Reflections on the Archtecture of the UAE

8/4/2019 Reflections on the Archtecture of the UAE

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DETERMINANTSOF

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNIN THE

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

SAMIRG MATTAR


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Architecture ofthe United Arab Emirates

DETERMINMTS OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNIN THE

UNITED ARAB RMIRATES

SAMIR 0. MATTAR, LI ENG, P. ENG.SAN EA, A

U ci&r E hN hv , Rbiu I Isd e i e o I / 7D jqbot e . t 1 o a r n eI f ii o e rs /S L p C t e se t1o i

t t iS S .

I

Fuairah1

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Architecture ofth e United Arab Emiratesmaritime desert conditions, once regarded as one of the most unfavourableclimates on earth. The sea, at once austere and attractive, had long providedsustenance to the inhabitants of these settlements whose traders and saiIors intheir dhow& plied the trade routes while fishermen and pearldivers harvested itsdeep.

Much of the land along the coast consists of low4ying sandf1ats, virtually devoid ofvegetation although mangrove swamps can be found in some of the shelteredcreeks and inlets. To the east, the gray limestone cliffs and folds of the Hajar

mountain with their caches of fossils and seashells stand as sentinels to thecolossal pressures of the past. Boulders are piled at random or fused together in avast dark brown mass. Rocks are slashed with ash gray, black or dark red andforged by the intense heat of ancient volcanoes. All reveal the massive pressuresin primeval times th at forced them up and jumbled them together so that the samehillside may have layers of limestone and sandstone among its volcanic rocks.Directly south, the mountains take on a different hue as the ridges confront thevast desert.DEERMmTANT A


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uircnuecntre of me u,weu iruv c,,uriuAd then on o he Empty Quarter with its 3tark Iand3cape f staggei n nmenitvIts sand and the edging sea, it s fauna and flora and the oases It is at oncenysterous aizd enigmat The texture ofits dunes, pai:ed by space ad iight -gray and white near the coast or red f tt rther inland - cone s the ! rnpr if lt ofcnanging dais, seasons and years. We feel instinctive1 that thIngs have remainedconstant for centuries and so must be intrinsically good They have stood th e testof time. And yet, beneath ts end l ess su rfa ce the Empty Quarter concea1energies that have turned dreams ini reality.

E /CL today, in the rnoder oataI cities Abu Dhab1 Dubai, Sharjah and in A!kin, at the edge of the Emptj Quarter the sheer magnificence of the eect filtersin the built en7i:onrnent. The ohaLg brought about by moerr progress hasbeen abrupt and definite o n sharp contrast to the sub tl e f lux of the desert , thee nd le ss p an orama, the keen har3hness D f eternity in which the real and theimaginary become one.Stani.lng at the edge of the Emp Quarter a third f a century a go, w ho would ha icpredicted the sca le and pace of th e developments that haze caken place in theU nited Arab Emirates Who could have known that a teeming world would be

xaiting tc reveal itself to hose who tcok the time to bserie. to question and toi n d e r s t a nd .A BREF HISTORY OF THE BULT ENVIRONMENT N THEUNITED ARAB EMRATESThe built environment represents our efforts to create a pleasant, rnodet, efficietit.comfortable, and secure liv ing and working space within or even, excludingthe natural setting. It i s the result no t only ofour efforts to overcome some of the


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Architecture ofthe United Anib Emiratesadverse conditions wind, sa nd , sun , rain but also ofour expectations of artisticcreativity and our interpretation of contemporary culture. Insofar as the builtenvironment is an expression of creative intentions, human activities, socialinstitutions and cultural values, our history i s engraved in the architecture as itrepresents evolution in society and culture.

"if you do not think about the ftjture , y ou cannot have one" This cautionarystatement, origina l ly a imed at a world changing from the 19th to the 20th century,i s appropriate the United Arab Emirateswhich is poised on the threshold of thefriture. Vast and fast developments intechnology and the information age arealready transforming the country beyondrecognition. Development will continueat an accelerated rate, bringing with iteverincreasing changes of life patterns.To be able to think about the world oftomonow we must understand the worldof today and we must also be able to!earn from the lessons ofyesterday.

TRADTON AND CONTEXTHistorically, the people of the Empty Quarter Fad an intimate knowledge of how tolive in ha rmony with the land and the local environment. As such, theirarchitectural heritage was dominated by stark aesthetics, thnctional requirements,materials offered by the land, the use * o f handmade tools2 techniques andtechnologies handed down from generation to generation, and guided byindigenous abilities in *building as well as stringent economis. Thousands ofyears of accumulated expertise had led to the developrnent of economic buildingmethods using locally available materials, passive climatic control methods :andan.arrangement of living and working spaces .i n *consonance with their socialrequirements.

For many centuries, transformations and transitions in prevailing construction weregradual because the pace ofgrowth and the rate ofdevelopment were slow. Upto thirty years ago, most people in the United Arab Emirates, like their .ancestors- and their ancestors before them - lived in traditional dwellings which wereoften mudbrick houses, or huts made of palm fronds, or desert tnts, Buildingwas basically to provide shelter from the elements: the need , literally, for man tohave a roof over his head . There were neither architects involved nor, even,builders or masons. Shelters were created mainly by people for themselves.

Settlements were uniform in form and appearance, reflecting the geographicallocation and culture of the people. The traditional architecture of the UnitedArab Emirates reflected local and regional characteristics and reached a highdegree of imagination and cultural expression. They used whatever material wasavailable locally:


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Architecture ofth e United Arab Emirates* In the mountains, houses we re invariably made of stone and c av es w e re oftenused as dwell ings;* The palm tree played a vital role in oaseswh e re th e f r onds we re used ex t ens ive l y a s

r oo f i ng mate r i a l a n d fo r s t r u c tu ra l s u p p o r t inth e wa l l s ;* Th e n omad s in the dese r t l i ved in ten ts of tenmade of c ame l h a ir ;* In f o r t i f i c a t i ons and dw e1 1 in g s o p e n in g s wereof ten ar ches of mud br i ck .* A long th e coast , so l id bu i l d i n g s te nd ed to hemade f rom coral s tone b u t pa lm f r onds we reused in th e f loors and for th e roo fs .

Towe rs bara/ee1s wh i c h made ef fec t ive use of th es e a b reezes to mitigate th e extremes oft empe ra tu re we re d e ve lo p e d on th e coas ta lse t t l ements wh i l e thick wa l l s and min ima l* fenes t ra t ion , wh i c h we re more common i n l a n d ,we re also used in coastal .regions.

Building pro fess iona l s , l o ok i ng * h a c k to those t imesand se t t l ements , remaik * o n th e ovenheirningd om i n a n c e of th e sun, th e s e a , th e sand and thew i n d in determining th e f o rm, Droce sse s a ndt e chno l og i e s of des i gn and construction.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTSThe SixtiesWith oi l wealth, th e orig ina l sett lement s, Abu D hb i, D ub ai, Sharja h, R as Al

Khaimah and Al A m mere trading posts burst into the modem era , and quickly- very quickly - became cities. Mo d em te ch n o lo g y and mate r ia l s star tedtouring into the Emirates. The building envelope wasfreed from the constraintsof a passive response to th e environment and, gradually, the tr a d it ional homeswere abandoned. There was a nish to p r o d u c e dynamic buildings with noveldesigns and exp re ss i on . One and two stor ied buildings c h a n g e d to multistorys t ruc tu res a s :* Th e use of conc re te and s tee l became more p reva l en t ,* A stable. s upp l y of f t esh wa t e r and th e convenience of indoor plumbing,e l e c t ri c it y, v e n t il a ti o n and a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g , elevators and san i ta t i on sys temsbecame more r ead i l y available, and

* Ma jo r in f ra s t ru c t u re wo r ks such as r o ad s , wa t e r distribution and sewagesys tems we re executed.

Felia Fort ruins Ras Al Khciiinah

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Architecture of th e United Arab EmiratesiVith improved securityand promisingpolitica l accord s,there was less needfor defensive towersand forts built ofmudb ri cks. These , in turn,were abandoned andfell quickly into ruin.The arthitecturalheritage of the landappeared to be indanger.

Photograph ofAbu Dhabi with the Rulers fort inforegroundInitially, the quality ofconstruction left a lot to be desired. The transition years of thesixties were marked by a strong maniage between the traditional settlementernacuiar and the Thovel" architecture made possible by aew" materais. Theiayout of buildings was generally still traditional and functional but the materialswere different. With progress the link with the past vas oecoming tenuous as thesixties" houses, with electricity and airconditioners and modern amenities,replaced he wind-towers with their outdoor kitchens and to ile ts . In this oeriod7while new materials replaced the old, the buildings copied the form of the earlierconstruction but decoration became more uniform less carefree and with muchtess imagination.The Sevent i esThe se enties saw the introduction of the modern building er in the Untd abEmirates wi th an exp los ive bu i l d i n g boom that ieiy few countries have everexperienced. Cranes sprouted everywhere and , even though the most ad7ancedtechnologies of the time were used, the sheer quantity of construction mitigatedagainst a ny qua l i t y in design or in con s t n i c t i o n . This , invariably, le d toa r e 1e ssne ss , mistakes and a bu i l d i n g s to ck t ha t has n o t been du rab l e . Some s e e d s

fu tu re a r ch i t ec t u r a l development we re p la n te d du r i ng th i3 pe r i o d :In th e cap i ta l , th e Cu l t u r a l Founda t i o n formerly th e RulefsFr s tood o u t inth e mids t of th e su r - ound i n g highrise s t ruc tu res a s a mode r n ye t traditionalbu i l d i n g . On th e Ab u Dhabi Corn i che , th e ex tens ive use of s te el a nd p la teg lass cu r t a i n wa l l f aades con f i rmed th e t r e nd es t ab l i s h ed by the Duba iMunicipality bu i l d i ng .

