Architectural Association. School of Architecture Application
architecture
gabriel ivorra
table of contents
section 01: Thesis
skyscraper in Chicago *
introduction
pages 04-05
scale of the plaza:
public programs
pages 06-11
scale of the city:
private programs
pages 12-21
section 02: Studio work
MArCA museum
pages 22-27
3D-carpet
pages 28-31
temporary residences
pages 32-39
section 03: Competitions
university’s tram stop
pages 40-43
section 04: Professional work
local nursery
pages 44-45
island in “The World”
pages 46-47
two towers in Dubai
pages 48-51
* because of the length and intensity of this project and for a better comprehension I separate it into two different sections
3
Thesis
skyscraper in Chicago
4
program: location: date: duration: professor:
public space + residential tower Chicago, IL. USA February 2008 1 semester IvĂĄn Capdevila
introduction; a vertical suburbia Since the Second World War and with the boom of the 50’s, the majority of the American wealth has been invested in the suburbs. The metropolitan periphery, with its many promises and attractions became the American Dream. But those ideals have been distorted due to a disintegrated growth. The suburbs promised space for spending leisure time, family life, security, quick access to shopping centres and a natural environment, but if that change in the cities was not accompanied by a change in human lifestyle, problems would arise. Habits remain and people keep working in cities that have become financial and business centres, but escape to the suburbs to live. The home-work distances lengthen and the commuting time increases accordingly. In the end, that free time that the periphery promised is consumed in the car seat trying to get home. The massive occupation of the land caused by horizontal urban developments makes the dream of living immersed in a natural environment into another broken promise, making the suburbs to be a caricature of what would actually be living in nature. Finally, it finishes being a space that does not have the qualities of the city, much less those of nature. There are many questions about the American lifestyle, a system based on the use of nonrenewable resources that is unsustainable. The central question is: does the suburban lifestyle have a future? I anticipate a speedy return to the city and this is why I propose an example of high rise residential building with references to those broken promises responding to important sustainability principles that I consider essential. That is what I called: a vertical suburbia
the concept; a vertical suburbia
Thesis
2007 Chicago’s commuting times
5 daily commuters <25% 25-50%
walkable area
50-75%
metra stations / 0.5 mile sheed
>75%
train stations / 0.5 mile sheed
Chicago is second in the ranking of American longest commuting time behind NYC
chicago river
riverside
landscape
urban furniture
pedestrian areas
pedestrian connections
lower deck traffic (ld)
ld loading docks
upper deck traffic (ud)
paving geometry
views TO the site
views FROM the site
public transport: bus
public transport: taxi
office buildings
hotel buildings
educational buildings
street level use:
parking garages
flows
Thesis
physical analysis
the site
6
b
above: model of the block a: public and multi-level indoor plaza where the visual relationships between people and spaces are key for its design b: green surface as a extended topography of the existing public space. This park provides the neighborhood with an excellent green area for multiple activities during the summer.
