Project Name: Vertical Voids
Location: Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE
Function/Activity: Residential / Recreational / Commercial
GFA: 17,052m2
EXISTING VS PROPOSED CONDITIONS
SITE LOCATION & POTENTIAL
Dubai Marina is a low-density, high-rise cluster situated alongside Dubai's waterbody and the famous Sheikh Zayed Road. Marina is known for its extremely high skyscrapers and its vertical urban layout, hosting both commercial and residential activities. Recently, the cluster is seen trying to create a public space at the ground level, whereby social interaction is evident. Both residents and office users of the towers are seen mingling at this level, by means of walking around the cluster, eating at restaurants, and gathering for evening talks.
CONTEXT ANALYSIS
The site is characterized by 5 major skyscrapers, with a low-density, and surplus of setback between them. This cluster of towers were chosen in Marina based on mainly the mass vs void ratio, in comparison to other towers.
PROJECT DESIGN
The project design begins with densification of the space between the chosen towers through introducing an
infill development that lies within the alleyway or the setbacks of these skyscrapers. In order to keep the existing urban fabric intact, an approach of elevation is taken, whereby the infill volumes are raised to allow for another level of connection beside the ground level. Densification is created using three primary functions or spaces, residential, recreational, and commercial. Each consisting of multiple levels to allow for voids at each level, therefore providing views, sunlight, and natural ventilation within the project. The project fosters a sense of community and connection through floating, open-to-sky bridges among the coupled buildings on each plot. The design tries to reflect the lack of connection by using exposed industrial structural system, trusses. This massing and structural system reminds people of a physical and a visual connection or link with the surrounding context.
In addition, a philosophical design approach is adopted which depicts the language of Dubai's skyline submerged between the clouds. This design language creates a dynamic mist of vapor around the project to portray an illusion of living, working, and mingling between the clouds. This effect allows to blur the project and enhance the effect of the project floating between a cluster of towers.
DESIGN PROCESS
EYE LEVEVEL VIEW
The view above shows a street view of the project while accessing the alley of skyscrapers. It portrays the focal point of the project, the elevation, and the undisturbed urban fabric on the ground level.
FLOOR PLANS
STRUCTURAL & CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
ACCESS TO THE SKY BRIDGE
The view above shows access to the recreational level of the project through existing towers. The skybridges allow for connection of the project with the surrounding buildings, hence, enhancing social interaction between users of the towers.
PROJECT SUSTAINABILTY
Due to site constraints, and developing within a row of high-rise towers, ventilation and direct sunlight to the project are blocked. Therefore, the form of the project was developed keeping in mind the constraints and allowing for several different modules with plenty of voids between them to maximize ventilation and daylight to the spaces in between.
PROGRAM / FUNCTIONS
The diagram above shows a conceptual representation of the various programs planned across the 3 primary level:
Residential, Recreational, & Commercial.
The final volumes based on the program diagrams and spatial area analysis.
EXPERIENCE USING THE SKY BRIDGE
A view from the bridge: showing various levels and connections to different spatial volumes.
LONGITUDINAL & CROSS SECTION
DETAIL SECTION
The detail drawing shows how the structural, functional and aesthetic composition come together to create a viable outcome. The structure is basically composed of longitudinal and cross running truss system which allow for large spans within the structural grid. Hence not interrupting or disturbing the urban fabric at the ground level. The functional volumes sit directly above these trusses and are connected to avoid movement. The detail also includes solution to the MEP constraints of the project. Since the project does not interrupt the ground level, therefore, the MEP components run beneath the raised flooring provided within the volumes and the bridges. This trench system is then connected to one of the three primary cores, leading shafts to the basement.
INTERIOR SPACE: RECREATIONAL
Recreational level: multiple voids and skylights added to allow for natural daylight to illuminate the internal spaces of the volume. Interactive recreational spaces help enhance social interaction among users of both the project itself, and the neighboring towers, avoiding the need to travel to the ground level.
SITE PLAN
The project is integrated within the surrounding context without affecting the urban space at the grade level.
MIST & VAPORIZATION SYSTEM
Corresponding to the design approach of 'blur', a mechanical system and connection pipelines have been added on each level to help create a mist of vapor surrounding the project. This cloud of water will help provide active methods of cooling the outdoor spaces. The mist generated will aid evaporative cooling, and, in addition, provide a shade across the project, preventing users from any harsh, direct sunlight.
PROJECT TYPOLOGY & TRANSPORT
INTERNAL VIEW: RESIDENTIAL
View from the residential level, overseeing the various volumes beneath & above the internal void.
For more information about the project theme development, concept formation, or further detailed drawings, please click on the link below to have a look at my thesis book 'Vertical Voids' & construction document.
