Al Aqaba Marine Life Research Center (Graduation Thesis book by Mohannad Thabet)

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Al Aqaba Marine Life Research Center Focusing On The Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation

A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Architectural Engineering at Ajman University of Science and Technology in partial requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering

Mohannad Ayman Thabet

Ajman University of Science and Technology Department of Architectural Engineering

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‘‘Whatever good things we build end up building us.’’

Jim Rohn

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GRADUATION PROJECT 1 Mohannad Ayman 201410595

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Al Aqaba Marine Life Research Center Focusing On The Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation

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Acknowledgement A total of 5 years, 50 courses and 169 credit hours....The sense of achievement at the end of this tedious process is matchless. The credit for the compilation of this enormous effort goes to a number of remarkable mortals.

First and foremost, I wish to unreservedly thank my mother and father who were always there for me and did the impossible to let me reach this level, they have given me this wonderful life by supporting me and making me an individual to stand out and face every difficulty that comes along the way of progress.

I owe special gratitude to myself for being able to tolerate all the obstacles and the difficulties I have faced through this journey, to my siblings and my friends for their continuous unconditional love and support.

At this stage, i wish to express my deep gratitude to the most popular instructor at the department of architecture, my supervisor, Dr. Chuloh Jung for his patience, critical advice and for making architecture as fun as possible , Special thanks and gratitude for ms.niveen for providing us with the unconditional assistance , love and support.

I am also very grateful to the entire AU family, my professors and my remarkable colleagues for their valuable assistance and for making my 5 years of study a worthwhile experience that has unquestionably improved my maturity and made me a better individual.

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Abstract For a considerable length of time the sea was seen as an endless reservoir of productivity with boundless ability to assimilate wastes. A gainful environment is portrayed by a high level of organic assorted variety. In other words it contains a huge gathering of plant and creature species and every specie has a well defined role to play.

There is a high level species diversity in an ecosystem and this guarantees stability because many species provide many pathways for energy of a system to flow. The Marine biodiversity of the ocean makes it one of the greatest resources for the humans. However, like all resources it must be used with caution so as to remain sustainable. Any decrease in marine biodiversity will have the greatest impact on the countries development by risking their main source of protein food.The resources of the sea have been over-harvested by humans thereby threatening marine biodiversity.

The thesis explains the need for a research & awareness center which will help in raising awareness of marine life and its significant importance, do researches that can enhance the water situation and the marine life in the gulf,manage the natural sources,create a place that will preserve the magnificent treasure of the red sea,give people the chance to see and learn about the marine life and create an entertainment environment that will provide learning experience and promote economic development. This is achieved through the study of related architectural precedents, analyzing and comparing their programs and comparative analysis of befitting site locations. This provided the basis for the formulation of a project program, preliminary design concepts and potential mass configurations.

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CONTENTS

Ch.1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................

1.2 Threats To Global Marine Biodiversity ......................................................

1.3 Threats To Al aqaba Gulf Biodiversity & The Environmental Challenge ...

1.4 The Gulf Of Aqaba & Al Aqaba .................................................................

1.5 Biodiversity in the Gulf of Aqaba of Jordan ..............................................

1.6 The History Of The Study of Marine Biology ...........................................

1.7 The Future ...............................................................................................

1.8 Conclusion ...............................................................................................

Ch.5

INTRODUCTION

5.1 Marine Life Research Center .................................................................

5.2 Precedent studies observation .................................................................

5.3 Program Comparison & Contextual issues ..............................................

5.4 Program Formulation ................................................................................

5.5 Site Selection ............................................................................................

5.6 Preliminary Design Concept .....................................................................

1.7 Universal Standards..................................................................................

References .....................................................................................................

Ch.2

PRECEDENT STUDIES

Ch.3

Building Program

Ch.4

Site Analysis

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2.1 Beaty Biodiversity Center and Aquatic Ecosystems Research Center ....

2.2 One Ocean , Thematic Pavilion ...............................................................

2.3 Karlovac Aquarium and River Museum ...................................................

2.4 Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute .............................................

2.5 Suncheon International Wetlands Center ................................................

2.6 Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Center ......................................................

3.1 One Ocean , Thematic Pavilion ................................................................

3.2 Karlovac Aquarium and River Museum ....................................................

3.3 Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute .............................................

3.4 Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Center .......................................................

3.5 Program Comparison ...............................................................................

3.6 Program Area Conclusion ........................................................................

3.7 Hierarchical Planning ...............................................................................

4.1 Introduction About Al Aqaba ....................................................................

4.2 Site Alternatives .......................................................................................

4.3 Site Alternative 1 ......................................................................................

4.4 Site Alternative 2 ......................................................................................

4.5 Site Alternative 3 ......................................................................................

4.6 Location ....................................................................................................

4.7 Neighbourhood Context ............................................................................

4.8 Size and zoning ........................................................................................

4.9 Natural and man-made features ...............................................................

4.10 Infrastructure & Circulation .....................................................................

4.11 Environmental factors .............................................................................

4.12 View Analysis ..........................................................................................

4.13 Figure Ground ........................................................................................

4.14 Final Site Selection .................................................................................

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Table of Figures Figure Fig.001 Fig.002 Fig.003 Fig.004 Fig.005 Fig.006 Fig.007 Fig.008 Fig.009 Fig.010 Fig.011 Fig.012 Fig.013 Fig.014 Fig.015 Fig.016 Fig.017 Fig.018 Fig.019 Fig.020 Fig.021 Fig.022 Fig.023 Fig.024 Fig.025 Fig.026 Fig.027 Fig.028 Fig.029 Fig.030 Fig.031 Fig.032 Fig.033 Fig.034 Fig.035 Fig.036 Fig.037 Fig.038 Fig.039 Fig.040 Fig.041 Fig.042 Fig.043 Fig.044 Fig.045 Fig.046 Fig.047 Fig.048 Fig.049 Fig.050 Fig.051 Fig.052 Fig.053 Fig.054

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Chapter 1

Marine Life Biodiversity................................................................................................... 21 Littering in the gulf ......................................................................................................... 22 Diving in the gulf ............................................................................................................ 23 Rate of species extinction...............................................................................................24 Endangered species 2000-2018.....................................................................................25 Turtle Chocking on plastic bag....................................................................................... 26 City of Aqaba Aerial view................................................................................................ 27 Captain cook on a ship................................................................................................... 30 Charles Darwin................................................................................................................30 Voyage of the challenger.................................................................................................31 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...........................................................................31 Plastic Pollution Effect On Marine Life............................................................................32 Scuba diving in the gulf of Aqaba....................................................................................33

Chapter 2

Beaty Biodiversity Center exterior view...........................................................................37 enormous skeleton of a Blue Whale............................................................................... 39 Exterior Shot of beaty biodiversity center ...................................................................... 41 Ground Floor Plan ......................................................................................................... 42 First Floor Plan .............................................................................................................. 43 Second Floor Plan ......................................................................................................... 44 Third Floor Plan ..............................................................................................................45 Elevations ...................................................................................................................... 46 Sections ......................................................................................................................... 47 The Atrium ..................................................................................................................... 49 Beaty Biodiversity center exterior shot .......................................................................... 50 One Ocean Thematic Pavilion Night Close View .......................................................... 55 Design Concept Sketches ............................................................................................. 57 Ground Plan 1F ............................................................................................................. 58 Ground Plan 2F ............................................................................................................. 59 Sections ......................................................................................................................... 60 Space allocation diagram .............................................................................................. 63 Pavilion Back View ........................................................................................................ 63 Pavilion Exterior shot .................................................................................................... 65 Pavilion Exterior shot..................................................................................................... 65 Pavilion entrance shot .................................................................................................. 66 Architectural Facade ..................................................................................................... 67 Thematic Pavilion Side View ........................................................................................ 68 Thematic Pavilion Top View .......................................................................................... 70 Wall Section of kinetic facade ........................................................................................72 Construction phase ....................................................................................................... 72 Climate Engineering Diagram ....................................................................................... 73 Structure longitudinal section ........................................................................................ 73 Thematic Pavilion Night Elevation View ........................................................................ 74 Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum top view ....................................... 76 Conceptual diagram ...................................................................................................... 79 3d plan ........................................................................................................................... 79 Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum ...................................................... 80 Site Plan ........................................................................................................................ 82 Basement Plan .............................................................................................................. 84 Ground Floor Plan ......................................................................................................... 86 Elevations ...................................................................................................................... 88 Sections ......................................................................................................................... 88 Exhibition shots ............................................................................................................. 90 Aquarium shots ............................................................................................................. 91 Aquarium hall shot .........................................................................................................92

Fig.055 Fig.056 Fig.057 Fig.058 Fig.059 Fig.060 Fig.061 Fig.062 Fig.063 Fig.064 Fig.065 Fig.066 Fig.067 Fig.068 Fig.069 Fig.070 Fig.071 Fig.072 Fig.073 Fig.074 Fig.075 Fig.076 Fig.077 Fig.078 Fig.079 Fig.080 Fig.081 Fig.082 Fig.083 Fig.084 Fig.085 Fig.086 Fig.087

Exterior Shots ............................................................................................................... 95 Karlovac Aquarium and River Museum Aerial view ....................................................... 98 Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute....................................................................100 Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute top view ....................................................103 Zoning.............................................................................................................................103 Design Concept..............................................................................................................104 Ecorium Top View........................................................................................................... 106 Ecorium of the national ecological institute interior.........................................................106 Climate biomes zone .....................................................................................................106 Site Plan ........................................................................................................................ 108 Plan ............................................................................................................................... 110 Plans ............................................................................................................................. 112 Climate Biomes Zone..................................................................................................... 115 Ecorium Bird eye view.................................................................................................... 117 Ventilation system diagram............................................................................................ 119 Structure Diagram.......................................................................................................... 119 Ecorium Exterior Shot.................................................................................................... 120 Suncheon International Wetlands Center ..................................................................... 122 Suncheon International Wetlands Center promenada view .......................................... 126 Suncheon Center Top View............................................................................................ 129 Suncheon Center exterior shot.......................................................................................129 plans (ground + first floors).............................................................................................130 sections + elevations...................................................................................................... 133 Suncheon Center exterior shots.....................................................................................134 wasit natural reserve visitor center ................................................................................136 wasit natural reserve visitor center exterior shot ........................................................... 138 site plan ......................................................................................................................... 140 Program Analysis............................................................................................................143 Design Concept..............................................................................................................143 ground floor.....................................................................................................................144 sections.......................................................................................................................... 146 Top View......................................................................................................................... 148 Aerial View......................................................................................................................150

Chapter 3 Fig.088 Fig.089 Fig.090 Fig.091 Fig.092 Fig.093 Fig.094 Fig.095 Fig.096 Fig.097 Fig.098 Fig.099 Fig.100 Fig.101 Fig.102

Program Analysis Diagram..................................................................................................

156 One Ocean thematic pavilion...............................................................................................

157 Program Table Analysis........................................................................................................

159 Program Analysis Diagram....................................................................................................

Karlovac freshwater aquarium top view................................................................................ 160 Program Table Analysis........................................................................................................ 161 Program Analysis Diagram................................................................................................... 163 Ecorium of the national ecological institute...........................................................................164 Program zoning.....................................................................................................................166 Program Table Analysis..........................................................................................................167 Program Analysis Diagram ...................................................................................................168 wasit center top view.............................................................................................................169 Program Analysis Table.........................................................................................................171 Program Comparison............................................................................................................173 Program analysis diagram ................................................................................................... 174 Program table analysis ....................................................................................................... 175

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Chapter 4 Al Aqaba Map ...............................................................................................................

Al Aqaba climate diagram..................................................................................................

Jordan nationalities chart...................................................................................................

Demographic data of al Aqaba city........................................................................................

Land-use Map of al Aqaba city...........................................................................................