surroundings
relations
a
retail & services
extending the original plaza with a green landscaped surface
changing the current parking image by a friendly park view
rising the plaza level to offer views of the river and lake michigan
keeping clear the street level to maintain cross views trough the site
providing street’s connections in the lower deck
completing the block volume and giving new programs at street level
connecting pioneer court, city front plaza & illinois st. through a park
connecting pioneer, city f. plaza & illinois st. through an indoor plaza
progressive transition public-private public private
private private
objectives
public public
program
“under the surface programs” F. -2
F. -1
“on the surface” F. 0
F. 0 - 1
Thesis
objectives
breaking with the strict existing geometry
“hanging programs” F. 1
F. 2
F. 3
F. 3
F. 4
7 resident’s lobby food court loading dock
retail services
street level access retail services
access park
semi-public services
semi-public services
roof gardens
medical services
roof gardens
Thesis 8
a
b
above: a. model of visual relationshipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; intentions & communication b. sketch of the plaza from the south-east corner of the building right: green surfaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floor plan. Park and upper entrance to the indoor plaza
e
f
h
Thesis
i b
g a
c
d 9 above: model of the block with the proposed extension of the public space underneath the residential tower. In wood: a: Tribune Tower, b: Equitable building and c: Gleacher Center. In white cardboard: d: proposed plaza and e: residential tower. left: street level floor plan. f, g: park entrances h: indoor plaza access i: indoor plazaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper access (through the park)
hanging programs
code hanger 3
classrooms, doctor’s & services
nursery dentist
garden
nursery’s garden
hanger 1
on & under the surface programs
Thesis
on the surface
park, picnic area
under the surface
indoor plaza (level 1)
laundry dry cleaner’s
indoor plaza upper entrance (through park)
83’0”
HP 4
80’6”
HP 3
63’6”
HP 2 HP 1
46’0” 45’0”
OS 1
25’0”
US 0
0’0”
US -1
-15’0”
US -2
-30’0”
PG -1
-41’0”
indoor plaza retail cafés emergency exits
indoor plaza (level 2)
indoor plaza (level 3)
private garage (residents only)
programmatic scheme
HP 5
hanger 2 convenience store hairdresser’s
10
height (feet)
public garage in PG-2 & PG-3
indoor plaza retail cafés emergency exits resident’s entrance indoor plaza food court & restaurants warehouse evacuation &distribution private garage mechanical room water tank
Thesis 11 longitudinal section of the public space
form follows comfort cylindrical shape
365°views; +sunny area
5 cores load transmission
MODULE: 3 units around the core
double façade
flexibility
different units take any place through the building for different user profiles
Thesis
cross ventilation light views
a
zoning ordinance
views
communal spaces for residents & unobstructed views
means of egress general section
means of egress higher stories’ section
b core developement
12
c above: a: view of the curtain wall from the outside, b: view of the double façade from within c: exterior views from the units rigth: concepts and design process of the module
wet areas
sunny areas
chases bathrooms & kitchens
shady areas
concrete structure
steel structure
form follows the city
Thesis
a
b
daytime rendering
night rendering
13 above: a: sequence of the different design phases of the tower where buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interaction with the urban environment in which it is implanted has been crucial. The building was drilled with holes that originally only had the function to not obstruct views of dwellings and create communal spaces every six floors throughout the building as winter gardens. Later the holes started acquiring importance and being oriented towards the most significant views of the city (from their relative height) and looking for lighting and temperature conditions. This conditions are determined by the identification of the different programs to each winter garden (as seen in the diagrams on pages 18-21), which sets the volume of the tower. b: view of Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skyline with the implantation of the project from lake Michigan
Thesis
above: image of the sheets of ice in frozen Chicago River which were the inspiration for the treatment of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scaly exterior skin. The individual panels rotate 2 degrees with respect to the adjacent generating a kaleidoscope of glows, textures and reflections.
