THE REVOLVING ART MUSEUM – DUBAI, UAE Heriot Watt University - Dubai
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction Anthropometric Studies Field Study Site Analysis Design Philosophy Bubble Diagram & Functional Diagram Design Concept Design Development Museum Floor Plans Museum Drawings Final Design
4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
INTRODUCTION
This research and studio-based project outlines the design of a modern art museum which itself is a piece of modern art and is an all-inclusive design. Designed to transform the space into a cultural hot spot for the community and creating inspiring spaces that encourage collaboration, reflection and creativity.
The museum design is perfect for its setting which is in the heart of the Dubai city, surrounded by Zabeel park and the bustling skyscrapers of the Sheikh Zayed Road. Hence, establishing a link of unity between the contemporary structures and green landscape style, the museum design has been conceptualized from an amalgamation of several design concepts.
Anthropometric Studies The design process of the museum started with studying the anthropometric standards for a museum. These standards are critically important before beginning a design process because a built form needs to be functional, which can only be achieved if the human needs and requirements are understood and efficiently incorporated.
Field Study For the next step, a field study was performed at various modern art galleries in Dubai – UAE. This was an important learning in order to understand the design and aspects of an art gallery. During the field study various features of the art galleries were explored such as the art works and their respective timelines, the gallery spaces, artists, interior design techniques, specific events conducted in the galleries, merchandise design, lighting design, design concepts etc. Out of 12 art galleries located in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai – UAE, the field study of two art galleries has been undertaken in detail: FN Design – FAKIE and Crossings. FN Design – FAKIE art gallery showcases a skateboard exhibition wherein skateboards are used to make most of the art pieces. Crossings art gallery displays African Arabian art pieces.
Site Analysis A detailed site analysis was performed for this project. Site Location – Jafiliya, next to Zabeel Park and Jafiliya Metro Station Site Area – 30000 square meters Terrain - Overall it is a level site Erosion – Soil erosion was observed in a few areas, mainly where no vegetation was present. The main reason could be the prevailing strong dust storms. Soil Quality – Non-cohesive and mostly loose grained sand. At a few places medium sized rocks and small stones were noticed. Slight changes in the color of the soil and texture varied yellow to orangish red. The grain of the area is coarse, thus providing scope for a flexible design with no constraints, including the height of the museum. Loose sandy soil in the area generates the need for a good and stable foundation. Existing plant materials – Sparse vegetation, naturally growing desert plants, small and scattered all over the site.
Soil Quality & Existing Plant Materials at the Actual Site
N
•Microclimate – Summers are hot and sunny, humid at times and heat waves in extreme summer months. The summer sun rises from the north eastern horizon. Solar energy can be harvested on a large scale due to constant exposure to the sun’s rays. During winters, the climate is pleasant, with cool breeze in the morning and evenings and it’s not too sunny. The winter sun rises from the south eastern horizon. •Prevailing Winds and Rainfall – The winds are north west oriented on an average. Rainfall usually occurs in the months of December – February, with mild intensity. •Offsite Views – Etisalat building, buildings of Bur Dubai area, Wafi Mall, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Road skyline •Utilities – A DEWA plant is present adjacent to the site for the purpose of providing electricity in the neighboring areas. Sewage drains have been planned below the ground, confirmed by the presence of visible drainage outlets over the ground. •Offsite Noises & Odors – Mild noise from petrol pump, normal sound of traffic on the bordering roads. No odor is felt onsite.
DESIGN CONCEPT The concept for the museum design is a blend of several ideas and techniques. A very strong concept of integrating an open and closed plan, including an interactive movement along the landscape has been developed in this project. Delaunay Triangulation It is a simple and safe way of dividing a plane into triangles. This technique is used to achieve build-able facets from a complex, curved form and looks modern at the same time. TRIANGULATION ARCHITECTURE has been used in constructing the central building roof of the museum.
Delaunay Triangulation
Defying Nature’s Laws The primary aim of the design is to break-apart from the nature’s laws of gravity, making appropriate use of scale and space. The building rises, without any support to the ground, pushing the boundaries of architecture. Spiral Architecture The strength, versatility, and visual appeal of the spiral design inspired me to incorporate it within the central part of the museum building. It creates smooth movement around the spaces and removes the obstacles of walls and creates a transition between different floors in a creative interior. Construction Materials In order to use different construction materials for the façade, the buildings have been designed with different heights and of different organic and geometric shapes. Spiral Architecture Design
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Organic Architecture This museum design respects the harmonious relationship between the form and the function since this design cannot be used for a different function such as a residential unit or a commercial tower building. The usage of organic architecture attempts to integrate the site and the structure. Sustainable Design Architecture This museum is a work of art and at the same time extremely practical. It will serve the client needs, be in harmony with its site, climate and cultural background. The design is sustainable since lot of thinking has gone into creating and conserving the natural foliage into a unique and breathtaking landscape around the museum.
Organic Design Idea
Substance becomes One with Style I was really inspired by Daniel Libeskind’s theory which envisions matching form and function by conceptualizing not just how a building looks but also how it functions for its users. Rooms will change in the Blink of an eye – Since the museum is an all-inclusive design structure, architecture will be evolved away from its current static nature. Organic Juxtaposes Geometric In order to show a contrast between organic and geometric forms two cone shaped elements have been added in the design. Digging deeper through research, I found this pattern thrived in the Middle Eastern heritage in the Islamic Golden Age. This feature has been visualized in a sensitive manner by juxtaposing organic and geometric forms.
Cone-shaped design element Final Design The entire design of the museum blends into the landscape since the curved forms remind the viewer of the sand dunes of the desert and even the spiral elements create a wavy feel. The outcome is a modern design which explores the relation between emotion, complexity, organic patterns and visual sensation.
Museum Floor Plans
Museum Drawings
Final Design
Copyright 2019, KUNDANIKA A. All rights reserved