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Eco Dome
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Retooling Pearl Marzouq | Pad10
Client: Kuwait Real Estate Company
Architecture, Landscaping and Interior Design: PAD10 (Naji Moujaes, Johnny Salman)
Team: Tarek Aherraki, Rohan Almeida, Alia Al Azzeh, Kholoud Salman, Ray Yadao, Hassan Zaman
Structural Engineer Phase 1: STCI Contractor Phase 1: Al Bahar & Bardawi Contractor Phase 2: Fajr Al-Eman
Pearl Marzouq, a modern architectural beacon, docked in the early seventies on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Combining the drive of Mr. Khaled Al-Marzouq to develop dense mixed-use projects, fitting awkwardly with a landscape ready to sprawl, with the vision of the young architect Sabah Abi Hanna, this modern housing complex was erected on an 11,140 sqm plot in Ras Al-Salmiya known as “Lo’loat (Pearl) Al-Marzouq” Complex. The building, located on the tip of a peninsula, conceals itself from the main Gulf Road running all along the coastline. Its seawater-swimming pool was directly located on the Arabian Gulf, until the eighties, when the Scientific Center’s green promenade strip stepped in between the turquoise sea and the sandstone walls.
The building has four blocks, internalizing a courtyard. A wide raised corridor wraps around with different communal programs feeding into it. The raised “artificial ground” becomes a social space with built-in marble benches and flower beds, insulating the raised plinth from the streets around and the commercial shops in the buildings’ pilotis.
The southern block, along the main road, is only 2-storeys high; letting the generous sunlight into the courtyard. The other three residential blocks are each constituted of nine floors atop the ground floor, with five elevator stops on split-level corridors; four duplexes are topped by single-floor penthouses. The side blocks span around 100 m between the road and the sea, with 10 apartments laid side-by-side on every floor. The back block, fronting the sea along 64 m, lines eight apartments on each floor to enjoy the most beautiful Sugimotos framed by deep punched fenestrations.
Kuwait Real Estate Company commissioned PAD10 to renovate the Pearl Marzouq complex exteriors, including the facades and the landscape, and interiors, including the penthouses, the duplex apartments, and the basement parking. Maintaining the building’s iconicity, PAD10 rethought the program, specifically on the ground floor, connecting the building to its unique setting and externalizing its courtyard into a public garden, reviving an urban character of pre-oil projects in their ability to create a place around them, and the post-oil character of the deep-punched or double-skin facades.
The Facade:
The facade of the building is a key visual of its iconic status. After decades of being exposed to the elements, the sandstone has given to falling. This brings into question its safety and that of the complex’s residents. To maintain the familiar visage of the edifice and address the practical issues at hand, an expanded aluminum mesh has been overlaid with two alternating apertures. This also serves to balance the staggered pattern of the existing facade. The mesh straddles the lines of allowing maximum visibility of the stone underneath by having a wide aperture, which narrows along the building corners to bend around the edges. As part of the retooling, the apartment openings were enlarged to maximize the unique views enjoyed by the building’s proximity to the sea.
To take further advantage of this view, bay windows now replace the walk-in closets situated along the facade wall of the bedrooms. The dining room windows were also enlarged and single glass panels are now in place instead of aluminum rail bars. The punched expression is maintained with the existing balconies and reinforced at times by projecting the newly added or altered windows.
Courtesy of Italmesh
Apartment Prototypes:
The Duplex Unit: Accessed at a split level, this apartment unit is split into lower living and upper sleeping quarters. Living and dining areas share a generous frontage with attractive unobstructed views. The apartments are well-planned with conveniences including a guest bathroom, a large storage and maid’s bedroom with bathroom adjacent to the kitchen. On the upper floor, spacious bedrooms with bathrooms and shared spaces complete the picture to create a modern home for the discerning few.
The One Bedroom Penthouse: Flooded with daylight, via windows and skylights, the apartment enjoys the views of the surrounding setting via windows and skylights. The living and dining spacious areas are conveniently served by a kitchen and a guest bathroom. The master suite’s spaciousness renders the apartment ideal for couples.
The Three Bedroom Penthouse: Flooded with daylight and immaculate views, this apartment mimics the duplex units’ spacious areas. Open dining and living areas, with a generous terrace frontage, are served by a kitchen with an adjacent maid’s room and separate service access. The master suites with two other bedrooms are accessed via a vestibule that also opens up to the mudroom and the guest bathroom.
The Pilotis:
The three residential blocks could earlier be accessed via three separate entrances. These have now been centralized into one main central lobby accessing a central garden. Currently, the commercial strip opens to the outside and is populated with programs which are of little or no relevance to the residents. These will soon get double exposure with access to the garden for seating areas. The programs to be introduced include cafes, restaurants, laundromat, pharmacy, daycare, minimarket, spa and other outlets that might be useful to the residents. This step also animates the garden as a central tool for the community, making it a space where residents and visitors can interact and socialize.