14 above: renderings of two of the five different types of units designed for seven different user profiles: luxury unit (singles and families), corporate unit (short term occupancy), grad unit (students), small family unit (couples and elderly), family unit (family with children) a: luxury unit b: family unit
MODULE: three units around the core
09 08
concrete core metal structure between doublelayered façade
2 x MODULE
05 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.3 3.5
4.6 4.5 4.3
load transmission to the cores 3 x MODULE
winter garden space
2.2 2.1
03
Thesis
1. slab. maintenance and façade cleaning area 1.1. HA 30 concrete. Slab extension 1.2. concrete surface treated with epoxy painting of two components with polyamide covering the soldered joints. e=2mm 1.3. runoff 2. exterior curtain wall panels composed by individual glass panels rotated 2 degrees with respect to the adjacent: 2.1. laminated glass 8+8 with polished edges and PVB-filter in color 2.2. extruded aluminum frame 3. cast aluminum flange for supporting and fixing the exterior façade elements 3.1. flange 3.2. neoprene piece 3.3. system for the adjustments of the frame’s position 3.4. screws for the adjustments flange-frame 3.5. pressure screws 3.6. flange coating 3.7. double fixation system 4.interior skin panels: 4.1. natural solar control glass 4.2. interior double glazing composed by 60/40/8 glass and “Akustek” L13 with a dehy drated air space 4.3. aluminum mullions 4.4. modular aluminum sheet insulated with polystyrene (14mm) and finished in polyester 4.5. L-shaped steel section to anchor to the slab 4.6. aluminum anchor for the mobile modular panel 5. finishing element attached to the edge of the slab and consisting of extruded aluminum, curved, 5mm thick pieces 6. 7cm thick plate with RF -180 resistance capacity anchored to the interior side of the mixed slab 7. insulation 8. mixed slab composed by ribbed steel plate 3mm thick with 6mm compression layer on rolled steel section IPE-240 9. IPE-240
4.2 4.1 4.4 4 x MODULE
1.2 1.1 1.3
6-floor module beam
06 07 5 x MODULE
core load transmission from the façade to the 5 cores above: construction detail of the curtain wall right: rendering of the structure and explanation of the loads transfer to the ground
reduction of the core’s section in the base
15
16
Thesis
gleacher center
equitable building
17
Thesis
vertical suburbia
tribune tower oblique elevation. immediate context
wrigley building
18
Thesis
views at 401’
views at 473’
views at 545’
views at 617’
views at 689’
views at 821’
views at 893’
target views from the winter gardens
19
Thesis
section
views at <113’
views at 113’
views at 245’
views at 257’
views at 329’
20
Thesis
winter garden at 401’
winter garden at 473’
winter garden at 545’
winter garden at 617’
winter garden at 689’
winter garden at 821’
winter garden at 893’
solar chart (per winter garden)
21
Thesis
transition from the most “rural” in the base to the most “urban” at the top
section in fragments of the situations generated in the winter gardens.
green surface
winter garden at 113’
winter garden at 245’
winter garden at 257’
winter garden at 329’
communications core
Studio work
museum of contemporary art in Alicante - MArCA program: location: date: duration: professor:
museum of contemporary art Alicante - Spain September 2006 10 weeks Paco Mejías
The task is to select an existing building in the city of Alicante (Spain) and propose a program that will provide a new use or supplement the existing one. The chosen building is the old train station Alicante-Murcia built in 1884 which is currently in a state of neglect and whose deterioration has caused the deactivation of the entire area. My intention is to give this area an icon to make this situation change and act as a hinge between these two ”Alicantes” that do not understand the meaning of facing the sea equally.
22
office area
management terrace
pieces of art reception and restoration men’s toilets ladies’ toilets
service lift
second floor gallery
first floor gallery
men’s toilets ladies’ toilets conference room ground floor gallery
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Alicante will be the start of a revitalizing process of the whole area and will restore the traffic of people. Its imposing presence will advert, day and night, on the importance of this point in the city and will remove existing prostitution and drug activities that led to this place to its current status.
small objects’ displays
café lobby shop
men’s toilets ladies’ toilets waiting area & toilets
Studio work 23 left: a: exploded axonometric revealing the detailed program of the museum above: b: view of the main entrance of the building from the promenade c: view of the building when walking down Óscar Esplà, one of Alicante’s main avenues (perpendicularly to the sea) right: map of Alicante. Analysis of the area & museum activity.
