Oman Parliament by RMJM

OMAN PARLIAMENT

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DESIGN STATEMENT DESIGN BRIEF SENSE OF PLACE AND SITE RESPONSE 3 DESIGN ASPIRATION 4 SUSTAINABILITY 5 PROCESS 1

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HARMONIOUS ARCHITECTURE

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DESIGN COMMITMENT The objective is to create what we have called a ‘harmonious architecture’, an architecture that is at one with the environment, the culture and the political context of Oman. The proposal has been thoroughly researched with our developing processes continuously reflecting on this need to achieve ‘harmony’. We believe that the architecture of the Parliament must be unique to Oman, unique to the site and fundamentally inspired by the teachings of the Koran and the ‘celebrated’ natural orders embedded in all Islamic art. The goal of all Islamic art is to achieve ‘total ambience’. The art of the Islamic world and Oman serves to connect heaven and earth and reinforces the very simple premise that nothing stands between man and God. Islamic art and architecture encapsulates this meaning in its use of abstract geometry and pure mathematics, principles that are clearly evident in nature and everything that surrounds us. We are also hoping to appeal to the Sultans intellect and his love and understanding of harmonious music. The proposed architecture for the Parliament has therefore both a universal appeal and is also an architecture inspired by traditional Omani values; the design is highly site specific and environmentally progressive, all qualities that the Sultan has raised as important issues in the briefing. We are humbled by the opportunity to consider such an important project for the Omani people and as such we would dedicate our energies completely.

A HARMONIOUS ARCHITECTURE THAT UNITES THE OMANI PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE Our primary design objective in detailing our proposal for the new Omani parliament is that the architecture is in complete harmony with the surrounding mountains, the natural landscape and the sea; to provide a true environmental design of integrity. The Parliament site is beautiful and unique and requires our respect. Our conceptual design approach is to understand how we might develop an architecture that is rooted in this very specific site and the opportunities that it presents. The idea that the building is inspired by natural form and pure mathematics in the shape of a standing wave has evolved. The premise that the Wadi valley in this location as it opens to the sea might hold a dynamic wave form like a pool of water, a reflecting wave that both radiates geometry outwards and inwards at the same time, in a perfect mathematical composition, appeals to our understanding of what is embodied in all traditional Islamic art and architecture. Imagine, for example, if the parliament site area was like the space within a violin or a cello or another musical instrument, then the site would have its own mathematical and acoustic signature, its own reverberation time and therefore unique standing wave form. The most wonderful natural standing wave patterns can be experienced or seen when water interacts, or when different light frequencies meet. When listening to an accomplished orchestra it is the harmonic standing sound waves that the ear enjoys. In nature we can therefore find the intelligent basis and inspiration for Omani art. The clear relationship between the laws of nature and the beauty of Omani art and Islamic architecture are life affirming and have helped us clearly order and structure the Parliament proposal. The architecture of the Parliament has the unique opportunity to be fully at one with its site, at one with the people of Oman and at one with the important teachings of the Holy Koran.

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DESIGN BRIEF

NEW PARLIAMENT ARCHITECTURAL UNITY ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION AN ARCHITECTURE OF INTEGRITY

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Sultanate of Oman

NEW PARLIAMENT “The symbolic nature of this project cannot be overstated. The New Parliament Building at the heart of the country’s constitutional power, will have a significant impact on the future of architectural development in the region and will be viewed across the world as an expression of the achievements of the Sultanate as a strong, unified, progressive nation.” MAJLIS OMAN - DESIGN BRIEF

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Omani Architectural Form and Character

ARCHITECTURAL UNITY â&#x20AC;&#x153;Architects are encouraged to study the wide cultural diversity of the country and explore means of expressing this multiplicity in a strong, cohesive, unifying composition. Oman is divided into three Governorates; Muscat, Dhofar, Musandam and five regions; Batinah, Dhahirah, Dhakliyah, Sharqiyah, Al Wusta each displaying a unique landscape, history and tradition.â&#x20AC;? MAJLIS OMAN - DESIGN BRIEF

The Standing Wave

The Fibonacci Spiral

Laws of Proportion

Natural Origin & Beginning

Variety & Unity in Nature

Structural Form in Nature

Wave Forms on Land & Water

Standing Wave Cloud Formations

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Omani Identity

ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION “The new building is seen as an affirmation of the nation’s links to its historical past, a profound understanding of its present day status and an expression of its aspirations for the future. As such the importation of contemporary international style without the integration of Omani architectural heritage would be inappropriate.” MAJLIS OMAN - DESIGN BRIEF

