- Progetto pubblicato da Damiano Nicola Falco il 15 Maggio 2009. Copertina © Damiano Nicola Falco
Slideshow
IL GERMOGLIO
The bud
A budding seed is the icon of fertility; life is born from the dust of the earth, reaching upwards as it grows into the sky in a continuous search for being. A budding seed is the symbol represented by the exterior part of the suggested structure, while its interior remains protected and encompassed by a layer of enormous leaves. However, in harmony with nature’s ideal, the leaves also allow for rays of sunlight to penetrate to the structures’ core. The structure should be ‘planted’ in the magnificent park of Za’abeel, a landscape of notable environmental value, as well as recreational area where many different events occur. From business conferences to video screenings, children’s libraries to an internet point, the structure will offer a harmonious blend of both business and pleasure for the young and old alike. This double function (as a place of business, but also of pleasure) will generate a welcoming environment for tourists and inhabitants of all ages, creating the idea of Dubay as not only a hussle-bussle city of business, but also one of cultural warmth and entertainment. In fact, the structure itself would not be possible without this wonderful contrast, as it ties together nature’s fertile landscape with the cultivation of a different ways of life, born and blossoming into a blend of cultural synchronicity. The physical structure of the proposed building will be composed of three very natural and distinct elements, united in their ability to be both symbolic and functional. The center part of the structure is green, to represent the budding seed of life, but is also covered from its root to its tip by an enormous, empty steel pillar. In the center of this pillar, there is a pathway in which an elevator can move from the bottom to the top of the structure. Spiralling around the elevators’ route there is a staircase as well as two large and white lateral leaves used as the asymmetrical pathway for an additional two elevators to move on a slight incline up and down the structure. This will also allow for people to be brought to diverse panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding landscape. The base or root of the central part of the structure consists of an independent unit representing a nucleus. The unit is large and spacious therefore allowing for various functions such as; exhibitions, bookshops/libraries for adults as well as for children, a cafeteria, an internet point and ticket booth as well as other services. The underground section of the structure includes ample parking for the employees working within the building. The remaining part of the structure will easily tie in with its surrounding environment. Encompassing the structure there will be various pathways, both horizontal and vertical, crossing and joining together, and all leading up to the same area; the main entrance of the structure. In this way, the main entrance of the structure gains visual and physical importance, creating a sensation of purpose and direction. The philosophy behind this idea is that the structure will gain importance not only by way of its functional ability as a meeting place for cultural and business events, but also by way of its natural impact on those who happen to be walking by. The strong and symbolic elements used in the architecture will be prominent and highly visible during the day, but also during the night, as surrounding lights will illuminate the structure, marking it against the night sky.
Progettazione
- Damiano Nicola Falco, Capogruppo
Collaborazioni
- Emilia Valeria Fino, Collaboratori
Note aggiuntive
Urban and Environmental Criteria. The objective of the project is to build the structure on site as a part of the natural surroundings. In other words, there will be no alteration of the already existing landscape or environment. In this way, the structure will add more value to the area in which it is implemented; visually it will enhance the harmony of the natural landscape, warmly attracting tourists and inhabitants of the city alike. Access. Having an atrium as an entrance will permit visitors to move in and view the surrounding landscape with ease. Acces to the open space of the atrium, as an area of events, entertainment and business is, by its architectural nature, easily visible, straightforward and uncomplicated; allowing abled and disabled alike to experience/use its elevators, pathways and leisure space. What it’s made of. As menitioned previously, the structure is composed of three main components or elements. The base or root of the center element is detached from the outside cover and has a surface volume of about 800 square metres divided into three levels . On the ground level, where the space is open and easily divisible, are the areas of commercial business and cultural events, exhibitions, a conference room (with a maximum capacity for 100 people), information and ticket booth as well as other services. On the second level there will be a library for adults as well as children together with an internet point/computer room as well as a bookstore. On the third level of the structure there will be a cafeteria as well as other related services. In he underground level there will be a parking lot containing a maximum of about 30 parking spaces (allocated to the employees working on the ground, second and third floors). The rest of the structure will rise upwards (115 metres), towards the sky, as does a budding seed, consisting of a steel covering with areas of titanium and green crystal, allowing for a transparency from both inside and outside of the structure, especially when using the staircases ( located alongside the elevator’s central route). The main staircase of the structure revolves in a spiral-like pattern around the central tower. There is also a main elevator situated in the center of the tower which carries passengers to the very top of the structure. Once arrived at the top, there is the option of walking along a steel bridge for a better view of the unfolding landscape. This steel bridge also joins with one of the large, white leaves to allow for visitors to go to the top of the structure using one route, and after passing over the bridge, to descend using a different route. On either side of the central tower there is a large white leaf made of both steel and titanium. The two leaves, naturally positioned in protective angles, are different in hight (136 metres and 170 metres respectively), and perfectly asymetrical. Both leaves also carry respective elevators on slight inclines to various viewpoints along the height of the structure. Comfort. Complete comfort is guaranteed in the following areas: regulation of temperature inside the structure, an adequate level of humidity and air movement. Since it is of utmost importance that the users as well as the elements inside of the structure are exposed to a healthy atmosphere, ventilation systems monitering the filtration and balance of air quality will be installed. As for the lighting, a portion of the light used to illuminate the internal part of the structure will be natural daylight, assisted by reflective panels which will also have the ability to diffuse the light in an indirect manner, rendering the atmosphere less harsh and more relaxing. The material used in the internal construction of the structure will also have noise- absorbing properties to lighten the sound of reverberating voices or heavy footfall.
Dimensioni
- Altezza massima fuori terra: 170 m