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Architecture of th e UnitedArab Emirates

This sc en e corresponds to 1966 photoaph but from a different view. Note th erulers fort in th e foreground that now houses the Cultura l Foundat ion .

* In Abu Dhabi, Dub ai and Sharjah, blocks of flats - both medium and lowrise, built to a ccommod ate tn e les s aff luent - dominated the center of thec it ie s wh i le modern villas housed th e more xe1 I_ t odo on th e ou tsk i r t s .* During th is p er iod, a l a rge n umb e r of houses and apa r tmen t blocks were bu i l tb y the government s fo r t he i r c i t i zens an d for th e foreign work force who w erepour ing in to th e coun t r y to toil in th e va r i ous f ie lds of nat ion-bu i ld ing a ndi n f r as t r u c t u r e deve l oomen t . These buildings, p laced in th e middle ofident ical plots of l a nd in nea t r ows con f o rm i ng to "modern" t o w n - p l a n n i n g

"princ iples" dominated th e cen te r s of t he c itie s . Some of these t ow n p l a n n i n gpr inc ip les an t i c i p a ted th e "new" towns with rw u o o n ro w ol houses nf e c t i l i nea r fo rmat ion tha: st i l l form tte basis o r irban and communityp lann i ng fo r new t own sh i p s t h r o u g h o u t th e coun t r y .

* The souk, t r ad i t i o na l l y th e hea r t of th e s e ttleme n ts , as r ep laced b y shoppingcenters, whe r e shoppers moved fr ee ly in relaive c om f o r t Apart f r om tn eShar jah souk, t he re was little in these cen te r s that was r em in i s cen t of th et r ad i t i o na l "souk" and it s characteristic sma l l shops with goods s p r aw l i n g i n toth e " s t r ee t s " and i nv i t i ng shoppe r s to " b a r g a i n i n g cen te rs . Howeve r , tflel a t e r s ho pp i n g cen te r s of Dubai2 in r e i nve l i t i ng th e t r ad i t i ona l so i . havemainta ined many of their soc i a l and f t i n c t i ona l c ha ra cte ris tic s. He re , in asma l l b u t app rec iab l e way, we can obse rve th e intrusion of mode r n technologyand the in f luence of c h a n g i n g requ i remen ts and needs i n to a t i o n a I cus tomsand cu l t u r e and t he i r re f lec t i on in a r ch i t ec t u r a l i n t e rp re t a t i o n s .

Abu Dhab i Postcard c. 198O -Prior to large-scale development ofthe city.

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Architecture ofth e United Arab Emirates

Many bui ld ings bu ilt d ur in g th e sixt ies an d sevent ies have suffered from crumblingconcrete a n d rusting s t e e l a s th e high temperatures, th e h igh h umi di ty an d thechlorides from th e sea took the ir toll on the structures. A s a result of poortechnical an d f inanc ia l performance high main t enance costs an d low monetaryre turns , a large number of these bui ld ing are be ing razed and rebuilt.

Mode rn t imesThroughout th e eighties an d n i n eti es, th e transformation of the cities in the United

Arab Emirates into prosperous centers of industry and commerce has becomemore a n d more appa ren t , a n d more in lin e w ith th e pa t t e r n of urban deve lopmentaround th e world. Major in frastructure projects have ensured a strong future forsound deve lopment . The major cit ies are t e eming with modern bui ldings an dfaci l i t ies - skyscrapers , apar tment blocks , vil las, mosques a n d shopping centers,A consc i ous effort i s a l s o be ing made by governments , owne rs , d es ig n er s an dconstructors to improve al l a s p e c t s of building, from the urban env ironment to th eminutes t detail on th e structure a n d th e construct ional systems.

Dur ing t h i s per iod, t h e r e has been a marked improvement in th e quality of design an dconstruction. Also , in an effort to capture the s ali en t p a radi gms of th e past, anumber o f architects are striving for a merger between modern archi tecture an dtradit ional her i tage . The r e have b e e n deliberate attempts:* At evoking e lements of p a s t a g e s , both local and regional,* To adjust t o t h e present with all i ts possibi l i t ies a n d prob lems, an d* To anticipate th e prospects of a cha l l eng ing future.

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Architecture of th e Uni ted Arab Emira te s

However, in entering th e "race for the sky" with such projects as th e 1 60 -me te r highB ayn ou n ah T ow er in Abu Dhab i an d th e 321-meter Tower Hotel in Dubai ,architecture in th e Uni ted Arab Emirates has taken on n ew chal lenges in terms of

scale, quality an d costs. A prelude to th e 350-meter Emirates Tower, a project astall as th e Emp ir e S ta te building, these bui ld ings represent th e nex t frontier ofarchitectural deve lopment in th e Uni ted Arab Emirates . Design l imits are be ingprobed an d tested. Specifications a r e becoming more demanding . New materialssuch as th e T e flo n -c oa te d gla ss -fi be r will be used as exterior cladding whilefiberglass an d u n sh ield ed tw is te d pair cop per stru ctu red ca blin g form th ebackbone of th e commu n ica ti on s sys tems with in th e same bu ildin g. Foreconomic an d logistic reasons, concrete, est imated to be 20 to 30% l e s s expens ivethan steel an d more readily available in th e U n ite d Arab Emirates i s be ing used,as a structural material instead of steel th at is more preva lent worldwide. Soil an dgeological considerations s u c h a s subsidence a n d ground movement problems ar eplac ing structural l imits on th e he ights ofbuildings.

The Rulers Fort Cultura l Founda t i on with modern Abu Dhab i beyond

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Arc!, itecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesARCH ITECTURAL HERITAGE IN TRANSIT fONThe change in social , cultural, economic an d t echno log ica l deve lbpment con t inues toi ncrease , an d to do so quickly. I t i s valuable, however , to put all these change s inperspect ive:

While th e deve lopment of th e worlds major cities have takei i hundreds ofyear s. equ iva len t change s in th e U n ite d Arab Emirates have taken place overbarely 25 to 30 years.

The tr an s iti on fr om pass ive response to th e elem en tal forces w hich shaped th et rad i ti ona l ly -bu i lt env i ronmen t to th e mode rn defiant divers ity in th e bui ld ings inan urban mil ieu has been almost abrupt. Not unexpectedly , th e trans i t ion periodhas been. in an architectural sen se , turbulent . Hence , th e n e ed for reflect ion andeffective act ion:

Wither architecture in the UnitedArab Emirates?Architectural deve lopmen t s have been accompl ished with in th e context ofeclect ic ye t dist inct bu t widely varied express ions . The design paradigms ar econ t inu ing to undergo rapid t rans format ions w i th little or n o ev idence of an yemergent styles or id ioms.W I z at an gove rnments do ?As the federal an d local government authorities become i ncreas ing ly aware ofth e irretrievable loss to th e heritage an d tradit ion, many major bui ld ings ar ebe ing salvaged an d restored.Ho v can technology be managed?Industr ial izat ion an d mechan iza t ion of th e b uild in g i n du str y h ave imposedvast change s in p lann i ng , des ign , me thod , te ch n i qu e, a bi li ty an d possibi l i ty.To manag e th e impend i ng change , technologys impacts mus t be understoodimplic it ly.What about the impact ofthe environment?The c l imate affects th e design of th e bu i ld ing enve lope an d th e mechan ica lsys tems directly. We are n ow beg i n n i n g to se e an d unders tand the devasta t ingeffects of th e env ironmen t s aggress ive action , over t ime, on bui ld ingsconstruc ted in th e past 25 years. Th i s s ignals the need to understand th e truecauses of deterioration and for caution in th e u se of new materials or th e useof ex is t ing materials in n ew ways.A 111 rapid change?Along with th e cha l l enge of rapid growth, we ca n detect change s in needs an drequ irements . Feedback mechan i sms , in des ign , may effective in ensur ingflexibility, prov is ions for growth an d adaptabil ity.

The lack of durabil ity of th e b ui ld in g stock is becoming a cause for concern . "Is notthe city without old buildings is like an old man without memories?" For many inthe United Arab Emirates , deve loping an endur ing and s u st ai n ab le bu i ld i ng stockhas become an i s sue of s ome s i gn i f ic an c e and high priority.

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Arc/iitecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesENSURING A FUTURE FOR THE PRESENTClearly, it does n ot do to rebui ld bui ld ings that have on ly recently been built. On e ofth e best just i f icat ions for the skills of th e architect an d th e b u ild in g profess ionalsi s that they make poss ible th e cont inuat ion in to th e future of valuable qual i t ies ofth e env ironmen t , form, t exture , materia l, an d of detail an d decorat ion , that wouldotherwise disappear . Equa ll y c lear ly , it i s n ot ev ident that new construct ion an dre-construct ion are taking in to account the l essons from th e r ec en t past .BACK TO BASICS?What , then , are t h e det erm inan t s of architectural design in th e Uni ted Ar ab Em ir ate stoday? T his is a question of cons iderab le s ign i f icance , an d its a n swe rs d ep e nd onmany related quest ions , such as :

Wha t do we mean by des ign , in genera l , and by architectural des ign , inparticular?Wha t are appropriate an d adequate des ign strategies for the Uni ted ArabEmirates?Wha t are th e fu n c ti on s to be accommodated? W hat are th e dem an ds an dneeds of th e users? The owners?Wha t are th e major condit ions - env i ronmenta l , social , economic, technica l .and so on - which will i n f luence architectural dec is ions?Wha t soc io-econorn ic and cul tu r al factors exi st ? Pr edomina t e? Are desirable?How do they i n f lu en c e deci si on s made dur ing des ign? How doe s h e ri ta geim pa ct on contemporary des ign in th e United Arab Em i ra te s?Wha t c on s t ru c ti on ma t er ia ls an d techniques are available an d how are theya da pte d to local needs?