The Garden:
Previously, the garden was a residual enclave of the courtyard typology building. With time, fences and mechanical clutter took over the space; rendering it unfriendly and run down to say the least. To revive the garden, the long commercial perimeter is being internalized into it. This move is also coupled with rendering it central in accessing the building through a main lobby, open to the street, leading centrally to it. A sense of community prevails as cafes, restaurants, art galleries, kids’ stores, and other programs that utilize the open space are added to the mix. Once a swimming pool, a deep soil will infill it to be topped by palm trees “oasis” which will play host to a sculpture garden. Small pods of fountains, reflecting pools, built-in benches and sandboxes run central to the garden, flanked by open areas around the edges for seating. Along the seaside, a private Residents Club separates the public garden from the pool area, with an elevated wood deck overlooking it.
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Images are copyrighted to Pad10
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PAVILION
Students Project
Department of Architecture
Kuwait University
Design 6, Computer Aided Design
Dr. Hussain Dashti
Architect Haifa Dashti
Architect Mohammad Makki
In the early stage, students were divided into small groups and individuals to come up with design concepts for the pavilion. It was a challenge for the students; where two designs will be chosen to be developed and built in scale 1:1.
Here are some of the early concepts:
Scale 1:1 Pavilions
Pavilion [6]
The concept of integrating the performance capacity of biological structures into architectural design was derived in the design of this pavilion, using a modular system. The pavilion consists of a group of units that vary in size to give it a naturalistic inconsistency but also to allow the surface to shape into a dome.
This was mainly derived from the biological principles of a sea urchin’s skeleton and then morphed into an architectural unit. A hexagon, with a finger-joint detail, between each two meeting surfaces will generate a unit that is not flat.
The experience from the inside is something the viewer doesn’t expect when comparing it to the outer skin. The invert of the whole body embraces the visitor inside of it in a calm and serene manner, engulfing them in a comfortable darkness. Perforations at certain areas of the pavilion create a pattern that acts as a visual guide through the pavilion starting at the entrance.
The making of Pavilion [6 ]:
Pavilion [6] Team Members:
Abdulaziz Al-Anzi/Abdulla Al-Thaqeb/Ahmad AlQallaf/Aisha Madou/Anaan Al-Anzi/Bashayer Al-Qattam/Eman Kassem/Fahad Al-Metin/Fatma Al-Mousa/Ghalia Al-Othman/Hashim Sadeq/Mnahi Al-Raish/Mohammed Al-Mohammed/Raweya Al-Sedairawi/Sultan Al-Anzi
OV Pavilion
The concept behind the pavilion was inspired by the snail, specifically its inability to hear. The snail interprets sound as vibrations, and reacts by staying inside its protective shell. Similarly, the pavilion attempts to interpret sound through a series of physical protrusions.
The radial form mimics the shell of the snail or a shelter. Sound volume and intensity are shown by the degree of protrusion, which in turn combines with the rest to form an image or pattern. This was done by setting a central origin (like the shell of the snail), and using a script to divide contours accordingly.
The script also took into account the image and its “intensity” via black and white images. White portions of the image extruded outwards, and black portions inwards. The image, number of contours, and height and size of the protrusions can be altered parametrically, through the script.
For the purpose of the pavilion, this was used to portray a message. The chosen images represent a person attempting to communicate but not heard. The person is then frustrated, and finally screams. The degree and drama of the protrusions respond to the intensity of each image. Ultimately, it is the “sight of sound that cannot be heard”.
The making of OV Pavilion:
OV Pavilion Team Members:
Abdulaziz Al Qallaf/Abdullah Al Ali/Alaa Al-Naqi/Dalal Bukhamseen/
Dana Al Othman/Fatima Al Ali/Fatima Al Mousaileekh
/Fatmah Behbehani/Hussain Qassim/Israa Shabakoh
/Jassim Mohammed/Liali Nijem/Mai Al Busairi/Maryam Al Haddad
/Noha Al- Refai/Sara Alsayegh/Shahad Abdulmonem/Shahad Khalifa
/Shareefa Al-Turkait
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Rush Gym Women
Area : 950 sqm
Location : Salhiya, Kuwait City
Project Year: 2012
Design Team: Arch. Rashed Alfoudari , arch. Dawood Albader
Studio : Lab/100
Usage : Fitness Facility
Website: www.lab100.co
Photography : Rashed Alfoudari
Design Description:
Located in Salhiya Business District, Rush Gym -women- is a multipurpose gym specialized in both personal training & Fitness Classes. The design layout primarily focused in visually segregating the two zones (PT & Classes), giving each sector its own character. Due to the old design of the building structure, there were many scattered columns within the floor plan. The challenge here was trying to create spacious zones whilst dealing with numerous columns. This called for utilizing the columns to give the interior space its character.
An important aspect of the design was abiding to the Social Culture of Kuwait. Some women in Kuwait are conservative, and due to the building being exposed at night, custom vertical louvers where designed accordingly to help treat this issue. The louvers can be electronically maneuvered to tilt at any angel required. This allows full exposure in the mornings and privacy at night.
Digital graphics where also designed & printed on the louvers to give a marketing edge to the gym. The color scheme followed for the gym was monochrome. This allowed for specific design elements to become significant, such as the solid wood textures & graphics surrounding the workout areas.
