Sustainable Cultural Center Architectural Design 6
Introduction Over time, the Bahariya Oasis has had a number of different names. It has been called the Northern Oasis, the Little Oasis, Zeszes, Oassis Parva and the especially during the Christian era, the Oasis of al-bahnasa, along with various other names
At one time, the Bahariya Oasis, as well as most of the rest of what is today referred to as the Western (or Libyan) Desert.
Introduction
Located 365 km south west of Giza and 200 km from Fafafra Oasis. The Oases are famous for their palm trees, olives, apricots, rice and corn Intertwined trees provide attractive scenery with contrast to massive sand dunes. The region is rich in wildlife of migrant birds and deer.
Historical background Bawiti is the capital of Baharia Oases that occupies a hillside. The oases are famous for their 398 mineral and sulphur springs. The most famous are Bir Hakima, Bir Halfa, Bir Al Matar, and Bir El Ghaba. The old Roman springs flow through cracked stones. Ein El Bishmo springs flow through both hot and cold water flow from separate sources then blend in a rocky creek, in addition to Al Qasaa wells. Baharia oases archaeological sites date back to Pharaonic periods..
Historical background "zis zis" was the original name of the region. Most of the antiquities belong to the 26th dynasty "Saite period". a major archaeologicol site El Qasr houses Ein El Mifatala, Qarat Helwa and Al Tibniya area that includes Alexander the great temple. El Maron, El Dist and El Maghrafa antiquities are located next to limestone temple in El Qasr area. El Bawiti houses, the largest Ptolemaic necropolis dedicated to Ibis bird. Its historic tombs are located in the complex of (Youssef Selim, El Sheikh Soby and Al Farouj)
Archaeological Areas
For the most important tourism potentials available in the Oasis Navy also said it is a flat plain roomy and the planted area of Birintensive private airport is the impact of the departure of a well represents a major breakage rocky natural deep water up to the farming areas at a distance of 10 to 15 meters across the agent set of wells historical Romanian , as well as water wells oases which is a sandy hill overlooking a vast valley of crops surrounded by a group of high mountains and a panorama of the region as there is pharaonic funerary temple Bmsdrin water, one cold and one hot meet in one path in the cavity of a rocky cave deep inside a mountain.
The people of Bahariya seem to have clung to their traditional beliefs longer than in any of the other oases. After the Roman decline Bahariya had a strong Christian population and even had its own bishop, although there is a suggestion by archaeologists that there may still have been followers of the more ancient pagan cults during this time. Even though Islam was brought to the oasis as early as the 7th century, Christianity remained strong in Bahariya longer than in any of the other oases, right up to the 17th century, and no monuments from the lslamic Period have yet been found.
The inhabitants of Bahariya are a mixture of the original oasis dwellers, the Bedouin tribes of the Western Desert, and families who have migrated from Middle Egypt and the Nile Valley. The fortunes of the oasis have changed throughout history – in times of decline and poverty many of the population migrated to more wealthy regions, especially Cairo, in search of work and by 1958 when the government plans for the ‘New Valley’ were introduced there were only around 6000 inhabitants in Bahariya
NATURAL RESOURCES
Because of the abundance of water palm trees SPREAD in the region and other agricultural products, which are the source of livelihood for the peoples of the region. An abundance of water can take advantage of people in the field of construction, which USED in most homes
CLIMATE
Most of Egypt is subtropical area, but the southern part of Upper Egypt is tropical. Northern winds temper the climate along the Mediterranean, but the interior areas are very hot. Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year
SIWA
SIWA CULTURE :-
• They originate from the North African Berber tribes known as Amazigh. We are the Siwan Berbers. Because of our geographical isolation we have remained relatively unchanged.
live in a tribal system. This is broken up into two main groups, the East tribe and the West tribe. There are ten tribes within these two groups and one group lives in El Gara
The leader of each group is the chief we know as Amazigh Agleed, or as the Sheikh, the head of the family. He leads the family council of ten members, all respected elders of the tribe. He personally settles problems within the family group and also gives advice to other tribes. In this way, harmony, respect and close relationships are maintained both within the family tribe and co-existing tribes.
• In the case of disputes between members of different tribes, the respective sheikhs arbitrate using the Siwan law and the Koran. Admonishments may be beatings, the giving of alms, fines or banishment from the tribe. If the problem is connected with the land, a special committee will gather and decide the land rights using old papers relating to the land. Some of these important papers are more than one hundred years old. The Egyptian police also work in cooperation with the Sheikh when appropriate. The young are brought up to respect their elders and the Sheikh is respected by all. A child pretending to be an adult by doing what grown-ups do is chastised by being called 'Agleed'. It is a society where everyone has a place.
• The Siwan people have a different perspective on life from other Egyptians. It is a mentality based on the tribal family. We marry within our own tribe as this is our preferred way. In this way we preserve the integrity of our community. However there are drawbacks to this as it can lead to genetic problems such as albinos. • We live a healthy life in the oasis. We help each other. There is nothing that we will not do for each other. In times of hardship we will give help and money. If one of us is punished then we help each other pay the fine or it may well be that the fine is not required as long as an apology has been given. We forgive each other.