CONTEXT: TRADITIONAL VERSUS MoDERNW e tend to feel more secure as we touch history - to have on e foot in th e past whiles tepping into th e future. B y examin in g architectural developments in th e region

from a historical perspect ive, i t has been poss ible to capital ize on and to provide acontext for unders tand ing th e nature of th e prob lems fac ing bu i ld i ngprofessionals, owners an d u se rs. Poised on th e threshold of a promis i ng future,architects - an d other profess iona l s in related fields - in th e U n ite d Arab Emiratesare beg i n n i n g to adopt an att itude of i n formed open-mindedne s s aboutpossibi l i t ies .

The l essons of th e r ece n t past are all around us to see, to ana lyze and to unders tand .Each bui ld ing , whether demol ished , refurbished or stil l in use , provides us with al ive laboratory sett ing for unders tand ing t h e det erm i nan t s of architectural designmor e fu lly . Rather than dwell on the pathology of fa i lure, it i s clearly moreadvantageous to state th e le ss on s in terms of guidel ines , opt ions and possibilitieswhich need to be co n si de re d, a n a ly ze d, e va lu a te d, prior to ma kin g in form eddec is ions ,In explor ing th e history of th e built env ironment in th e U n ited Arab Emirates , it is

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Architecture of the UnitedArab Emiratesimportant role in th e deve lopmen t of architecture in th e Uni ted Ar ab Em ira tes.These conf l i ct ing trends are s ign i f icant for they are at th e le adin g edge of th e"architectural scene" , as i t were , e ven though they tend to be, quantitatively, aneg l ig ib le part of th e total output of th e built env i ronment .

A s we ana lyze t h e de te rm i nan t s of architectural design through the filters of history.of inher i ted op in ion an d various perspect ives , we form images through theseinterpretative tools. W e ca n begin to discern how context i s on e of the principaldeterminants of architectural des ign in th e U n ite d Arab Emirates .HISTORICAL CONT I NU I TYIn th e Uni ted Arab Em ira tes, th e sh eer size an d rate of deve lopmen t fa vo ur s th emodern at th e expense of th e traditional. The reality i s that, while y v e quest ionou r practice vis--vis tradit ion, th e most d eve lo ped tecimology is f irmly at th eheart of th i s society. The intrusion of th e modern in the form of architectural

styles and des ign forms, of technolog ies an d amen i t i e s , of systems an d procedures- i s ub iqu i tous and, as th e economies worldwide become i ncreas ing ly tied to oneanother, irreversible.

A t first sight, there ap pears to be n o difficulty in us ing , say, elevators or air-co n di ti on i n g e qu ipm en t as we bu i ld skyscrapers . However , impl ic i t in theseapparent ly straightforward deci s ions , made on th e bas is of amen i ty. fu n c ti on andutil ity, is th e n o tio n of modernity . Th i s , and many other s imilar deci s ions withrespect to sys tems , forms , materia ls an d details, dictates further modern cho ices .Consequent ly , we are hard pressed to fin d much that i s traditional ii the high-r isesofAbu Dhab i or Dubai or Sharjah. Now, however , many des igners are turning totraditional symbols and forms of cultural ident i ty for guidance in design direct ion.This p en ch an t to comb ine th e modern with th e traditional i s promis i ng bu t i t hasye t to ach ieve it s full potent ial .

SH IFT fNG EMPHAS I SNotwi th s ta nd in g th i s t endency towards integrat ion, we stil l have to ionder th e fullcontext of technology as a pr ime determinant of th e architecture . In this, th eUni ted Arab Emirates is n o t u n li ke recen tly i n du str ia li ze d societ ies; des ignershave ye t to come to te rm s with th e s ign i f icance of th e utterly i norganic aspect ofindustr ial ized products an d mater ia ls . Mor eover , th e change s from a nomadic an d

rugged rural culture to an urban sett ing tend to be devoid of establ i shedconven t ion s . The economie s of use , too, add to the complexi t i e s of this context.A t the core, th e i s sue becomes on e of behaviour and i n terac t ion as well as designan d interpretat ion. How we u se our bui ld ings , h ow we i n fuse ou r meanings an di n tu i t ions in to th e nove l contexts , in to th e forms an d th e details these arecrucial in resolv ing the dichotomy between "tradit ional an d modern".

In a historical c on t ext, t he crucial q ue sti on s fa ci n g b uild in g design profess iona ls aren ot un ique to th e Uni ted Arab Emirates . In Amer ica , in Afr ica . in As ia , designteams have cons idered appropriate methods to solve s imilar p rob lem s, u sin gtraditional symbols , forms and techniques as a bas is for deve lopmen t . In th i sway, th e dichotomy i s transformed from a confl ict between iraditional an dmodern to on e of unders tanding and vis ion . Tradit ion thus becomes a l iv ing ,

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Arc/iitecture of the United Arab Emiratesdynamic force that shapes us as much as we shape it . A nd th e i s sues change ; th equest ions , too, change .

How do we give mea n i n g to cont inu i ty with th e n omadi c, r ugge dly rural, pastin urban, architectural, spatial an d formal t erms?Wha t const i tutes tradition in arch i tectural terms?

Is i t th e local or regional vernacular?How do we come to terms with th e variat ions through t ime an d reg ion?

How do we e n su re c on t i nu i ty in arch i tectural terms?By ou r interpretat ions of different symbols in to various styles?In th e way we incorporate de ta i ls , forms , etc.?

Are th e profess ionals sens i t ive enough? Are they capable of unders tanding th eneeds an d requ irements of th e u se rs ?Increas ing ly , th e trend in architectural des ign in th e U n ited Arab Emirates is on e that

seeks s pi ri tu a l c on t in u i ty with th e past - an d not a formal on e. The prob lembecomes n ot on e of s tr ic t iden t it y bu t on e of interpretat ion. Hence , th e effortsand in i t iat ives by th e munic ipal i t ies

to record, document and ident i fy forms an d details of th e urban an darchitectural heritage;to restore an d conserve the heritage in th e m id st of rapid urban deve lopmen tto develop guidel ines for use , interpretat ion, an d incorporation by des ignersinto modern projects.

If the past has a mean i ng for us, i t should f ind a way to express itself in to th e p r es en tdesign of form an d space as well as detail:Does it mean that architectural forms will be selected to provide spiritualcont inu i ty?Wil l th e approach be conscious in th e appl icat ion of cont inu i ty from past topresent?Wil l i t be a matter of transmiss ion of mean i ng from th e past an d integrationin to t he pr es en t ?

The prospects for in te gra tin g th e traditional an d th e modern make for greatdiff icult ies or un ique opportuni t i e s in th e g e nu i n e deve lopmen t of a s ingular,i nd igenous architecture in th e U n ite d Arab Emirates . For profess iona l des igners ,th e past an d th e co n tempo ra ry need n ot confron t on e another in th e s imp ledialect ic of th e traditional versu s th e modern nor does th e confrontat ioncorrespond to th e rat ional just if icat ion of th e pre sen t s itua tion .

I t is important to understand th e i n tegrat ion of tradition with th e modern s i n ce it is as ign i f icant determinant of des ign . This integration is diff icult to ident i fy andana lyze an d u se effectively. I t is, in effect, a subtle Hegel ian act of synthes is; anact, result ing from th e rec iprocity between th e traditional thesis, as it were an dth e modern anti-thesis.

In a recently completed bui ld ing in Abu Dhabi th e design team, fittingly, aconsort ium of internat ional and local firms has attempted to comb in e m od er nartistic form s w ith a rch etyp al im age ry an d symbols fr om t radi ti on in a very

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Arc/i itecture oft/i e Uii ited Arab Emirateseffective way. The plan for th e tw en t y-t hr ee s to re y b u ild in g was ge n era ted b ytw o i n te rlo ck in g squares - r em in i s c en t of a pervasive symbol of Islam -enc los i ng a central e le va to r c or e an d atrium fac ing the Gulf Even with theservice access an d an adjacent 20,000 sq . im garage for 650 cars, th e designershave attempted to mainta in cont inu i ty through an effective l andscape programl i nk ing th e surrounding gardens through th e bu i ld ing to roof gardens . The atrium"interprets" an d reinforces th e courtyard concept of traditional building by theeffective use of mushrabiyah screens , made ofwood mul l i ons an d cast aluminiuman d fixed beh ind a s imple glazed window wall , to r educe g la re while providingnatural l ight - d iffu s e, r efl ec te d, filtered - throughout th e building.Funct ional ly , th e lacey mushrabiyahs filter the reflective glare from the Gul f andth e direct radia ti on f rom th e su n effectively while , aesthet ical ly , th ey fo rm part ofa larger motif - "Tree of Lift" a tra diti on a l m eta ph or from theMesopo tamian cultures of th e Gulf. Th i s motif was used effectively to select thepalette of materials an d finishes and thus to integrate systems patterns, materials .colours, modu le s an d details.Clearly , we have, in such projects, the stirrings of effective ways to synthes i ze thetraditional an d th e modern in th e Uni ted Arab Emirates . Equally clearly, theaccumulated exper iences , sens i t ivi t ies , attitudes an d inclinations of designers -nationally, regionally an d internationally - constitute a natural base fordynamic cultural ident ity . This i nvolves respect for th e past, and lbr every phscof luiman creativity. I t real izes the poten t i al in th e ex is t ing elements of the sociIan d national life; it also provides an unders tanding of th e mass of scientiticknowledge and th e impact of modern t e chno l og ic a l d eve lopmen t s . Hence . oncof the principal determinants of architectural des ign s in the U nited ArabEmira te s .

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Arc/iitecture of the UnitedArab Emirates

DESIGN I N TENTEvident ly , "context" is a pr ime determinant of architectural des ign . However ,

"design", by it s very n ature, is about th e future. I t i s about perce iv ingposs ib i l i t ies that are available to us and, then , mak i ng op t imum use of them.Ess en t i a ll y, d e si gn is an inte l lectual - an d i n tent iona l - activity" that producesartifacts. In architecture , these "art ifa ct s" are bui ld ings an d urban spaces. Theword "des ign" encompasses th e gr ou p of thought processes , act iv it ies an d skills- analyt ical , c on c ep tu a l, c re ati ve , integrative, evaluat ive, deci s ion-making ,communicative - by which th e phys i ca l , t echn ica l an d subject ive attributes of afuture bui ld ing are determined an d executed.