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MOP HOUSE BY AGi
Type: Housing | 1300 sqm
Location: Al-Nuzha, Kuwait
Date: 2006-2011
Design Team: Joaquin Pérez-Goicoechea / Nasser B. Abulhasan / Salvador Cejudo
Architectural team: Gwenola Kergall / Georg Thesing / Lucía Sánchez Salmón / María Eugenia Díaz / José Ángel del Campo / Daniel Muñoz Medranda / Hanan Alkouh / Nicolás Martín
Architecture & Interior Design: AGi architects
Interior Supplier: Gunni & Trentino
Photographer: Nelson Garrido
The site can be accessed from either side of the surrounding streets to allow for both a private and a public entrance. After moving along a curvedwall that guides the visitor from the exterior of the plot into the center, one reaches the main entrance into the house. Upon entering through the main door frame, the space opens up to reveal the swimming pool and the public living areas of the house.
The form of the residence is reminiscent of the movement patterns of a mop, from which flexible volumes are organized diagonally around a central axis. This axis twists upwards to generate spaces that are channeling the vision in different directions: the front side of the house, side gardens and angles of the back street.
The circulation surrounding the patio on the first floor contrives of a succession of living spaces, which not only communicate to one another, but also relate visually the interior of the patio to the exterior. The first floor overhangs to shade the rooms on the ground floor, and the patio is designed to define a break in between the volumes of the house, which subtly reveals a side garden.
The residence was originally planned to house one family with two small children, however in the future it could be divided into two units. The structure of the house and the distribution of the circulation, as well as the positioning of the entrances and lift allows for guaranteed privacy between parents and children in the prospective future.
Find more about AGi Architects
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MAKH Architects | Evolo
The Nomad
Following the numerous acts of cannibalism witnessed at the turn of the millennium throughout different parts of the world, the world’s governments attempted to suppress these acts as nothing but isolated instances of human insanity, ones that should not be given any attention. However, these so called “instances” of cannibalism began to gradually to transform and evolve. The people performing these acts were no longer only cannibals; they have become un aware of their actions, at times helplessly and aimlessly walking throughout the streets terrorizing any one in their path without intention.
It all began when a few cases have a raised when the cannibal’s victims have themselves become cannibalistic; transforming from normal human beings to mindless drones, or what is more commonly known as, “ZOMBIES”. The world’s governments consolidated there powers to try to resist this “disease”; attempting to control it and prevent it from spreading. However, their attempts proved to be futile; the disease has transformed into a virus that only spread to larger extents.
As a final attempt of saving humanity, the remaining resources around the world were gathered to create the only salvation deemed possible, a permanent habitat, later coined as “The Nomad”.
The structure comprises of 24 Districts, each connected radially to one another to form a circular global form. Each district consists of residential zones, commercial zones, and resource generation zones. The main resources being harvested in the districts are food through agriculture as well as fish farms. Solar panels are placed on the exterior of the structure for solar energy gain, while wind turbines are placed on the side of the structure for wind energy gain. The goal of “The Nomad” is to be able to move and transport itself to different areas of the world, in search for an idealistic salvation land free of the flesh eating monsters. To achieve this mode of transportation, each district sits in its own “cubicle”. The buffer space between the district and the cubicle is the fish farming resource. However, this resource has another function, water passes through a series of controlled openings to allow the structure as a whole to rotate in a particular direction. As the structure rotates, and consequently the cubicle, the district maintains its lateral orientation by continuously counter rotating the overall structures movement.
The Nomad is built with the ability to “unroll” into a flattened out structure. Giving the chance for the residents to gather resources, survivors and discover new locations. The unrolling process takes approximately 15 minutes from start to end, ensuring that throughout the process; districts remain lateral in orientation and completely sealed off from the external environment.
The Nomads have been constructed throughout different parts of the world, each one unique with its own stamp, allowing the inhabitants with a chance to salvage whatever idea of “home” they might still hope to have.
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Alley House by M2H
Project: Alley House
Architects: M2H Design Studio
Location: Khiran Pearl City, Kuwait
Principal architect In Charge: Saman Maleknia
Design Team: Madhusha Wijesiri, Esra Dashti, Abdulhafez Almujaibel, Noorah W. Hadeed.
Area: 1400 sqm
Year: 2012
Photographs: Courtesy of M2H Design Studio
“Designing the Alley House was a unique challenge because of the restricted site situation and exaggerated linearity of the plot of 16m by 75m. The house is enclosed by two adjacent plots that restrict the main façade to not more than 16 meters at ground level, and not more than 13 meters above that level. Within the given dimensions the architects were asked to design five individual suites with maximized views to the beach from living spaces, and master bedrooms for the owner, his three sons and daughter. The resulting strategy was to split the building into two interconnected volumes with bridges on the upper levels and an angled alleyway in between, and construct coordinated components that open yet give multiple shaded spaces as a very appealing passage in the heart of the complex. However, such a form would offer revelation and enigmatic moments of exploration and discovery for visitors. The propositions resemble an alleyway in which the services and public facilities are situated in the front (street) side, and the private components are located in the sea side, with anchoring views to the sea. Moreover, this arrangement could create sufficient privacy for the family and visitors. This layout liberates the centers to create multiple shaded courtyard spaces, permitting inner views that provide a visual connection and natural lighting between the rooms at all levels. Furthermore, the narrow passageway in between becomes a pleasant shaded space with great wind-tunnel effect, to be utilized year round for various activities. The resulting insight of the design stems from a mesmerizing gentle and rapid movement imitating the dynamic of a natural alley. The angular turns in the building’s volumes maximize sea views. The front, sea-facing patio contains a sleek overflow pool and an attractive grass lawn.” M2H Design Studio
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The Blank Room | By Labij
Area : 19 sqm
Project Year: 2013
Designer: arch. Roa AlShaheen
Office : Labij
Usage : bedroom/closet
Website: www.labij.me
The small space allocated for an artist was designed to be minimal, functional, and odd. A maximum amount of storage space was utilized so that when everything is put away it leaves a blank white canvas, except for the pink fur zone. An IV holder doubles as a light stand and hanger, and other fixture sizes throw you off scale. A room where four walls meet whiteboard classic furniture, gigantic bolts, oversized lightbulbs, a bear cluster sofa, a wise mirror on the wall, a wolf carcass, and a hospital bed.
