Diyar Al Muharraq Entrance Gate, and Pedestrian Bridge

Diyar Al Muharraq is a development project in northern Bahrain. The entrance feature distinguishes the master development as a unique and progressive project that demonstrates the cultural aesthetic of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The design concept is inspired by sand waves and movements creating mounds and fluid lines. These lines were extracted to create an iconic entrance gate that defines the area and creates a landmark. It also provides pedestrian access to allow connectivity in the urban fabric. The structure is finished using Nurah which is Bahraini limestone plastering that increases the structure’s efficiency and resistance to humid climates. It also integrates planters for local species of plants, bushes, and palm trees. The structure is shaded to protect the users from the harsh sun yet penetrated by mesh openings to allow passive ventilation.

Brief:

“Dilmuni” is a 3D Printed facility for the UNESCO heritage site Dilmun burial mounds, Bahrain. It is a concept store featuring local product designers and craftsmen inspired by the Dilmun era. It is a sustainable store that aims to provide an architectural landmark and a touristic attraction to sell environmentally friendly pottery, and home accessorize, generate economical income, and create a social space for local suppliers and craftsmen. .

Context:

The Store is adjacent to the UNESCO heritage site, the burial mounds in Aali, Bahrain. These mounds were constructed in the period between 2200 and 1750 BCE. Aali is well known for its royal mounds, and pottery craftsmanship workshops. The pottery is made of local clay that is extracted from the shark tooth layer. The structure design creates a harmonic integration with its context by mimicking the form, and material to serve its local community. It provides a human-scale experience in the interior space into the earth, minimizing the sun’s heat, and glare.

Structure:

The structure mimics the royal burial mound, as they are unique in their burial chambers that have alcoves filled with gifts and belongings stored in pottery. The space is a 3D-printed upscaled structure using clay and recycled materials. The curved roof creates a smooth transition from the ground up.

The roof is supported by two load-bearing walls with integrated displayshelving and planting pots. Central support mimicking upscaled pottery with decorative patterns extracted from the Dilmun seals using simplified curved shapes. The railing reflects the craftsman hand rotation and molding. The roof has textured surface shaping mounds and is integrated with cutouts inspired by the Dilmun seals. The structural design integrates architectural design with the interior space functions, and built-in and movable furniture, it creates a comprehensive and human-scale inclusive design.

Climatic response:

The structure uses local materials from the site, combined with local construction recycled waste to reduce the embodied energy of the building resulting from its production and transportation. The building is north facing to minimize the solar gain. The building enclosure has high thermal mass due to the used materials, design, surfaces high width, lattice structure, and minimum openings. The structure is porous which increases the air circulation and reduces the HVAC energy. The building is constructed using solar-powered 3D printers which minimize the construction energy consumption and reduces the construction waste by 90% in comparison to traditional casting techniques The structure has a minimum impact on its surrounding due to the low GHG emissions generated during the building construction and operation.