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An Omani Architecture that is both Local & Global

AN ARCHITECTURE OF INTEGRITY Although Oman has historically encouraged dynamic trade relationships and shared influences with other Arabian countries, there is however a continuity of architectural style that is steeped in Arab culture but distinguished as separate from the rest of the peninsula. With regards to the above considerations, our design team have detailed a sensitive and holistic response to Omani culture and Islamic tradition together with consideration of the essential site characteristics and the uniqueness of place. Oman requires a New Parliament that is mature and serious, a Parliament architecture that can be promoted on a world stage, an architecture with integrity, intellect and joy and wholly of Oman.

Light

Shade

Open landscape

Internal

Colour

Texture

Structure

Space

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SENSE OF PLACE AND SITE RESPONSE

A RICH AND DIVERSE VERNACULAR PEOPLE & THE LAND ARCHITECTURE & THE LAND BUILDING ORGANISATION PEOPLE & COURTYARD ARCHITECTURE MATERIALS & FORM DECORATION & GEOMETRY

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The New Parliament Inspired by Omani Architectural Heritage

A RICH & DIVERSE VERNACULAR On face value Oman architectural heritage is symbolised by forts and towers, but there are deeper drivers that shape a rich and diverse vernacular fabric that is uniquely of this region. We see these essential connections in Omani architecture as the aspects which are important and require to be reflected in the design of the Parliament. The relationship of the Omani people to the land and to their architecture, the relationship of this architecture to the landscape and how the architecture itself involves and captures greenery within courtyards. The use of traditional decoration and mathematical geometries inspired by nature and the teachings of the Koran. All of the above landscape and architectural qualities combine to create what we would call ‘a sense of place’ and define a definite and positive national character that is specific to the country of Oman. The Parliament can invest in tradition yet innovate and provide an inspiration and relevance for future generations. The Omani culture owes much to the geography of the country and the country’s very direct relationship with the sea. Oman has a unique and dramatic landscape and ‘sense of place’ that distinguishes it from any other country. Oman’s cultural heartland lies in the valleys of the mountainous backbone which parallels the coast plains and the interior plains. Seas to the north and east and deserts to the west and south have served to isolate the country from the outside world. Traditionally, Oman’s capital was located in the interior but Muscat (Masqat), now the principal seaport, has served as the capital since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Omani traditional art and architecture has therefore developed its own unique character in response to its landscape, a character that is specific to the region and one which we would propose with expert local craft skill continue to invest in. The prospect of expanding on a time honoured Omani tradition where art and architecture are imaginatively integrated would be a central feature of our proposal for the New Parliament building.

Architecture & Islamic Geometry; a 4 + 12 pointed star Pattern

The Omani Craft Tradition

Omani Vernacular Architecture

Oman Culture and the Sea

Traditional Design Features of Oman Architecture

Omani Life

The Natural Environment of Oman

From the Mountains to the Sea; Water and the Rivers of Paradise

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Omani People & their Connection with the Landscape

PEOPLE & THE LAND The Omani people and their direct relationship with the landscape and environment is a significant factor when attempting to understand the culture of the people. Whether in the mountains or valleys or along the coast, people have settled and established communities with long traditions and understanding of their place. In such an arid country the location, catchment, storage and distribution of water is of the upmost importance. Traditionally the aflaj were the bond between the Omaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and their environment, unifying people and the land.

Omani Parliament Site

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Omani Parliament Site Response

Barren site.

Wadi floods ... Bringing life to the site.

Four rivers are brought together as a central fountain and focus of the garden.

Wadi floods ... Garden of Paradise begin to grow.

The garden grows to provide shade and beauty to allow for rest and enjoyment.

Environmental Unity

ARCHITECTURE & LAND The architecture of Oman is greatly influenced by its natural environment, with the urban setting and buildings never far removed from the natural landscape, and linking of both is an underlying thread of continuity. In the approach illustrated in the diagrams opposite we have sought to capture the landscape and sensitively locate the new building. Quadripartite layout of Paradise Garden matures and grows.

Within the garden pavilions are created to enjoy the garden.

The garden is adorned with bracelets of gold.

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BUILDING ORGANISATION THE LANDSCAPE ENVIRONMENT

LIGHTWELLS

The natural landscape is spectacular and provides the most fantastic and dramatic natural context for the new Oman Parliament. The mountains and skyline, the wadi, valleys and captured landscapes, the site opening up to the sea... all of these natural features are significant and unique to Oman. The site provides a perfect environment for celebrating what is recognised as essential to the Omani character.

