indeed, the south-eastern Arabian peninsula as a whole. Their discovery and dating has led to the designation of an entire cultural horizon as the “Hafeet Period�. Although non-funerary evidence is still scanty for this phase of human occupation, it is thought that the builders of the Hafit cairns were representatives of the first fully settled farming communities in the region. During the late fourth and early third millennia BC, these communities enjoyed trading relations with the burgeoning Mesopotamian civilization, in modern Iraq, and their Early Bronze Age culture may be regarded as the direct precursor to that of the better-known Umm al-Nar period. (Aspinall, 2004) Fig.51 63
//Tombs
Fig.52&53- Tomb section & artifacts
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Fig.54- Bee-hive tombs top view
//Hydrology
Fig.55- Natural Springs in Mubazzarah
The ancient and natural spring of Ain al-Faydah, close to the base of the west limb of the Hafeet structure, is a permanent souce of groundwater. However, the groundwaters of Jebel Hafeet’s aquifers are considered too saline to provide potable water for the Al Ain Municipality. in recent years there has been an interesting discovery of hot or hydrothermal water on the west limb of Jebel Hafeet, just north of Ain al-Faydah. Its surface temperatures range between 36 and 560 Celsius. Unlike the hot springs known to occur along fault lines in the Oman Mountains near Muscat, this hot water requires pumping to the surface using wells drilled to depths of 90-200 meters. The
water is believed to be circulating at subsurface depths exceeding 2000 meters. It is plentiful and replenish-able to the extent that appraisal drilling led to Al Ain Municipality using these mineral-rich waters as the basis of a local therapeutic spa with purpose-built facilities. At least fourteen wells with subsurface pumps have supplied the baths with hot water. (Aspinall, 2004)
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//Temperature Fig.56- The daily average low (blue) and high (red) temperature with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile).
The warm season lasts from May 5 to September 25 with an average daily high temperature above 40°C. The hottest day of the year is August 5, with an average high of 44°C and low of 31°C. The cold season lasts from December 3 to February 21 with an average daily high temperature below 28°C. The coldest day of the year is January 23, with an average low of 13°C and high of 24°C. (WeatherSpark, 2016) 66
//Precipitation
//Warm Season Precipitation
Fig.59
Fig.57- The fraction of days in which various types of precipitation are observed. If more than one type of precipitation is reported in a given day, the more severe precipitation is counted.
Fig.58
//Cold Season Precipitation
Fig.60 67
//Humidity
The relative humidity typically ranges from 13% (very dry) to 88% (very humid) over the course of the year, rarely dropping below 7% (very dry) and reaching as high as 99% (very humid). The air is driest around May 29, at which time the relative humidity drops below 16% (dry) three days out of four; it is most humid around December 22, exceeding 84% (humid) three days out of four. (WeatherSpark, 2016) 68
Fig.61- The average daily high (blue) and low (brown) relative humidity with percentile bands (inner bands from 25th to 75th percentile, outer bands from 10th to 90th percentile).
//Wind
// Wind Directions Over the Entire Year
Fig.62- The average daily minimum (red), maximum (green), and average (black) wind speed with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile).
Fig.64- Wind Rose
Fig.63- Wind Directions Over the Entire Year
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//Some Flora & Vegetation
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Fig.69
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Fig.73
Fig.74
The vegetation of Jebel Hafeet can be conveniently divided into three main zones which broadly correlate with successive altitudinal belts.
1. Acacia tortilis parkland 2. Montane wadi associations 3. Euphorbia larica and dwarf shrub vegetation of the rocky slopes
Fig.75
Fig.76
In general, these zones correspond. also in terms of species composition, with those Mandaville (1977) describes for Jebel Akhdar near Rustaq in northern Oman. Two additional zones developed on Jebel Akhdar above 1350 m are absent from Jebel Hafeet, as the mountain does not reach this elevation. (Aspinall, 2004)
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//Flora & Vegetation Jebel Hafeet, an impressive inselberg lying immediately to the south of the oasis city of Al Ain, is an outlier of the Hajar mountain range. situated roughly 20 km to the east. The southern half of the mountain is located in Oman. but due to problems of accessibility. this account of the vegetation and flora is restricted to the northern part, which lies within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. one of the seven constituents of the United Arab Emirates. In contrast to the mainly ophiolite Hajar Mountains. Jebel Hafeet is composed primarily of Tertiary carbonate sediments. This has certain implications for the flora, (Aspinall, 2004) Jebel Hafeet rises abruptly to some 800 in above the surrounding plain. reaching an elevation of just over 12(X) in. It is oriented along a north-south axis. and is roughly 17 kin in length. and two to three km wide. The flanks are dissected by numerous steep wadis and gullies. The largest wadi, Wadi Tarabat, drains northwards and divides the northern section of the mountain, slightly east of the main axis. There is no perennial running water on the mountain. but after heavy rainfall. many of the wadis hold water for short periods of time. A number of temporary pools may form. and several near-permanent small pools are located in the lower 72
reaches of a shaded wadi on the western flank of the mountain. The climate of the Al Ain area, as with the rest of the United Arab Emirates, is of a bi-seasonal Mediterranean type, characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall. The summers (May to October) are hot, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. Winters are much cooler, with temperatures dropping to as low as 4°C at night, although frosts are unknown. Rainfall occurs mainly during the cooler winter months, with occasional downpours in the summer. Mean annual rainfall amounts for Al Ain are in the region of 100 mm (Boer, 1999), and are. Therefore, higher than in most western parts of Abu Dhabi Emirate. There is considerable variation in precipitation from one year to the next. For example, over a 23-year observation period (1970-1992) in Al Ain, total annual rainfall ranged from one to 303 mm (Boer. 1997). Because of the relatively low total amounts received even in wet years, rainfall has a decisive influence on plant populations. In dry years, vegetation development is significantly less than in wetter ones. It is important to bear in mind that rainfall is most effective for the vegetation when it
occurs during the cooler part of the year. Precipitation late in the season may not promote lush plant growth, since temperatures are then too high to permit germination of many species.