Studio work
sequence of the volume transformation
preexisting. study of the measurements & module
ground floor annexes covering
opening for communication
addition of floors 1, 2 & 3
vertical communication core
torsion of the floors dynamism and light devices
terraces
final volume
24 night view of the building
Studio work 25
development sketches
vertical sections
first floor plan
second floor plan
third floor plan
Studio work
ground floor plan
ground floor key
26
lobby exposition restaurant bar / kitchen
120 sqm
85 sqm
store warehouse toilets core
32 sqm
conferences
200 sqm
195 sqm 965 sqm
32 sqm 65 sqm 70 sqm
first & second floors key
third floor key
core toilets exposition
900 sqm
core toilets waiting area
terrace
310 sqm
chemists
70 sqm 60 sqm
70 sqm 60 sqm 115 sqm 28 sqm
8 sqm dark room piecesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; storage 25 sqm restoration 55 sqm multipurpose 17 sqm
administration direction meeting room
295 sqm
terrace
215 sqm
big formats
photography
80 sqm
25 sqm 35 sqm 20 sqm
05
01: corrugated steel mesh 20x20cm, φ 16mm 02: negative reinforcement steel corrugated, φ 18mm 03: profiled sheet steel AISI 304, 4mm thick, type PL30 / 209 04: concrete slab 150mm thick. H-30-P-2a 05: iron connector S235 EN 10025:1993, φ 12mm 06: IPE-200 austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 with a finish n2D,
06 04 01 02 03
matt, and roughness of 1.14 microns
07: alveolar beam edge 110cm obtained from beam edge 75cm.
07
c b
a
left: a: longitudinal section above: b: detail of the slab system c: axonometric of the structure
Studio work
Stainless steel AISI 04 with finishing n2D, matt and 1.14 micron roughness. Sheet thickness:2cm. Wings width: 55cm
27
Studio work
3D-carpet
28
program: location: date: duration: professor:
piece of furniture Alicante - Spain February 2006 7 weeks Paco MejĂas
The course was a long process of individual reflections every student was heading towards a more specific topic that eventually would materialize with a 1:1 scale model and a precise technical manual of the piece. The theoretical process itself guided me almost imperceptibly to the elaboration of a piece of furniture with multiple applications in different contexts and a variety of materials. My ideas were based on the study of skins and their various treatments that make them ideal for specific conditions. The scale of the object was the result of the investigative processes themselves. 3D-carpet is a completely flexible element whose use is determined by the user. Its wide range of materials makes it suitable for any environment. Consequently we can find this item in contexts as diverse as shown here.
a
The project ended with the real scale model and a exhaustive study of market and surveys to draw conclusions about the acceptance of the work piece and the profile of the user that it would be addressed to.
Studio work
b
c
d
e
left: a: manual of the piece with the technical information, the study of the market, surveys, conclusions and a wooden model above: b: making off of the prototype, part I: 3D CARPET comes from the body shapes. The shape of the prototype is modeled with the results of the analysis and measurements of the curvatures of the body. Later it is smoothed by the method of trial-error. The goal is to find the common curves that make it comfortable so they can be taken in different postures. In this way each user uses it as desired so that the user and its mood interact with the piece. With the 1:1 scale piece I can scan and extract the parameters that define it c: beech wood model in the hall of an office building d: PVC+fibers-glossy finish model in a museum e: natural grass model in a garden
29
Studio work
PVC+fibers. glossy finish
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
elegant waterproof inorganic cold smooth hard light
leather
30
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
inflatable polyethylene
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
informal waterproof inorganic cold smooth soft light
astroturf
elegant absorbent organic warm smooth soft heavy
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
zinc
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
beech wood
elegant waterproof organic cold rough hard heavy
rock
informal absorbent inorganic warm smooth soft light
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
elegant waterproof organic warm smooth hard heavy
rough gray concrete
informal waterproof organic cold rough hard heavy
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
informal waterproof inorganic cold rough hard heavy
natural grass
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
informal absorbent organic cold smooth soft heavy
pickled white concrete
appearance: absorption: nature: temperature: touch: hardness: transportation:
elegant waterproof inorganic cold smooth hard heavy
d
b
e
c
f left: study of materials for the different versions of the prototype above: a: making off of the prototype, part II b: testing the prototype c: combining the rock and zinc prototypes in the harbour d: PVC+fibers-glossy finish model in an airport e: inflatable polyethylene model in the swimming pool f: pickled white concrete in a urban square
Studio work
a
31
Studio work
temporary residences in La Nucía program: location: date: duration: professor:
temporary housing La Nucía, Alicante - Spain February 2004 1 semester Javier García Solera
La Nucia is a charming village in the province of Alicante whose main income comes from agriculture; mainly almonds, olives, citrus and loquat. In recent years a large number of South American immigrants have come to La Nucía seeking work in the ground and the town has been overwhelmed by the impossibility of accommodating this type of user on a reduced budget and looking to live near the field where spends much of the day.