• Wealthier individuals will assist those who are less fortunate and will do this unobtrusively by setting up covenants. At Ramadan and after the Eid el Fitr and the Eid el Adha alms are given. These are also occasions of great celebrations. For more details click on the menu.
• The Siwan people have their own culture and customs and, as well as speaking Arabic, we speak own Berber (Amazigh) language. Women still wear traditional costumes and silver jewelers and Siwa remains one of the best places to buy traditional local handicrafts.
SIWAN PEOPLE :• The Siwan people have their own culture and customs and, as well as speaking Arabic, we speak own Berber (Amazigh) language. Women still wear traditional costumes and silver jewelers and Siwa remains one of the best places to buy traditional local handicrafts.
• The modern town of Siwa is set among thick palm groves, walled gardens and olive orchards, with numerous freshwater springs and salt lakes. • Siwa also clusters beneath the impressive remains of the ancient fortress town of Shali, it is situated at the centre of the oasis
HISTORY:• 7th century BCE: Temple of Amon is constructed. • 331 BCE: Siwa is visited by Alexander the Great, who comes to visit the famous Oracle of Temple of Amon, seeking confirmation that he is the son of the god Zeus, as well as upholding the image of him also being the son of the god Amon. • 1203: The town of Shali is founded. 1792: After 2,000 years of relative isolation, the first European visitor comes to Siwa. • 19th century: Siwa becomes part of modern Egypt. 1986. A road between Marsa Matruh at the coast and Siwa is opened.
ARCHITECTURE:ď‚ž Cultural centre building in siwa oasis ..
INTERIOR SHOTS:-
DESIGN INTENTIONS:• The Cultural centrelocated in Siwa Oasis drew inspiration from the local indigenous architecture encountered during the visit .It’s primary aim is to revive the local crafts and enhance the quality of life of the nearby dwellers and also as an attraction to tourists where performances are held and products of the workshops are sold.The building site’s main view is a nearby mountain (called the western mountain) so the amphitheatre is oriented to this view. The forms are an outcome of space requirements flexibility of materials and roofing systems .It’s a form dictated by structure .Walls are made of rammed earth vaults are made of compressed earth blocks made from the local “karsheef “soil
• Its walls are of compressed earth blocks. The design incorporates elements to treat the harsh arid climate .There is a courtyard in the galleries easily accessible from the main entrance, and another one in the workshops area to provide ventilation
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SUSTAINABILE ARCHITECTURE “Most simply, the idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not inhibit the opportunities of future generations.” This term can be used to describe an energy and ecologically conscious approach to the design of the built environment.”
Earth Architecture – Clay as a building material
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Architects have dedicated a large amount of time to learn more about clay - one of the earliest natural building materials in history of men. It represents an excellent alternative to cement whose manufacture releases considerable quantities of CO2. Our intent is to promote earth also as a building material of the future.
However, concrete remains an essential material or high-rise construction. the research effort should be therefore twopronged: tailoring earth to the needs of modern construction and making concrete 'greener'
The great mosque of Djenné in Mali, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the largest earth buildings in the world built on 1907.
Natural Building Materials Revival and Sustainability •
Cob or cobb is a building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water, and earth, similar to adobe. Cob is fireproof, resistant to seismic activity, and inexpensive. It can be used to create artistic, sculptural forms and has been revived in recent years by the natural building and sustainability movements. •
Adobe is a natural building material made from sand, clay, horse manure and water, with some kind of fibrous or organic material(sticks and/or straw,), which is shaped into bricks using frames and dried in the sun
Natural Building Materials Revival and Sustainability • •
Rammed earth is a technique used in the building of walls using the raw materials of mud , chalk , lime and gravel. Because of the nature of the materials used it is incombustible, thermally insulating and very strong and hardwearing. It also has the added advantage of being a simple way to construct walls.
In-Slab radiant cooling and heating system •
Underfloor heating and cooling is a form of central heating and cooling which uses heat conduction and radiant heat or cold for indoorclimate control, rather than forced air heating which relies on convection. Heat can be provided by circulating heated water or by electric cable,mesh, or film heaters.
Underfloor heating pipes, before they are covered by the screed
Nk‘Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Canda
Earth walls dissolve building into landscape using rammed earth.
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Nk‘Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Sited adjacent to a remnant of the Great Basin Desert, of which 1,600 acres are being preserved by the Osoyoos band as a conservation area, this interpretative centre is part of a larger 200-acre master plan The partially submerged, 820 m2 building contains exhibits that celebrate the culture and history of the Band, and is designed to be an extension of the remarkable site. The desert landscape flows over the building’s green roof, held back by a rammed earth wall which, at 80m long, 5.5m high and 600mm thick, is the project’s most visible green design feature..
Nk‘Mip Desert Cultural Centre •
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The cultural center is constructed of the largest rammed earth wall in North America measuring 80 meters (262 feet) long by 5.5 meters (18 feet) high made of layers of colored stabilized soil Visitors enter the interpretive centre at the midpoint of a gently arcing concrete wall. Within the building, in-slab radiant cooling and heating in both ceiling and floor slabs combined with 100% fresh air displacement ventilation, create an even, comfortable environment that avoids the noise, dust and other discomforts of forced air heating.