Qual i ty in architectural design is never an accident. I t is, i nvar iab ly , th e result ofsens i t ivi ty an d response to th e c on t ext , r es olu te i n te n ti on s , c on s i de ra ble e ffo rt s.in t e l l igent direct ion, close attent ion to detail an d skillful execut ion . I t representsthe choice amon g man y a lter n atives a lon g a l eng thy, i te rat ive an d often-diff icultroute.

PROGRAM : WHAT? WHY? WHERE? WHEN? WHO? How? How MU C H ?There i s cons iderab le truth in the anc i en t adage: " If you do not know where you aregoing, it does not matter i/you get there." Clearly, in p lann ing a journey , it is

s ur er a n d eas ier to proc eed w i th a road map than to rely on "hunche s an d a sen seof direct ion" even though these are valuable an d u se fu l too ls for th e journey .The more detailed an d explicit the map, the more satisfying the journey. The" program " is th e road map for that long, diff icult journey: the architecturaldesign process. The p rogram, however , i s n ot like an "ord ina nc e su rv ey map"bu t more l ike an "explorers map". The bearings are known an d so are somelandmarks, albeit vaguely at this point; th e road ahead is be ing surveyed as weproceed. The dest inat ion, however , i s promis i ng an d often a compromisebetween wants , ne ed s, r es ou r ce s an d constraints .

What? Why? Where? When? Who? How? How Much? S im p le en o ughquest ions and, obviously, th e b ase s for des ign . But, how often are th e a n sw er sar ti cu l at ed c learly and unambiguous ly at th e beg i n n i n g of t h e proj ec t? Howfrequent ly are change s in scope and locat ion made, deci s ions reversed andmod ifi ed, s ch edu le s compressed an d budget s s la sh ed, w it h ou t doc umen t a ti on ,wi thout exam in i n g t hei r impact , w it h ou t i n fo rm i n g th e d es ign e rs or users unt i l i tis too late?

Apar t from identifying an d defining needs, the facility program, as a process, is anessen t ia l tool of commun ica t ion between th e bu i ld ing owners , users an ddesigners. A s a document , th e program is a s ta tement of in te nt an d an actionplan made ve ry e ar ly in the design process and, as such , becomes another majordeterminant of de si gn sol u ti on s . It i s an attempt to:state as clearly an d in as much detai l as poss ible th e scope, needs andrequ irements of th e owners , th e users an d t h e fu nc ti on s of t h e bu ild ing ;

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Architecture of the UnitedArab Emiratesdetermine , very early in the project definit ion stage, some deve lopment plansan d guidel ines and, as such , def ine a base l ine fo r mon i tor i ng an d control;outl ine th e resources money, manpower , milestones , etc. that will beneeded at every stage of th e project and, as such, alert th e team owner,design profess ionals , users , etc. of th e consequences of the ir dec is ions .

For programming to be effective, it has to be s imple an d easy to develop an d use eventhough the requ i rement s themse lves are complex an d often conf l ic t ing .Figure 1 represents a typical se t of factors considered in architectural des ign .Clearly, it would be diff icult to deal with them comprehens i ve ly an d effectivelywithout an object ive an d systematic approach.

nteractions..ornrnun1eat1oIActivit ies Re1at ionshipransier ot mateiiaI C1irnaeCustoms / Beliefs

Behavior Characteristics EconomyPoli t ical ForcesHUMAN FACTORS Resource Ava i lab i li ty- . Social ForcesAttitudes I Values Objective / Goals Legal RestrictionsOrganization - Po1icies / Codes F inanc ing-Hierarch-Groups 3Posions - Ecology-C1assifiations5 EXTERNALFACTORSLeaderslupLocation Systems E velo Te Codes /Standards /- - Region - Eng ineer ing fl pe Regulat ions/ZoningLocality --- Communica t ions ratioir - Building- Conimunity - Lightmg niropm.n Land use- Viemity - Security - om t L1ULL -vstems--Vismal 1is11Ct1U EnergyStructure -ALOUUC i EnvironmeatSu ort Servic MaterialsPHYSICALFACTORS -Storage SafetyUses Building I Facil ity -Parhng - Solar Acces s-AccessMtcria l I Finishe r Ufletions -Waste removal Costs I Benef i tEnergy Use / Conservation -Utilities water,Durabil ity sewage, TopographyOperat ions t e l ephoneCirculation Site Condit ionsEquipment / Furnishings

Flexibil ity

FIGuRE 1 SoME FACTORS IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

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Architecture of 1/ic UnitedArub Emirates

There are many methods of organ i z ing program information, each with i ts with prosan d cons, an d spec ia l appl icat ions. A program uses information process ingtec imiques to develop elaborate an d extens ive ana lyses in th e form of func t iona lmatrices, bubble diagrams, schedules, interaction nets ofform/funct ionleconomy/ tim e aga in st goals / facts /needs/concepts an d problems ta temen t s, d e ta i le d t ab le s of space requ irements , or an e xha us ti ve li st sta te d interms of scope, quality, cost an d t ime with re la ti onsh ip matri ce s an d graphs, aswell as tables or func t iona l breakdown structure. Ult imate ly , a program i s anexpl ic it an d unambiguous s ta tement of th e scope an d qual i ty of th e project, th ede ta i le d ba se li n e aga ins t which th e f inal p roduct is measured. I t is the preludeto good d es ig n .

In th e U n ited Arab Em i ra te s, as e lsewhere in th e world, th e architectural "brief -invariably a vague s t a t emen t of purpose - is b ei n g r ep la ce d by th e morecomprehens iv e "program". Th i s i nvolves programmers with variousp r ofe ss io n a l fo rma ti on worki n g closely w ith th e own er over an extended periodan d many sess ions to def ine requ irements an d object ives, explore poss ib i l i t ies ,understand th e consequence s of alternative so lut ions , work ou t spaces andaffinities and determine milestones an d costs. In brief, then , good architecturaldes ign starts, at th e beg inn ing , with th e owner def in ing realistic requ irementsclearly an d unambiguous ly , and selecting a cadre of capable profess ionals for th edesign.

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Architecture of the United Arub EmiratesDESIGN As PROCESSIf we attempt to fram e a s imple model of th e major determinants of architecturaldesign on a time axis, it quickly becomes evident that architecture i s a c o n t i n u um

steeped in the pa st and reaching fa r into the future. We began with a review ofthe past - historical context, and as we look forward to the futurearchitectural outcomes, it i s appropriate to explore the complexities the presem- the design process itself as a majordeterminant.

FROM I SOLATED ACTIV IT IES T O TEAM EFFORTWith rapid growth continuing on all fronts in the United Arab Emirates economic.

social , cultural, educational an d t echno log ica l - design practices have begun tochange to meet the new challenges of more demanding owners. The view ofarchitectural design, prevalent in the early years of development in the UnitedArab Emirates, as an "intuitive, isolated se t ofactivities" i s gradually giving wayto the more realistic view ofdesign as an integration of partial solutions involvingthe efforts of a multi-disciplinary team and a clear understanding of the ownersneeds and requirements - all within a specific, well-defined context. The designteam i s continuously confronted with conflicts and paradoxes that requireanalyses and judgements related to the specific situations, clashing values ofdecision-makers, and the satisfactory resolution ofcontrary goals.

As developments in design p ra cti ce a re adopted more widely in the U nited ArabEmirates, effective, rel iable an d sustainable so lut ions will replace inef f ic ien t"subj ec ti ve" one s of th e past. Improvement s in performance . e co n omy , comfortand appearance become tangible as th e process of archiectura1 design takes intoaccount todays as well as future needs and requirements. The interaction ofmyriad "design" factors, the variety of de si gn p ro fe s si on a l s an d the increasingu se of computer-aided-design CAD in th e office an d on site, however, c o n t i n u eto compl icate th e process .

INFLUENCE AND INFORMAT IONFigure 1 demonstrates, on th e common axis of t ime, t h e i nv er se r ela ti on sh i p betweeni n f luence of d es ig n d ec is io n s an d th e deve lopment of information scope. cost

an d time during the design process . Major d es ig n d eci si on s are made in thecontext of little, if any, information. Clearly, this calls for a "designer" that i scapab le , exper i enc ed an d profess ional .

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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesPROGRAM / PRELIMINARY FINALSTART CONCEPT DESIGN DESIGNAPPROVAL APPRkIWAL

RAPIDLY

INFLUENCE 9FDECISIONS

- PROGRAMMING OF NEED - PRELIMINARY DESIGN - DETAILED DESIGNDEFINITION OF S C o P E - PERFORMANCE SPECS - WORKSHOP DRAWINGS

- CONCEPT DESIGN - PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE - PRESCRIPTIVE SPECS-MILESTONES COST EsTIMATE 20% Ex1curIoN SCHEDULE- BUDGET - COST ESTIMATE 10%

TIME -FIGURE 1 : DESIGNDEVELOPMENT PROCESS : LEVEL OFINFLUENCECONCEPT

INFLUENCE OF DECISIONS A ND CO NT RO L OF INFORMATION

The design of a b uild in g b egi n sw ith total uncertainty andYSIS l it tl e in format ion . The ini tial" i d e a s " or concepts" tend to0 b e amorphous, abs trac t, even

N nebulous and, by an iterativeseries o f "successiveapproximations" analysissynthesis-evaluation an ddecisions, the designE proceeds through stages

T where th e orig inal ideas areexpanded an d given moreE def in i te shape until , f inal ly ,th e "concrete" details aredecided. B uild in g design isevidently an "ill-structured" problem. The everyday processes of design alsoinvo lve t h e g ene r at io n an d integration of solut ions vi a sketch designs, systemselect ion , coordinat ion of sub-consultants , etc. Design deve lopment i nvolvesmak ing many sorts of decis ions, gradually f i l l ing in th e framework of th e

DES IGN AS A DECIS ION-MAKING PROCESS

ON



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Arc/i itecture oft/i e United Arab Emiratesschemat ic to f inal des ign , an d commun ica t i ng that conclus ion for approval an don to construct ion an d superv is ion .