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Bahcesehir Residential By M2H Design Studio
M2H placed the 3rd in the international completion in Istanbul-turkey. The developer is Kuwaiti company called SINAN Kuwait Real Estate Co.
Principal architect In charge: Saman Maleknia
Design architect: Madhusha Wijesiri
Support team: Abdulhafez Almujaibel, Noorah W. Hadeed.
Area: 14000 sqm
Year: 2013
P.S. Pad 10 architects from Kuwait also placed the 3rd along M2H Design Studio.
The design of Bahcesehir Residential Project was Inspired by several interesting key points derived from the site, surrounding environment, emerging town culture and municipality regulations. In summary, these points were:
1) Adapting to the site’s topography and utilizing the natural slopes of the hill to help enhance the design and create very interesting architectural moments when the built environment merges harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
2) Provide ample recreational spaces for walking and socializing in pleasant weather conditions and beautiful surroundings. The design intended to utilize the interesting, natural slopes of the hills as walking routes around the project while also providing gardens and flat, landscaped areas such as the ones opposite of the drop-off on upper ground level. In addition, the incorporation of roof and sky gardens allows for maximum utilization of space to benefit the project’s aesthetical and recreational value. An important aspect of the design are the community spaces on the first and second levels of Zone B and Zone C.
3) Allow for generous, unobstructed views of the surrounding hills and lake from the residences without harming the privacy of the occupants.
4) Assign a modern, innovative face to the residential project which reflects the young, ambitious, middle to upper class citizens of the Bahcesehir Town. Bahcesehir is a new, small rising town on the outskirts of Istanbul which has been attracting a lot of attention from real estate developers and home owners alike. The intention was to design a creative, unique project which will be valued in Bahcesehir as a landmark building and recognized easily by the majority of the town’s intimate population.
5) Respect the natural environment by creating a well-designed, energy-saving building which combines operational efficiency and practicality of use with smart, sustainable building methods. An example of such strategy can be seen in the decision to sink the private villas in Zone A into the ground; thus insulating the building units naturally within the earth and causing less damage to the unique topography of the site. On the same note, an advantage of connecting the towers of Zone B & C is the reduction of ‘exposed building envelope.’ This instantly provides available insulation and warmth to the tower interiors- thus reducing construction and operational costs in the future.
6) Design a variety of residential spaces that cater to different family sizes and financial budgets while keeping the overall architectural language unified and visually connected. The free standing villas are very different in nature from the tower apartments, nonetheless, all residential spaces get their fair share of views and modern, comfortable design and amenities.
7) Stay aligned with the Basaksehir municipality regulations by achieving the 200% built up area while providing an ideal number of residential units (88 units). These units are designed to be comfortable and flexible to satisfy any increase in amenities or program by the client (SREC).
Project Description:
The residential project is divided into 3 Zones:
Zone A:
This Zone is located on the strategic forefront of the site. Zone A contains 14 free standing, duplex villas located in 4 stepped, landscaped rows. Each of the 14 villa units has 4 bedrooms and 4 allocated parking spots located in semi basements accessed easily by car via a 1-way, ventilated revolving ramp system. Alternatively, the first and fourth row of villas can be accessed directly by foot from the drop-off area or pedestrian route. As for the second and third row of villas, they can be accessed by foot via wide, comfortable steps situated in the garden space between the villas (to be detailed in the drawings at later stages). The Zone A villas are characterized by their unique design which delivers luxury within a modern, minimalist appeal. The multi-leveled roof terrace add an important aesthetical value to the project but also serve as unique private gardens to be enjoyed by the residents during their vacation. The positioning of the Zone A villas within the hill’s natural topography allows for uninterrupted view of the natural surroundings and lake in addition to providing the residents with a special sense of privileged privacy.
Zones B & C :
The towers of Zone B & C are like arms opening up to embrace the surroundings and create an iconic presence within the Bahcesehir valley. The variation of building scales results in a dynamic architectural landscape when viewed from a distance or up close. The parking for the units in Zones B & C is situated in the basement underneath the towers with 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Zones B & C can be easily accessed by foot from the grand drop-off area on the ground level.
Zone B tower is situated on the eastern side of the plot. It contains 16 3-bedroom apartment units and 6 duplex 3-bedroom apartments units. As an added privilege, the design of Zone B incorporates stunning sky gardens to be enjoyed by the occupants during pleasant weather most of the year. The 1st and 2nd levels of Zone B tower contains the mechanical/services areas.