Fig.103 Fig.104 Fig.105 Fig.106 Fig.107 Fig.108 Fig.109 Fig.110 Fig.111 Fig.112 Fig.113 Fig.114 Fig.115 Fig.116 Fig.117 Fig.118 Fig.119 Fig.120 Fig.121 Fig.122 Fig.123 Fig.124 Fig.125 Fig.126 Fig.127 Fig.128 Fig.129 Fig.130 Fig.131 Fig.132 Fig.133 Fig.134 Fig.135 Fig.136 Fig.137 Fig.138 Fig.139

Al Aqaba city .................................................................................................................

Site Alternative 1...........................................................................................................

Site Alternative 2............................................................................................................

Site Alternative 3............................................................................................................

Site Alternative 1 ...........................................................................................................

Site Alternative 2 ...........................................................................................................

Site Alternative 3............................................................................................................

Site Alternative 1 (location)............................................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (location).............................................................................................

Site Alternative 3 (location)............................................................................................

Site Alternative 1 (Neighbourhood context)...................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Neighbourhood context)....................................................................

Site Alternative 3 (Neighbourhood context) ...................................................................

Site Alternative 1 (Location and size) ..........................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Location and size).............................................................................

Site Alternative 3 (Location and size).............................................................................

Site Alternative 1 (Natural and man made features) ....................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Natural and man made features) ....................................................

Site Alternative 3 (Natural and man made features) ....................................................

Site Alternative 1 (Infrastructure & circulation) ............................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Infrastructure & circulation) ...........................................................

Site Alternative 3 (Infrastructure & circulation) .............................................................

Site Alternative 1 (Environmental Factors) ...................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Environmental Factors) ...................................................................

Site Alternative 3 (Environmental Factors) ...................................................................

Site Alternative 1 (View Analysis) ................................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (View Analysis) ................................................................................

Site Alternative 3 (View Analysis) ................................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Figure Ground) ................................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Figure Ground) .................................................................................

Site Alternative 2 (Figure Ground) ................................................................................

Site Comparison Table ..................................................................................................

180 180 181 181 182 184 187 187 187 189 191 193 195 195 195 196 196 196 199 199 199 200 200 200 203 203 203 205 205 205 207 207 207 209 209 209 211

Fig.140 Fig.141 Fig.142 Fig.143 Fig.144 Fig.145 Fig.146 Fig.147 Fig.148 Fig.149 Fig.150 Fig.151 Fig.152

Viral turtle fishing...........................................................................................................

Beaty Biodiversity center interior shot........................................................................... one ocean thematic pavilion exterior shot.....................................................................

Karlovac freshwater aquarium top view.........................................................................

Ecorium national institute exterior shot..........................................................................

Suncheon internation wetlands center...........................................................................

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre.............................................................................

Program Comparison Analysis.......................................................................................

Program Analysis pie chart ............................................................................................

Spaces Diagram.............................................................................................................

Site Alternative 1 ............................................................................................................

Sites Comparison Table.................................................................................................

Program Analysis Table..................................................................................................

Design Concept Diagram (circulation)...........................................................................

Design Concept Diagram...............................................................................................

Program table analysis ................................................................................................

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Chapter 5

Fig.155 Fig.156 Fig.157 Fig.158 Fig.159 Fig.160

Lecture Halls .................................................................................................................

Laboratories....................................................................................................................

Libraries.........................................................................................................................

Art Galleries....................................................................................................................

Restaurants...................................................................................................................

Aquariums ....................................................................................................................

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CHAPTER 01 : INTRODUCTION

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Introduction

water is one of the most valued sources in our life , we have to save it and conserve its valuable creatures.

Aqaba in Jordan is a gorgeous coastal city that attracts thousands of scuba diving enthusiasts each year with its artificial reef which is home to an array of marine species such as sea horses, turtles and butterfly fish, as well as easy access to prominent and interesting diving sites.

Aqaba’s atmosphere makes it a perfect area for all year scuba diving and is by a long shot thought about a heaven for drivers, Jordanian waters are home to in excess of 450 types of fish, And in excess of 127 sorts of coral formation. Within the shallow waters of 0.5m to 40m, there are distinctive sorts of ocean grass, which are a vital environment for fish.

On the other hand , these wonderful marine creatures in Jordan’s only outlet to the sea are currently endangered from beach-goers who keeps ignoring the important litter laws, Abdullah Momani, a 31-year-old former marine biologist and the head of the Aqaba Diving Association, has been involved in several voluntary beach and sea clean-up campaigns and is concerned about the marine environment in Aqaba, He explained: “Unfortunately, we have a problem with litter particularly after the Eids and holidays.

Fig.001 Marine Life Biodiversity

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There are soda cans, white plastic cups and plastic bags and at times you can even see diapers under the water. When I lead a group dive and see trash, I change the group’s direction to prevent them from seeing it.”

In Jordan there are laws that ban people from littering Violators are fined 20 dinars (Dh103.6).

Also, if a captain of a ship is caught polluting the sea, he could be fined up to 10,000 dinars, sentenced to three year prison or both. But laws do not specify penalties for those littering on the beach., but this is not enough society should be aware of the consequences of such behaviour.

Jordanian citizens are educated but we still suffer the level of awareness in some groups who are still not up to the necessary degree of understanding, so we should work mainly on raising awareness and giving people the enough knowledge about the importance of conserving and preserving the marine life and the coral reefs and how their actions will affect significantly the condition of the water and the marine life in general.

He clarified that in spite of the volunteers’ earnest attempts, visitors taking beach and scuba diving holidays are as yet overlooking litter laws.

He added: “When you clean a dive site and return a month later, the rubbish is back. It is killing the corals. Plastic bags cover them and block off sunlight. There are species that grow by one centimetre a year. Turtles have also been decreasing.”

Faisal Abu Sondos, project manager at JREDS, said 80 per cent of the sea litter results from the beach.

“Most of the litter is plastic. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and they choke on them,” he said. “Litter is a phenomenon in Aqaba. In one sea clean-up campaign, we have collected two tonnes of litter, which is alarming. In another campaign last year, we have collected 28 tyres from one diving site.”

Fig.002 Littering in the gulf

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Fig.003 Diving in the gulf

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Threats To Global Marine Biodiversity

Numerous types of fishes, ocean turtle and other marine creatures are slaughtered and disposed of by-­catch. The composition and structure of the fauna, flora and habitats of coastal seas have been changing at an abnormal rate over the most recent couple of decades, due to changes in the global climate, invasive species and increasing in human activities. However, humans do impact the oceans already to a considerable degree, especially in the coastal areas but increasingly in the open ocean as well. At present eutrophication is a primarily a problem of coastal water, particularly in shallow, enclosed area.

For a considerable length of time the sea was seen as an endless reservoir of productivity with boundless ability to assimilate wastes. A gainful environment is portrayed by a high level of organic assorted variety. In other words it contains a huge gathering of plant and creature species and every specie has a well defined role to play.

There is a high level species diversity in an ecosystem and this guarantees stability because many species provide many pathways for energy of a system to flow. The Marine biodiversity of the ocean makes it one of the greatest resources for the humans. However, like all resources it must be used with caution so as to remain sustainable. Any decrease in marine biodiversity will have the greatest impact on the countries development by risking their main source of protein food.The resources of the sea have been over-harvested by humans thereby threatening marine biodiversity.

These threats are :1) Introduction of outsider species.

2) Pollution 3) Over­exploitation 4) Climate Change 5) Habitat Destruction 1)Introduction of outsider species :An outsider species is one that has Been intentionally or accidentally transported and released into an environment outside of its historic geographical range. Such species are described as ‘invasive’ if they are ecologically and/or economically harmful ,These species are harm­ful to native biodiversity in a number of ways, for example, as competitors, predators, parasites, or by spreading diseases.

Human activities are making species vanish at a disturbing rate. It has been estimated that between 1975 and 2015, species extinction will occur at a rate of 1 to 11 % per decade. Losses of this magnitude impact the whole ecosystem, valuable resources used to provide food, medicines, and industrial materials to human beings .There are some differences regarding the seriousness of each threat. Overfishing is the greatest threat to marine environments, other threats to aquatic biodiversity include urban development and resource-based industries, such as mining, dredging that devastate or reduce natural habitats. Air and water pollution, sedimentation, and climate change endanger the aquatic biodiversity.

2)pollution:“Pollutants in the air, water, and soil can affect organisms in a wide range of ways, from Changing the rate of plant growth to altering reproduction patterns, in certain outrageous circumstances, leading to extinction.” Coral reefs can be damaged by a variety of pollutants that are produced by different kinds of sources.

Fig.004 Rate of species extinction

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Fig.005 Endangered species 2000-2018

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Human attention rightly focuses on the decline of biodiversity on land, but this should not happen at the expense of the oceans attention to marine biodiversity is also urgently needed if a strong and a stable relationship between humans and the sea is needed. The oceans have no owner and no single nation or international organisation is liable for their health. As a consequence, the seas are under increasing pressure. Preserving marine biodiversity for the sake of knowledge itself is important. Biodiversity is declining quickly and endeavours to stop the decay must be escalated. There needs to be more public support in order to conserve. By passing knowledge and appreciation of marine biodiversity to future generations can be a great concern.

3)Over Exploitation :Overexploitation can lead to resource exhaustion and put a number of threatened and endangered species at risk for extinction, A greater variety of species at a higher trophic level is exploited in the sea than on land: humans use over 400 species as food resources from the marine environment.

4)Climate Change:Global warming will cause sea level rise. As a result higher temperature decreases the ability of water to dissolve oxygen. Humans, however,have been increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by burning enormous amount of fossil fuels. Loggerhead Turtle nests in Florida have been already producing 90% females owing to high temperatures, and if warming raises temperatures by an additional 1º C or more, no males will be produced there. Coral reefs require particular environmental conditions for growth and water temperatures from 23–29 °C are optimal for growth.

Threats To The Gulf Of Al aqaba Marine Biodiversity & The Environmental Challenge These threats are affecting the marine life in the world Generally and the gulf of Aqaba particularly.

The Gulf of Aqaba is a marine environment enclosed by arid lands that experience extremes of temperature and exceedingly low levels of precipitation. These conditions have led to the evolution of unique, and hence internationally important, coral reef and marine ecosystems, which are susceptible to destruction from pollution or other forms of environmental effect. The Gulf of Aqaba also represents a natural resource of major economic significance to the four riparian countries (Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia) in terms of access to sea transportation and the development of tourism and other industries along its beaches.

5)Habitat Destruction:Loss of habitat is the major reason behind aquatic biodiversity reduction. Habitat destruction and fragmentation is a process that describes the emergences of discontinuities (fragmentation) or the loss (destruction) of the environment inhabited by an organism, Approximately 20% of the world’s coral reefs were lost and an additional 20% degraded in the last several decades of the twentieth century, and approximately 35% of mangrove area was lost during this time.

When a species goes extinct, all the genetic information carried by individuals of that species is lost forever, never to be reproduced again.

Extinction is a terrible waste of life and a loss of potential solutions to future problems such as possible cures to disease and solutions for survival in a changing world.

Due in part to its coral reefs and marine biodiversity, Aqaba in Jordan became a popular resort destination that depend on tourism.

Fig.006 Turtle Chocking on plastic bag

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Biodiversity in the Gulf of Aqaba of Jordan

However environmental factors could threaten this important source of income. There is evidence that the water quality has been decreasing in recent years, due to human activity and industrial pollution in the coastal zones surrounding the Gulf. It is possible that global climate change may also be a factor.

Despite the relatively small water body at the Gulf of Aqaba, it hosts an extraordinary marine diversity. Over 13 Km of the 27 Km of coastline is occupied by a discontinuous series of fringing coral reefs and reef flats that extend to 150m wide. Corals play a major role in supporting high levels of biological diversity as well as providing key ecosystem goods and services such as habitat for fisheries, coastal protection and tourism recreation.

