DESING OFTALL EMBLEM STRUCTURE
AT. ZA´ABEEL PARK DUBAI
2008 DUBAI

Generation of forms.

We started from the idea that the Tall Emblem Structure will be open to all direction, as a symbol of welcome and hospitality. A cultural symbol. A focus for tourist interest.

The facades of the building are conceived as thresholds which frame the activities taking place in the interior, projecting them to the exterior. A reference which amplifies the visual perception in all direction. An icon of the city.

We chose a geometric figure which simply and perfectly symbolises balance, an equilateral triangle with sides of 60 meters in length.

The geometric structure is oriented within Za´Abeel Park, situating access to the Tall Emblem Structure at a height of approximately 3 meters DMD. A small elliptical plaza, connected to the existing pedestrian area, provides a gently sloping access to the Tall Emblem Structure.

Each side of the triangle is divided into three equal segments with parallel lines traced from the points dividing each side and bisecting at the angle formed with the other two sides of the triangle.

Centred on each vertex we trace the arches of the circumference which defines the curvilinear triangle as well as the arches which pass through each of the points which divide the sides into three equal segments.

The central segments of the three sides of the equilateral triangle are eliminated, leaving the extremes joined, two by two, at angles of 60º. The free ends of the segments turn on the vertex formed by each pair, towards the bisection of each of the angles until separated by 15º from their initial position, leaving an angle of 30º between each pair in the final position.

The union of the two extremes of the segments is made through orthogonal lines at the bisection of the equilateral triangle, defining a central hexagon and the three peripheral isosceles triangles.

The maximum height is at the level of 169.70 DMD, under the maximum permitted. The isosceles triangles described above (Fig. f) create the base of the three prism vertical which meet at the top in an inverted and truncated triangular pyramid.

The height of the trunk of the pyramid is equivalent to the two sections and that of the two triangular prisms on which they are supported, reaching 15 of the 17 sections which compose the total height of the structure.

The faces of the triangular prisms and the trunks of the pyramid are divided into 8 equal parts by equidistant vertical planes traced orthographically on the faces.

Of the 24 parts into which the superior base of the trunk is divided, two are eliminated in the intermediate part in order to accentuate the vertical dimension of the tower by slightly inclining the extremes to the central axis. Platforms are established for the union of the eighth and twelfth sections, as well as for section one at ground level and that described at the crown.

The converging edges of the triangular prisms constitute the axes of symmetry of the trapezoidal surfaces which connect the tangent planes to the facades, running in parallel at 1.5 meters from their exterior facades.  

Structure.

The axes of the 22 sections into which the crown is divided and the 8 which descend on each of the faces of the prisms to its base, define the planes which contain the steel beams supporting the structure. 

The intersection of these planes with the horizontal planes, coinciding with the 17 sections, defines the lines which contain the vertices of the diagonally positioned steel beams which triangulate the structure.

Section 1 is divided into two subsections and sections 16 and 17 into a total of four, connecting the sections and subsections with the horizontal structure of the roofs of reinforced concrete supported by steel beams and sheets.

In the case of fire, a hydraulic system fills the profiles of the structure with a refrigerating liquid.

Facade and compartments.

There are two different compositions which are superimposed on the most external part of the building.

The principal, consisting of laminated glass panels with an intermediate insulating barrier, curved in two directions and the aluminium structure with reinforced polyimide in its interior, forming a parallel network tracing the metallic structure.

The internal part of the structure is made of flat laminated glass panels with an intermediate insulating barrier, and an aluminium alloy structure with reinforced polyimide in its interior, guarantees efficient thermal insulation.

A series of diodes illuminate each of the elements which compose the exterior skin of the facade.

The superimposition of the two compositions of the facade, create intermediate spaces in the ascending peripheral prisms, as well as in the crown of the pyramid, in which the emergency exit staircases are located for the entire structure and the mechanical walkways which provide a perimeter link the four superior levels of the tower.

The different areas of activity are divided by laminated glass panels which an intermediate barrier providing the acoustic insulation required for each area. It is planned to include a liquid crystal film which will temporarily darken certain zones and dark glass for areas to be shaded permanently.

Program.

The access and security controls of the building are located at the ground floor. This level will also include: main lobby, reception and information area, exhibition area, shop, wireless centre, panoramic elevators, stairs, elevator lobby, relaxation areas, washrooms.