physical model of the buildings surrounded by orange trees on the hillside
32 sequence of the monopolization of land by the greenhouses
vehicular access
agricultural access paths
tourist itineraries
old town
agricultural use
parks & gardens
reservoirs
connecting roads
sports & recreation
high density medium density low density wild
parking
visibility
Studio work
vehicular access
analysis of the site
The building is surrounded by orange trees and situated on the East hillside of the town, from where it enjoys spectacular views of the surrounding villages, Altea and Calpe. Its location is given by the numerous pathways that converge in the area and the high density of agricultural areas that the future residents of the dwellings will serve to.
33 view of La Nucia and the East hillside (the site)
to Polop &
Callosa
Studio work
to Altea &
Calpe
to Alicante, Benidorm & Alfaz del pi
34
site main roads alternative roads disposition of the farmers market public facilities parking tourist and historic attractions green areas industry town hall reservoirs
aerial view of La NucĂa and views from/to the site (in red)
enhance the east side of town
development of the economic source temporary accommodation
provision of new routes
preservation of the environment
flexibility in deploying
ability to adapt to the demand
economic viability
centralization of the trade
accommodation
services
parks & gardens
promenades
viewpoints
public
private
mixed use
reception & management
residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; facilities
objectives
highlighting the La NucĂa-Altea axis
programs
strategies
Studio work
greenhouses
uses
35
Studio work 36 plan of the building and surrounding area
front elevation
Studio work
The building, which is like a magic box, is camouflaged during the day among the orange trees and the morphology of the hill, while in the night shows its most theatrical aspect radiating light and projecting the shadows of those who inhabit it on the skin
37 physical model. view of the building from the town
Studio work
single family module of 30 sqm
combinations of 2 modules
special unit 30 sqm
special unit 25 sqm
dwellings facing gardens
units facing gardens and introducing them to their terrace
38 variations & combinations of the 30 sqm module: the 30 sqm module has removable panels that allow connecting two houses to generate different typologies. They also allow residents to open the entire walls and extend the house to public space appropriating of it. A very typical attitude in the area and in some latin americans culture.
Studio work
lighting device of the building
39 connection of the 2 buildings
constructive section of the module
Competitions
univeristyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tram stop program: location: date: duration:
tram stop in a urban context Alicante - Spain February 2009 2 weeks
the concept: folding the space Paper as the support to transmit ideas, essays, poetry, music, literature, knowledge... Paper as a demonstration of knowledge acquired during school. Paper as a reflection of what is learned day by day, class after class. Paper as a support for what will be learned and worked tomorrow... because learning does not end at the end of the walk through university.
40
right: a: top sequence shows the idea of the proposed tram stop and the design process, where many simple paper-models where made to understand the shape and stability of the canopy. b: bottom renderings show the final image and the properties of the material with the perforated pattern.
b
Competitions
a
41
b
c
Competitions
a
d
e
42
left: perspective showing the different layers that compose the piece a: metal structure b: methacrylate skin c: ticket machines d: maps & signs e: university signs & ads
folding the construction The space is folded ... â&#x20AC;&#x153;the paper pieceâ&#x20AC;? is composed by a succession of layers that provide the canopy with the necessary qualities to shelter the travellers and protect them from the rain, wind and excessive sunlight.