Because of the sensitivity of coral to environmental factors, increased dust deposit in the Gulf due to the desertification processes in surrounding countries, warmer ocean temperatures caused by an increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases, and increased UV due to ozone depletion can all play a role in degrading coral reef conditions.

More than 50% of the Gulf’s shoreline is covered with ancient coral reef where over than 151 scleractinian (reef-building) coral species and more than 120 species of soft coral were recorded, some of which are globally endangered, such as the red and black corals. In addition, the Jordanian coastline is distinguished by an extensive fringing reefs which is considered one of the most dynamic and diverse of all natural ecosystems.

In addition, Aqaba’s fish community is represented by more than 500 species of fishes, which is considered a rich habitat with high fish diversity if compared with 1280 fish species recorded in the Red Sea which extends over 1932 Km. The majority of fish species recorded from the Gulf of Aqaba are of benthic origin, where coral and boulders fish constitutes more than 53%.

The Gulf Of Aqaba & Al Aqaba The Gulf of Aqaba in the northern Red Sea is a warm water body, approximately 180km long and on average 8 km wide, and attains a depth of about 1355 meter. It is a deep basin with narrow shelves, which comprises two isolated depressions separated by a submarine sill. The northern depression is about 1,100 m deep and the southern depression is about 1,420 m deep ,The maximum depth within the Gulf of Aqaba is observed near the east coast with a depth of 1,829 meter.

Al Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba , Situated in southernmost Jordan, it plays a major role in the development of the Jordanian economy, through the vibrant trade and tourism sectors , The coastal city’s strategic location at the northeaster tip of the Red Sea between the continents of Asia and Africa, has made its port important over the course of thousands of years.

The Jordan segment of the Gulf of Aqaba, attracts several migratory species to visit its calm and warm water. Some visitors are of high economic value, such as the tuna and sardine, while most species utilize the reef or seagrass areas. The marine environment in Aqaba is a host of several species of algae, sponges, snails, crabs and sea turtles .

Fig.007 City of Aqaba Aerial view

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The History Of The Study of Marine Biology

The trips of the HMS Beagle were followed by a 3-year voyage by the British ship HMS Challenge led by Sir Charles Wyville Thomson (18301882) to all the oceans of the world during which thousands of marine specimens were collected and analysed. This trip is often referred to as the birth of oceanography. The data collected during this trip filled 50 volumes and served as the basis for the study of marine biology across many disciplines for many years. Deep sea exploration was a benchmark of the Challenger’s voyage disproving British explorer Edward Forbes’ theory that marine life could not exist below about 550 m or 1,800 feet.

The historical backdrop of marine life biology may have started as right on time as 1200 BC when the Phoenicians started sea trips using celestial navigation. References to the ocean and its secrets possess large amounts of Greek mythology, especially the Homeric poems “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”. Nonetheless, these two sources of ancient history mostly refer to the ocean as a means of transportation and food source.

It wasn’t until the writings of Aristotle external link from 384-322 BC that particular references to marine life were recorded. Aristotle recognized an assortment of animal species crustaceans, echinoderms, mollusks, and fish.. He also recognized that cetaceans are mammals, and that marine vertebrates are either oviparous (producing eggs that hatch outside the body) or viviparous (producing eggs that hatch within the body). Since he is the first to record observations on marine life, Aristotle is regularly referred to as the father of marine biology.

The Research Institutions/centers These expeditions were soon followed by marine laboratories established to study marine life. The oldest marine station in the world, Station Biologique de Roscoff was established in Concarneau, France founded by the College of France in 1859. Concarneau is located on the Northwest coast of France. The station was originally established for the cultivation of marine species, such as Dover sole, because of its location near marine estuaries with a variety of marine life. Today, research is conducted on molecular biology, biochemistry, and environmental studies.

The Early Expeditions The modern day study of marine biology began started with the investigation by Captain James Cook (1728-1779) in eighteenth century Britain.

Commander Cook is most known for his broad outings of disclosure for the British Navy, mapping a great part of the world’s unfamiliar waters amid that time. He circumnavigated the world twice during his lifetime, during which he logged descriptions of numerous plants and animals then unknown to most of mankind. various researchers started a closer investigation of marine life including Charles Darwin (1809-1882) who, despite the fact that he is best known for the Theory of Evolution, contributed fundamentally to the early investigation of marine biology.

His expeditions as the resident naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836 were spent collecting and studying specimens from a number of marine organisms that were sent to the British Museum for cataloguing. His interest in geology gave rise to his study of coral reefs and their formation.

Fig.008 Captain cook on a ship

Fig.009 charles darwin

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Fig.010 voyage of the challenger

In 1871, Spencer Fullerton Baird , the principal chief of the US Commission of Fish and Fisheries (now known as the National Marine Fisheries Service) , started an accumulation station in Woods Hole,Massachusetts because of the inexhaustible marine life there and to research the declining fish stocks.

This lab still exists presently known as the Northeast Fisheries Science Center , and is the oldest fisheries research facility in the world. Additionally at Woods Hole, the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) was built up in 1888 by Alpheus Hyatt, a student of Harvard naturalist Louis Agassiz who had established the first seaside school of natural history on an island near Woods Hole.

MBL was designed as a summer program for the study of the biology of marine life for the purpose of fundamental research and education.

Fig.011 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute was found in 1930 in response to the National Academy of Science’s call for “the share of the United States of America in a worldwide program of oceanographic research” and it was funded by a $3 million grant by the Rockefeller Foundation.

Luckily, because of crafted by over a significant time span ocean researchers some of the population is increasingly aware of these risks which urge open organizations to make a move and advance research. The efforts of public agencies using a multi-disciplinary approach, together with the efforts provided by numerous private marine conservation organizations that work on issues such as advocacy, education, and research, will help drive the momentum needed to face the challenges of preserving the ocean.

An independent biological laboratory was established in San Diego in 1903 by University of California professor Dr. William E. Ritter, which became part of the University of California in 1912 and was named the Scripps Institution of Oceanography after its benefactors. Scripps has since turned out to be one of the world’s driving institutes offering a multi-disciplinary investigation of oceanography.

Conclusion Since the water and the marine life in the Gulf Of Aqaba currently is in danger, an action should take place through providing a research & awareness center which will help in raising awareness of marine life and its significant importance, do researches that can enhance the water situation and the marine life in the gulf,manage the natural sources,create a place that will preserve the magnificent treasure of the red sea,give people the chance to see and learn about the marine life and create an entertainment environment that will provide learning experience and promote economic development.

The Future Nowadays, the possibilities for ocean exploration are kind of unlimited , smart computers, remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs), deep sea submersibles, reinforced diving suits, and satellites, other technologies are also being produced and developed.

In any case, interdisciplinary research is expected to keep assembling our comprehension of the ocean, and what should be done to secure it.

Disregarding progressing mechanical advances, it is evaluated that just 5% of the seas have been explored.

Shockingly, we know more about the moon than we do the ocean. This needs to change if we are willing to ensure the Continuation of the marine life in the seas—and they cover 71% of the earth’s surface. Unlike the moon, they are our backyard. Without a detailed collective understanding of the ramifications of pollution, overfishing, coastal development, as well as the longterm sustainability of ocean oxygen production and carbon dioxide and monoxide absorption, we confront incredible dangers to natural and human well-being. We require this examination with the goal that we can follow up on potential issues—not respond to them when it is already late.

Fig.012 Plastic Pollution Effect On Marine Life

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Fig.013 scuba diving in the gulf of Aqaba

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CHAPTER 02 : PRECEDENT STUDIES

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Beaty Biodiversity Center and Aquatic Ecosystems Research Center Location : Vancouver,Canada Program : Research & Science Area : 11500.0 m2 Architect : Patkau Architects Completion : 2010 Client : University of British Columbia

In 2010 the University of British Columbia added a new precinct to their campus. The new complex is located on the campus’s main mall, and is comprised of two facilities; the Beaty Biodiversity Center and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Center. Together they form an ideology of related environmental sciences. The primary intention of this design was to create a complex that would meet the needs of two different programmatic functions, a museum and research laboratory. Patkau Architects successfully achieved this by linking these different functions, with a common intent to explore and inform.

Its collections include over two million specimens collected between the 1910s and the present, comprising the Cowan Tetrapod Collection, the Marine Invertebrate Collection, the Fossil Collection, the Herbarium, the Spencer Entomological Collection, and the Fish Collection. The collections focus in particular on the species of British Columbia, Yukon, and the Pacific Coast. The museum’s most prominent display is a 25-metre (82foot) skeleton of a female blue whale buried in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, which is suspended over the ramp leading to the main collections.

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Fig.014 Beaty Biodiversity Center exterior view

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Design Concept The Beaty Biodiversity Center and the Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory are located on Main Mall, the central north/south spine of the University of British Columbia. Together they form a complex of related environmental science functions; a new campus precinct organized around a generous exterior courtyard space which is bisected by new cross-campus pedestrian and bicycle connections.

The main exhibition space of the museum located within the Beaty Biodiversity Center is a glass “lantern” , The building’s museum does a spectacular job showcasing its exhibitions from the inside out, by allowing its installations pieces to be seen through the glass facade and become the “public face for the complex.” An example of this can be seen featuring an enormous skeleton of a Blue Whale creating a public face for the complex towards the Mall. The Beaty Biodiversity Center comprises a natural history museum, a large natural history collection, research laboratories and offices with related meeting and support spaces.

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Fig.015 enormous skeleton of a Blue Whale 41

Program and Access This 11,500 square meter facility is organized around three sides of the courtyard space, with the Beaty Biodiversity Museum occupying the west side along Main Mall.

The principal exhibition space of the museum is a glass “lantern� within which an enormous skeleton of a Blue Whale. The extensive natural history collections, located beneath the central courtyard, are accessible directly from this exhibition space. Research laboratories and offices occupy the remaining south and east sides of the project. The laboratories are organized in a regular manner along the east outer edge of the project while the offices and meeting spaces are organized more casually around the courtyard to foster a sense of academic community. An open stair, located on the courtyard edge of the office and meeting spaces threads through the project to vertically interconnect informal social spaces.

The Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory is located on the northern side of the courtyard. This 5,150 square meter building combines interdisciplinary research groups around an atrium that interconnects the four floors of the building. Social spaces are located adjacent to this atrium to reinforce a sense of academic community and to encourage interaction between faculty, students and the various research units. Faculty offices, loft spaces / digital laboratories for the student community and a variety of meeting spaces are located on the upper floors, while the large public rooms are located on the ground floor where they participate in the urban life of the campus.

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Fig.016 Exterior Shot of beaty biodiversity center43

Fig.017 Ground Floor Plan

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Fig.018 First Floor Plan

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Fig.019 Second Floor Plan

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Fig.020 Third Floor Plan

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Fig.021 Elevations

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Fig.022 Sections

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The Atrium & The Sustainable Design The atrium plays a key role in the sustainable design strategies employed in the Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory. Glazed at the top to bring day-light deep into the interior it combines with generous glazing on the north side of the building and photo sensor controls to minimize dependency on artificial lighting. The atrium also acts as a natural ventilation stack that pulls air into the building, eliminating the need for a conventional mechanical ventilation system. On summer nights the building is naturally ventilated to cool the concrete structure, which acts as a radiant cooling surface during the day, eliminating the need for air conditioning for the three upper floors. The Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory is certified LEED Gold.

Fig.023 The Atrium

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Fig.024 Beaty Biodiversity center exterior shot

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Fig.025 Beaty Biodiversity center outdoor view

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One Ccean Thematic Pavilion Location : Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea Program : Research and Science Architect : SOMA lima Area : 6,900 m2 Year : 2010-2012 Client : The organising committee for EXPO 2012

Selected as the first prize winner in an open international competition in 2009, this permanent facility is bringing life along a new promenade within a former industrial harbour. It is largely known for its fish-like characteristics created by a cutting-edge façade system that is made-up of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) capable of being morphed into a number of animated patterns. The integration of the moving lamellas within the building’s skin was inspired by a research project at the ITKE University Stuttgart that investigates how biological moving mechanism can be applied in an architectural scale. It was developed together with Knippers Helbig Advanced Engineering as an effort to introduce forward-looking innovations to the public.