Fig.77- Shot showing slopes and Mubazzarah 73
//Vegetation on Slopes Vegetation of the inclines at first sight the rough slants of Jebel Hafeet show up unmistakably barren, particularly amid the hot months of the year. Be that as it may, on closer view it is uncovered that various dwarf person bushes are visible. These are barely noticeable amid times of dryness, on the grounds that the majority of the species have then shed their leaves and are dormant. The vegetation of the inclines of Jebel Hafeet, in the same way as that of the Hajar mountains, has joins with the vegetation of the montane territories of southern Iran and other areas east. Though Acacia tortilis is the trademark perrenial at lower heights, Euphorbia larica is the most obvious, yet not really the most plentiful plant at high areas. Due to the commonness of E. larica in the vegetation cover, (Zohary, 1973) who contemplated vegetation ruled by E. larica in southern Iran (Makran and Laristan ranges), assigned the vegetation class ‘Euphorbietea laricae’. Other trademark taxa of the class, which are additionally found on Jebel Hafit, incorporate Blepharis ciliaris, Ephedra foliata, Gaillonia aucheri, Nannorrhops ritchieana and Sphaerocoma aucheri. Besides, (Zohary, 1973) likely separated three particular groups from the inland mountains 74
close Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, under 150 km from the shore of the northern UAE, to be specific: • Euphorbia larica-Convolvulus acanthocladus community • • Euphorbia larica-Gaillonia aucheri community • • Euphorbia larica-Sphaerocoma aucheri community The event of Salsola drummondii on the slants of Jebel Hafeet (as of late gathered by Prakriti, the Nature Club, Abu Dhabi Indian School) is surprising. In spite of the fact that it has been recorded from Ain Al Faydah, it is basically a waterfront plant, where it is locally abundant (Brown, 2004). Normal grasses of the rough inclines at all rises incorporate Aristida adscensionis, Stipagrostis ciliata, Tetrapogon villosus and Cymbopogon commutatus. The last is discovered especially in or on the edge of runnels. Stipagrostis ciliata was much of the time experienced on rough inclines at all heights, and it is this species that is likely alluded to as Stipagrostis sp. in the prior report of the Emirates Natural
History Group (Stuart and Stuart, 1998). Stipagrostis plumosa is likewise present, yet gives off an impression of being more normal at lower heights. Dichanthium .fbreolatum was found on rough inclines at all rises. (Aspinall, 2004) The numerous runnels on the slopes host a number of species, usually towards the margins. Apart from the species found around depressions listed below, Periploca aphylla commonly occurs in such situations, as do: • • • • • •
Ephedra foliata Euphorbia larica Guillortiu aucheri Halothamnus bottae Teucrium stocksianunt Vernonia arabica
75
//Some Breeding Species + Winter Visitors Fig.78
Fig.81
Fig.79
Fig.82
Fig.80
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Fig.83
Conservation/ There is no doubt that Jebel Hafeet is of both national and regional importance for bird life. It has already been recognized as an ‘Important Bird Area’, an internationally recognized designation (Evans 1995) and this has been documented and acknowledged by the UAE’s Federal Environmental Agency, FEA, although as yet no formal protective measures have been put in place. The Environmental Research & Wildlife Development Agency. ERWDA, is currently developing plans and a management proposal to ensure the area’s wildlife is effectively conserved. The most important species of bird, both recognized as national Red Data species under threat (Hornby & Aspinall 1996), are Egyptian Vulture(Fig.80) and Barbary Falcon. Although only these two species at present require special safeguards, the community, in containing a unique
combination of resident and visiting restricted range or nationally local species, not to mention other indigenous faunal groups and flora, warrants particular attention from relevant authorities dealing with wildlife conservation issues. (Aspinall, 2004)
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//ARCHITECTURE REQUIREMENTS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE SYSTEMS: FOR RESEARCH BUILDINGS //Lab work density Mechanization, reduction, and justification prompt to a more productive utilization of lab spaces and subsequently a higher density. This might involve a diminishing in the accessible working territory per person. Very mechanical forms require less labor, though in case of more manual work the contrary happens. An expanded number of workers per lab unit summons a more prominent feeling of security, social control, and correspondence. The turnaround case will happen if numbers diminish. These two inclinations can happen all the while inside a similar research teach. Widespread mechanization of research procedures is not normal. In the meantime, more proficient utilization of research facility space has turned into a general need. These improvements call for bigger and adaptable spatial courses of action, which suit both mechanized procedures (vast space necessities, low labor) and manual procedures that focus an extensive number of workers. (Grรถmling, Braun, & Bleher, 2005) 79