Structural perforated triangles made of galvanized steel are reinforced at the edges with welded metal sheets that provide rigidity to the canopy and also helps to join the triangles to each other.
The skin, consisting of triangular methacrylate boxes, is attached to this metal structure. The space between these two layers is used to accommodate the lights inside and to soften the piece itself and the sharp edges.
prevailing winds in Alicante in autumn-winter
images & patterns for perforating the “paper”
Competitions
f
per
f
er”
pap
d“
te ora
architecture’s attitude facing the predominant winds
g
h
folding the struture “The paper” is folded to acquire structural rigidity and stability. It balances the efforts so the greatest tensions are located in the supports. The density of the porosity of the structural sheet is
i organized in terms of tension distribution. The greater porosity is located in the folds of the deck, where the tension is lower, while the lower porosity is located in the folds of the supports, where the tension is higher.
above: f: distribution of the holes through out the metal structure g: tension diagrams h: study and development of the triangles that generate the canopy to guarantee the stability of the structure itself and its reaction to the rain and winds i: images where the patterns come from, all related with sciences, biology, physics... as an example of the knowledge acquired in university
43
Professional work
local nursery program: location: date: phase: state: office:
programmatic diagram and municipality standards rear acces
nursery Busot, Alicante, Spain July 2009 complete work under construction CNA - Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
30 sqm
15 sqm
10 sqm 40 sqm
level of participation:
30 sqm
14 sqm
14 sqm 30 sqm
75 sqm
10 sqm 40 sqm 2
The aim is to strategically link all the spaces in the school and enhance the control of children from anywhere in the building even when one of the teachers is absent. The building is located in the center of a public square whose project is being conducted by another team. The mission is that the emergence of the building from the square is with no perimeter fencing. That’s why the building rises 40cm from the ground. This scenic gesture is sufficient to define the limits of public-private space. The building has been designed to be flexible and adapt to the demands of the village. Certain rooms are divided by folding modular panels that can connect or separate classrooms as needed. It also has the provision of two areas for connection with possible future extensions.
30 sqm
15 sqm
Involvement in this project has been absolute from the very beginning. I have been in charge of the project but not only in terms of concept idea, design and materials for client presentations but also in levels of construction drawings, supervision of details, materials selection and development of the entire execution of the work.
44
access to the kitchen
15 sqm
10 sqm
2
5sqm
10 sqm
30 sqm
5 sqm 20 sqm
main access
b
a
porch & waiting area <2 y.o. classrooms dressing room bathroom & dressing
reception sleep room toilets >2 y.o. classrooms
playground teachers’ room toilets & shower kitchen
cleaning room play room warehouse dining room
exit to the garden for events
dining room and multipurpose room bathroom
kitchen
bathroom
pantry back door
d
boiler room e
future expansion’s connection reserve
f
teachers‘ bathroom
dressing room & toilet
teachers‘ office
reception c
Professional work
classrooms for children >2 yo
sleep rooms
front porch, waiting area and prams‘ parking
classrooms for children <2 yo cleaning room
toilet adapted for disabled
main entrance
left: a: idea of the blocks connection. The roof is an important part of the building as it is seen as a 5th façade b: programmatic diagram and municipality standards c: sectioned axonometric above: d: sectioned axonometric e: main entrance perspective f: implantation of the building on the square
45
Professional work
island in “The World” program: location: date: phase: state: office:
marina
9 water homes
13 villas
marina
Residential + sports & recreation + beach + marinas + club house “The World”, Dubai. UAE July 2008 concept design on hold CNA - Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
level of participation:
At the time I joined the office, there were several proposals for the master plan and ongoing negotiations with the client. I was responsible for the final master plan proposal delivered (showed here) and the projected housing typologies as well as the presentation material.