The design for the permanent Thematic Pavilion emerged as the winning entry of an open international competition in 2009.

According to Soma, their concept is aimed at embodying the theme of the EXPO “the living ocean and coast” in a multi-layered way which visitors can experience directly.

The idea was not to communicate the intention of the EXPO , to promote the responsible use of natural resources , by means of gestures , but to implement this in architectural form , soma therefore developed a sustainable climate concept for the pavilion and the bionic principle of lamella facade.

Fig.025 One Ocean Thematic Pavilion Night Close View

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The Design Concept

Urban Context

As a major and permanent facility the Thematic Pavilion embodies the Expo’s theme “The Living Ocean and Coast” in manifold ways. We experience the ocean in two ways, as an endless surface and – from a submerged perspective – as depth. The experience of the sea as an endless surface and as depth was the conceptual basis for the design of the exhibition modules. Continuous surfaces warp from vertical cylinders into horizontal planes, generating two different exhibition areas: the multimedia exhibition in the vertical spaces allows visitors to “immerse themselves”, so to speak, in the theme of the EXPO. In contrast, the “Best Practice Area” on the horizontal levels of the upper floor functions as a flexible exhibition space for innovations from the fields of research and technology.

Continuous transitions between opposites also characterise the external appearance of the Thematic Pavilion. If one views the Pavilion from the sea, the dense arrangement of the exhibition modules creates a new meandering coastline.

Viewed from the land, the building appears as an accessible artificial landscape with winding paths, roof gardens and viewing platforms.

The topographic lines of the roof landscape in turn merge into the moveable lamellas of the kinetic media facade, which faces the entrance to the EXPO and the ‘Digital Gallery’. The exhibitions within this Pavilion will offer visitors an overview and introduction to the theme of the Expo: ‘The Living Ocean and Coast’.

The permanent building is being built along a new promenade in a former industrial harbour basin. Following the Expo, the promenade will serve as an urban beach offering leisure activities for tourists and locals.

Fig.026 Design Concept Sketches

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60 Ground Plan 1F Fig.027

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Fig.029 Sections 62

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Program And Access The main entrance is situated on the ‘Ocean Plaza’, which is partially shaded by the overhang of the building, creating a waiting zone for visitors. The foyer is conceived as an open, flowing space facing the promenade, the limits of which are defined by the warped surfaces of the exhibition modules. In contrast, on the side facing the sea the views of the open ocean are framed and dramatised through the vertical surfaces and the triangular openings.

The exhibition modules (cones) were modulated following a spatial sequence. From the smaller cylinders of the Pre-Show with a room height of 6m one passes into the 1000m² space of the Main Show with an impressive room height of 20m. From here, the visitors move on into the more intimate areas of the Post Show and onto the floating platform. Interested visitors can access an open flexible exhibition area and the roof via lifts located in the Best Practice Area on the upper level.

The roof landscape functions as a third exhibition space. Here visitors will find gardens planted with local plant varieties and a 360° view of the surrounding landscape and the Expo site. In order to leave the Pavilion, visitors descend the meandering panoramic ramp leading down to the promenade.

Fig.030 Space allocation diagram

Fig.031 Pavilion Back View

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Analogue Effects As a counterpart to the virtual multi-media shows of the thematic exhibition taking place in its interior spaces, the kinetic façade, like the building as a whole, emphasizes the manifold potentials of analogue architectural effects. The lamellas were already proposed in the competition phase and later on developed together with Knippers Helbig Engineers. The architectural effect aimed at was a smoothly moving façade that is seamlessly integrated into the overall continuous skin of the pavilion. To achieve the architectural intention a mechanical solution that applies hinges and joints seemed inappropriate, therefore a biomimetic approach was chosen. The smooth movement recalls organic references, the building itself appears animated” Furthermore the biomimetic approach meets the client’s wish to make the Thematic Pavilion a showcase of a future architecture that learns from nature. As a moving, emotional experience the kinetic façade combines sensations with the sensational, while communicating the Expo’s theme in an innovative and investigative way.

Fig.032 Pavilion Exterior shot

Fig.033 Pavilion Interior shot

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Biomimetic Approach

Kinetic Facade Beside their function to control light conditions in the foyer and the Best Practice Area the moving the lamellas create animated patterns on the façade. The choreography will span from subtle local movements to overall waves effecting the whole length of the building.

The facade covers a total length of about 140 m, and is between 3 m and 13 m high. It consists of 108 kinetic lamellas, which are supported at the top and the bottom edge of the façade. lamellas are made of glass fibre reinforced polymers (FRP), which combine high tensile strength with low bending stiffness, allowing reversible elastic deformations. The lamellas are moved by actuators on both the upper and lower edge of the FRP blade, which induce compression forces to create the complex elastic deformation. They reduce the distance between the two bearings and in this way induce a bending which results in a side rotation of the lamella. The actuator of the lamellas is a screw spindle driven by a servomotor. A computer controlled bus-system allows the synchronization of the actuators. Each lamella can be addressed individually within a specific logic of movement to show different choreographies and operation modes. upper and lower motors often work with opposite power requirements (driving and braking). Therefore generated energy can be fed back into the local system to save energy.

The material performance of the biomimetic lamellas produces an interrelated effect of geometry, movement and light: The longer the single lamella the wider the angle of opening the bigger the area affected by light.

The architectural intention was to produce a choreography and imagery out of the building’s own layers, without displaying any further media “content”. After sunset the analogue visual effect of the moving lamellas is intensified by linear LED bars, which are located at the inner side of the front edge of the lamella. In opened position the LED can light the neighbouring lamella depending on the opening angle.

Although movement is intrinsic to any media facade, architecture is usually considered as the stable, immobile background for it. By involving real movement the kinetic facade aims to unify those usually isolated layers of architecture and media and define it as an interrelated and inseparable three-dimensional experience.

Instead of communicating “content” the kinetic facade adds an atmospheric layer to the Thematic Pavilion that is based on subtle effects or “mood”. The choreography will rely on abstract patterns of color, different speeds of movement, or variation in the angles of opening and closing.

Fig.034 Pavilion entrance shot

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Fig.035 Architectural Facade

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Fig.036 Thematic Pavilion Side View

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Fig.037 Thematic Pavilion Top View

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Climate concept The conflicted spaces between the exhibition modules are oriented towards the prevailing wind direction in order to allow better natural ventilation of the foyer and the Best Practice Area.

In the vertical exhibition spaces, the cooled, air-conditioned air is introduced through the floor in order to minimise the volume of conditioned air. By day, the lamellas of the kinetic facade control the input of solar energy. Solar panels on the roof supply the power for operation of the service engineering installations. The climatic properties of the building were analysed in depth and simulated by Transsolar in order to reduce energy consumption and increase the efficiency.

Structure The various appearances of the building open towards Expo site and compact towards the sea is also routed in the constraints of the site.

Facing the open sea the reinforced concrete cones prevent the pavilion from getting damaged through typhoons and high waves. The roof and the kinetic facade have steel sub-structures. whereas the the kinetic facade is produced out of FRP and uses the material characteristics and flexibility for its mode of operation.

Fig.038 Wall Section of kinetic facade

Fig.040 Climate Engineering Diagram

Fig.039 Construction phase

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Fig.041 Structure longitudinal section

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Fig.042 Thematic Pavilion Night Elevation View

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Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum Location : Architect : Year : Program : Type : Area :

Karlovac, Croatia 3LHD 2013-2015 public,sport Cultural/ Aquarium 8327 m2

The Karlovac freshwater aquarium is situated by the river Korana. The building volume is slightly dug into the ground and covered with earthen dams from its exterior edges. The aquarium building is embedded in the natural environment and covered with greenery. A square with the entrance spaces , cafe bar , souvenir shop , library and offices are located at the center. The exhibition shows flora and fauna of the Croatian and their ecosystems in a linear layout that displays the river habitats from its source to its mouth ,following its entire flow.

Fig.043 Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum top view

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Design Concept The design concept was inspired by the city’s historic center “Karlovac star” surrounded by “Šanci” – defensive earthen walls and mounds. The main target was to form a new city focal point and to validate the promenade by the river to make a new tourist attraction.

Three walking routes were formed :- towards the city center and the river; towards the south and the sports and recreational center; and towards the east and the road access. A new point is situated at the junction of the walking roads – a square around which all of the aquarium facilities are located: entrance spaces, souvenir shop, cafe bar, library, and offices. The aquarium facilities are hidden around the square without disturbing the natural korana valley.

Fig.044 Conceptual diagram

Fig.045 3d plan

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Fig.046 Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum

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Fig.047 Site Plan

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Fig.048 Basement Plan

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Fig.049 Ground Floor Plan

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Fig.050 Elevations

Fig.051 Sections

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The Exhibition

The Aquarium

The aquarium exhibition displays the flora and fauna of Croatian rivers and their ecosystems.

The display layout follows the flow of a karst river – together with its flora, fauna and biodiversity.

The exhibition starts outside, with a water surface on the square. It continues inside the building with a system of ramps that wind like a river down into the basement level because specific plant and animal species require complete control of lighting conditions in order to survive.

After the headwaters which is technically the upper part of a river,the sounds quiet down, visitors dive into caves that feature endemic species which are often found in subterranean streams.

The space expands, lighting comes from the tanks, and visitors can take a break in the central area, listen to the sounds recorded in caves, and observe the exhibited endemic species. After the cave, the visitors reach to an aquarium with larger samples of rare species that have disappeared from their natural habitats in Croatia.

Aquariums are placed along, above and below the visitor paths. Along the pedestrian ramps the fish are first observed from above, as they are when walking along the river; and then from the sides – they can be seen below the water surface. After the headwaters (upper part of a river) the sounds quiet down, visitors plunge into caves that feature endemic species which are often found in subterranean streams.

The visitors can observe the fish and aquatic plants that live in warmer parts of the riverbed.

The aquariums are seen from the side, and then from underneath as the visitors walk into a tunnel that evokes immersion into a river. After the tunnel, visitors pass through a series of aquariums with water lilies and rushes usually present downstream, in the habitats of a river. The exhibition ends with a system of repetitive aquariums whose biotopes show waterfalls and a travertine barrier.

Eventually, a stairway and an elevator return the visitors to the entrance hall through the gift shop.

A space for analysis of the technological parameters of water, a scientific research center and fish acclimatization spaces are located in the center.

Fig.052 Exhibition shots

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Fig.053 Aquarium shots

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Fig.054 Aquarium hall shot

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Building orientation All of the three parts of the aquarium building can be accessed from the square: the exhibition, the reading room with the cafe bar and the office spaces. Each part has only one façade oriented towards the square. The façades oriented towards the plot edges are “invisible”, their back sides and roofs are covered with earthen material and act as part of the park, playgrounds and walkways. Green roof gardens “hide” the building and preserve the natural landscape on the right Korana bank. All three parts of the building can function as separate facilities or all together as integral parts of the aquarium exhibition. The square is the starting point of the aquarium exhibition with a water surface that symbolizes the source of the karst river.

Pigmented concrete The concrete used on the façade is pigmented and produced by a special in-situ method right on the construction site. A special type and size of grain was selected to achieve the desired effect – to make the façade color resemble the color of ground/soil. First, the concrete is carefully applied on the hull, vibrated in layers and cultivated for a period of time. Before it is mounted on the façade the hull is coated with a cement milk retardant to slow down the binding process in the concrete. After the hull is removed the concrete surface is washed to obtain a specific texture.

The mineral grains become visible and clearly define the structure and texture of the complete and solid concrete surface.