//Larger special units Bigger spatial units can adjust more effectively to erratic advancements than smaller cellular actions. For legal and security reasons more than one person ought to be available in the research center whenever. This prerequisite can only entirely be met with bigger units. They likewise help social contact and the trading of thoughts. Also, the regularly dreaded open plan workspaces are not really an issue. An incredible switch is valid: an able and separated inside format gives brilliant and grandiose spaces that bolster cooperation, yet figures out how to protect security. Little spaces will just keep on prevailing in a couple cases. This includes zones where dangerous substances are taken care of or cross defilement represents a potential hazard. (Grรถmling, Braun, & Bleher, 2005) //Proximity of office and laboratory spaces Leveled office hierarchies boost cooperation and imagination. As office and research center work are combining, new informative structures emerge. Another pattern indicating in 80
a similar direction is the joining of manual and scholarly work using PCs, which requires a nearness of lab seat and office work area. Accordingly, the incorporation of work areas for investigation and workplaces into lab wings has turned out to be more regular. Along these lines, office spaces are in close contact with the research center procedures, yet advantage from normal ventilation. Workplaces designated to lab spaces can be littler furthermore lessen flow ranges. Therefore, they enhance the proportion of net floor range to flow zone. (Grรถmling, Braun, & Bleher, 2005)
//SUSTAINABILITY So far the theme of sustainability has not been a need in research facilities. Throughout the following years, low resources and legitimate necessities, will undoubtedly put this issue under the light of interest when arranging and developing structures. Aside from being a moral need, sustainability is progressively turning into an environmental, practical, and social component that increases the durability of a building. The diverse perspectives and coming about prerequisites frame a perplexing framework. Sustainability in this sense can be outlined here just by couple of illustrations: The previously mentioned prudent utilization of space spares building costs, building material, running expenses and – if utilized effectively – conceivably enhances working and corporate culture. High adaptability upgrades the utility estimation of a building and expands its life expectancy. This is vital especially in perspective of the way that most changes or advancements can’t be anticipated definitely. Charming inside and working situations call for
precisely chose materials, diminish the quantity of representatives on debilitated leave and abatement upkeep costs. The utilization of recyclable materials settles transfer issues when structures are restored and foresees practical reusing strategies. Vitality productive building and proper specialized establishments decrease venture and running expenses; preferably, clients ought to have the capacity to control the room atmosphere separately. (Grömling, Braun, & Bleher, 2005)
81
82
//SPACE STANDARDS //Laboratories
Fig.84- Laboratory Standards 83
Fig.85- Laboratory Standards 84
//Libraries
Fig.86- Library Standards 85
//Rack Systems
Fig.87- Warehouse/Rack Systems 86
Fig.88- Mechanically operated Racks 87
//Green Houses
Fig.89- Greenhouses 88
Fig.90- Greenhouses 89
//offices
Fig.91- Office distribution 90
//Gallery/exhibition
Fig.92- office distribution 91
//cafe
Fig.93- Restaurant dimensions 92
//Human Dimensions & Space Requirements
Fig.94- Ergonomics 93
//BUILDING HEIGHT & AREAS //BUILDING CLASSIFICATION
Fig.95- Abu Dhabi International Building Code 94
//FIRE CODES
Fig.96- Abu Dhabi International Building Code 95
//ACCESSIBILITY
Fig.97- Abu Dhabi International Building Code 96
//BUILDING BLOCKS
Fig.98- Abu Dhabi International Accessibility standards 97
Fig.100- Abu Dhabi International Accessibility standards 98
//ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
Fig.101- Abu Dhabi International Accessibility standards 99
Fig.102- The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 100
Fig.103- The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 101
Fig.104- SUMMARY OF CREDIT POINTS FOR THE PEARL BUILDING RATING SYSTEM: The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 102
Fig.105- SUMMARY OF CREDIT POINTS FOR THE PEARL BUILDING RATING SYSTEM: The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 103
Q1- WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?
//USERS GROUPS IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION
The feedback coming from the survey is based on the general publics’ opinion, who will be visiting the center. It also extends to tourists, Locals, expats, staff, who come from different backgrounds and ages.
Female
Male
The interview is done with a plant
genetic engineer with a doctorate and a long professional experience in botanical research centers, the interviewee will provide detailed responses corresponding with the program and use.
Out of 40 responses, 13 were female(32.5%), while males were 27(67.5%).
//DATA COLLECTION STRATEGY
Q2- WHAT IS YOUR AGE?
The survey was mainly collected through an electronic source, Survey Monkey, which gives precise and full feedback. The interview was done over the phone.
//SURVEY FEEDBACK
There were 40 responses to the Online survey. The questions/feedback are as the following:
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62.5%
27.5%
5.0%
2.0%
2.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Q3- Do you Believe aliens exist?
No
Yes Q5- Try to picture yourself during an alien conquest, now choose 3 emotions closest to what you visualized. 5.0%
In this question, answers where split between believers and disbelievers.