On the western side of the plot is Zone C. Zone C tower contains 30 3-bedroom apartment units and 22 2-bedroom apartment units. There are no duplexes in Zone C. All apartments are designed as practical, comfortable living spaces with generous views of the valley and to ample amount of daylight. On the 1st and 2nd levels are the community areas which contain the administration offices, multi-purpose halls, recreational spaces such as gym, changing rooms and outdoor swimming pool. The pool is designed as a special element within the project with an adjacent water-fall feature. It is surrounded by lush landscaping and shaded seating areas. This becomes an ideal social space where families and children can spend their free time to play or relax.
Bahcesehir Residential Project, as envisioned by M2H Design Studio, promises a stressfree environment for families to escape the hectic and noisy life of the city and enjoy their beautiful accommodations in a quiet, relaxing, yet active small town- a convenient, stone’s throw away from Istanbul!
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Credits to M2H Architects
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Villa Hadeed | By M2H Design Studio
Villa Hadeed is a 1,730 M2 private residence located in the suburbs of Kuwait. The design of the villa extended over a period of two years during which the architect made sure to clearly grasp the living requirements and space program put forth by the client. The architect wanted to avoid as much as possible the pressures and cost increases that are a result of design changes made during the construction phase. Another advantage gained from this time period was the ability to study how the clients moved between spaces in their old residence, as well as the way in which they interacted with each other according to role, age and gender. One of the challenges encountered during the design was in creating a home that could comfortably house a varying number of residents.
The permanent residents are owner and wife who often cater to large numbers of guests. In addition, there are several members of staff who assume a semi-permanent status. The temporary residents are the clients’ children and grandchildren who come for mostly short, sometimes lengthy visits from abroad. Therefore, the house can have a range of six to fifteen residents at once. As a solution to this, the architect proposed dividing the house into zones. The semi-open basement holds the car park, pool and barbecue area, gym, living/entertainment space and service quarters. This program demanded the large floor space and visual seclusion available below ground. The ground floor holds the casual and formal living rooms, kitchens and dining room and two landscaped gardens situated at the front and back of the residence welcoming visitors. The first floor holds the suites of the owner and his wife, a pantry and living room as well as an office located strategically at the front of the house with a view of the main street.
The children’s quarters are located on the second floor along with a book and technology room. The back of the roof holds more service quarters and a mechanical room while the front is free, open space to be used flexibly. While the separation of zones provides the different occupants with desired degrees of privacy, sectional cuts between floors encourage dialogue and interaction. Double height spaces and open terraces allow the residents to have shared views across all the floor levels. Almost all bedrooms have balconies looking onto the more quiet back garden while the living and entertainment areas have views onto the pool or front garden. Contrary to local practice, the service quarters were integrated into the residence to avoid moments of alienation and give the volumes of the house a homogenous appearance in plan and elevation.
Another challenge faced by the architect was deciding on a façade treatment that can withstand the harsh heat and frequent sandstorms of the Persian Gulf region. After much experimentation, the choice rested on ceramic granite which is a very durable non-porous, smooth material. When hit by layers of dust, the ceramic tiles take on a thin film of sand which can enhance their original color rather than giving them a polluted look. The tiles were chemically bonded onto locally manufactured, white aerated concrete block of high insulation performance. Variation in wall thickness was also used as a way of counteracting heat transfer. The clients’ request to have airy, naturally lit rooms with big windows also made it essential for the architect to choose the right type of tinted, insulated glass that can function well as climate control.
After a year and a half of construction, Villa Hadeed was ready to accommodate its satisfied residents.
All images Courtesy of M2H Studio
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Pacific Hill | KAYAN ME
Arabian Property Awards Winner as Highly Commended Architecture Multiple Residence 2011
Located on a beachfront on the outskirts of Bnaider, Kuwait, this family chalet is designed on a 3,500 sq.m. plot among a string of family chalet’s all laid out in a linear form facing Bnaider’s sea front. The ability to design on a plot that enjoyed the rare topographical slopes found in Kuwait, as well as mitigating the climatic conditions to provide breezy pathways for an enjoyable family get-away, were all key elements in the final design formation.
The challenge was to meet the requirements of creating several chalet units to provide five families a social and friendly environment, while still providing a private realm and internal community specific to each unit, as well as a visual connection to the sea front.
The urban context houses neighboring chalets of similar volumes, and specific regulations which must be adhered to.
To adapt to the breezy, yet warm climatic experience, the units are built in close distances to one another, providing main pathways and gathering points with shaded spaces creating a more regulated climatic experience. By also taking advantage of the sloped topography and designing each volume on a higher level than the next, these volumes provide each living space with a strong visual connection for the occupants.
Acting as a community within a community, each volume is provided with public and private areas; with the more public areas located on the ground floor, and private areas located on the upper floors with terraces provided to enjoy the soothing beach’s skyline.
The main chalet’s living space is allocated as a central circulation area in front of a garden, directly facing the sea by providing a transparent 180 degree view. The living space remains as an enclosed private space to the occupants due to the chalet’s off-center location.
Designed in response to the rather busy Kuwaiti environment, and the all-consuming fast- paced lifestyle, this family get-away provides a refreshing experience for the client; modern in architectural style, but traditional in living.
