HOSPITALITY TRANSFORMED: Resort Hotels in 2055

Project by: Ines Shulman & Ronit ShmaryahuInstructors: Arch. Yasha Grobman & Dr. Eran Neuman

AQUASPHERE RESORTS

Introduction

Taking under the consideration the future element of the project, the age of advanced technology, a wish to provide a unique & significant experience for travelers, combined with our natural interest in aquatic environment from an architectural point of view, we came to design a resort sub ocean hotel, the Aquasphere.We see great potential in such a project, which would break the boundaries & present a precedent of discovering a new world, preserving land reservoirs, giving the opportunity for technological advance & possible underwater habitat development, while creating an unforgettable experience.

Aquasphere: Aquatic Resort Hotel

Defining research question

Research question that stands at the basis of the project is to define a new typology of a resort hotel in an undersea environment.Aquatic environment, as the past and the present show, is a foreign and unknown parameter in architecture. The aim of the project is to change that, through developing a new typology that would derive its origin from the given environment and would be able to establish a new dialog between architecture and its surroundings.

Defining New Hotel Typology, in Aquatic Environment – Reaching the Unreachable

Characteristics of water influenced the relative location of the site, allowing light penetration, organism variety & photosynthetic process to support those organismsPhotic area goes up to 400 meters, while the project area is the upper 30 meters.Aspects such as availability of vital services, structure anchor options and easy excess, would later set the horizontal boundaries.

Relative Site Location

Photic area

Conclusions:

- Form follows function

- Shape and spatial distribution as a vital tool for survival

- Physical features as a “mirror” of the surroundings

In attempt to design a structure that would derive its origin from its surroundings we came to analyze the logic of marine species.

Scientific InfluencesMarine life studies – logic investigation

Natural forms – microscopic marine animals and Radiolaria.

Marine life studies – logic investigation

Revealing the great potential in the spatial relations between the skeleton and the spaces it encloses.

Scientific aspectsSight/light:-Will effect relative hotel location-Sound/vision sensors providing online transmission-Phonoabsorbing panels-Use of colors in the range of visible spectrum-Using colors/light to attract marine animals

Sound:-The human ear is limited to detecting frequencies between 20hz & 20khz.-The speed of sound in water travels approximately 5 times as fast in water as in air, 1,436 meters per second-Translating aquatic data into architectural language, capable to respond to aquatic input, generating real time interaction with its users-Using sound effects to attract marine animals

Movement:

-Allowing both direct and intermediate connection thru water (entrance/exit thru water, room entrance/exit thru aquatic vehicle)

Preliminary Studies:

Referential analysisCirculation:-Using circulation as a part of the experience, creating promenade, thus enhancing the connection between the building and its environment

Public/Private:Creating multiple public areas -Distributing the public zones, creating spatial connections & enhancing the security feeling in the new and unfamiliar world.

Referential analysis - constructionConstruction:-Foam structure as constructive principle of multi0bubble hotel structure-Hotel’s inner partitions structure-Creating structure supports for free cores.

Materials:-Creating multiple public areas Transparent Teflon, EFTE (possible material for windows)-R-cast acrylic panels connected seamlessly to provide max view

Referential analysis – interior design (rooms)

Horizontal vs vertical:-morphing the distinction between furniture, space & surface

Envelope:-Creating an entity instead of random collection -Creating an adjustable envelope using folding & domestic landscape, creating fluid, hybrid composition-Translating aquatic data into architectural language, capable to respond to data input, generating real time interaction with its users.

AQUATIC PROJECTS

Construction:Deriving its origin from aquatic environment

Spatial distribution:-water as a spatial element-Multi-central units-Air/water entrance

Public/Private:-Public/private units integration

Materials/Amenities:-wide diversity of amenities-water-Adjustable reflective acrylic-Artificial reefs-Sound/vision sensors providing online transmission-Phonoabsornbing panels

Conceptual Stage

Preliminary geometrical investigation

Investigation of space formed by two bubbles:

-Finding the minimal unit

Investigation of space formed by two bubbles:

-Two bubbles forming a multi level public space.