Bu i ld ing des ign involves p la nne r s, a rc h it ec ts , s ev er al kinds of eng ineers s tructura l ,civil, mechanical, electrical, lighting, acoustical, etc. quantity surveyors and .frequently, landscape architects and interior designers. These professionals oftenhave quite different responsibilities, traditions, attitudes, and interests. Designwork in all the sub-systems involves questions from each professional ofhumanfactors, phys i ca l per formance , coord ina t ion economics , aesthet ics, etc.Bu i ld ing design i s a mult i - level , multi-process , mul t i -d i sc ip l inary ye t integratedact ivi ty , requir ing th e associat ion of all kinds of mental act iv it ies, modes ofaction, professional representations and decisions. At every level, consistency.harmony and compatibility must be evident in the manner by which spaces,materials, assemblies, components, equipment and everything else are integrated.

on e with another. Th i s i s of crucial s ign i f icance to th e success of the design.Throughout such integration, a difficulty, innately particular to building design,becomes apparent: How can totally different attributes, wi/li a variety ofmeasures and no common bases of evaluating relative worth/priorities beintegrated?

Design decisions for one parameter affect other parameters too Ass uch, designersmust optimize or satisfice" over a number of variables that comprise anenvironment, to produce complete solutions which, integrally, are the best thatca n be devised, while making the fewest compromises. Integrated solutions arenot achieved by separate design ofindividual variables. The need to incorporateappropriate methods and techniques from decision theory e.g.. decision byexclusion, optimization, etc. into design processes i s widely accepted by theprofessionals

Insofar as design is conducted in the world of practical realities, it is necessary fordesigners to make the best decisions that are possible. In design, the translationof ideas into courses of action and three-dimensional reality progresses through aseries of decisions - heuri st ic , r a ti ona l , intuit ive - blending knowledge withexperience, theory with practice.

DEs IGN AS MATR IXA useful insight into the complexities of the design process can be gleaned from theway the design process i s integrated. The 3-D "generic" matrix of the designprocess Figure 3 i s a u sefu l mode ! for describing the subsystems: processes,activities and concerns in d esig n. C lea rly , there are other ways more or less

detailed - of decompos ing th e des ign process . These vary from des ign team todesign team or from project to project. In this model , however , th e a im is n otmerely to describe an approach but to understand - through th e componen t s an dact iv it ies - what are th e parameters that determine architectural des ign an d so toexplore their poss ib i l i t ies an d potent ials for th e future.

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Arc/iitecture of the UnitedArab Emirates

To understand better th e significance of "p ro ce ss " a s a determinant o f architecturaldesign, we should explore its dimensions in the context ofactual attributes withina particular design. Table 1 illustrates a vertical two-dimensional slicethrough Figure 3: Level of Design Concerns Axis 1 and Design Sub-systemsAxis 3. In building design, we attempt to proceed:

From first th ings to last, from abstractions and concepts to the concreteand th e detail;From awareness of need t hrough program an d des ign commun ica t ion inpreparation for real izat ion;Among different design subsystems and theirrespective professions

Also for i l lustration purposes , th e conceptua l level i s developed further in Table 2corre spond ing to a horizontal slice through Figure 3 A t an y level, for eachd es ig n s ubs ys tem , it i s important that th e so lut ions developed aie appropnau ,complete and cons is t ent I lere, we note on e of th e bas ic mechan i sms of th edes ign process AnaIysisSynthestsEvaIuationDecision The designso lut ions are reviewed at th is level for compat ib i l i ty with at least on e oth ersolut ion in every other d es ig n s ubs ys tem They are a lso e va lu ate d a ga in s t th ercqutrements establ ishcd in th e program for that des ign subsystem

The types of act ions shown in these tables permeate th e e n tir e design spec trum. Thematr ix and th e tables demonstrate th e processes , th e s equence s an d complexi t i e sof dec is ions that need to be made in des ign . The i n t erdependenc i e s an dconf l ic t ing requirements of bui ld ing subsystems an d profess iona i const i tuenc iesare i l lustrated extens ively in th e r an g es of typical d es ig n i ss u es in Tables 1 an d 2.

AXIS 2: TYPES O F DESI&N ACTIVITYFIGuRE 2: "GENERJc" MATRIX O F THE DESIGN PROCESS



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Architecture of the UnitedAnib Emirates

TABLE 1 : PRINC IPAL PARTS OF SUB SYS TEMS FOR A COMPLETE DES IGN FOR A BUILDING

COTET SP1RATIONSITTENT1ONS

TECJINOLOG ECOOIICSIAAG[IET

ConceptualLevel

Determining th e context ,Histor ical / Cultural contextEnv i r onmen t a l conditionsTopographic SurveySoil investigation.Site Analysis & DevelopmentGene ra l Arrangement :Location, OrientationCont igurat ion . AccessCirculation. Regulat ions:Codes / Standards I Zon i ng

Proramming needs, requ irement sSta temen t an d definition ofM aw Character and Qualityof facility - External/ InternalAesthetic & Cultural DistinctionMassing, Grid systemEnvironment an d Ambience :Th e rma l , A u r a l. V i su a lS u pp or t a n d comfort conditionsType an d level otarnenet iesan d service systems

Construct ion I Structural systemElevanon. Facades . SystemsFenestrat ion SchemeStructural Sys t em:Frame. loadbearing. etc.Floor Plans, Slabs. Roots. etc.Materials : Masonry .Concrete. Ste e l . Wood . etc.Systems: ELVAC. ElevatorsWater supply , SewaraueSafety. Secur i t y ,Commun ica t ion s

System for Manain ProjectContrac t StrategyConstruct ion Met hodBuiidabilitvt DurabtyOrgan iza t ionTotal ScheduleOrder ofMaLnitud EstimateElemen ta l CostsPayback Per iod . RO lQuality e ve is . S ta n d ar dsCodes.

PreliminaryLevel

Integration i n to contextMassing, Vertical! HorizontalDesigning within historicaesthet ic i cultural guidelinesStructural An a l ys is , L o ad sDesigning with climateSiting, Access.Circulat ionParking. OrientationTopog r aph y , LandscapeSub su r t ac e Surveys an dDra inage . Ut i l it y Corr idors

Articulat ion of Elevations:Prospects an d AspectsAesthetic / env ironmen ta lDevelopment an d allocat ionof spaces an d systems toaccommodate activities an dfunctions optimally. Optimizegrossing factors , circulat ionadacencies, f u n c ti o n , ope ra ti o nK i nd s an d qualit ies of lightingthermal / acoustical criteria

Definition ofSystems an dComponents: Foundat ions .Walls, Roofs. Part it ions.Floors, Windows. etc.Water Prootirnz Insulat ionBuilding services / systemsSelection / Locat ion ofMainEquipment / systemsSingle tine diagrams:Electr ical. Ar conditioningVent i la t ion . Water suppiv .Sewage, Communications

Budiiets for capitaLBuildabilitvanavssDurabil i ty anavssOperat ing costs:Energy est imatesManpowe r sourcirEquipnient. matenaisPer formance Sp.ciicationsCon t ra t c t Co n dw o n sCode checks

DetailedLevel

Development of detai l withinoverall histor ical. cultural an da e st h et ic s ch em e .Conf i rm climatic performanceRefine s it ing , Levels. ContoursLandscape details: Plant an dha rdscape , lighting. etc.Park inu detai ls . Access. etc.Emergency/ SafetyUtility! Service Connections

Further Articulat ion / Refinementsof Elevations an d Floor Plans .Furniture Selection an d Layout .

Verification an d Access

Cons tru c uona l d e ta i ls , joints.Select ion: Mater ia l s . Fitt ings.Equipment . Fixtures ,F in i shes , Colours .A ir Condi t ion ing detai lsL i g h ti n g d e ta i l s,Serv ic ing Layout! Fttints

Tender /Cont rac t Documerns :General /Part i cu lar CondidonsBills ofQuanti t i e& RatesPrescript ive SpecuicationsCost Est imates: CapitalOperat ion an d MawtenanceEnergyConsumpt ionProject plannin andSchedu l ing CPM PERTConstruct ion SequencingVork & Trade Consrucnon

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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesTABLE 2 DESIGN PROCES S AT CONCEPTUAL LEVELCONTEXT ASPIRATIONS TECUNOLOGY ECONOMICS

MANAGEMENTQWNE/ULtENT OWNER/ L /ENT OWNER /CLIENT OWNER /CLIENTARCHIIE7 USER.S M&EEN;rnEER.v /ROIETMANAC;ER

LANDX APE A /? H ITE r jflOi/?AMfERS A/? NITTXT ON,TIUIT/ONMANAERCiVil, ENGINEER ARCHITECT STRUC7I/k4L ENGINEER SPECIFIER!