5.0% 12.5% 15.0%
Q4- In your opinion, why would Aliens come to earth (assuming they would)? 45.0%
22.5% 50.0% 52.5% 62.5%
32.5%
75.0% fear, interest and shock were the most common choices of emotion.
15.0% 7.5% 0.0%
Majority replied with Other (18 persons) and their responses ranged between answers like ‘exploring’, ‘by accident’, or others who said they do not believe aliens exist. 107
Q7- In your opinion, is it important to have a facility specialized in researching material related to alien life if it is ever discovered?
Q6- Let’s assume these extraterrestrial beings end up on earth for a while then leave, what would be the best solution for whatever is left behind? For example, ships, or buildings of any kind?
No
Yes
5.0% 62.5%
32 surveyors said Yes, while only 8 said no.
2.5% 22.5% 7.5%
Other replies included, ‘turning them into playgrounds’, and ‘study them’.
108
Q8- Have you ever visited a research center dedicated to Botany?
Q9- How important do you think the following are:
Q10- Now, please order the following in the form of most important first to least important last:
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//INTERVIEW FEEDBACK All interview answers have been edited for easier understanding and summarization. Original language of answers was in Arabic, so some translation might not be literal and has been edited in the most appropriate way. //Interviewee background information Name; Dr.Bahij Moh’d Sawas Age: 63 Title: agriculture engineer (PhD in genetic engineering) Work place; Government agriculture research center & International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). Experience: 25 years a professional. //Interview Q&As Q1- What spaces do you use the most at the center you work in?
A1- Fields and Laboratories with special equipment, green houses, green fields, Data Visual computer labs. Q2- What would you like to see in a research center that you haven’t seen in your job?
A2- More social areas and social events in the center to raise awareness and 110
reach a wider audience to the importance of agriculture research. Q3- Do you think education is important in research centers?
A3- Education is half of the research as young minds add a fresh aspect to new teachings and training is important as a program for young adults or college students. Q4-How does your job atmosphere affect your performance?
A4- Our job compels us to be flexible in our duties as we often have to use different facilities whether it is labs, fields or work with teams from other integrated search like Agro-ecosystems Research, where some engineers specialize in Geo informatics, also consulting genetic engineers who work with organisms that have been created through application of transgenic, gene-splicing techniques that are part of biotechnology. Q5- How important is privacy to an employee at a research center?
A5- Usually privacy is not much important as the work is usually in teams but sometimes some facilities need to have more secure priority for example
when dealing with employees with less clearance in common areas or even some members of the team.
ducts and fans.
Q6- Do you prefer open spaces (open plan) workplace or more divided areas?
A8- It is a new concept, as usually agriculture buildings are not known to be in such geographic areas, but again, where plants and botany research is available, science has a chance to thrive, so i don’t see a reason why not.
A7- offices and labs, except climate controlled labs, and storage should have more division and fields or green houses, library and team areas have more open areas of work. Q7- What parts of the design do you think affect your performance? For example, interior materials, colors, or natural lighting.
A2- Most important is efficiency of materials, usually that need less maintenance but are still appropriate for codes of the building. Colors depend on use of areas. In wet labs usually dark colors are avoided for less water evaporation. Wood is also another material usually not acceptable in climate controlled areas. Green houses are usually separated and need more natural lighting and because of plenty of biotech-mechanical machines, keep in mind that they need their own specific spaces and special lighting and service ducts like air
Q8- What do you think of a research center on a mountainous terrain?
Q9- In case of a life or death (on earth) situation, how important do you think your job is on a scale of 1 to 10?
A9- 8 out of 10, Many times issues rise, like crop being endangered by a type of virus or bacteria, which has to be examined and studied carefully. After all, with out biological crop humans can’t thrive, even with biologically enhanced foods, or genetically mutated food created by man, which is starting to become an important issue as natural resources and natural species are slowly dying out and disappearing specially in extreme climates. Climate change is affecting some types of crops in hot climates so genetically mutated crops are created with withstand heat and stress.
111
/The following question was answered and edited from ICARDA’s website references available in Bibliography (ICARDA, 2016) Q10- Can you name some tools and technologies that are important to a research center in a hot-arid climate?