Conceptual vision of the project

- Bubbles as the geometrical typology- Net frame as:- Constructive element- Circulation- Units anchor base

- Structure anchor element

Reference: Physalia Utriculus

Basic Principles:

Developing a structure that would derive its logic from the aquatic environment

The structure exists only due to the "constructive" element of water

The structural Logic

-Circulation/Function Distribution

-Space enclosing shape

Schematic Analysis of the structure

Design Process

Basic configuration investigation

Public (open to all)/guests areas

Influencing Factors:

- Future development (growth)

- Orientation in the building

- Must allow arrival by sea/air

Influencing Factors:- Future development - Minimizing the corridors- Allowing max view

Rooms Spatial Configuration

Distribution of Public andPrivate Areas

- Using circulation to enhance the experience- Privacy

Rooms spatial configuration

Programmatic analysis:

Program: spatial volumes, side view

Program: spatial volumes, top view

reception & lobby area:main lobbyadministrationbusiness centerrestaurantballroom

service centertheatre/concert hallhigh-tech cinemashopping center

personal & mechanical equipment wing:personal areahallpersonal roomsmechanical equipmentcomputer roomtechnical lab

Aquatic Laboratory & Educational Centerpower plantrecycling centerdistillation apparatus

rooms areapublic areaservices

Presenting - Aquasphere

Main Functional Distribution

Aquasphere provides an ambience in the last uninhabited frontiers on earth in which a visit will be an unforgettable experience in the life of each individual guest.

Aquasphere/Site Harmonic Interaction

Main Functional Distribution

Aquasphere Vertical Section

Details

Details

Main Public Area Plans:

Aquasphere Welcomes you!!!

Aquasphere harmonic interaction with its surroundings

Room design (holistic approach)

“Finding moments in a dream”Taking advantage of the magic that happens when the law of gravity rescinded. Accepting unnatural conditions as natural, revealing visions set free of earthy constraints.

Conceptual Stage:

Cocoon as the Inspiration -- Space of renewal, rejuvenation, respite from profusion of a quickening world. Shedding the encumbrances of the every day. Letting the gaze move beyond the everyday world, acknowledging the subtle self.

Abstract model expressing the spatial relations of the “cocoon”

1. constructive outer envelope

2. inner continuous envelope that meets human needs

3. material memory principle is applied for the inner envelope

4. using the gap between the two envelopes for support systems (installation etc)

Basic principles:

1. morphed condition between furniture, space and surface.

2. material memory.

3. creating an entity, instead of random collection.

Inner envelope principles:

Typical room plan

Vertical section

Horizontal section

fluid domestic scape is a hybrid composition, a morphed condition between furniture, space and surface

Design Process

Aquasphere Uniqueness

Aquasphere Program - Independent Substance

Aquasphere provides an ambience in the last uninhabited frontiers on earth in which a visit will be an unforgettable experience in the life of each individual guest. Wide variety of amenities provided to the hotel’s clients along with its self-sustaining approach allow AQAUASPHERE to become an independent substance.

Ecological Self-sustaining Approach:-Used glass, paper, metal- recycled and sold. Non recyclable materials will be burned, and the energy will be used for the generators.-Waste oil will be burned in an exhaust stem plant to generate electricity-In the construction process water based colors and natural materials will be used-Use of plastic and petroleum based materials will be reduced to minimum-Wide use of electrostatic filters, annihilating dust, bacteria’s and viruses.

Programmatic Spreading:- Dividing the Lobby area into 2 main parts, located in separated wings at different depth levels.- Service units distribution along the promenade, thus creating sub lobby areas.- Vertical programmatic/functional spreading allows easy orientation & spatial reading suitable to the chosen geometry.

Aquasphere Environment Relations

Arrival to the site:Site location, far in the ocean, creates a spatial effect which detaches the guest from the routine of his daily structures of perception and evokes unaccustomed sensual impressions.

Inclusive use of space (positive/negative):

Spatial relations: environment, net – dual spatial enclosure

Spatial relations: environment, spatial volumes, net

Aquaspere – top view

Spatial ascription of the surroundings, achieved by:-Outer space enclosure-Morphology – perforated net structure

-Using steel (foreign material to the sea) on one hand, and on the other, creating a tied connection by creating a reef upon it.-Lighting elements

Spatial experience at different levels:

Locating the promenade outside (partly) the envelope (the NET) allows enhanced experience of the aquatic space, in addition to external perspective views of the structure.

Units such as restaurant, rooms, allow the user to experience the inside and the outside at the same level, in addition to the reef experience, which is developing upon the envelope (the NET)

Creating controlled “outside” environmentMost of the functional spaces are located in the inner space, thus enhancing security & belonging feeling of the user.

