COOL ABU DHABI COOLING THE ENVIRONMENT
Building Fact
- Site Area : Apx. 4,000 sm
- Location : DOWNTOW ABU DHABI
- Maximum Height : 26.35 m
Design Concept
Heat is transferred between two substances at different temperatures, from the substance of higher temperature to the other of lower temperature. Heat transfer occurs by three mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation.
- Conduction is the transfer of heat between atoms and molecules in direct contact
- Convection is the transfer of heat by movement of the heated substance itself, such as by currents in a fluid
- Radiation is the transfer of heat by way of electromagnetic waves
In these mechanisms, heat transfers occur through surfaces of street pavement, building façade, cars and other unknown objects from outdoor environment. To alleviate the effect of heat transfers to the environment, it is crucial to make an effort to impede such transfer process. Hence, not only shall we make sure that the new installation should not be the medium which causes heat transfer from the material itself, but also it shall create a cooling element to resist the stagnant heat from surroundings.
Based on materials characteristics, the most effective substances to minimize heat generations are water and green plants. These materials could set off the standard heat gains to the lowest point. In order to utilize these materials, we designed a green wall system on one façade and waterfall system to the other.
As green wall itself blocks heat gain, waterfall system will be constantly circulated in order to reduce heat transfer. Fallen water basically enters the tank underground and passes through refrigerant cooling and filtration system. This cooled and filtered water (drinkable water) shall be used for the waterfall. In addition, we employ a mist cooling system to enhance the cooling effect in a height of 3 to 4.5 meter above the ground. Also, canopies are added to block sunlight. While waterfall and green wall system would slow down heat transfers, the mist cooling system will extensively add cooling elements to the surroundings.
On top of these functional strategies, most importantly, the installation shall offer a unique feature to Abu Dhabi. A tower to include the functions mentioned above can be duplicated or multiplicated to create a monumental form that expresses, in this given site, mountains above clouds which we refer as a mythological image of coolness. At the end, we believe, the final installation would be an epic which generates a functional and aesthetic cooling system to the city.
The bottom of the building is intentionally raised up by the three large columns. This enriches the openness and spatial quality of the public area on the ground floor while retaining the environment open to surrounding nature, and further encourages the spatial communication with neighbors. The gallery, which is three stories high, is inter-connected with opening at the center and allows the visitors to look inside from the ground floor lobby, attracting more people to visit. Also, to match with façade design made from the pottery process, landscape will go with a vivid streamline to bring vitality to the space.
Lastly, Costal Primary School’s sport field is located at the back of the art center. We intended to sunken down for three meters to make the sport field be semi-private and the same time it allows easy access to the field by just a few steps down from the adjacent streets. The arrangement of steps is also to offer seats for both students and public. While using the fields, they will enrich the space safely and actively.
Plan
Section
Perspectives