Nk‘Mip Desert Cultural Centre •
The cultural center is constructed of the largest rammed earth wall in North America measuring 80 meters (262 feet) long by 5.5 meters (18 feet) high made of layers of colored stabilized soil.
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron
The Musgum, an ethnic group in far north province in Cameroon, created their homes from compressed sun-dried mud. The tall conical dwellings, in the shape of a shell (artillery), featured geometric raised patterns.
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron
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The domed huts of the Musgum people are built in shaped mud, a variant of cob. cob building is the most widely used technique in the world, since no tools are needed. Hands, earth and water are enough.
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron
• A characteristic settlement form is the compound, a cluster of units linked by walls.
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron •
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The name of these houses ('cases obos') comes from their similarity with the profile of shells. It is very close to the catenary arch, the ideal mathematical form to bear a maximum weight with minimal material. This profile also reduces the pressure effect of the impact of water drops on the walls.
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron • The extraordinary height (up to 9 meters) of these houses provides a comfort climate during hot days. • The top of the house is pierced with a circular opening, allowing the air to circulate, resulting in the sensation of freshness. Today, these buildings have become somewhat obsolete, with only a few groups still practicing this 'cases obos' type of construction.
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron
•The decorative surface allows for further refinement and individualization. The veins are also contributing to the drainage of rain. •The Musgum houses require regular maintenance of the coating and the veins allow people to climb atop the building. Maintenance of a Musgum
Earth Architecture – Musgum , Cameron •Curves and grooves are the language of natural forms the Musgum house follows the profile of shells - the arc of a chain. Bows and Vaults obtained in this way can be very slim and allow the use of a minimum of material for maximum rigidity. •The arc adopting the inverted profile (figure below) will only work in compression and does not produces parasitic twisting or bending moments.
Musgum Throwing Knives
J.M. Tjibaou Cultural Centre Nouméa, New Caledonia 1991-1998 Architect: Renzo Piano Renzo’s approach to create a non-transplanted architecture. An architecture that mixes between the New Caledonia’s culture with modernism.
J.M. Tjibaou Cultural Centre •
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The Centre, entirely devoted to the Kanak culture, lies on a narrow strip of land surrounded by water. Ten pavilions modeled after the shape of traditional kanak huts, with heights varying from 20 to 28 meters, are at the core of the scheme. Organized in groups of thematic villages, the pavilions are immersed in vegetation, thus expressing the millenary kanak relationship with nature.
J.M. Tjibaou Cultural Centre Design challenges • •
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Jean-Marie Tjibaou (January 30, 1936 – May 4, 1989) was involved in politics in New Caledonia. During the 1970s, he undertook a thesis in ethnology at the Sorbonne. While he did not complete his studies, he became engaged in cultural and ethnicity issues on New Caledonia. In 1975 he arranged the Melanesia 2000 festival, which emphasized the Kanak identity. Tjibaou made his way into politics when he ran for the municipal election in Hienghène in 1977, where he was appointed mayor of Hienghène. In 1979 he was made territorial councilor in the newly-formed Independence Front. In 1984 he was appointed head of the FLNKS and later that year also president of the New Caledonian provisional government. Jean-Marie Tjibaou was assassinated 4 May 1989 in Ouvéa.
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Piano was required to approach the project with extreme sensitivity to the sociological and ecological realms. The articulation of memory required a harmonious relationship with the future, and avoidance of representing the culture as stagnant. Yet an invention that did not respond to the preexisting nature would be an insult to a people seeking liberty from colonial rule and transplanted culture. Aware of this challenge Piano felt the “…dread of falling into the trap of folkloric imitation, straying into the realm of kitsch and the picturesque…”4 Thus from Pacific culture Piano took the ideas of the village cluster and the ribbed huts, creating an explicit visual link from the buildings in the vernacular, to the curved structure of the abstracted huts within the cultural center (Figure 1 and 3). These huts are constructions of a dual purpose, as they serve to link the new architecture with tradition and form a balance between nature and building
J.M. Tjibaou Cultural Centre The dynamic elevation of dancing huts against the sky allows the world to share in the beauty of New Caledonia, and gain insight into the formerly obscure culture of the Kanak people. • •
These contrasts are the expression of the essential challenge of the project: that of paying homage to a culture with its traditions without falling into a parody of it.
Housing cultural facilities (exhibition rooms, a library, an auditorium, an amphitheatre and studios for traditional activities), the huts are made of iroko wood, combined with steel and glass, and built respecting traditional construction methods according to the most sophisticated engineering studies.
References: 1. HTTP://WWW.SABMAGAZINE.COM/BLOG/2008/07/26/RAMMED-EARTH/ 2. HTTP://WWW.DESIGNBOOM.COM/WEBLOG/CAT/9/VIEW/9207/MUSGUM-EARTHARCHITECTURE.HTML