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All images courtesy of Kayan ME
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Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa | SOM
By SOM:
This resort hotel brings five-star comfort to Kuwait City. Located on a historic site well-known to the local community, the hotel is conceived as a mosaic of buildings and gardens. Space meanders between interior and exterior, with an arrival court leading to a lobby, restaurant, and wedding hall. The sun is especially important in Middle Eastern cultures: Throughout the hotel design, digitally-created screens and perforated walls filter the sunlight. In the subterranean spa, vertical shafts of light animate the space and walls are subtly luminous.
Project Facts
Project Area: 32,516 m2
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All images copyright to SOM
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Kuwait in February!
For most of the people in the world, February is just a month that passes by just like any other month. In Kuwait though it’s not!
February in Kuwait is when everyone celebrates, and recently, even buildings started to celebrate.
Why?
Kuwait declared its independence on June 19, 1961.
A draft constitution was approved on November 11, 1961, outlining Kuwait’s system of governance as a “fully independent Arab State with a democratic style of government, where sovereignty rests with the nation, which is the source of power”. Al Diwan Al Amiri
February 25th, was declared as the National Day after the death of Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah in 1965 since his reign was so central to the evolution of modern Kuwait
and February 25th was the date he ascended the throne in 1950.
February 26th, Kuwait was liberated by Gulf War allies in 1991, from Iraqi invasion as Saddam Hussein ordered his troops to withdraw from Kuwait City.
Now, this is how Kuwait looks like in February!
A great THANK YOU goes out to our INSTAGRAMMERS for their participation!
For credits of photographers kindly visit
http://ink361.com/#/tag/archofkuwait
FREE KUWAIT!
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The Ministry of Education Headquarters Project |مشروع المقر الرئيسي لمبنى ديوان عام وزارة التربية
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Project Data
| Project Value | KD76,794,999.03 |
| Duration of Construction | 4 years |
| Date of Commencement | 6th June 2010 |
| Date of Expected Completion | 4th June 2014 |
| Occupants | 3647 Employees |
| Gross Building Area | 135,705 sqm |
| 3 Underground Parking Levels Area | 101,168 sqm |
| Parking | 20 VIP180 Visitors
1440 Employee |
بيانات المشروع
| 76,794,999.03 KD | تكلفة المشروع |
| 4 سنوات | مدة التنفيذ |
| يونيو2010 | تاريخ البدء |
| 2014يونيو | التاريخ المتوقع للانتهاء |
| 3647موظف | عدد الموظفين |
| 135,705 م | إجمالي مساحة البناء |
| 101,168 | مساحة 3 سراديب لموقف السيارات |
| 20 لكبار الزوار | مواقف سيارات |
| 180 للزوار | |
| 1440 للموظفين |
Primary Circulation
| Core Stairs | 20 |
| Elevators | 21 |
| Escalators | 17 |
| Bridges | 15 |
| Water Features | 6 |
الحركه
| 20 | السلالم |
| 21 | المصاعد |
| 17 | المصاعد |
| 15 | الجسور |
| 6 | عناصر مائيه |
Design Concept
The MOE Headquarters Building uses an Arabian Gulf sailing vessel, as its design metaphor. This imagery evokes the tradition of Kuwait, with its rich history of fishing, sea trading, and shipbuilding.
The Dhow concept is manifested as two curved, intersecting buildings coming to rest on the new, lush MOE site. The resulting interior is dramatic, and includes a striking light-filled Atrium with soaring ceilings and sinuous water features. The space is animated by flying bridges, moving elevators and electronic imagery which communicates the MOE mission.
Copyright to MPW & C7A
فكرة التصميم
يستلهم المقر الرئيسي لمبنى وزارة التربية فكرة تصميمه من “الداو“، وهي سفينة شراعية من الخليج العربي.حيث يجسد تراث الكويت وتاريخها الزاخر بصيد الأسماك، والتجارة البحرية، وبناء السفن
ويجسد فكرة “الداو” مبنيان مقوسان يتقاطعان في وسط الموقع الجديد ذو الحدائق الغناء، وينتج عن هذه الفكرة تصميم داخلي مثير، يشتمل على فناء مملوء بالأضواء الخلابه، وأسقف شاهقه الإرتفاع وعناصر مائية جميلة. وسيكون هذا الفناء مفعما بالحيوية بإضافة الجسور الرابطة، والمصاعد المتحركة والصور الإلكترونية التي تنقل رسالة ومهمة وزارة التربية
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Site Location & Arrival
The new MOE Headquarters Building is located in the South Surra Government Zone. This area was originally designated by the government to relocate the major ministries away from Kuwait City, thereby easing congestion and creating a better work environment for employees.
The site is on the northwestern corner of Street 206 intersection with Street 400. It is linked with King Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Street, and the Sixth Ring Motorway via two major collector roads (Street 400 and Street 401) which bound the South Surra Government zone from the east and west.
A spacious arrival area at the southern end of the building accommodates visitors and employees who are dropped off at the entry. A VIP drop off area, lobby, and small garage are located at northeast end of the ground floor, overlooking an open space with trees and other foliage.