The space between the six buildings becomes a series of lightwells to provide diffused light into the interior of the building. The lightwells define more public gathering areas or special spaces such as gardens.

FOUR RIVERS / FOUR AXIS The plan is fundamentally based upon a quadripartite design, by which it is divided by four water courses which are brought together at a central fountain, the feature and focus of the garden. Water is a central element of the design where it has both a physical and metaphysical importance.

FORUM The Oman Parliament will unite the people of Oman, providing spaces and important volumes that will support the governance of the country. A key feature of our design is that the circulation space combines to create a principle forum space and anti-space that will allow people to congregate, to orientate themselves within the building and to provide an important social environment

12 POINTS By rotating the four axis which is driven by the ‘Rivers of Paradise’ we have create a radial grid of 12 points which will be used to arrange the buildings and landscape. The centre point of the grid is the Sultan’s chamber.

BUILDINGS The program is accommodated in a series of six buildings arranges in a radial organisation around the central form of the sultans chamber. The position of the buildings allows the landscape to permeate the interior spaces and allows views out from the heart to the landscape and beyond.

WALLS A series of walls is created around the central forum and garden spaces. These walls provide enclosure to keep the encroaching desert out, to enable to eye and mind to concentrate on the area and activities within, and to mark ownership - establishing the place.

STRUCTURAL DIAGRAM The site is located at a point where mountains and valleys meet the sea. The site is a plateau carefully elevated to avoid the Parliament area from flooding and to provide the building with an appropriate status. The new building has a form that is inspired by the mountains and is scaled so as to relate to this beautiful context, but the building also relates to the human scale. The architectural form therefore interacts at an intimate microscale and at a panoramic macroscale.

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The Hierarchy of Space & Omani Architecture

PEOPLE & THE COURTYARD ARCHITECTURE We have invested considerable time in the design of the new Parliament building plan and the interrelationships and spatial hierarchies that are prescribed in the brief. The proposed plan form would be intimately connected to its site and the structured landscape and courtyard spaces would create a gradual threshold around the building. The courtyard form in regional Arabic and Islamic architecture is designed to provide for optimum shading and privacy. The courtyard also supports the potential for small gardens and for water features again to help cool and shade the inhabitants. In the evenings the courtyards also trap cooler night time air to ventilate the adjoining interiors. Our New Parliament proposal is designed around both external and internal courtyards, the courtyards helping to reinforce the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progressive environmental philosophy. The courtyards have both very practical and also aesthetic value allowing natural light and views relieving the necessary deep floorplan depths in the building. In what can be an extreme climate the architecture of Oman has developed through centuries to comfortably accommodate people. By means of simple technologies and building craft Omani architecture has been able to mediate with the environment. In such an arid country, the location, catchment, storage and distribution of water is of the upmost importance. Though settlements throughout Oman have been determined by the availability of water and the local micro-climatic issues the architecture is certainly more than just merely functional or just basic shelter. There are layers of decorative art and craft involvement intrinsic to the buildings of the region in the greatest Islamic tradition.

Private semi-private semi-public public territorial

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Reflecting Tradition & Looking Forward

MATERIALS & FORM Beautiful contrasts are evident in Omani architecture where expressive details and decoration are set against the massive solidity of rendered or stone walls, with traditional materials of stone, mudbrick, wood, lime and mud plaster providing the material backdrop. The potential to incorporate Islamic and Omani sculptural detail against the plain architectural surfaces in the New Parliament has been detailed in our proposal.

DECORATION & GEOMETRY Traditional Omani architecture, employs a system of well defined geometric concepts. Historically celebratory decoration is evident within interiors, on entrances and windows.

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DESIGN ASPIRATION

NATURE’S INSPIRATION EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED STANDING WAVE CONCEPT STRUCTURAL CONCEPT LANDSCAPE INFORMS ARCHITECTURE

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An Inspired Architectural Solution

NATURE’S INSPIRATION Our design is bold and confident yet humble and harmonious; the proposal makes a statement but is underpinned by perfect geometry and sculptural forms that are rooted in the landscape. IN SUMMARY: Our objective has been to create what we have called a ‘harmonious architecture’, an architecture that is at one with the environment, the culture and the political context of Oman. The proposal has been thoroughly researched with our developing processes continuously reflecting on this need to achieve ‘harmony’. We believe that the architecture of the Parliament must be unique to Oman, unique to the site and fundamentally inspired by the teachings of the Koran and the ‘celebrated’ natural orders embedded in Islamic art.