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Fig.055 Exterior Shots

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Fig.056 Karlovac Aquarium and River Museum Aerial view

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Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute Location : Architects : Area : Floors : Year : Program :

Seocheon-gun, Korea Samoo&Grimshaw Architects 33090 m2 2 stories and 1 basement 2012 cultural

Ecorium is an innovative environmental visitor attraction at the national ecology center in Seocheon , south korea. The project, which was secured through a turnkey design and build competition hosted by korea’s ministry of the environment, uses nature as an immersive teaching tool to showcase the world’s diverse ecosystems.

Grimshaw’s newyork studio was appointed by samsung construction and worked alongside samoo architects and engineers.

Fig.057 Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute

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The Establishment

Location

The Ministry Of Environmental founded the national institute of biological resources in 2007 as a national organization to systematically collect, manage, and study biological specimens of Korean endemic species and native organisms. it is preparing to establish regional biological resource institutions to provide a wide range of opportunities to learn about, hold exhibitions,and otherwise encounter native organisms.

Located in Seocheon, Republic of Korea, the Ecoplex ecological park is a government led initiative to preserve the natural environment of the region and to create a national hub to gather various ecological valuables for advanced research and exhibition in Korea. The site was originally allocated to be developed as an industrial zone but due to its environmental values, the Korean government changed the plan and commissioned a design competition for the Ecoplex and its various facilities which was won by Samoo Architects & Engineers. Within the Ecoplex lies the Ecorium, a landmark facility and a purpose-built exhibition facility.

The National Institute of Ecology, which opened in December 2013, is a comprehensive ecological research institution established to predict and study changes to the ecosystem of the Korean Peninsula following climate change, secure and conserve biological species, and educate the public about the environment. Display areas include an ecology experience center (Ecorium) offering an experience of the five major climate zones of the world, and the Korean Peninsula Forest, Marsh Eco Park, and Alpine Eco Park, where visitors can encounter the unique ecosystem of the Korean Peninsula. Research on topics such as long-term changes to the national ecosystem following climate and environmental changes will take place in the research area.

Designed by Samoo Architects & Engineers in collaboration with Grimshaw Architects, the Ecorium is composed of various greenhouses and controlled environments in order to reproduce the global ecosystem of five different climatic zones ranging from the tropical to the polar regions. Designed with the concept of ‘Nature’s Odyssey’, the individual climate zones are grouped by a linear podium which also functions as the main exhibition circulation path providing various experiences to visitors.

The Ministry of Environment is building a system to secure and manage endemic biological resources in an organized manner. It has created a database of species information and type specimen information on Korean endemic species and published the Endemic Species of Korea in 2010. Since 2008 it has been working on a project to build the “National List of Species in Korea,” in which native organisms are investigated and recorded in a list; 41,483 species of native organisms have been investigated as of 2013. It is also continuously investigating biological specimens from the Korean Peninsula that are owned by overseas institutions.

In order to prevent reckless exporting of endemic organisms, including endangered species, it is required to obtain an approval or permit when importing or exporting a total of 3,618 species, including 2,798 species of organisms subject to export approval, 246 species of endangered wildlife, and 574 species of animals subject to import and export permits.

Fig.058 Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute top view

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Design Concept The complex is made up of five biomes, each one dedicated to a different climatic zone. In plan, they all feature curved semi-circular shapes that are based on the form of lakes left over by moving rivers. The project concept is inspired by the form of an oxbow lake, an aquatic body created by the evolving erosion of a meandering river.

Visitors travel through five biomes, seeing, hearing, smelling and touching flora and fauna from the tropical rainforest, cloud forest, dry tropics, cool temperate and Antarctic regions. The enclosures were consciously designed as a continuous series, utilising climatic zones to emphasise diversity while maintaining the connections between regions present in nature.

Ecorium is completely unique in its physical form and design characteristics and a model of efficient green design in operation. Steel arches delineate the ridgeline of each biome enclosure, supporting a light weight glazing system to maximise the internal daylight level. This practice promotes vigorous plant growth and eliminates the need for supplemental electrical lighting.

Fig.059 Zoning

With the vision of becoming a hub for education and research on ecology, Ecorium plays an important role in providing opportunities for visitors to have a hands-on experience of various ecological environments around the world and learn the importance of conservation.

Fig.060 Design Concept

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Fig.061 Ecorium Top View

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Fig.062 Ecorium of the national ecological institute interior

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Fig.063 Climate Biomes Zone

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Fig.064 Site Plan

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Fig.065 Plan

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Fig.066 Plan

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Program & Access Arriving inside the Ecorium, visitors will be greeted by a grand lobby that provides a glimpse of the various climate zones and provide convenient access routes to various facilities including permanent exhibitions, theaters, cafeterias and gift shops. The tropical zone will be the first climate zone being presented to visitors. Designed as the largest greenhouse, the zone provides sufficient room for various plants and trees to grow in the future. The greenhouse provides a realistic environment where visitors could actually see, hear, feel, and touch as if inside a tropical rain forest. The arrangement of trees, plants and aquarium have been carefully set with waterfall features to provide visitors with a comprehensive experience. And to provide a more realistic sense of the environment, an observatory deck has been installed commanding a panoramic view of the whole tropical zone.

Next to the tropical zone lies the second greenhouse reproducing the sub-tropical zone with its harsh environment of the deserts and perhaps a glimpse of the future if global warming continues.

The third greenhouse is the Mediterranean zone filled with abundance of greenies and providing a contrasting experience. The fourth greenhouse would be the Temperate zone which is actually the climate zone of Korea. Due to this advantage, the zone provides a variety of experiences with some programs that is linked to the outdoor zones with miniature mountains and valleys with water flows. The last climate zone would be the Polar zone with its sub-zero temperature environment. This zone will provide exhibitions of the polar environment with displays of actual living penguins. It will also provide a realistic environment that promotes the education on global warming and its destructive effects on polar regions.

Fig.067 Climate Biomes Zone

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The Sustainable Design Planned as an eco-friendly building, the Ecorium is strategically designed to become a leading facility in regards to sustainability. The idea of creating a sustainable facility was at the heart of the project and this was realized through multiple simulations that were engineered to reduce energy consumptions and carbon footprints. For example, the alignment and the orientation of the various greenhouses were simulated to create an ideal environment depending on the climate zone the greenhouse would represent. Also, airflow simulations were carried out so that natural ventilation effects could be maintained throughout the 4-seasons for necessary facilities. The sloped curtain-wall of each climate zones would gather rain-water for cooling & watering plants.

With these various efforts, the whole facility was able reduce total energy consumption by approximately 10%.

With a grand vision of becoming the hub for education and research on ecology, the Ecorium within the Ecoplex will play an important role in providing an opportunity for visitors to have a hands-on experience of the various ecological environments around the world and teach us the importance of our natural environments.

Fig.068 Ecorium Bird eye view

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Structure Design For structural rigidity of the large greenhouses, each of the greenhouses is supported by a mega-structure main arch which provides stability to the whole structure. With the main arch providing support, it is equipped with horizontal band-truss which provides lateral stabilities and integrity to the whole structure. Slopped vertical trusses connected to the main arch support the curtain wall as well as resistance to wind loads. Curving steel beams create arched roof-lines, while lightweight glass walls help to maximise the natural light inside each space. The exterior of each greenhouse is built out of metal panels, low-iron and low-e double glazing, as well as wood and plexiglass. Seen from above the greenhouses will appear as a sinuous river. composed manily of steel and glass, the ecorium resembles an intergalactic city. the center’s entryway is tucked underneath a grass roof to give “the sense the landscape” says whalley. seen from above, the building’s large compressive steel arches evoke the meandering

Fig.069 Ventilation system diagram

Fig.070 Structure Diagram

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Fig.071 Ecorium Exterior Shot

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Suncheon International Wetlands Center

Location : Suncheon,South Korea Architects : Gansam Architects & Associates Project Architect : Chuloh Jung Client : Republic of Korea Site Area : 33,000 sqm Building Area : 8,300 sqm Competition Year : 2009 Program : Research & Science

Each year over 2.8 million people visit the Suncheon wetlands in Korea, which comprise world’s 5th largest tidal flat. To host them, Gansam Architects’ G.lab* have designed a visitor’s center that works to both enhance and protect the wetland that it is built on. It’s no easy feat, but the architects have succeeded in creating a minimally invasive project that goes with the ebb and flow of the tides. Suncheon Bay in Korea is a 3,550 hectare Ramsar-protected wetland. Within its shallow salt marshes, one can find over 25 threated species.

Fig.072 Suncheon International Wetlands Center

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The Design Concept Gansam Architects‘ project was designed to blend with the surrounding mountains and wetland, showing its surroundings while conserving them at the same time. A green roof covers a major portion of the building, and the project’s layout takes its inspiration from the inflows and outflows of the wetland’s tides. To maximise its environmental qualities, the project is divided into separate areas, a simple, yet useful strategy that helps them in decreasing energy consumption. Each of the spaces have been designed to maximise access to daylight, and the entire structure is raised to ensure that the site suffers minimal disturbance.

The Center was designed with the target to host visitors coming to apperciate the worlds fifth largest tidal flat while leading them through the wetlands to the Suncheon Bay. The receding tidewater imprints influenced the concept and fluid shape of the buildings and walkways. The circulation develops the sense of wondering while providing a sensual picturesque experience for visitors, allowing them to see both the wetlands and the forest on the opposite side. Recesses were also introduced into the pathways in order for people to see how the wetlands extend underneath the structure supported by stilts. The waves and levels created in the landscape by the pathways and buildings enhance the natural change in topography from the wetland to the forest, providing an area where the two can meet.

Sustainable architectural practices are introduced into the different building functions by separating them and using different envelopes to maintain more control over the energy use. The design also plans for a green roof and a wooden façade intended to integrate the structure into the environment while utilizing passive strategies to minimize the amount of light entering the building in the summer and increasing winter lighting.

Fig.073 Suncheon International Wetlands Center promenada view

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Fig.073 Suncheon International Wetlands Center promenada shot

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Space Allocation & Building Functionality The visitor’s center is situated at the Northeast corner of the site, identified with meandering pathways which promote and direct visitors to experience the wetlands and outdoor exhibitions.

The choreography of these pathways allows visitors to experience the topographical change of the site from forest to wetland. The placement of the building maximizes both the picturesque views to the mountains beyond and to the river, creating a visual continuation of both the water’s path and visitor’s circulation.

The buildings and pathways are designed to minimally affect the natural order of the protected wetland. Recesses in the pathways around the building allow for the wetland to continue under the structures.

Building functions are separated into distinctly different envelops to allow for greater climactic control and lessen the overall energy usage. The green roof continues the language of the mountains beyond, allowing the gallery interior unobstructed views to nature.

Fig.074 Suncheon Center Top View

Fig.075 Suncheon Center exterior shot

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Fig.076 plans (ground + first floors)

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The Facade Design The wooden façade is intended to reduce summer sun exposure, maximize potential winter day lighting and blend with the surrounding woodland to the north. Framed views from the gallery through these wooden slats capture light and help set the mood for this visitor’s center.

Fig.077 sections + elevations

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Fig.078 Suncheon Center exterior shots

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre

Location : Sharjah - United Arab Emirates Architects : x-architects Program : visiting center Client : EPAA, Environmental and Protected Area Authority Area : 2534.0 sqm Project Year : 2016 Type : natural reserve

The Wasit Natural Reserve features a mix of sand dunes, salt flats and lagoons, framed by three slender building volumes and a network of woven canopies. It invites visitors to observe a variety of different birds in a natural habitat, but also helps to educate them about these species. Additionally, it provides facilities for researchers and accommodates a veterinary team.