موقع المشروع
يقع المقر الرئيسي لمبنى ديوان عام وزارة التربية في منطقة الإستعمالات الحكومية بجنوب السرة. تم تخصيص هذه المنطقة من قبل الحكومة لنقل الوزارات الرئيسية خارج مدينة الكويت، وبالتالي تخفيف الكثافة المرورية وخلق بيئة عمل أفضل للموظفين
يقع المشروع عند الركن الشمالي الغربي من تقاطع شارع 206 مع شارع 400. ويرتبط مع شارع الملك خالد بن عبد العزيز، وطريق الدائري السادس السريع عبر طريقين رئيسيين (شارع 400 و شارع 401) واللذان يحدان منطقة الاستعمالات الحكومية من الشرق والغرب
وتتسع منطقة الوصول في الطرف الجنوبي للمبنى لاستقبال الزوار والموظفين الذين يتم توصيلهم عند المدخل. وفي نهاية الشمال الشرقي للدور الأرضي، تقع منطقة نزول كبار الشخصيات، والاستقبال، وموقف سيارات، وتطل على فناء مفتوح مزروع بالأشجار والنباتات
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Architectural, Structure & MEP Design
The MOE Headquarters Building is comprised of two curved, gracefully shaped glass and metal buildings which rest on a two-story base clad stone. The building materials – glass, metal, and stone were selected for their elegance, timelessness, and durability. The buildings (the metaphorical “Dhows”) are two different heights – one is 9 stories, the other 11 stories. Both lean gently outward from the stone base, giving the impression the structure is floating above the land.
This upper portion of the building is clad with a combination of silver/gray transparent and opaque glass windows that are screened from the sun with an external system of horizontal metal louvers. The density of this exo-skeleton of louvers varies depending upon the face orientation of the building and the impact of the intruding rays of the sun. The louvers follow the long curved facades of the building’s eastern and western sides. The north and south ends of each building wing are also sloped outward from bottom to top and contain internal ceramic fritting to provide for solar protection and shading.
The Main building is primarily concrete above ground with three basements for parking and housing an electro mechanical services area. The tower is oval in shape with two curved segments joined with architecturally exposed steel space frame structural bridges. The exterior of the building tapers out, thus the outer columns step out vertically on each floor by 500 mm. The mechanical systems in the building are controlled and monitored by a building management system consisting of a central processing unit and a number of local intelligent stand-alone stations linked by a communications network.
Copyright to MPW & C7A
التصميم المعماري والإنشائي والالكتروميكانيكي
يتألف مبنى مقر وزارة التربية من مبنين مقوسين من الزجاج والمعدن المشكل يرتكزان على قاعدة مكسوة بالحجر من طابقين. وقد تم اختيار مواد البناء المكونة من الزجاج والمعادن والحجر نظرا لروعة منظرها واستمرارية صلادتها وقوة تحملها. يتميز المبنيان (مجازا“الداو“) باختلاف ارتفاعهما فالمبنى الأول يرتفع إلى 9 أدوار، بينما يتكون الآخر من11 دور. وهما يميلان إلى الخارج عن القاعدة الحجرية، معطيان ايحاءا بأن المبنى فوق الأرض
ويغطي الجزء العلوي من المبنى نوافذ زجاجية بمزيج من اللون الفضي والرمادي، بعضها شفافة والآخر غير شفافة، التي يتم حجبها من الشمس بواسطة ساتر أفقي خارجي معدني. تتنوع كثافة الواجهة الرئيسية وتختلف بناء على اتجاه المبنى وتأثير الشمس عليه. ويتبع هذا الهيكل الواجهات المقوسة الطويله لجانبي المبنى الشرقي والغربي. النهايات الشماليه والجنوبيه لأجنحه كل مبنى تنحدر للخارج وتحتوي على السيراميك الداخلي للتظليل وتوفير حماية من الشمس
المبنى الرئيسي في المقام الأول مشيد من الإسمنت فوق سطح الأرض مع ثلاثة أدوار تحت الأرض تأوي مواقف سيارات ومنطقة خدمات ميكانيكية وكهربائية. البرج بيضاوي الشكل مع قطاعين منحنيين (موصولين بجسور إنشائية فولاذية مكشوفة بطريقة معمارية جذابة مع الإطار الفولاذي الصلب. السطح الخارجي للمبنى يمتد تدريجيا للخارج، لذلك فإن الأعمدة الخارجية تتدرج عموديا للخارج بمسافة500 ملم على كل دور. يتم التحكم في الأنظمة الإلكتروميكانيكية في المبنى من خلال نظام إدارة المبنى والذي يحتوي على وحدة المعالجة المركزية وعدد من المحطات الذكية القائمة ومستقلة بذاتها مربوطه ببعضها البعض عن طريق شبكة الاتصالات
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Atrium
A grand interior atrium space is created by roofing over the curved interior volume defined between the two MOE office building wings. This ten-story atrium is the heart of the design and forms the building’s interior reception, communication, and circulation space. This interior atrium is first experienced as a generous lobby at ground level on the southern end of the building, before sweeping upward in stages and flowing into the first and second levels.