Parliament Concept - Sultans Entrance

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Complexity from Simple Mathematical Principles

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED Our Parliament proposal locates all of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important functions around the most important space in the building: the Sultanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central chamber. The primary circulation spaces also link all of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities to create a simple, legible architecture that is easily understood and very simple to orientate oneself. Repetition and variation are both important aspects of Omani and Islamic geometric design, qualities which we have studied thoroughly in the design of the New Parliament. We have detailed a concept that will allow the smallest architectural detail to relate completely to the greater overall composition. Omani architecture also has the ability to imaginatively develop within the disciplines of Islamic tradition to create a harmonious architecture that has both embedded complexity and simplicity.

Geometric Plan

Parliament Plan Form

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A Standing Wave Pattern is a Pure Geometric Outcome

STANDING WAVE CONCEPT An architectural form with ‘perfect equilibrium’ inspired by natural form.

‘A standing wave is a physical phenomenon found in nature; the term ‘standing wave’ is often applied to a resonant mode of an extended vibrating object. The resonance is created by the constructive interference of two waves which travel in opposite directions in the medium, but the visual effect is that of an entire system moving in simple harmonic motion’. Standing waves can be seen in liquids or with overlapping frequencies of light; we can also hear different standing wave harmonies when listening to music. A standing wave pattern is a pure geometric outcome and has parallels with those patterns found in Islamic art. The standing wave patterns found in nature are underpinned by universal proportional systems and nature’s orders and rhythms, qualities that Islamic art can beautifully capture.

Parliament Structural Solution

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Design Aspiration

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT The structural concept that supports the Oman Parliamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary enclosure and roof structure is that of a simple arch. The buildings cross section has the outline of a standing wave which we have detailed as a harmonious combination of a number of independent structural arches. When the buildings standing wave section is rotated around its central axis it creates a unified three dimensional form; i.e. Where a unified central domed space is created. The Parliaments central volume houses the most important activity in the building the Sultans chamber. The Oman Parliament chamber is designed to be architecturally and structurally unified and based completely on interpreted Islamic and Omani design philosophies. Structurally, the buildings over sailing roofs are designed to act as an environmental modifier. The roof can be opened in part to bring light into the buildings deep plan or can be solid to provide shading where required. The primary roof superstructure spans over a series of internalised buildings that benefit from shading and dramatic internal courtyards spaces. The internalised buildings are of a solid masonry construction and are load bearing inspired by traditional Omani architecture where buildings have beautifully sculpted massive walls to encourage a cool internal environment.

Unified central domed space

Combination of a number of independent structural arches.

The primary roof superstructure spans over a series of internalised buildings

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A Standing Wave Pattern is a Pure Geometric Outcome

STANDING WAVE CONCEPT

Parliament Internal Spaces

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Oman Parliament

INTERNAL SPACE Sultans Chamber The flowing roof forms create a dramatic centre piece to the building.

Internal spaces between the buildings are for gathering

The fountain joins the four rivers of paradise

The roof structure creates a dynamic internal experience and a great sense of space.

Double height volumes enhance the spatial experience and encourage interaction between the occupants.

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Accommodation

LANDSCAPE INFORMS ARCHITECTURE The office block diagrams can be understood as a deconstruction of a traditional courtyard building. The office blocks arranged around the Sultanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chamber create a single large courtyard with six sub-courtyards. Externally, the blocks are very solid as in traditional Omani architecture and internally the courtyard facades become more like a screen to separate the public character of the courtyard from the private character of the office accommodation (transitional porched zone). This transitional zone can be used as part of the courtyard or as part of office space when desired allowing maximum flexibility. The Sultanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chamber is organized in a similar manner: Chamber + transitional screened space + accommodation + external walkaway (private, semi private and public).

Roof waves have been designed to site constraints. They extend over the entrances and stop short of the mountains and wadi. They open up at the top of the office roof terraces to allow continuous sea vistas.

Parliament Integrated with Landscape

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Office blocks and the podium to the Sultanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chamber can be understood as traditional Omani towers.

Roof Structure Sultans Chamber Office Buildings Forum Foyer Underground Car Parking

con

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The building roof emerges from the upper layer of landscape The building blocks underneath the roof extends from the lower layer of landscape

At the central area the roof waves cross as though creating a basketry mesh which unifies them.