Fig.079 wasit natural reserve visitor center

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Located in the Emriate of Sharjah, north of Dubai, the 4.5-square-kilometre site was originally a dump for both rubbish and waste water. The project to rehabilitate the area started back in 2005, and involved removing over 40,000 square metres of rubbish removed, 35,000 trees been re-planted, healing the land from toxic chemicals and conservation of the Unique salt flats and coastal sand dunes, After years of efforts to bring the non-migratory birds back to the site, WNR is now home to 350 species of birds, a landing zone for 33,000 migrate birds, and a breathing lung to Sharjah city.

A wetland visitor center is established on site to continue protecting the natural environment, educate people on the richness of the wetland ecosystem and provides information about the birds that frequent the area and other wetlands areas of the emirate. The facility became heaven for bird watchers and researchers.

Fig.079 wasit natural reserve visitor center exterior shot

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Fig.080 Site Plan

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Design Concept & Space Allocation Dubai-based X Architects was charged with designing buildings for the site without compromising its functionality as a nature reserve. To achieve this, the team divided the programme up into three areas, and created long slender volumes for each. Each volume overlaps its neighbour, creating a huge H-shaped plan that frames different zones.

The architecture of the centre blends with its surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimise the visual impact on the natural scene.

When visitors arrive, a pathway leads them underground into a linear Gallery. A fully transparent wall allows the visitors to experience the birds’ natural environment and become part of it.

Aviaries slot in between the building, creating dedicated areas for birds including herons, ibises and seed-eaters.

The building’s entrance leads into an underground gallery that extends east to west across the site, and is entirely dedicated to observing the wildlife. At the far end, a cafe offers a view out to the largest pond. All other facilities are contained in the third block, which runs across the gallery near the entrance. It includes lecture halls, exhibition spaces, offices, breeding areas and a gift shop. The reserve also includes over 35,000 trees that help to purify the air, ensuring the area will continue to attract birdlife for many years to come.

Fig.080 Program Analysis

Fig.081 Design Concept

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Fig.082 Ground Floor

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Fig.083 Sections

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Fig.084 Top View

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Fig.085 Aerial View

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Fig.086 Exterior shots

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Fig.087 Interior Shots

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CHAPTER 03 : BUILDING PROGRAM

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One Ocean , Thematic Pavilion Planned on a total floor are of 20,000 m2 on two stories off the shore of the expo site , the theme pavilion will be composed of a thematic exhibition facility and the ocean and coast beast practice area (OCBPA) , where the best practice cases from around the world will be showcased, it will be able to accommodate up to 3,000 visitors.

As a major and permanent facility the Thematic Pavilion embodies the Expo’s theme “The Living Ocean and Coast” in manifold ways. We experience the ocean in two ways, as an endless surface and – from a submerged perspective – as depth. The experience of the sea as an endless surface and as depth was the conceptual basis for the design of the exhibition modules. Continuous surfaces warp from vertical cylinders into horizontal planes, generating two different exhibition areas: the multimedia exhibition in the vertical spaces allows visitors to “immerse themselves”, so to speak, in the theme of the EXPO. In contrast, the “Best Practice Area” on the horizontal levels of the upper floor functions as a flexible exhibition space for innovations from the fields of research and technology.

Fig.088 Program Analysis Diagram

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Fig.089 One Ocean thematic pavilion

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Continuous transitions between contrasting experiences also form the outer appearance of the Pavilion. Towards the sea the conglomeration of solid concrete cones define a new meandering coastline, a soft edge that is in constant negotiation between water and land. Opposite side the pavilion develops out of the ground into an artificial landscape with plateaus and scenic paths.

The topographic lines of the roof turn into lamellas of the kinetic media façade that faces the Expo’s entrance and draws attention to the pavilion after sunset The three sub themes shall be highlighted through four Sub-theme Pavilions (Marine Life Pavilion or Aquarium, Climate and Environment Pavilion, Marine industry Technology Pavilion, Marine Civilization Pavilion, and Marine City Pavilion) and the Expo Digital Gallery (Marine Arts).

The Soma One Ocean Pavilion was selected as the first prize winner of an open international competition in Yeosu, South Korea, the thematic pavilion was designed to embody the Expo’s theme.

Fig.090Program Table Analysis

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Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum The pedestrian courses integrate in three primary ways: western towards the downtown area and the promenade, southern towards the neighbouring polyvalent territory utilized for shows and eastern towards the fundamental street approach and the stadium. The aquarium offices are covered up around the square without irritating the regular Korana valley. Each of the three sections of the aquarium building can be entered from the square: the presentation, the perusing room with a bistro bar and the workplace spaces. Each part has just a single faรงade the one arranged towards the Square.

The aquarium presentation shows the greenery of Croatian streams and their biological communities, topographical history, customary culture and history of the four waterways of the Karlovac bowl. The show design takes after the stream of an average karst waterway together with its vegetation, fauna and biodiversity. The presentation begins outside, on the square. It proceeds inside the working with an arrangement of inclines that breeze like a waterway down into the storm cellar level since particular plant and creature species require finish control of lighting conditions keeping in mind the end goal to survive.

The presentation format straightly demonstrates the diverse stream environments from its source to mouth, following its whole stream. Aquariums are set along, above and beneath the guest ways Along the passerby inclines the fish are first seen from above, as they are when strolling along the waterway; and after that from the sides they can be seen beneath the water surface. The guests tune in to the hints of the streaming waterway, at the same time going down the incline framework and following the stream as it streams.

Fig.091 Program Analysis Diagram

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Fig.092 Karlovac freshwater aquarium top view

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Guests dive into hollows that component endemic species which are rare in nature, frequently found in underground streams. The space extends, lighting originates from the tanks, and guests can enjoy a reprieve in the focal range, set down on pads, tune in to the sounds recorded in caverns, and watch the showed endemic species. After the give in, the guests touch base to an aquarium with bigger examples of uncommon species that have vanished from their regular living spaces in Croatia. The emblematic waterway rises up out of the underground to the surface.

The guests can watch the fish and oceanic plants that live in hotter parts of the riverbed. The aquariums are seen from the side, and after that from underneath as the guests stroll into a passage that brings out inundation into a stream. After the passage, guests go through a progression of aquariums with water lilies and surges generally show downstream, in the damp natural surroundings of a waterway. The show closes with an arrangement of falling aquariums whose biotopes show waterfalls and a travertine obstruction. At last, a stairway and a lift restore the guests to the passageway lobby through the blessing shop. A space for examination of the mechanical parameters of water, a logical research focus and fish acclimatization spaces are situated in the focal point of the format.

Fig.092 Program Table Analysis

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Ecorium of the national Ecological institute Inside the Ecorium, guests will be welcomed by a terrific anteroom that gives a look at the different atmosphere zones and give helpful access courses to different offices including lasting presentations, theatres, cafeterias and souvenir shops. The tropical zone will be the main atmosphere zone being introduced to guests. Planned as the biggest green zone, the zone gives adequate space to different plants and trees to develop later on. The greenhouse gives a sensible situation where guests could really observe, hear, feel, and touch as though inside a tropical rain woodland. The course of action of trees, plants and aquarium have been precisely set with waterfall highlights to furnish guests with an extensive affair. Furthermore, to give a more reasonable feeling of the earth, an observatory deck has been introduced ordering an all encompassing perspective of the entire tropical zone.

Alongside the tropical zone lies the second greenhouse duplicating the sub-tropical zone with its brutal condition of the deserts and maybe a look at the future if an unnatural weather change proceeds. The third nursery is the Mediterranean zone loaded with plenitude of greeneries and giving a differentiating background. The fourth nursery would be the Temperate zone which is really the atmosphere zone of Korea. Because of this favourable position, the zone gives an assortment of encounters with a few projects that is connected to the open air zones with scaled down mountains and valleys with water streams.

The last atmosphere zone would be the Polar zone with its below zero temperature condition.

This zone will give shows of the polar condition with showcases of real living penguins. It will likewise give a practical domain that advances the instruction on a dangerous atmospheric deviation and its damaging consequences for polar districts.

Fig.093 Program Analysis Diagram

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Fig.094 Ecorium of the national ecological insitiute

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For basic inflexibility of the extensive green Zone, each of the green house is upheld by a upper structure primary curve which gives dependability to the entire structure. With the primary curve offering help, it is outfitted with flat band truss which gives parallel sound qualities structure. Slopped vertical trusses associated with the principle curve bolster the blind divider and in and trustworthiness to the entire addition protection from wind loads.

Bending steel bars make angled roof lines, while lightweight glass dividers help to increase the characteristic light inside each space. The outside of every green zone is worked out of boards, low iron and low twofold coating, and also wood and plexiglass. Seen from over the greenhouse will show up as a crooked stream.

Made basically out of steel and glass, the Ecorium takes after an intergalactic city. The inside portal is tucked underneath a grass rooftop to give. Seen from over, the building’s substantial compressive steel curves bring out the wandering stream of a waterway that divides from into various pools. Each is secured by a wedge moulded glass greenhouse there are four in reducing sizes that contains an alternate biome: tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean and mild. The fifth zone is spoken to in an underground display that emulates the low light conditions and keeps up the below zero temperatures of the Arctic. As on Earth, every area interconnects with a specific end goal to shape a total biosphere.

Fig.096 Program Table Analysis

Fig.095 Program zoning

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Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre Situated in the Emirates of Sharjah, north of Dubai,the 4.5 sqm site was initially a waste water and junk dump. The recovery procedure of the harmed biological community began in 2005, 40,000m2 of waste was got rid of, 35,000 trees been re-planted, recuperating the land from dangerous chemicals and preservation of the Unique salt pads and waterfront sand ridges. Following quite a while of hard work to take the non-transient birds creatures back to the site, WNR is currently home to 350 types of fowls, an arrival zone for 33,000 relocate winged animals, and a breathing lung to the emirate of Sharjah.

A wetland guest focus is set up nearby to keep securing the regular habitat, teach individuals on the lavishness of the wetland biological system and gives data about the fowls that continuous the range and different wetlands regions of the emirate. The office progressed toward becoming paradise for winged animal watchers and scientists.

Opened since November, the Wasit Natural Reserve includes a blend of sand hills, salt pads and tidal ponds, encircled by three thin building volumes and a system of woven shades. It welcomes guests to watch a wide range of winged animals in a characteristic living space, yet in addition instructs them about these species. Furthermore, it gives offices to scientists and obliges a veterinary group.

Fig.097 Program Analysis Diagram

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Fig.098 wasit center top view

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The target was set of on planning structures for the site without trading off its usefulness as a nature hold. To accomplish this, the group separated the program up into three zones, and made long slim volumes for each. Every volume covers a colossal H-formed its neighbour, making arrangement that edges diverse zones.

The engineering of the middle mixes with its environment and utilizations the current geography to limit the visual effect on the normal scene. At the point when guests arrive, a pathway drives them underground into a direct Gallery. A completely straightforward divider enables the guests to encounter the flying creatures’ regular habitat and turn out to be a piece of it. Aviaries opening in the middle of the building, making committed regions for feathered creatures including herons, ibises and seed-eaters.

The building’s passageway leads Into an underground display that stretches out east to west over the site, and is altogether devoted to watching the natural life. At the far end, a bistro The offers a view out to the biggest lake. Every single other office are contained in the third square, which keeps running over the display close to the passage. It incorporates address corridors, display spaces, workplaces, rearing regions and a blessing shop. The save likewise incorporates more than 35,000 trees that assistance to filter the air, guaranteeing the range will keep on attracting bird life for a long time to come.

Fig.099 Program Analysis Table

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Program Comparison

Fig.100 Program Comparison

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Program Area Conclusion The concluded program shown in the opposite table summarizes the average areas required for the Post-war housing complex with an estimated total area of 15,100 m2 , The deduced program consists of eleven main zones :- administration ,entertainment, exhibition, research\education ,services, aquarium, diving center, commercial, circulation, parking and outdoor area\landscape.