Copyright to MPW & C7A
الفناء
تم تصميم الفناء الداخلي من خلال تسقيف الفراغ المنحني الداخلي المحدد بين مبنيي المكاتب لوزارة التربية. ويعد هذا الفناء ذو العشرة طوابق هو قلب التصميم ويكون ردهة الاستقبال والاتصال والحركة الداخلية. ويعطي هذا الفناء الداخلي انطباعا اوليا بالفخامه متمثلا في ردهة الاستقبال الرحبه في الدور الأرضي بأقصى جنوب المبنى، وذلك قبل أن ينفتح للأعلى تدريجيا وعلى مراحل ليمتد إلى الدورين الأول والثاني
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Interior Design & Space Planning Philosophy
The MOE Headquarters Building contains public and private spaces which are comfortable, functional, and which enable the Ministry of Education to achieve its mission of developing educational and teaching methods to ensure education to all citizens of Kuwait. This is an environment which naturally lends itself to collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
The interior Philosophy expresses the idea of “the progression of learning. Using four key elements of learning – curiosity, exploration, discovery, and revelation – we have created spatial sequences which will allow visitors and employees to experience the building as it unfolds. Floors are planned as progressions to allow one to move through the space from the large public areas like the atrium to the more intimate private office areas, with the scale shifting from large to small.
The Auditorium will have a seating capacity of 600 people, and functions as both a presentation space for large audiences, and as a venue for student activities. The presentation capabilities are similar to those in the larger conference rooms, but with the addition of several other translation and hearing impaired features.
Copyright to MPW & C7A
التصميم الداخلي وفلسفة تخطيط
الفراغات
يحتوي مبنى مقر وزارة التربية على مساحات خاصة وعامة مريحة، وعملية، والتي تمكن وزارة التربية من تحقيق مهمتها في تطوير أساليب التعليم والتدريس لتوفير التعليم لجميع المواطنين في الكويت. وتعزز هذه البيئة أجواء التعاون وتبادل الأفكار
إن فلسفة التصميم الداخلي تعبر عن فكرة “تقدم التعليم“. باستخدام أربعة عناصر تعليمية رئيسية – الفضول والاستكشاف والاكتشاف والإلهام– وتم خلق تسلسل مكاني يسمح للزوار والعاملين للاستمتاع بالمبنى تدريجيا. وقد تم تصميم الأدوار بالتعاقب لتسمح بالتنقل خلال الأماكن من المناطق العامة الكبيرة مثل الفناء إلى مناطق المكاتب الخاصة، حيث يتدرج مقياس المكان من الكبير إلى الصغير
أما المسرح فصمم ليتسع 600 مقعدا، ويمكن استخدامه للعروض المرئية التي تستهدف جمهورا كبيرا بالإضافه إلى مساحه لإقامة نشاطات الطلبة. وستكون امكانيات العرض في المسرح مشابهه لتلك المتوفره في قاعات الاجتماعات الكبيرة بالإضافه إلى تجهيزات أخرى مثل نظام الترجمه الفوريه ونظام بث الصوت بواسطة سماعات الرأس لضعاف السمع
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Special Events Program & National Day Lighting
The atrium at the MOE Headquarters Building is a perfect setting for special events and programs. The activities which take place in the atrium not only support the MOE’s mission and showcase its educational programs and accomplishments, but also celebrate Kuwaiti culture, heritage, and achievements.
The MOE Headquarters Building will play a very visible role in Kuwait’s National Day celebration. Included in the design of the building’s facade is an exterior lighting system expressly created for special occasions like National Day. A web of computer automated LED based string lights are placed along the Southside of the building from floors three to ten which can project changing colors or low-resolution video images. This system of exterior lighting will allow MOE Headquarters Building to honor the tradition of National Day and make a powerful statement for many special events and activities throughout the year.
Copyright to MPW & C7A
برنامج المناسبات الخاصة وإضاءات العيد الوطني
يوفر فناء المقر الرئيسي لوزارة التربية المكان الأمثل لإقامه الفعاليات والأنشطة والبرامج الخاصة. التي ستساهم في مساندة مهمة وزارة التربية في عرض برامجها وإنجازاتها التربوية بالإضافه إلي الإحتفال بثقافة وتراث وإنجازات الكويت
سيلعب مبنى المقر الرئيسي لوزارة التربية دورا رئيسيا في إحتفالات العيد الوطني الكويتي. وعليه فقد اشتمل تصميم واجهات المبنى على نظام إضاءة خارجية صمم خصيصا للمناسبات الخاصة كالعيد الوطني. وتم وضع خيوط ضوئيه بنظام ال(أل إي دي) تعمل من خلال شبكة الحاسوب على طول الجزء الجانب الجنوبي للمبنى وتمتد من الدور الثالث وحتى الدور العاشر. وتعكس هذه الأضواء ألوانا متعددة بالإضافة إلى الصور التلفزيونية. وسيسمح نظام الإضاءة الخارجية للمبنى بالمساهمه في احترام تقاليد العيد الوطني وفي التعبير عن المناسبات الخاصة التي ستقام خلال السنة
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Copyright to MPW & C7A
Project Team
Client
Ministry of Public Works [MPW]
Consultant
Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc. [C7A]
in Association with Gulf Consult
Contractor
Mohamed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi and Sons
فريق المشروع
المالك
وزارة الأشغال العامة
المستشار
شركة كامبردج سفن أسوشيتس
بالتعاون مع مستشارو الخليج
المقاول
محمد عبدالمحسن الخرافي وأولاده
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