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SUSTAINABILITY

DESIGN EXEMPLAR ARCHITECTURE, CLIMATE & MATERIALS

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Sustainability

DESIGN EXEMPLAR OMAN PARLIAMENT; SUSTAINABLE DESIGN EXEMPLAR Our conceptual design for the Parliament importantly establishes a model environment to support entirely rational and established best practice sustainable design. We believe that the Oman Parliament building must be a design exemplar and as the Sultans brief has stated, the new building must inspire a new generation of Omani architectural design excellence and innovation. All design decisions regarding energy will therefore be strictly reviewed and understood against a matrix of internationally proven assessment techniques adjusted to the specific context of the Oman region and climate. A balance of ambition and practical requirement will be developed to achieve the optimum solution throughout the design development from concept stage to completion and beyond.

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN The most sustainable buildings are aesthetically pleasing. They push the boundaries of creativity, technology and functionality, and are prudently engineered. Poorly designed, ineffective buildings do not endure. They pollute. Sustainable buildings cannot be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;environmentallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friendly without making economic sense and performing a relevant function in society. The Oman Parliament will foster the best practice and embrace this holistic approach and set a new standard for sustainable design for large buildings in the Gulf.

Parliament Site Landscape Diagrams

THINK SIMPLY By far the most economical and valuable environmental measures are those that allow structures to work in harmony with their surroundings. Correctly orientating a building structure in the first place costs nothing and can reap huge energy savings over the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifecycle. Both passive and active environmental measures are proposed in the Parliament with intensive client group consultations envisaged to consolidate the detailed specification and user parameters. Finally, buildings that do not conform to a sustainable approach will increasingly become less viable, this is not an option for The Oman Parliament. The international community will look to the Parliament of Oman as a case study and an indication of how the Omani people value the natural environment that surrounds them. We are aware that global warming and its effects are accelerating more quickly than scientists previously predicted. We have reached a tipping point where the actions we take today may be irreversible in the future. The time to act decisively is now. We must transform the way we work beginning today. We must design responsibly and work to restore the world to a state of natural paradise. The Parliament of Oman must find its place in this paradise.

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Respect & Design for the Environment of Oman

ARCHITECTURE, CLIMATE AND MATERIALS In traditional Omani architecture the requirement for good ventilation and cooling have fundamentally influenced architectural form across the country, with features like multi-directional wind catchers employed to channel breezes down into the heart of buildings, or windows developed to prevent solar gain, and encourage free air movement. In a similar spirit we have looked at the practicality of passive environmental strategies to cool areas of the New Parliament building, however the team will also require to integrate air conditioning to the major functional spaces including the office areas as is outlined in the briefing. The buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental strategy has been considered in layers that the diagram opposite illustrates; ie from the builds very foundations to its sheltering roof form. Together with innovative environmental technologies to support a building of this complexity, local and indigenous materials will be incorporated, together with traditional craft and Omani Art.

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PROCESS

CREATING ARCHITECTURE

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Design Approach

CREATING ARCHITECTURE A DREAM A building without a dream is a building. A building with a dream is architecture. Good architecture requires a clear conceptual aspiration and ambition. Architecture, different from mere building, must appeal not only to our senses but also to our intellect. SENSE OF PLACE Working with diverse clients on small and large projects, within different countries and cultures across the world, we have learned to be sensitive, to care and enjoy the places in which we work and to celebrate through our design the unique qualities of each and every context. The more time spent understanding a local culture and its aspirations, the more rewarding and meaningful our architecture will be to that community. Our role as an architect is comparable to that of a gardener sowing seeds of opportunity for future generations to work with, developing physical forms and structures to support a complex mix of social, environmental and economic activities. Light, space, proportion, geometry and density are the means and disciplines with which we work. Central to our architecture however is an understanding that the places we create are for people.

SPACES & CONNECTIONS We have a fascination with architectural typologies. Like archaeologists exploring a dig, we enjoy trying to both prescribe and interpret the nuances, codes and hidden meanings that are embodied in architectural plan forms. UNIQUE SITE No site is ever the same. The questions we have asked ourselves throughout the design process are varied; do we benefit from a south aspect or from a particular view? Are there remarkable site features that we can frame through a doorway or window? Which way do the prevailing winds blow and which tree species would the site best support? These are the types of questions and thoughts we have asked as we have formulated the contextual and architectural responses in our design for this very important project. The scenery, the landscape and the geography of every site, wherever we are in the world, are fundamentally different and, therefore, demand a different architectural and contextual response. The Parliament site has been an inspiration.

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FINAL PRESENTATION

A1 BOARDS

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