A10- Protected agriculture IS cultivation of high-value vegetables and other horticultural crops in greenhouses – allows farmers to grow cash crops on small plots in marginal, water-deficient areas where traditional cropping is not viable. ICARDA and its partners have developed improved varieties of a range of crops – wheat, barley, lentil, faba bean, chickpea, grasspea, field pea and forage crops. The new varieties are suitable for rain-fed agriculture in areas where rainfall is low and erratic. They offer higher and more stable yields and higher tolerance/resistance to diseases, insect pests, drought, heat, cold, parasitic weeds and other stress factors. Some varieties also offer large improvements in bread-making quality, nutritional value, and other traits. (ICARDA, 2016) 112
//DATA EVALUATION /SURVEY EVALUATION The survey was taken mostly by male subjects (27), and the highest age range was 25-34, with age range 1824 coming in second which means hat it was mostly done by young adults or college students/graduates. In Q3, answers were split between believers and non-believers, but in Q4, more is explored as most of the people surveyed still assumed that if it would happen aliens would either use earth for themselves or explore it, in that case, the scenario which this thesis is based on becomes more concrete. The emotions experienced in Q5, would help with the design and aesthetic, as it discovers it’s dark style. In Q6, a majority of 62.5% reported that it would be best to turn alien sites into testing fields and research facilities to advance science. Also, in Q7 it is further discovered that the majority (80%) agreed that there should be a facility dedicated to research things related to alien life if its ever discovered. However, in Q8, it was discovered that most people (92.5%) have never visited a botany
center, and when asked and observed at least 70% of surveyors did not know what is botany, and that statement was later observed further in Questions 9 and 10. Although Botany came in as least important, Plant life, Scientific research and farming came in the top 5 most important criteria, which means that people do not know that botany is the mixture of those 3 Criteria. That fact still proves that people care about natural life and how its affected. /INTERVIEW EVALUATION The interview questions were used to help get a grasp on what exactly would the program involve. The type of spaces and functions. Education and training is a big part of a research center like ICARDA, for example. Spaces, like labs, climate controlled labs and storage, green houses, fields, and computerized labs are all spaces necessary for this type of facility. Team areas and common areas are necessary for some scientists that work in teams and spend a long time at the center.
113
//COST TARGET
The cost of construction varies between Dh250 and Dh400 per square foot for medium-range projects, rising up to Dh450-Dh600 per square foot for high-end luxury projects. Increasing expenses of labor, laborer settlement and utilities have balanced the additions from the cost drop found in a couple building materials. While material costs remain a key component, industry takes point off that the general estimation of the venture could in any case fluctuate in light of the area, sort of development, outline and compositional elements. Some are of the view that the property division in a developing business sector, for example, the UAE is not extremely delicate to development costs. (Gulf News, 2015) Prices of cement and steel — the two main components for construction — have remained low, with the latter dropping by almost 14.5 per cent compared to previous year. Syed Saifullah, Deputy Sales Manager of National Cement, says although cement prices have seen a slight drop globally, the price structure in the UAE has not been affected; prices are hovering below the government imposed cap of
Dh16 a bag due to oversupply.(Gulf News, 2015) Currently, the cost varies between Dh300 and Dh400 per square foot for medium-sized economical construction, it might escalate to Dh450-Dh600 for high-end business projects. Materials have a big effect on prices, some prices of materials are as follows: - Ceramic, the cost of the square meter is between 15-90 DHM. - Doors, the cost of the square meter is between 350-5000 DHM. - Aluminum, the cost of the square meter is between 250-600 DHM.
//FINANCING THE PROJECT
The project is intended to be a government run facility, with private and public areas, as well as residential areas.
//FINANCES CALCULATION Building Cost/ 205300(sqf) x 600 (dhs) =
123,180,000 Dhs
Land cost/ 430556.42(sqf) x 70 (dhs per sqf)=
30,138,920 Dhs
TOTAL: 123,180,000 + 30,138,920=
152,318,920 Dhs
115
//PROGRAM VISION This project is envisioned to provide a full experience, from botany research and produce to staff residence and experience for the public. The calculations of the zones have been collected from the case studies as well as the space standards. Whatever wasn’t found in the standards was configured from the case studies. The program is divided into 6 spaces which will be divided throughout different levels, ranging from public, semi-public, and private. There are countless requirements for the designer. Each square meter has its specific purpose.
//General Program Summary
630
Fig.106- Privacy levels
1259 3000 3700 8800 1600
Fig.107- Privacy criteria, public to private illustration 117
//DETAILED SPACE PROGRAM As mentioned before, the calculated areas are designed for 6 different areas, each its own set of unique areas. These calculations are derived from case studies and space standards, also explain user capacity and quantity. //ADMINISTRATION & RECEPTION Area/ 650m², No. Of Users/ 230 Persons Table 1
118
SPACE 1/ The administration & Reception is the first area and the most public, which is designed to hold up to 230 persons at any given time. This area is used by administration and business people only, and not the scientists or other staff who are residents in this building.
//EXHIBITION & OBSERVATION DECK Area/ 1259m², No. of Users/ 350 Persons SPACE 2/ The second area is divided into two spaces. Indoor you will find the exhibition area which involves the second and less public area which is more secure for public and more private viewings; for example, in the private gallery. This area is perfect for people coming for a small events or just visiting some vegan popup cafe’s. Outdoor you will find a contemporary deck which gives incredible 360 degree views from the jebel also including a garden which will showcase some species of plants which were discovered or under study.
Table 2
Table 3
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//EDUCATION CENTER Area/ 3150m², No. of Users/ 550-650 Persons Table 4
Fig.108- Clipart
SPACE 3A/ The education center is split into 3 different programs, the family space, child space, and Library. The family area includes classrooms that provide a program that includes parents and their children in a one of a kind experience to gain first hand knowledge of plants and the world around them. Also, The area can include education programs which feature elementary and high school students.
120
Table 5 SPACE 3B&3C/ The second area in the education center is the child program. This program is specifically designed for children under the age of 10. Child day care is provided for families that are visiting the center or attending classes. Furthermore, The pre-school program feature a program which helps introducing children to the wonders of nature eve at a very young age. The library at this level is public and used by attendees and staff cleared to this level only. With two types of libraries for adults and children under the age of 10. All areas in #3 share a garden which is a big part of the education in the center as it involves practical learning.