.WIRVEYOR SPECULISTENGINEER QIANTITYXURVE}OR

AESTHETICSFUNCTIONS/ACTIVITIES

DESIGN QUAL1TES I CRITERIASAFETY I SECuRrrYCOMMUNICATIONS

DEFINmON OF CONTEXT PERFORMANCECREA: CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS, PROGRAM FO R MANAGINGENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL STRUCTURE. METHODS & PROJECT

CULTURAL FUNCTIONAU ACTIVITIES MATERIALS COST / SCHEDULE CONTROLSERVICE SYSTEMS CONTRACT STRATEGY

REVIEW rROGRAM, EN SURE CONSISTENCY.COMPLETENESS, ADEQUACY OF OBJECTIVES. REQUIREMENTS. STANDARDS

DEVISE RANGE OF DIFFERENTS I TE TREATMENTS. BUILDINGALIGNMENT& LOCATIONCLIMATIC INFLUENCESA C C E S S REQUIREMENTSS I TE ANALYSIS

DEVISE RANGE OF DIFFERENTMASSING S C H M ES , F OR M S .AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS

DEVISE RANGE OF DIFFERENTCONSTRUCTION CONCEPTSSYSTEMS, FRAME. ENCLOSURE.FENESTRATION. INSULATION.CLADDING. MATERIAL, ET CDEVISE RANGEOF DIFFERENTENERGY SYSTEMS.ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES &S ERVI C E S CONCEP T S

DEVISE RANGE OF DIFFERENTALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENTAPPROACHES &COST& SCHEDULECONTRACTING S TRATEG IESIMILICATIONS

REVIEW ALTERNATIVE D E S IG N C O N C EP TS , EN SURE COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN S UBS YS T EM SDISCARD DES IGN CONCEP T S NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ATLEAST ONE ALTERNA11VE IN EACH OTHER SUBSYSTEM

E.2 EVALUATE REMAININGALTERNATIVES AGAINSTPROGRAM

EVALUATE REMAININ3ALTERNATIVES AGAINSTPROGRAM

EVALUATE REMAINING EVALUATE REMAININGALTERNATIVES AGAINST ALTERNATIVES AGAINSTPROGRAM PROGRAM

E.3 LCONCEPTUALLEVEL

FORM PERMUTATIONS SETS OF ALTERNATIVES FROM EACHSUBSYTEMUS I NG DEC I S ION BY EXCLUSION. EVALUATE EAC}1 PERMUTATLON AGAINST PROGRAM OBJECT IVES AND CRITERIA

SELECT PERMUTATION THAT BEST SATISFIES PROGRAM lANE DEVELOP FURTHERI

FORMS SELECTED DESIGN CONCEPT BUILDING SYSTEM MANAGEMENTCONCEPTS STRATEGY

REPEAT AT OThER LEVELS AND DEVELOP FURTHER

HISTORICAL CONTEXTENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

SOCIALORGANIZATIONC ODES ISTANDARDS

CONSTRUCTIONALREQUIREMENTSSTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

SEVICE REQUIREMENTSCOMMUNICATIONS NEEDS

ECONOMIC FACTORS.COST LIMITS ; BUDGETS.ACCOUNTING STAN DA RO S

PAYBACK

ANALYSISPROGRAM

1l

P.2

p.3

YNTHESI,VJDESIGN

D .

EVALUATION



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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesIn th e U n ite d Arab Em i ra te s, almost all bui ld ings including housing are des igned bya team of architects an d eng ineers . A s such th e impact of design on the builte nv i r onmen t is ub iqu i tous an d an y improvement s in th e design process will havean immed ia t e and beneficial effect. In a number of th e design practices in thecountry, as elsewhere in the world, there are still large elements of the ad hoc andthe "intuitive". These practices will invariably sense a threat to their creativity"and inodus operandi. In explor ing des ign processes, we have begun to:

Understand the forces that are beginning to shape and improve the builtenv i ronment , especially on la rge projects,Conso l idate an d pre sen t th e i s sues an d poss ib i l i t ies an dDevelop th e bases for i n f l u enc ing des ign an d for reso lv ing deci s ions atcritical s tages in th e des ign process .

If, for example , we cons ider the potent ial for improvement s in th e concept des ignphase of th e process , we know that design i s substant ia l ly iterative an d object iveas opposed to subjective. Providing th e major i terat ions are intel l igible andclear, t he n t he re i s ev ident ly much r oom for th e deve lopment of th e irocesses an dproducts of architectural design. Hence, by understanding the design processfully, the way i s open for the large and important field of work that i s makingbuilding design amenable to the benefits of computerization.

The form that improvement will take in the United Arab Emirates will be greatlyinfluenced by the growing interest in Computer-Aided Design CAD whichappears, initially, to be a useful development for drafting and graphicalpresentation. In due course, as more expert systems are introduced and designprofessionals acquire the appropriate skills, attitudes, strategies and databases.these developments, too. will be adopted.

Figure 4 demonstrates simply the relationship between effectiveness and effort ateach phase of the design process. Clearly effective iutegiation occurs withGRAM CONCEPT1PRELIMINARDETA1LI CONSTRUCTION OCCUPANCY

EFFECT1VE1ESS EFFORTAc VIENTATLST

ALT/IA TIVES DEMoLio1vPERF1AV1ANCE I i ,/ ,,._./LEVS S4PHASESOFDEVELOPMENTI1

FIGURE 4: EFFORT VS EFFECT IVENESS AT VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENTcomparatively little effort at the programming and concept design levels. It i s atthese stages, therefore, that we are likely to have maximum impact in improvingdesign practices and products as quality levels and performance targets areagreed, alternatives are generated, their attributes analyzed, evaluated andintegrated.

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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesClearly, the design process - from th e program and concept s tages through to th efinal product - i s on e a s ign i f icant determinant of architectural d es ig n . S i n ce th econcept phase offers the greatest potential for effective solutions, it is evident thatdes ign strategies should opt imize th e p ote n ti als in this phase . Ideally, severalconcep t d es ig n s wou ld be deve loped i ncorporat ing th e requ irements ident i f i ed in

th e program an d an integrated ana lys i s cons ider ing major construct ionsubsystems, bu i ld i ng c on f i gu rat io n , o ri en t a ti on an d zon ing as well as capital andoperat ing costs for each s cheme .Unl ike ou r explorat ions in to t h e h i st or ic al context of architecture in th e Uni t ed ArabEmirates , our excursion through th e d es ig n p r oc es s has been tentat ive and fraughtw ith co n ce rn s . To paraphrase T. S. Eliot: Is the context not both the starting

point and the end ofarchitectural design? The p urp ose of our explorat ion hasb een n eith er prescript ive n or normative. We h ave a ttempte d to represent th efeasibi l i ty ofmak i ng the des ign ofbui ld ings as a consc ious , profess iohal , act iv ityconducted in th e op en , without t h e my st er y t hat t ends , because of designer s u sua l"black box" methods, to su rrou nd it . By mode l ing characteristics of designpractices and processes - emerg ing , permanen t or ad hoc - of architects,engineers and other design professionals in their everyday work as teammembers. we can begin to understand the bases and requirements appropriate toarchitectural design and to consider ways of improving them. Considering thesignificance of process as a determinant of architectural design, this i s surelyworthwhile.

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Architecture of th e UnitedArab Emirates

DES IGN : PROCESS AND PRODUCTIn our quest to understand the determinants ofarchitectural design in the United ArabEmirates, we explored context as history and milieu. We, then, proceeded to"deconstruct" the representation of design as process in order to reveal anevolutionary framework of reflection and action with allusion to a teleologicalenterprise - the building as a product. We also attempted to expose the interactionbetween the panorama of choices and the active decisions that are taken all throughthe design period. Throughout, architecture involves processes heuristic, interactiveand reflective that are evolving in a context of different, often conflicting, objectivesbut requiring synthesis and integration coherence and consistency in the finalproduct. Design is not only the process but also the end product - construing andconstructing simultaneously - a way of apprehending and a way of building. Thetwo must be one, with "intention" or "aspiration" weaving the continuum forarchitectural excellence.Significantly, design i s holistic and open - in the sense that it i s the result of thecontinual and multiple actualization of systemic open-ended intentional choicesamong various alternatives. The sequence of decisions are so structured that theearlier decisions tend to be concerned with the most conceptual and most abstractissues and are most likely to have the greatest impact upon the resulting design.Gradually, the process cycles through decisions that become increasingly morespecific and ofsmaller scale.DES IGNER S SCOPE OF ACTIVITIESTypically, a designers scope or work includes the following:

* Analyze context to ascertain design constraints and possibilities;Establish criteria, with respect to such requirements as space, functionaland aesthetic values, as design objectives and for performance evaluation;Conceive designs with particular emphasis upon integration ofeffectiveness and efficiency of space usage and layout with safety, security.technical feasibility, flexibility and potential for growth;

* Co-ordinate closely with other design team professionals - structural.civil, mechanical and electrical engineers and other specialists - to ensureintegration and resolution ofdesign conflicts;

* Prepare bidding documents with all relevant details, and give consultationin pr e -qualification and evaluation ofprospective contiactois* Supervise the execution ofplans and designs

PROGRAM DES IGN INTENTIPURPOSEThere are as many ways ofdesigning as there are designers and projects and no oneway is right for all situations The word "design", though suggests deliberateintention and explicit purpose - hence, design criteria as objective statements ofgoals and direction. Throughout the process, the criteria derived from n ee d s and Page - 26 DETERMINANT D


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Architecture of the UnitedArali Emiratesrequirements, environmental constraints and condit ions , established tradit ions ofconstruction and technologies * inform architectural d es ign . T h ey also evolve fromthe evocation of a design response to architectural generators that are sensitive tohuman and environmental needs and desires, to the context and to technolog ica lpossibilities, to the managerial schedule, etc. and to f i nanc ia l guidel ines an dConstraints. Clearly, there are a number ofdesign issues that are unique to the UnitedArab Emirates. However, many users and functional needs, that inform basic designintents and purposes, will coincide and be generally applicable worldwide because, inthe particular use, the human use of the space is a principal function, In a museum,for example, there will be requirements for space to accommodate both humans andartifacts: the general public and specialists for inspection and work, and the artifactsfor display and preservation. invariably, compliance with the criteria, for ensuringhuman convenience, comfort, effective and efficient performance, ensure that therequirements for most other functions are fulfilled as well.Considerations of design issues vary from project to project, from design team todesign te am , from location to location, from function to function. It i s important tounderstand how intentions inform and interact in the design process and , as such, theywill be explored in the context of the following:

1 . Site Analysis2. U sers and their Requirements3 . Aesthetics4. Building Formliypology/Flexibility5 . Building Envelope6. Eiivirorunent7. Services8 . Legal9 . Managerial10 . Economic

1. SITE ANALYSISIn considerations of the design of buildings, the site is a matter of micro-geographythat part of the landscape in which the building under consideration exists or will

be placed. In the urban context of the United Arab Emirates, the landscape may benatural or manmade. Quite commonly, it is part natural and part artificial. The siteconstitutes the general context for the building to be designed: an externalenvironment within which a brniding with an internal environment t s to emergeInteractions are two-directional The external environment the site and its contextinfluences the design of the future building and its internal environment and, in

turn, is affected by the changes that follow from the introduction of the new building.These influences physical, aesthetic, social, economic and so on - which operateboth at close range, and at longer-range, more extensively may be consequences ofthc. history, society, culture, etc of the site or, more probably, the region coastal ordesert or Emirate in which the site exists

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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesRelationship to Urban GontextTraditionally, the direction of the streets was carefully chosen to fit the topographywhile ensuring shade, capture of wind, the direction of Makkhah, contact betweenshops or houses in addition to well-sculpted open spaces. As such, site selection anddesign was within a well-understood context. With more buildings and much morecomplex bui ld ing , it is clear that the issues are now much more intricate and requirethe resolution ofmany issues.Buildings have three levels of physical and climatic relationships with their urbancontext:

the city as a whole, its image and systems,* the city-block level, and* the local pedestrian scale and ex is t ing patterns of life around, i ns idethrough th e bu i ld in g s l ower floors.

The impact of any new building on a vacant site is significant at the city-level interms of the utilities: water supply, power, lighting, waste output and so on , providedby the city. Taking the city holistically as a system, tall buildings tend to have asignificant impact that needs to be addressed: context and architectural character, landuse, vehicular access, parking, infrastructure, environmental issues vistas, shading,orientation, security, etc. Invariably, these concerns are addressed by means of thezoning regulations as well as the building permit application procedures.At the city-block level, buildings affect the wind-flow around adjoining buildings atboth the upper levels as well as at the lower levels. Clearly, the location ofbuildingsaffects several environmental factors that are important to the functioning, comfortand well-being of the inhabitants at this level such as the pattern of sun and shade, thedegree of protection from radiation, the direction and pattern of rain and wind, theventilation conditions. As such, careful consideration should be given to thedimensions, and particularly, the heights ofbuildings; the spacing between buildings:the variation in heights in any one section of a town; the orientation of the streetnetwork and the distribution an d extent of op en s pa ce s an d gardens. For th e des ign oflarge structures, wind-tunnel tests should be carried out early on to ascertain theimpact on the site and on the surrounds. In the coastal cities, planning should bedirected towards optimization of ventilation conditions and providing the maximumprotect ion from sola r radiation . In lan d, protect ion from dust entai ls p l ann ing formin im i z i n g the impact ofwind on bui ld ings .Site P1annin IssuesThe des igner must c on s id er th e posi t ion of th e b ui ld in g - that particular part of thesite on which the building sits, together with those external appurtenancesimmediate ly related. The posi t ion constitutes the immediate context for the building:the intimate relation ofbuilding and landform, causing particular placing ofwindowin relation to particular vista, position, direction or slope of approach path betweenaccess road and building. The positioning of a building upon a site influences bothmicroclimate and drainage and these, in turn, influence the landscaping as well as thegrowth and variety of vegetat ion .

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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesSome of th e major site p l ann ing i s sues re levant to th e Uni ted Arab Emirates are l istedbelow:Site Planning Issues: Principal Concerns in United Arab Emirates

Loca te bu i ld i ng on site - Ensure pr ivacy boundary walls- Posit ion for cooling breezes coastal- Opt imize vistas enhance/frame views- Screen from intrusive views

Orientat ion - Locate windows to min im i z e so lar rad iat ionOpt imize shading* Topographica l Features! - Screen undes irable s ight sLandscape /Plant ing - Channe l wind an d dust away from bui ld ings

- Reduce re fl e ct ed glare in to bui ld ings- Provide shade

* Future adjacent buildings - May obstruct/ interrupt vistas- May shield or accentuate noise- May shield or funnel wind- May screen radiation

Privacy: Siting andP1anni,ziIn the United Arab Emirates, the concern for privacy has resulted in a hierarchy oftransitory spaces:

[Publ ic Semi-public Senil-private Privatethat can have unique and subtle hut s ign i f icant and felicitous effects on designoutcomes. Examples of th is e ff ec t range from the planning patterns of the traditionalIslamic City to the use of the ma/U.s in homes and palaces. The structured hierarchy ofpublic and private spaces i s defined spatially and functionally. Boundary walls inexcluding the clamour o f public spaces of the streets, the souk. the mosque and theschool define priva te ret rea ts within. What i s public and what i s private are totallyseparate yet interdependent domains. What distinguishes the use of space in th e Gulfregion, in general. and in th e United Arab Emirates , in particular. i s the fluidity oflevels of social contact an d th e c le ar demarca ti on between th e publ ic an d privateworlds. This , clearly, has maj or repercuss ions on several aspects of hui!din des ign .Ventilation: Siting andPlan,,inzFor successful natural coo l ing , th e wind must be given spec ial cons iderat ion in sitep l ann ing an d s el ec ti on . A l so , th e des ign of th e b u ild in g s s h ou ld take advantage offavourable cooling characteristics of venti lat ion while mit igat ing adverse effects e.g.dust storms an d sand accumula t i ons of th e site and it s microcl imate.Genera l guidel ines for site select ion an d p lann ing inc lude:

* Avoiding enclosed an d sheltered locations an d cul-de-sacs.* Vhcnever possible, main ta in ing adequate building spac i ng to avoid shadows an dwakes.* Organizing th e site to moderate interior ai r speeds wh il e minimizing heat gains .

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Architecture oft! e UnitedAnib EmiratesWhen th e wind str ikes a bui ld ing , a wake z on e forms d ow nwi n d. Id ea lly, bui ld ingsshould be sited beyond th e wake of other bui ld ings in order to allow each bui ld ing toact in i solat ion an d maxim iz e e xp os u re to vent i lat ion due to th e w in d . Effect ive l anduse requires close b ui ld in g s pa ci n g but to avoid wake effects, minimum distanceshave to be main ta in ed. A s such , s ta gg er ing bu il di ng s in a checkerboard patternperpendicu lar to th e wind i s an effective way of main ta i n i ng vent i lat ion for allbui ld ings even though th i s i s rarely, if ever, poss ible .2. USERS A ND THEIR FUNCT IONAL REQUIREMENTSOn e of th e des igners first tasks is to formulate amounts and kinds of space neededt og et h er w ith the ir spec ia l characteri s tic s an d relat ionships. For some bui ld ing types .approx imat ions of total bui ld ing area an d of certain kinds of spaces are obtained fromth e n umbers an d kin ds of users as well a s s ta n da rd s an d norms for various kinds orcategories of staff and their spatial relationships and contiguities.The characteristics of specific physiological needs for activities and ta sks, that areculturally influenced, can have a significant effect on the quantity and quality of thespaces. As such, programming for spatial design to satisfy requirements may beconsidered as:

Micro- or ergonomic activities or spatial needs for standing, walking, sitting.lying, reaching, etc. Spaces can be dimensioned on the basis of the activities ofparticular kinds of person occupations, ages. etc. allowing those people toperform their work and providing room for any necessary movements withinthem.

* Macro-activities or spatial needs for social interaction and separation. Spacesmay be shaped or related to a llow for and encourage particular forms of humaninteraction and separation, responses and behaviours.

As such, it i s necessary to establish the functions that are to be housed in the building.Such func t ions inc lude:i. Circulation e.g. peop le , equipment , material s, etc.ii. Organization e.g. priva te versus open offices, organization b y discipline or byproject, batch or line production, etc.i i i . Provisions for specific activities e.g. staff networking, clinics, etc.iv. Layouts of equipment, machines, supplies, products, etc. and requirements for

bringing services to equipment and activitiesv . Requirements for maintenance, renewal or replacement of equipment

Once these are kn ow n, th e range of areas, h e ig h ts , e tc . of spaces and the standardse.g. space per person are determined. These usually determine minimum levels ofspatial provision and set the lower limits of acceptability. Such matters as userspreferences, economics or practicality determine upper lim its of the range.Sign i f icant constraints on th e amoun t of sp ace p rovid ed in des ign are usual lyeconomic. Limita t ions on space for functional needs are fairly unusual and mostlyconf i ned to s i tuat ions where other requ irements e.g. in pedagogical instances -l imi t ing class s ize , for example are more press ing. Min imal so lut ions to spatialenv ironmen t s are normal ly th e results of s ing le-minded searches for just adequate - Page -30 DETERMINANTD


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Architecture of the UnitedArab Emiratessolutions to functional needs which, in turn, are often interpreted in terms of lowestcost ofprovis ion .Funct iona1 s pa ce te nds to be th e least practicable space in which th e act iv it ies canbe performed. In th e Uni ted Arab Emirates , spaces tend to be more generous and theyusual ly confer status an d addit ional ae sthet ic advantage s - as such , th e usable spacestandards for funct ional needs tend to be ample . A n essent ia l feature of designdec i s i on -making i s to determine , where in th e range of possible choices, betweenmin imum an d max imum, i s th e choice that opt imizes func t ion , human conven i encean d pleasantness , cost an d all other prog ramming con s i d er a ti on s . In th e past ,however, there have been problems with inadequate programming identification ofneeds n ot be ing comprehens iv e enough an d th e gross ing factors the ratio of n etusable to total area h ave te n ded to be tight; hence , inadequate prov is ions of storagespace in hous ing , for i ns tance .Design ofthe spatial environrnent has a factual basis that tends to be most relevant tothe lower levels ofacceptability. But, in countr ies such as the United Arab Emirates,design to minimal standards i s rare; minimal standards are exceeded wherever theycan be . Therefore, where space standards are set, the underlying basis ofrationalityhas a larger superstructure of subjective - cultural, perceptual, convenience, comfort,etc. - considerations. In the absence of firm directions or formalized spacestandards, design decisions about the spatial environment are made largely on thebasis of the designers judgernents ofwhat i s desirable and possible. Judgernent, ofcourse, constitutes the essence of professional skill. H ere, the honing of judgmentalskills, like the exercise ofany other kind of skill, tends to improve and mature overtime.