Fig.101 Program analysis diagram

Fig.101 Program analysis pie chart diagram

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Fig.102 Program table analysis

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HIERARCHICAL PLANNING

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CHAPTER 04 : SITE ANALYSIS

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Introduction About Al Aqaba

Demographics :- The latest census of Jordan, taken in 2015, showed the population numbered some 9.5 million. 2.9 million were non-citizens, including refugees and illegal immigrants. There were1,977,534 households in Jordan in 2015, with an average of 4.8 persons per household (compared to 6.7 persons per household for the census of 1979). The vast majority of Jordanians are Arabs, accounting for 98% of the population.

The rest is attributed to Circassians, Chechens and Armenians. As the population has increased, it has become more settled and urban. In 1922 almost half the population (around 103,000) were nomadic, whereas nomads made up only 6% of the population in 2015. The population in Amman, 65,754 in 1946, has grown to over 4 million in 2015.

Country : Jordan City : Aqaba Total Area : 375 km2 (145 sq mi) Population : 188,398 Density : 502/km2 (1,300/sq mi) Time zone : +2 Eastern European Standard Time

Geography of the city : The city lies at Jordan’s southernmost point, on the Gulf of Aqaba lying at the tip of the Red Sea. Its strategic location is shown in the fact that it is located at the crossroads of the continents of Asia and Africa, while bordering Palestine, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The city of Aqaba has one of the highest population growth rates in Jordan in 2011, and only 44% of the buildings in the city had been built before 1990.[46] A special census for Aqaba city was carried by the Jordanian department of statistics in 2007, the total population of Aqaba by the census of 2007 was 98,400. The 2011 population estimate is 136,200.

Climate : Aqaba has a desert climate with a warm winter and a hot dry summer. July is the hottest month in Aqaba with an average temperature of 33°C (91°F) and the coldest is January at 14°C (57°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in August. The wettest month is December with an average of 2.6mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 26°C (79°F).

Fig.103 Al Aqaba Map

Fig.104 Al Aqaba climate diagram

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Fig.105 jordan nationalities chart

Fig.106 demographic data of al aqaba city

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Fig.107 Land-use Map of al aqaba city

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Fig.108 Al Aqaba City

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Site Alternatives This Chapter Attempts To Analyse And Compare Three Selected Sites, After Analysing It With Different Diagrams And Criteria, All The Sites are located In The Coastal Jordanian City ”Al Aqaba”. The Three Sites Are Situated In Different Locations In the coastal city.

Since the project is related directly to the marine life and its meant to preserve the gulf of Alaqba’s marine biodiversity ,choosing a site that accessible to the body of the water or on the coast of the gulf should be taken into consideration.

Fig.109 Site Alternative 1

Fig.110 Site Alternative 2

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Fig.111 Site Alternative 3

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Site Alternative 1 The first site is located in an important zone and its considered as one of the most strategic areas in Al Aqaba , the site is mainly surrounded by hotels and resorts making the area a major tourists attraction and this will lead the project to be recognized more by the tourists therefore more visitors will have the urge to visit the center.

The site is facing the gulf making it as an interesting waterfront site,and since the project is related directly to the marine life and its meant to preserve the gulf of Alaqba’s marine biodiversity The fact that the site is connected directly to the gulf is one of the most positive features of the selected site because it will facilitate the accessibility to the body of the water , other that it will give many advantages to the site in terms of views, climate , transportation etc.

The site has an area of approximately 15,800 m2 which is technically more than enough to cover the suggested program.

Fig.111 Site Alternative 1

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Site Alternative 2 The second site alternative is located in the most active ,vibrant and congested areas in al aqaba city and its surrounded by all the facilities any city needs like Malls,restaurants,cafĂŠs,hotels,mosques,etc. Other than that its situated next to the harbour and the park by the public beach and its located on the main street and the main roundabout of the city and that is considered as a positive and a negative feature of the site at the same time.

Moreover its obviously facing the gulf and that is considered as one of the most important features of the site because it will facilitate the accessibility to the body of the water and that is essential since the project is dealing with the marine life and its meant to preserve the gulf of Alaqba’s marine biodiversity, furthermore it will give many advantages to the site in terms of views, climate ,transportation etc.

The site has an area of approximately 8,800 m2 which is technically more than enough to cover the suggested program.

Fig.112 Site Alternative 2

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Site Alternative 3 The third site alternative is located in the heart of the city close to the residential area. The site is partially quieter than the previous sites eventhough its facing the main street and its close the princess Haya roundabout. its also surrounded

by Dream Mall and The Islamic Bank and its only 200 m away from Al Darb park.

The site has an area of approximately 5,200 m2 which is enough to cover the suggested program of the center.

Fig.113 Site Alternative 3

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Location The opposite diagrams demonstrate the locality of each site with reference to major surrounding landmarks.

The First Site :The first site is located in the south western part of the city , facing Al Aqaba gulf. The site has low traffic because its far away from the heart of the city its surrounded by five stars hotels and resorts and its next to Saraya Al Aqaba development which is a residential project that is still under construction , the site is also 800 meters away from Ayla oasis and 400 away from the residential area.

Fig.114 Site Alternative 1 (location)

The Second Site :The second site is situated in the most active ,vibrant and congested areas in al aqaba , its located right next to the main street and the main roundabout of the city therefore the site has high traffic density , the site is also surrounded by the port and the public park and its clearly facing the gulf region moreover the site is considered close to all of the important landmarks in the city , its 350 meters away from the old city and 700 meters away from Al Shallaleh district.

The Third Site :The third site is located in the middle of the city right next to the residential area , the site has moderate traffic density most of the times , its facing the main street and its close to the princess Haya roundabout its only 200 m away from Al Darb park.

Fig.115 Site Alternative 2 (location)

Fig.116 Site Alternative 3 (location)

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Neighbourhood Context The neighbourhood context diagram is explaining the activities of the neighbourhood and the zoning classification of the area near the sites.

The First Site :-

Fig.117 Site Alternative 1 (Neighbourhood context)

The first site is located in the south western part of the city , facing Al Aqaba gulf , and its surrounded mainly by hotels and resorts like intercontinental aqaba and kempeniski resorts on the eastern side of the site and double tree hilton resort on the western side of the site , ayla islands are also close to the selected site.

The Second Site :The second site is situated in a very live and active area , the site is surrounded by Aqaba Gateway hypermarket , restaurants complex , marina and resort on the northern side of the site , park and mosque on the eastern side of the site , park and museum on the southern side of the site and facing the gulf from the western side of the site.

The Third Site :-

Fig.118 Site Alternative 2 (Neighbourhood context)

The third site is located in the middle of the city right next to the residential area , the site is surrounded by dream mall and islamic bank on the western side , residential area and park on northern side , king Abdullah gardens on the southern side.

Fig.119 Site Alternative 3 (Neighbourhood context)

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Size and Zoning The size and zoning diagram demonstrates the analysis of the site, zoning , its best building planes, the setbacks and boundaries of the site as well as showing the heights of the surrounding fabric.

The First Site :The site has an area of approximately 15,800 m2 which is technically more than enough to cover the suggested program , the site is having residential zone (mid rise and low rise buildings) and mixed used zone on the northern west side , a residential zone(low rise and mid rise buildings) on the northern east side , and coast region on the southern side.

Fig.120 Site Alternative 1 (zonning and size)

The Second Site :The site has an area of approximately 8,800 m2 which is technically more than enough to cover the suggested program. The site is having entertainment zone on the southern side , a residential zone (low rise) , mixed use zone and mountain region on the southern east side and coast region on the southern side.

The Third Site :The site has an area of approximately 5,200 m2 which is enough to cover the suggested program of the center , the site is having residential zone (low rise) and mixed use zone on the northern side , mixed used zone , commercial zone , residential zone (mid rise) on the eastern side and mixed use zone on the southern side.

Fig.121 Site Alternative 2 (zoning and size)

Fig.122 Site Alternative3 (zoning and size)

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Natural And Man Made Features The natural and man-made features diagram is explaining the distribution of natural landscaping and water, in contrast to man-made landmarks that are proximate to the sites.

The First Site :The closest park to the site is 750 meters away, Moreover The site is facing the gulf region from its southern side , the mountains region can also be seen from the selected site & its only 2.15 kilometres away , for the record there are many man made landmarks that are surrounding the site like (resorts , schools , malls , mosques and hospitals).

Fig.123 Site Alternative 1 (Natural and man made features)

The Second Site :The second site is surrounded by parks and gardens from its southern and eastern sides like (King Abdullah gardens , princess Salma park ,Aqaba park...etc), The gulf region is facing the site from its western side , the mountains region is 1.5 km away from the site , the site is also surrounded by many man made landmarks from different directions such as mosques , museum , malls and resorts.

The Third Site :-

Fig.124 Site Alternative 2 (Natural and man made features)

The third site is overlooking King Abdullah gardens from its southern side which is only 300 meters away from it ,on the other hand Al Darb park is located on the northern side of the site and its only 200 meters away from the third site.

Fig.125 Site Alternative 3 (Natural and man made features)

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Infrastructure & Circulation The corresponding diagrams illustrate the vehicular accessibility to the site through main, submain and connector roads. Moreover, it analyses the proximity of the chosen site and it’s relation to public infrastructure including metro and bus stops. Of site circulation patterns should be carefully understood as it would ultimately affect the in-site circulation.

The First Site :The first alternative is located in south western part of the city right next to Al Hashimi street and it branches from Estikal Street which is considered as one of the most important streets in the city , the site is also close to bus stations the closest bus station is only 500 meters away from the site.

Fig.126 Site Alternative 1 (Infrastructure & circulation)

The Second Site :The second site is situated in the most active ,vibrant and congested areas in al aqaba , its located right next to the main street and the main roundabout of the city , bus stations are close to the site one of them is only 300 meters away from the site and the other one is 400 meters away.

The Third Site :-

Fig.127 Site Alternative 2 (Infrastructure & circulation)

The third site is located in the middle of the city right next to the residential area , its facing Al hassan bin ali main street and its close to the princess Haya roundabout , the closest bus station is approximately 800 meters away from the site.

Fig.128 Site Alternative 3 (Infrastructure & circulation)

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Environmental Factors The Environmental Factors diagrams are analysing the sun path, the direction of hot and cold wind, as well as analysing noise pollution coming from the noisy areas.

The First Site :The first alternative has the shortest side facing the south where the sun exposure reaches the maximum level, less lighting facing front of the site , the cold wind is coming from the northern west , on the other hand the hot coming from the southern east most of it will be blocked by the surrounding buildings , the site is considered as the least noisy site of all the alternative because its kind of away from the noise sources and its locates in an area that is considered as a semi-quiet area.

Fig.129 Site Alternative 1 (Environmental Factors)

The Second Site :The second site has the sun rising from the back of the site, the most intense solar radiation comes from the south, especially in the sunset time, because the site facing the west, the low hight of the land and the open area surrounding the site in the north gives the area much more ventilation and prevailing winds, because the site on the main street and near bus station it offers maximum amount of noise pollution The Third Site :-

Fig.130 Site Alternative 2 (Environmental Factors)

The first alternative has the shortest side facing the south where the sun exposure reaches the maximum level, less lighting facing front of the site , the cold wind is coming from the northern west , on the other hand the hot coming from the southern east most of it will be blocked by the surrounding buildings , the site is surrounded by noise pollution because its facing the main street.

Fig.131 Site Alternative 3 (Environmental Factors)

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View Analysis The corresponding diagrams are analysing the positive and negative views the site is going to have after the construction phase and knowing the view can change the design dramatically as to follow the good view and neglect the bad one.

The First Site :The first alternative has many interesting views , such as the gulf view and mountains and gulf view either from the southern east of the site or the southern west , the northern side is overlooking saraya al aqaba development view.

Fig.132 Site Alternative 1 (View Analysis)

The Second Site :The second site has many breathtaking views, the western side is overlooking the marina and the gulf , mountains and the gulf can be viewed either from the northern west or the southern west side of the site. the southern side has a beautiful park view and the eastern side of the site is overlooking the main street.