Table 6
Table 7 121
//RESIDENTIAL AREA Area/ 3620 m², No. of Users/ 150 Persons Table 8
SPACE 4/ Scientists, and other staff who will be on the research team have a residential area which caters to their needs. This area has a special indoor garden connected to a common room which includes TV area, Gym, and a small event room, all spaces are open and adjustable. The activities room is a game room. All residential apartments have a view and an outdoor deck. Also, the apartments will be on the outer corners of the building and share a storage room. This area is much more private and only residents with access cards have access to this level. 122
Table 8.1 Table 8.2
SPACE A&B/ The plan in the family room is based on the international style, with a powder room next to the entrance and an open kitchen/Dining room looking onto the living room, with the bedrooms surrounding the living room from 3 sides, and 1 side is looking out onto the deck with a view of the city from the mountain. The single apartment is planned for a single individual or two individuals sharing an apartment. However, some of the single apartments will not include outdoor decks, only window view.
123
SPACE 5/ As the main part of the program, depending on function, its separated into 5 parts and a shared space. In 5A, specimens of plants are handled, sorted and processed through this area. Database work area has computers and other technical machines to upload and store specimen information onto the database. 5B is the main library, which is restricted to authorized staff. The library has a temporary herbarium which stores dried specimens of plants which is currently being worked on. The herbarium includes racks which restricts light entering even if the herbarium has natural lighting. All areas from this level onwards becomes for primary users only (authorized personnel).
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//RESEARCH AREA Area/ 8821 m², No. of Users/ 500 Persons
Table 9
Table 10
Table 11
Table 12
SPACE 5C&5D/ Laboratories are the biggest part of this area. It includes everything scientists would need to work efficiently. A big part of the program is the education, students will be able to be taught in teaching labs. The gas vault is a storage for gases that will be used and connected to generic labs, biology labs, and wet labs. Wet labs are laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other material or biological matter are handled in liquid solutions or volatile phases, requiring direct ventilation, and specialized piped utilities. A dry lab is a laboratory where computational or applied mathematical analyses are done on a computer-generated model to simulate a phenomenon in the physical realm. 5D comes second to the labs, as this area includes production of any type of produce available to staff. Wet plantation is suitable for plants that grow in water. Research fields are soil filled fields for plant growing. 125
SPACE 5E/ In this area, a conference room is available for large business conferences and meetings. The report library is were files and paper reports are stored. Shared spaces include a common room which has some fun activities for staff to cool off and you for a break.
Table 13
Table 14
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//STORAGE Area/ 1593 m², No. of Users/ 500 Persons SPACE 6/ This area connects and works handin-hand with area 5. The main herbarium is included here. The cold and wet rooms are areas with humidity and temperature control for certain types of life forms. This area is open to area 5, which means it has same privacy levels, and almost same security measures.
Table 15
//UNBUILDABLE LOT Area/ 20,927 m², No. of Users/ - Persons PLOT/ This area is the outdoor area which is spread around and in front of the future building plot. The public garden is used t showcase some of the plants discovered and can be used as an outdoor gallery area.
Table 16
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//SPACE CALCULATION CONCLUSION Based on the earlier calculations it is concluded that the areas are separated as the following: Table 16
Fig.109- Google Earth image with plot boUndaries
buildable area
unbuildable area
TOTAL PLOT 128
//SPACE USERS Users of this facility are split into two categories, Primary and Secondary. Primary users have total control of their facilities, and that includes: • Scientists • Engineers • Post-Docs • Students • Researchers • Staff Secondary users typically need the primary user to give them access to particular parts of the facility and lets them use specific accommodations only. Secondary users include but are not constricted to: • Resident visitors • Tourists • Organizers • Cleaning Staff • Management Staff • Security The main goal of this building is to attract attention of different users around the world. Although some secondary users are restricted from some areas with higher privacy measurements, for example, research and storage levels, they can still get access if accompanied by a primary user.