Aquasphere/Environment Relations:

View Resources:-Experiencing the view at different depth levels-An opportunity to experience the sea during different time of the day-Experiencing the view above and below-Creating ambient experience by using characteristics of: geometry, human scale, material/transparency

Aquasphere as an active agent in creating ecological system

Creating an opportunity to build a new microbiological system, such as reef, using the perforated envelope (the NET).

Diving experience around the AQUASPHERE reef

Constructive Design

Developing a structure that would derive its logic from the aquatic environment.

The structure exists only due to the "constructive" element of water

Proposed construction method:Floating caissons towed to the site enabling the construction of the facility in dry surroundings. Using The cavities for different systems.As the building gradually increases in height and weight , it will be gradually lowered until it reaches its final position and will then be firmly anchored.

Schematic constructive principle: using Archimedes principle

Floating Caissons - Longitudinal Section

1. Connection to the existing circulation system 2. aAdditional functions (bubbles) supplementation

Architectural Design

Future growth possibilities:Proposed design allows future growth of the structure:

Educational aspect:

Vertical section – lab location Water as a spatial design element

Aquatic research lab to realize the potential of the final frontier on earth by stimulating and supporting ocean exploration, research, commerce, and education

AquariumGenerating a dialog between the surrounding aquatic environment and the inner aqua world.

Private roomsRoom construction incorporating attached personal underwater vehicle.

Room schematic structure – spatial volume + aquatic vehicle

Conceptual diagram: spatial spreadingHotel’s vertical section

Reaching the Unreachable

Site Location - Arrival

Site location, far in the ocean, creates a spatial effect which detaches the guest from the routine of his daily structures of perception and evokes unaccustomed sensual impressions.

Aquasphere - top viewExtensive Surrounding ExperienceView Resources:

- Experience of different depth levels, which are characterized by distinctive species.- Ambient experience is enhanced - envelope blurs the boundaries between the inside and the outside.

- User/Envelope relations enhance/ weaken the experience of the surrounding space, and are used by the architect as an architectural element.

Envelope-Surrounding Relationsenhancing the aquatic experience thru exploration of the envelope’s DNA as an architectural element Vertical

location

Diagram showing relative envelope transparency of the envelope – immediate experience

Diagram showing relative envelope transparency of the envelope – semi gradient experience

Vertical location

Enhancing the aquatic experience thru exploration of the envelope’s DNA as an architectural element

Diagram showing relative envelope transparency of the envelope –gradient experience

Detailed DesignStructure

High/low tide- expresses the dynamic qualities of the ocean. Emphasizing those qualities is expressed in separating AQUASPHERE into two constructive systems.

1. Anchored to the ground, allows to experience the tide directly from within the hotel.2. Anchored to the 1st system, thru mechanism that can regulate its the relative vertical position, enabling direct entrance.

Schematic section showing the two systems response to the high tide

Detailed Design

Creating actual “water screen” as an entrance element. Physical entrance thru water, comprises symbolic and physical experience that that separates the stressful everyday business life and this AQUASPHERE refuge.

This creates a spatial effect which detaches the guest from the routine of his daily structures of perception and evokes unaccustomed sensual impressions

Entrance

Aquasphere entrance image

Detailed Design

Liquid Lenses:

Using the envelope to create a visual fasade generated by the user, thru optical characteristics of water, thus effecting the spatial experience of the user.

Envelope – Opening

liquid lenses: Using optical characteristics, changing spatial perception.

Detailed DesignElevators Takes advantage of the depth dimension, enables vertical experience.

aquasphere elevator image vertical section: elevators movement paths

Interior design

Aquatic data transfer - Translating aquatic data into architectural language, capable to respond to data input, generating real time interaction with its users. Using sound/vision sensors providing online transmission.

“sensor” wall - aquatic data input responding landscape

promenade image - transparent floor element

aquarium as a spatial element

Integrating transparent floor elements thus allowing to experience new spatial qualities.

Generating a dialog between the surrounding aquatic environment and the inside aqua world.

Water element

Detailed Design

“ River”: using the water element as a design tool to create an easy spatial reading and simple orientation. Changes in “river” characteristics come to differentiate between different spaces and functions.

Integrating water in a circulation system

Using the torus as a circulation system, creating a promenade. Integrating water circulation system with plants, visible thru transparent floor.Water basins and fountains are integrated into the floor area.

vertical section: promenade location

circulation - promenade experience

diagram showing promenade segments

Circulation experience

AQUA TIME