The mezzanine includes: relaxation areas, panoramic elevators, stairs, elevator lobby, administration and management areas and washrooms.

The upper levels up to the top floors include observation decks and spaces for a range of cultural, tourism, logistical and operational activities. The observation decks are strategically distributed to offer spectacular views of both the building and its surroundings.

Glassed walkways are installed at levels 71.60 DMD and 115.60 DMD, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Level 153.20 DMD will contain: conference spaces with a capacity for 120 people, which can be separated into conference rooms for 40 or 80 people and areas for cultural activities, or three independent conference rooms with a capacity of 40 people each. Additionally, this level will include panoramic elevators, stairs, vestibules, mechanical walkways, observation decks and washrooms.

Level 157.20 DMD will contain: observation decks, a children’s library with reading room, book storage facilities and an administration area as well as a zone for exhibitions and cultural activities, panoramic elevators, mechanical walkways, stairs, vestibule and washrooms.

On level 161.20 DMD a cafe will be located connected by escalators to the upper level, a bar with relaxation areas, kitchen - office facilities, dining room, service elevators and stairs to access the upper level.

Additionally, this level will include panoramic elevators, mechanical walkways, stairs, vestibules and washroom facilities.

Level 165.20 DMD with contain a cafe connected to the lower level by means of escalators and stairs, a bar with relaxation areas, office, dining area, service elevators and stairs providing access to the lower level.

Furthermore, this level will also contain glassed terrace with an observation area, panoramic elevators, stairs, mechanical walkways, vestibules and areas for installations and services.

The roof of the building will consist of a garden area with hydroponic systems and slow growing local species, FV solar panels, a glassed-in cafe, mini-wind turbines, telecommunications systems, facade cleaning equipment, areal signals and lightning rod.

The spaces have been conceived as highly versatile, allowing for program changes, adaptable to a range of activities and compatible with a variety of uses.

When security, operability or visitor traffic conditions require, the communications nucleus can be transformed into a visiting area for VIPs, the general public or building staff, creating a hierarchy of usage.

Access and itineraries.

The three nuclei, formed by two panoramic elevators and a staircase each, constitute the general system of access to the different levels of the building.
These nuclei are located in each of the prismatic structures which constitute the three extremities of the tower.

The cabins of the panoramic elevators run along the sides of the concavities produced by the geometrical shape of each of the facades.

The four platforms located at the top of the tower are equipped with mechanical walkways to move from one level to another, running through the space created by the double facade of the building. Thus, the perimeter walkways at different levels provide a panoramic, 360º view of the entire city of Dubai.

The two upper levels, where the cafe and roof top terrace are located, are connected via an escalator and a public staircase. A service elevator and staircase is also provided.

Visitors can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city and the tower itself while moving between the various levels.

All levels of the building are interconnected and wheelchair accessible.

The building will also be equipped with systems and elements to facilitate visits by the hearing and visually impaired. 

 Sustainability criteria.

In order to achieve a bioclimatic equilibrium of the building with its environment, the two facades are superimposed to optimise the protection of internal areas from external conditions, creating an intermediate space which favours balance in the flows of energy between the interior and exterior using the circulation of ascending air.

The bioclimatic behaviour of the double facade structure, specially designed to encourage the dissipation of heat, the orientation of the building and the use of air flows are all designed to reduce the effect of solar radiation on the structure.

The building is equipped with FV solar panels and mini-wind turbines to generate the electricity necessary for the operation of the tower.

Rain water storage systems are located on the roof and the ground floor, water treatment and recycling systems for waste water produced in cleaning the interior and exterior of the building and condensation from air conditioning systems.

The tower will also be equipped with energy efficient systems to regulate the lighting, acclimatisation and ventilation systems.

Construction techniques will permit 100% recycling of the materials employed and avoid the use of materials or equipment which generate greenhouse gasses.

Contextualisation and significance.

The composition of the formal elements, the transparencies and textures of the materials, the use of water and light, and new technologies, the goals of sustainability and bioclimatic equilibrium constitute a synthesis of the principles of vernacular architecture.

The creation of forms, rhythms of composition, combination of geometrical figures, equilibrium in proportions and the quest for efficiency, identify with the cultural traditions and the future of Dubai. 

The glass facades are a geometrical allegorical interpretation of the rhythmic movements on the surface of the spring waters of life. A cultural symbol. A focus for tourism. An icon of the city.

 


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