129
//SPACE PROXIMITY VISUALIZATION
130
131
133
//THESIS SUMMARY • Chapter #1- Preface: Methodology, Narrative, and general information. • Chapter #2- Data collected from books and websites containing detailed measurements, and data related to the program and site. • Chapter #3- Case studies which contain visual information that relate differently to each project listed. • Chapter #4- Useful information of site and its attributes. • Chapter #5- Evaluation and comparison of user feedback. • Chapter #6- Budget and financial estimation. • Chapter #7- Programming & Space • Chapter #8- Design Proposals, diagrams and Concept • Chapter #9- Conclusion and summary • Chapter #10- Bibliography and references used throughout the thesis. • Chapter #11- Appendices; additional attached documents. 135
//BIBLIOGRAPHY • Armstrong, R. (2015). Vibrant Architecture : Matter as a CoDesigner of Living Structures. De Gruyter Open. • Aspinall, S. (2004). Jebel Hafit: A Natural History. Abu Dhabi: Emirates Natural History Group. • Cilento, K. (2010, April 13). Hiding in Triangles / Philip Modest Schambelan + Anton Fromm. Retrieved from Archdaily: http://www.archdaily.com/56348/hiding-in-triangles-philip-modest-schambelan-anton-fromm • Cox, G. W. (2013). Alien Species and Evolution : The Evolutionary Ecology of Exotic Plants, Animals, Microbes, and Interacting Native Species. Island Press. • Furuto, A. (2012, June 5). Bama Eco Resort / davidclovers. Retrieved from ArchDaily: http:// www.archdaily.com/240287/bama-eco-resort-davidclovers • Furuto, A. (2013, January 22). Rock Stadium Proposal / MZ Architects. Retrieved from ArchDaily: http://www.archdaily.com/317267/rock-stadium-proposal-mz-architects • Grömling, D., Braun, H., & Bleher, H. (2005). Design Manuals : Research and Technology Buildings : A Design Manual. Birkhäuser. • Gulf News. (2015, November). Construction costs in Dubai remains stable. Retrieved from GN Property: http://www.gnproperty.com/a/real-estate-news/construction-costs-dubai-remains-stable/ • Hewitt, L., & Graham, S. (2014). Vertical cities: Representations of urban verticality in 20th-century science fiction literature. Urban Studies Journal Limited 2014 , 1-2. • ICARDA. (2016). Improved crop varieties to boost food security. Retrieved from ICARDA: http://www.icarda.org/tools/improved-crop-varieties-boost-food-security • L, R., C, P., & L, W. (2009). In Futurism, An Anthology (pp. 198-201). New Haven, CT; London: Yale University Press. • Passanti. (1987). The skyscrapers of the ville contemporaine. In Assemblage 4 (pp. 52-65). • Ramakrishnan, S. (2016). 2050 AD: NET ZERO HOUSING FOR ENERGY CRISIS. Retrieved from ArchiPrix: http://www.archiprix.org/2017/?project=3743 • Ross, K. (2012, March 22). Botanical Research Institute of Texas / H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture. Retrieved from ArchDaily: http://www.archdaily.com/217435/botanical-research-institute-of-texas-h3-hardy-c%25e2%2580%258bollaboration-architecture • Sara. (2012, March 29). Parasitic Architecture. Retrieved from City Movement: https://citymovement.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/parasitic-architecture/ 137
• WeatherSpark. (2016). Average Weather For Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Retrieved from Weather Spark: https://weatherspark.com/averages/32854/Al-Ain-Abu-Dhabi-United-Arab-Emirates • Boer. B. (1997): An introduction to the climate of the United Arab Emirates. - Journal of Arid Environments 35: 3-16. • Boer, B. (1999): Ecosystems. anthropogenic impacts and habitat management techniques in Abu Dhabi. - Paderbomer Geographische Studien 12: 13-104. • Brown, G. (2004): The Sabkha vegetation of the United Arab Emirates. - In: Khan, A., Kust, G.S., Barth, H.-J. & BOer, B. (eds.): Sabkha Ecosystems Vol. III. Kluwer. In press. • Brown, G. (in press (a)): Lichen Flora of the UAE. - In: The Emirates: A Natural History. Eds. P. Hellyer & S. Aspinall. Trident Press (accepted). • Brown. G. (in press (b)): Flora and Vegetation. - In: Desert Ecology of Abu Dhabi. ERWDA, Abu Dhabi. • Stuart. C. & Stuart, T. (1998): Plants of Jebel Hafeet. - In: Hornhy, R. (ed.): The Natural History. Geology and Archaeology of Jebel Hafeet. - Emirates Natural History Group, Abu Dhabi. pp 83-92. • Zohary. M. (1973): Geobotanical Foundations of the Middle East. - Gustav Fischer Verlag. Stuttgart. 749 pp. • Evans, M.I. (comp.) (1994). Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife Conservation Series. No.2. Cambridge. UK. • Hornby, R. & Aspinall, S. J. ( 1996). Red Data List for Birds of the United Arab Emirates. Tribulus 6.2: 13-17. ENHG, Abu Dhabi
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//SURVEY Q1) Gender: • Female • Male Q1) Age: • 18-24 • 25-31 • 32-38 • 39-46 • 47-53 • 54+ Q3) Do you believe Aliens exist? • Yes • No Q4) In your opinion, why would Aliens come to earth (assuming they would)? • To enslave humans • To give humans aid • To test their weapons on humans • To invade earth and use it as their new home • Other……………………………………………………………………………… Q5) Try to picture yourself during an alien conquest, now choose 3 emotions closest to what you visualized. • Fear • Shock • Surprise • Anger
• Interest • Awe • Happiness • Sadness • Joy Q6) Let’s assume these extraterrestrial beings end up on earth for a while then leave, what would be the best solution for whatever is left behind? For example, ships, or buildings of any kind? • Destroy them • Restore and make them usable by humans • Build a wall around the areas and forget they ever existed • Turn them to testing fields to advance science and technology • Other………………………………………………………………………………………………… Q7) In your opinion, is it important to have a facility specialized in researching material related to alien life if it is ever discovered? • Yes • No Q8) Have you ever visited a research center dedicated to Botany? • Yes • No • I don’t know what botany is