bar, club, restaurant sports & recreation
ust olenek TW-AS-D70
46
“the world” masterplan
18 town houses beach
Ust Olenek is one of the islands that make up the mega project of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the worldâ&#x20AC;? in Dubai, UAE whose upland area is 16.725 sqm and the assigment is to make the master plan of the isand and design 40 family houses, a marina, a clubhouse, retail use, sports area and a beach. I suggest three different types of cutting edge homes of which eighteen are villas, nine are water homes -part of which is located literally on the water- and the last thirteen are town houses on the beach front which invigorate the space around with their sinuous movement. If the exterior design of the various typologies is of great importance, not least is the design of the interior design as well as the communal areas of the island, where the main designing principle was creating generous and resident-friendly spaces, giving different perspectives at every step and with a delicate care for the landscape.
b
Professional work
a
c
d above: a: image of the villas from the interior of the island. The buildings turn so they offer different perspectives and avoid houses facing to each other b, c: views from the marina d: one of the volumes of the town houses. The arches in the center of the blocks generate accesses to the beach from the island so there are a total of 5 entrances.
47
Professional work
two towers in Dubai program: location: date: phase: state: office:
2 residential towers + health club Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai. UAE September 2008 concept design on hold CNA - Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
level of participation:
I had a great deal of responsibility in the previous studies, design and presentation of the proposal as well as direct contact with the clients from Spain and in the meeting we had in their offices in Dubai in November 2008. The clients main interest was to build 2 luxurious residential towers in the Palm Jebel Ali Island -Dubai- that become an icon among the eccentric structures that emerge around the plot. But in a city where pretensions are everywhere and the concept of luxury has been highly developed, we decided to go back to the origins and ask ourselves for the meaning of luxury. Luxury as quality of the space against size. Luxury as comfort.
48
The idea is to design sixty-five 650sqm-apartments that meet the qualities of living in a vertical gated community with the best space conditions of the country environments. This means being able to import the activities that can be practiced in the suburban areas to the vertical disposition of our buildings. The quality of the units’ interior design is reinforced with the design of open spaces, green areas, infinite pools, and great conditions as the optimization of the daylight, cross ventilation, 360 degrees views. These qualities, that are the essence of the buildings and what make them unique, will be transferred to the façade and will generate the final image of the volumes. The base of the towers will house some retail, the health club and the parking garage.
rock revetment beach front views to PJA views to gulf plot
analysis of the site
49
Professional work
concept and qualities of the space
r ... floo
Professional work
infinite pool
natural cross ventilation
optimized daylight
360 degree vies
private gardens
sunshading: heat control
night views
r 06 floo
views
r 05 floo
r floo
b
open space
04
recreation
sunbathing
c
r 03 floo
f g h i
r 02 floo
pool & sports
50
a
barbecue r 01 floo
consolidated plan
broken up plan
d
e
25 20 21 22
19 18
16 17
14 15
23 8
1 24
6
12
13 11 7
10
9
5 4 2 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
left: a: diagram of intentions. Analysis of the activities imported from other models typically found in rural environments b: Analysis of the qualities of the interior and exterior design c: strategy for slenderness. The urban regulation is very strict with the height limit of the towers while the profitability of the plot needs to be maximum for rentability. This creates a risk of becoming too short and wide. d: disposition of the different programs in the floor plan. Every program associated to a material (element) and reflected throughout the façade e: diagram of the generation of the towers’ volume by interweaving the 4 elements showed in façade f: garden (green façade) g: infinite pool (water façade)h: house i: core
living & dining 3 regular lifts 2 stairs 2 service lifts service entrance toilet maids’ room maids’ bathroom laundry & services
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en suite bathroom 1 walking closet 1 bedroom 1 bedroom 2 en suite bathroom 2 closet 2 bedroom 3 en suite bath 3 closet 3
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Professional work
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master bedroom en suite master bathroom closet breakfast room kitchen garden terrace infinite pool
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