S.STUD NT50

1PIAL SP CE IND

_ACA [ EMC ACIUTI S

Ag Erjj tvtu1E SB N r 3.N SjSPACE I N O E X SQUARE METERS PER STUDENTFO R BUILDINGS IN UAE - 1997

FIGURE 1 S PACE INDICE S FO R ACADEMIC FACIUTIES

In design of spatial environments, as in the design ofanything else there i s no oneanswei whether based on the needs of the human users or the needs of the functionthat i s necessarily "right". Many spatial arrangements are possible, each with a

40302010

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Architecture of the UnitedArab Emiratesd i ffe r en t c omb i na t io n of compromises and confl icts , each represent ing a differentdesigners judgement s of what is most appropriate for particular c ircumstances e.g.Figure 1 th e space ind ice s for academic facilities. Each arrargement i s l ikely tocreate different cond i t i ons for t h e c on s tr u ct io na l an d other sub-systems and, thereby.further possible in f luences upon th e spatial env ironment .3. AESTHETIC ASPIRATIONSTradi t iona l bu i ld ing provided fundamental so lut ions to th e bas ic e nv i r onmen tprob lems - protect ion from th e c lima te , from th e sun an d from th e w in d . The goalsof deve lopmen t , howev er , have tended to be away from the traditional. Addit ional ly .w ith th e loss of old ways of life, the re su l ti ng architecture local ly has been the modernstyle - bui ld ings with a past iche of po in t ed arches , false domes an d stalact iteornament s cast in concrete or pressed in meta l or moulded in plast ic is often taken asa synonym for progress Change, in the form of increasing scale and impersonality ofthe environment, has been significant. The issue, now, i s no t a return to traditionalism- most people do n ot hanker for a return to the whole package of traditional values.There is , though, an undertow of feeling that modern technology has been allowed toovershadow human values and accumulated wisdom. The issue i s how to make betteruse of the improvements in technology. No clear aesthetic philosophy has yetemerged to guide regional, Arabic, Islamic development.The pr inc ipa l ae s the t ic componen t of a bui ldings env i ronment the character of thespace - is it s "atmosphere or ambiance" or "mood". Th is co rr es po n ds to thesubjective effect of the physical environment experienced through the senses uponthe people who use the building. In the United Arab Emirates, there is a healthydynamic tension between traditional values Arabic / Islamic architecture. historicaland modern aspirations. This tension informs the motivations of the owner ordesigner and frames the expectations of tradition or fashion. It i s in the resolution ofthe aesthetic dialectic that the aspirations for the space to possess a recognizable"appropriatet image and atmosphere, sensations of pleasantness, including a senseof beauty are expressed. Here, the reference plane for design i s often ambiguousbecause the entire spectrum of regional Arabic and Islamic architecture i s understoodin dynamic opposit ion to th e "internat ional" an d "modern styles. The response to thequest ion "How i s bui ld ing to be experienced?" leads to more de ta i led cons idera tions .such as :

Scale: Harmony - Style - Symmetry - Proportion StructureHierarchy Arrangements of spaces for building functions , for example:Vertically: Arrangement of zones.Horizontal ly: Separation offunctions.Axially: Orientation towards qibla or in the processionof spacesSymbolism: Ambigu ity, archetypalMean i n g Inscr ipt ionsDetai l Call igraphy - Lettering, Teture and Coloui

Geometr ic Ornamen ta ti on /D ec or at io n A r abe sq u eFuncto i i as leitmotif Shading/Pr ivacy e g MushrabiyvahsSpat ia l symboLism: Assoc iat ion of tradit ional bu il di ng forms with func t ion s .In stitutional: Madrassas, caravansaries

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Architecture oft/ic UnitedArab EmiratesReligious an d Monumenta l: Mosques , Pa laces

For some space types, such as commercial villas and housing, the conventional tendsto provide the dominant direction. For example, the form given to a space may have asymbolism, associating the bui ld ing with s pe ci al p u rpos es , in th e way that th ecourtyard plan has long been associated with Arabian housing. Where should thedesigner pitch spatial standards? Between the frugal and the lavish? Between thetraditional and the modern? Most intentions are subject to change; bu t aestheticfa cto rs, mor e th a n most , ar e subject to chang ing expectat ions an d standards, fash ionsan d tastes.Special aesthetic features may be determined by such means as dimensions, shape,sol idity or transparency, texture, colour, etc. In de f i n i ng th e desired features,des igners seek responses to prescript ions of desired subject ive character a long suchsemant ic d imens ion s as :

Monumental :::.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RestrainedHorizontal VerticalConstricted ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::: Spacious

Large SmallExtended : : : : : : : : : : : : : :: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :: : : : : : : ; : : :: : : : - . CompactMovable ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::: Fixed

PolishedConceated ::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::: Displayed

Open ::::::.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: CtosedDeep :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Shaflow

Decora ted PlainCompact Dispersed

Symmetrical ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: AsymmetricalRegular Irregular

Free ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Defined

I hese d imens ion s are rarely, if ever, absolute Invariably a graduated scale betweenthe extremcs helps prescribe the aesthetic requirements4 BUILDING FORM /TvPot OGYI IFLEXIBILITY"Planning - the proccss of determining a buildings spatial vertical and horizontalform nd env i ronment - develops from considerat ions ident i f ied to an d determinedby those that plan The proccss embraces phys ic al quan t i ti es an d subject ive qual it iesof bui l t space and, as such is concerned with th e phys ica l space to serve humanacflvit ics an d needs and to ach ieve human experiences of the spaces and their relatedenv ironmen t s In th e p la n n i n g process , t he s er ie s of steps taken might includeDecide genera l charact er and krnd of space , Page 33 DE FERMINANT 1


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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesDetermine plan type and overall building form;Determine principal separations ofplanning subdivisions of the building;Plan major spatial units a nd their inter-relationships;Establish general massing;

* Determine building volumes, shapes, orientations, number and height offloors;* Determinemain circulation routes;* Locate buildings entrances, exits;Determine general arrangement of fenestration;

* Design individual room spaces in detail.Building FormViewed in the overall perspective ofhuman history and built settlements. the climatei s the single most constant factor of the landscape apart from the basic geologicalstructure. Whilst socio-economic and political conditions may change almostunrecognizably over time - as may visual tastes and aesthetic sensibilities theclimate of the region remains more or less unchanged. As such, building formsusually evolve to meet the challenges of the climate. This essential principle ofarchitecture i s largely neglected in some building types in the United Arab Emirateswhere housing, for example, i s rarely based on the courtyard. The climate-responsivebuilding has a greater fit with its geographical context. Buildings that are responsiveto the environment inevitably have an impact on users, enhancing their well-beingwhile enabling them to be aware of and to experience the diurnal and seasonalchanges i.e . the external climate over a significant part of their day .Building TypologyIn the urban economies of the coastal cities of the United Arab Emirates, the trendtowards ta11" buildings i s also a function of land costs hence, building economics,the locational preferences of users, the desire forflagship status and assertive imageassociated with high-rise construction and architectural and engineering design.Obviously, as building height and depth increase, built space i s intensified over asmal l site area or over a smal l footprint. This permits more usable floor-space to gohigher, to make more cash from the land, put more goods, more people. more rents inone place. In Abu Dhabi, high-rise economies derive more from the geographicallimitations of land available on the island, while in Dubai, accessibility, proximity tothe airport and the central business districts are more significant factors in definingzoning heights In both cities road services parking constiaints and limited primeland are conducive to high rise developments. In Al Am, zoning restrictions governthe building height and type.Building height is also a function of advances and developments in foundations,structural framing and wind-bracing, high-speed elevators, water supply andplumbing systems, glazing and window-framing systems, indoor lighting, ventilationand air-conditioning systems, cleaning technologies and telecommunications andelectronics systems - all technological factors. Page-34 DETERMINANTD


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Architecture of the UnitedArab EmiratesBuilding HeightThe fundamental principles ofdesigning low-rise and medium-rise buildings in hotclimates are reasonably well understood. However, adapting these principles to high-rise construction is not a matter ofmere extrapolation. It is necessary to re-examinethese principles in the context ofadditional user requirements and greater exposure ofthe structure to the full impact ofthe external elements stronger winds, more extremetemperatures and humidities and direct radiation and, then, to develop valuable localand regional guidelines.Unless important views lie elsewhere, windows in conjunction with curtain-walling,if deemed aesthetically desirable should face the direction of the least directinsolation i.e. north and south sides. Minimizing insolation reduces the buildings air-conditioning load. If the site does not align with the suns geometry on jts east-westpath, it becomes necessary to provide building elements, forms, shape adjustments orshading devices such as balconies or overhangs.Service CoresIn buildings, there is a need for service-cores to accommodate the elevator shafts andlobbies, the main and escape stairways, riser-ducts, toilets and other service rooms.The services-cores should follow the geometry of the site to optimize column grids,basement car-parking layouts, etc. Wherever possible, the design of service zonesshould consider temperature regimes Figure 2 natural ventilation, sunlight and goodviews - all key considerations in determining their configuration and location.

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WARM

Documents

Reflections on the Archtecture of the UAE