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Q9) How important do you think the following are: - Scientific Research: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Farming: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Botany: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Technology: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Sustainability: • Very Important 142
• Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Animal Life: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Human Life: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Plant Life: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless - Preserving Resources: • Very Important • Semi-Important • Neutral • Unimportant • Completely worthless Q10) Now, please order the following
in the form of most important to least important: • Scientific Research • Farming • Botany • Technology • Sustainability • Animal Life • Human Life • Plant Life • Preserving Resources Q10) In your opinion, is it important to have a facility specialized in researching material related to alien life if it is ever discovered? • Yes • No
Thank you
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List of Figures & Tables Fig.1- Archigram, Walking City, 1964 17 Fig.2 23 Fig.3 23 Fig.4 23 Fig.5 23 Fig.6 23 Fig.7- Map from ScribbleMaps 24 Fig.8 25 Fig.9 26 Fig.10 26 Fig.11 26 Fig.12 27 Fig.13 28 Fig.14 28 Fig.15- Map from ScribbleMaps 30 Fig.16 31 Fig.17 32 Fig.18 32 Fig.19 32 Fig.20- Render 33 Fig.21- Plans + Circulation 34 Fig.22- Volume + Space Distribution 35 Fig.23- Map from ScribbleMaps 36 Fig.24- Site resource plan: six resources identified 37 Fig.25- Residence elevation: protecting loss of resources Fig.26- Site resource plan: six resources identified 39 Fig.27- Whole building section: resources secured 39 Fig.28- Map from ScribbleMaps 40 Fig.29- Satellite shot of site 41 Fig.29- Mountain Extractment 42 Fig.30- Mountain + stadium Section 43 Fig.30&31- Digital Renders 44 Fig.32- Map from ScribbleMaps 46 Fig.33&34- Exterior & Interior Shots 47 Fig.35- Master Plan 48 Fig.36- Library 49 Fig.37- Ground Floor 50 Fig.38- First Floor 51 Fig.39- Education Room 52 Fig.40- Herbarium 52 Fig.44- Polar Sunpath 57 Fig.45- Top View of Jabal Hafeet 58 Fig.46- Sun-dial Diagrams at 1pm 59 Fig.47- Topography contour lines (50m) 60 Fig.48- Topography + Zoning 61 Fig.49- Top of Jebel Hafeet 61 Fig.50 62 144
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Fig.51 63 Fig.52&53- Tomb section & 64 artifacts 64 Fig.54- Bee-hive tombs top view 64 Fig.55- Natural Springs in Mubazzarah 65 Fig.56- The daily average low (blue) and high (red) temperature with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile). 66 Fig.58 67 Fig.57- The fraction of days in which various types of precipitation are observed. If more than one type of precipitation is reported in a given day, the more severe precipitation is counted. 67 Fig.59 67 Fig.60 67 Fig.61- The average daily high (blue) and low (brown) relative humidity with percentile bands (inner bands from 25th to 75th percentile, outer bands from 10th to 90th percentile). 68 Fig.62- The average daily minimum (red), maximum (green), and average (black) wind speed with percentile bands (inner band from 25th to 75th percentile, outer band from 10th to 90th percentile). 69 Fig.63- Wind Directions Over the Entire Year 69 Fig.64- Wind Rose 69 Fig.65 70 Fig.69 70 Fig.66 70 Fig.70 70 Fig.67 70 Fig.71 70 Fig.68 70 Fig.72 70 Fig.73 71 Fig.75 71 Fig.74 71 Fig.76 71 Fig.77- Shot showing slopes and Mubazzarah 73 Fig.78 76 Fig.79 76 Fig.80 76 Fig.81 76 Fig.82 76 Fig.83 76 Fig.84- Laboratory Standards 83 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.85- Laboratory Standards 84 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.86- Library Standards 85 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.87- Warehouse/Rack Systems 86 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.88- Mechanically operated Racks 87 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.89- Greenhouses 88 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.90- Greenhouses 89 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.91- Office distribution 90 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.92- office distribution 91 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.93- Restaurant dimensions 92 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.94- Ergonomics 93 Taken from Neufert Space Standards Fig.95- Abu Dhabi International Building Code 94 Fig.96- Abu Dhabi International Building Code 95
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Fig.97- Abu Dhabi International Building Code 96 Fig.98- Abu Dhabi International Accessibility standards 97 Fig.100- Abu Dhabi International Accessibility standards 98 Fig.101- Abu Dhabi International Accessibility standards 99 Fig.102- The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 100 Fig.103- The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 101 Fig.104- SUMMARY OF CREDIT POINTS FOR THE PEARL BUILDING RATING SYSTEM: The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 102 Fig.105- SUMMARY OF CREDIT POINTS FOR THE PEARL BUILDING RATING SYSTEM: The Pearl Rating System for Estidama 103 Fig.107- Privacy criteria, public to private illustration 117 Fig.106- Privacy levels 117 Table 1 118 Table 2 119 Table 3 119 Fig.108- Clipart 120 Table 4 120 Table 5 121 Table 6 121 Table 7 121 Table 8 122 Table 8.1 123 Table 8.2 123 Table 9 124 Table 10 124 Table 11 125 Table 12 125 Table 13 126 Table 14 126 Table 15 127 Table 16 127 Fig.109- Google Earth image with plot bondaries 128 Table 16 128
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