The Third Site :The third site have park view , main street view and mountains view from its southern east side and city view from its southern west side.

Fig.133 Site Alternative 2 (View Analysis)

Fig.134 Site Alternative 3 (View Analysis)

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Figure Ground The corresponding figure-ground diagrams illustrate the relationship between the mass and the void, relating the amount of “figure” (buildings) to the amount of “ground” (white background space) They help elucidate the general patterns in the urban fabric encompassing each of the selected sites.

The First Site :The first alternative has an urban fabric which displays a hierarchical distribution in the street and block patterns, it has encompassing which is a high density residential area masses, the site has less amount of void and empty spaces, This can be seen with the increased ratio of the mass to the void, where less than 30% of the urban context is comprised of void spaces, 70% of the urban context is comprised of masses.

Fig.135 Site Alternative 1 (Figure Ground)

The Second Site :The second site has an urban context, different from the previous selected sites, it has a large amount of empty spaces the masses is low rise houses This can be seen with the increased ratio of the void to the mass, where less than 45% of the urban context is comprised of void spaces, 55% of the urban context is comprised of masses.

The Third Site :-

Fig.136 Site Alternative 2 (Figure Ground)

The first alternative has an urban fabric which displays a hierarchical distribution in the street and block patterns, it has encompassing which is a high density residential area masses, the site has less amount of void and empty spaces, This can be seen with the increased ratio of the mass to the void, where less than 35% of the urban context is comprised of void spaces, 65% of the urban context is comprised of masses.

Fig.137 Site Alternative 3 (Figure Ground)

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Final Site Selection The preceding diagrams attempted to simultaneously analyse the alternative sites, the site selection was based on the table showing the positives and negatives of the three selected sites ,thus identifying and evaluating the potential opportunities and constraints of each selection.

Site 01 is is the most relevant selection for the prospective , the location of the site is suitable for having a research center for marine life and the fact that the site is water front will facilitate the accessibility to the water body to do the needed researches and to have the diving center by the coast , furthermore easily described and have a close bus stations in the area where all of the people can reach it easily, it has a direct connection with the city , the site area is more than enough to cover the required building program , the site is situated in a quiet zone which will be very suitable for the users of the building and it will help in reducing the distraction for them , the site is also surrounded by most of the needed facilities and services, the center will be having mesmerizing views overlooking the gulf and the mountains , the site will be suitable for having a marine life research center , ground floor parking and outdoor areas with some landscape areas.

Fig.138 site alternative 1 3d view

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Fig.139 Site Comparison Table

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CHAPTER 05 : CONCLUSION

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Marine Life Research Center Marine conservation refers to the study of conserving physical and biological marine resources and ecosystem functions. It is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in seas and oceans through planned management in order to prevent and stop the exploitation of these resources. Marine conservation is driven by the proved negative effects being seen in our environment such as species loss, habitat degradation and changes in ecosystem functions and concentrates on limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, restoring damaged marine ecosystems, and preserving vulnerable species and ecosystems of the marine life. Marine conservation is a relatively new discipline which has developed as a response to biological issues such as extinction and marine habitats change.

Since the water and the marine biodiversity in the Gulf Of Aqaba currently is in danger, an action should take place through providing a research & awareness center which will play a big significant role in raising awareness of marine life and its major importance through limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, do researches that can enhance the water situation & the marine life in the gulf , manage the natural sources, create a place that will preserve the magnificent treasure of the red sea , help in restoring damaged marine ecosystems and preserving species and ecosystems of the marine life, give people the chance to see and learn about the marine life and create an entertainment environment that will provide phenomenal and astonishing learning experience and promote economic development.

Fig.140 viral turtle fishing

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Precedent Studies Observation

Ecorium of the National Ecological Institute

Beaty Biodiversity Center and Aquatic Ecosystems Research Center In 2010 the University of British Columbia added a new precinct to their campus. which is designed

by Patkau Architects The new complex is located on the campus’s main mall, and is comprised of two facilities; the Beaty Biodiversity Center and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Center. Together they form an ideology of related environmental sciences. The primary intention of this design was to create a complex that would meet the needs of two different programmatic functions, a museum and research laboratory. Patkau Architects successfully achieved this by linking these different functions, with a common intent to explore and inform.

Ecorium is an innovative environmental visitor attraction at the national ecology center in Seocheon , south korea. The project, which was secured through a turnkey design and build competition hosted by korea’s ministry of the environment, uses nature as an immersive teaching tool to showcase the world’s diverse ecosystems. Grimshaw’s newyork studio was appointed by samsung construction and worked alongside samoo architects and engineers.

Fig.141 Beaty Biodiversity center interior shot

Fig.144 Ecorium national institute exterior shot

Suncheon International Wetlands Center Each year over 2.8 million people visit the Suncheon wetlands in Korea, which comprise world’s 5th largest tidal flat. To host them, Gansam Architects’ G.lab* have designed a visitor’s center that works to both enhance and protect the wetland that it is built on. It’s no easy feat, but the architects have succeeded in creating a minimally invasive project that goes with the ebb and flow of the tides. Suncheon Bay in Korea is a 3,550 hectare Ramsar-protected wetland. Within its shallow salt marshes, one can find over 25 threated species.

One Ocean Thematic Pavilion Selected as the first prize winner in an open international competition in 2009, this permanent facility is bringing life along a new promenade within a former industrial harbour. It is largely known for its fish-like characteristics created by a cutting-edge façade system that is made-up of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) capable of being morphed into a number of animated patterns. The integration of the moving lamellas within the building’s skin was inspired by a research project at the ITKE University Stuttgart that investigates how biological moving mechanism can be applied in an architectural scale.

Fig.142 one ocean thematic pavilion exterior shot

Fig.145 Suncheon internation wetlands center

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre

Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum The Karlovac freshwater aquarium is situated by the river Korana. The building volume is slightly dug into the ground and covered with earthen dams from its exterior edges. The aquarium building is embedded in the natural environment and covered with greenery. A square with the entrance spaces , cafe bar , souvenir shop , library and offices are located at the center. The exhibition shows flora and fauna of the Croatian and their ecosystems in a linear layout that displays the river habitats from its source to its mouth Fig.143 Karlovac freshwater aquarium top view ,following its entire flow.

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The Wasit Natural Reserve features a mix of sand dunes, salt flats and lagoons, framed by three slender building volumes and a network of woven canopies. It invites visitors to observe a variety of different birds in a natural habitat, but also helps to educate them about these species.

Additionally, it provides facilities for researchers and accommodates a veterinary team.

Fig.146 Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre

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Program Comparison & Contextual issues The 3rd chapter encompassed the analysis and comparison of the architectural precedent programs,thus helping formulate a program that fits the needs of the research center Furthermore, it classified the various contextual issues that are generally faced in a design process. Such contextual issues point out to both physical (such as adjacent buildings, land contours and roads) and non-physical (such as culture and climatic conditions) elements.

Jordan has a moderate climate, so the design should respond to the local climate context through careful building orientation and also through the use of suitable construction materials. on the other hand, culture imposes another non-physical contextual issue.

This study gives us a great opportunity to understand and calculate the needs of each individual visitor Or worker using the building spaces such as rooms of services. bathrooms and the parking. Which must be studied in detail to make a building having comprehensive needs for all kinds Of users. After having this study through out this chapter, and after planning a comprehensive plan for the programs of the project. it would be very easy to imagine an area of the project that is required for the building and space for the proposed site area. In addition to it will show the way of forming the area of construction and other services for the exterior and interior Of the building. The areas doesn’t only influence the size Of spaces at the building. but also decides the entrances and exits of the building, Directing the way of circulation transportation to the building particularly in this way we have eventually laid the foundations of the program resulting in the determination to map the people use and the area of not only the building Interior but in the same time also the buildings exterior as well.

Fig.147 Program Comparison Analysis

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Program Formulation (the concluded program)

The concluded program summarizes the average areas required for the Research Center with an estimated total area of 15,100 m2 The deduced program consists of 11 main zones, administration ,entertainment, exhibition, research\ education ,services, aquarium, diving center, commercial, circulation, parking and outdoor area\landscape.

From the chart it can be inferred that the large part of the center which has 27% of the total area of the center is the aquarium which is divided to five main features :- the aquatic garden, ocean at risk, value of the ocean, the living ocean and the aquarium tunnel. The second main part that comprising 20% of the total area is made up of Landscape & outdoor area. The third main part is the circulation which consists of staircases, elevators, corridors and lobbies. The parking zone is comprising 11% of the total area of the center and its includes special parking spaces for the staff, visitors and disabled. services zone is comprising 5.9% of the total area and it includes toilets, kitchens, stores, mechanical rooms, technical rooms and prayer rooms. The diving center is utilizing 4.8% of the total are and its consists of training area, rest room, showers, changing rooms, lockers and equipments store. The entertainment zone takes up 4.3% of the total area and it includes auditorium and I-max theatre. Exhibition zone consists of exhibition area, gallery, video room and hall the zone is using 4.2% of the total. The research/education zone is taking up 3.8% of the whole area and it includes lecture halls, labs, library, meeting room and researches offices. The administration zone is the last zone and its utilizing 3% of the total area and it consists of lobby, reception, offices and security.

Fig.147 Program Analysis pie chart

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Fig.148 Spaces Diagram

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Site Selection The preceding diagrams attempted to simultaneously analyse the alternative sites, the site selection was based on the table showing the positives and negatives of the three selected sites ,thus identifying and evaluating the potential opportunities and constraints of each selection.

Site 01 is is the most relevant selection for the prospective , the location of the site is suitable for having a research center for marine life and the fact that the site is water front will facilitate the accessibility to the water body to do the needed researches and to have the diving center by the coast , furthermore easily described and have a close bus stations in the area where all of the people can reach it easily, it has a direct connection with the city , the site area is more than enough to cover the required building program , the site is situated in a quiet zone which will be very suitable for the users of the building and it will help in reducing the distraction for them , the site is also surrounded by most of the needed facilities and services, the center will be having mesmerizing views overlooking the gulf and the mountains , the site will be suitable for having a marine life research center , ground floor parking and outdoor areas with some landscape areas.

Fig.149 Site Alternative 1

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Fig.150 Sites Comparison Table

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Preliminary Design Concept The corresponding conceptual design diagrams are Showing the functional spaces, circulation, built up area with the relation to the ground-cover are and the outdoors, utilizes the physical context for the functional distribution of spaces and finally the final concept result.

Choosing the appropriate concept and program for the building was done in accordance with a detailed study to fit on the chosen site to contribute with the project function , the main concept of the design is raising awareness of marine life and its major importance through limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, do researches that can enhance the water situation & the marine life in the gulf , manage the natural sources, create a place that will preserve the magnificent treasure of the red sea , help in restoring damaged marine ecosystems and preserving species and ecosystems of the marine life, give people the chance to see and learn about the marine life and create an entertainment environment that will provide phenomenal and astonishing learning experience and promote economic development.

The variety in masses height and their overlapping will accelerate the wind movement and will improve the weather. The design has multi views at the site both inward and outwards the project,in the diagram we can see the approximate size of each part of the building depending on previous studies, Specially which is the focusing and attention on the fundamental point of the project which attracts more attention for the visitors,consisting of exhibitions. theatre, galleries, snow rooms,marine world with various sizes depending On their functions. Followed by the rest of the regions depending on the size and importance of the region the commercial, academic, administration and other services.

Fig.151 Design Concept Diagram (circulation)

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Fig.152 Design Concept Diagram

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Universal Standards

Fig.153 Lecture Halls

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Fig.154 Laboratories

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Fig.155 Libraries

Fig.156 Art Galleries

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Fig.157 Restaurants

Fig.158 aquariums

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Fig.159 aquariums

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Fig.160 Auditoriums

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