Draft Rabeia Alhadi

Accepted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Architecture At The Savannah College of Art and Design

______/__/__ Scott Dietz Date Committee Chair

______/__/__ Mohamed Elnahas Date Committee Member

______/__/__ Malcolm Kesson Date Committee Member

The Living Skyscraper

Mashrabbia; A Kinetic Envelope Represents Islamic Culture and Improves Building Energy Performance

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Architecture In Partial Fulfilment for the Requirements of Degree of Architecture

At The Savannah College of Art and Design

By

Rabeia M. Alhadi

June/2011

Dedication

To my father, Mahmoud A. Elfaitory, and my mother, Nabawia A. Eljerjawi,

t o whom I owe everything I have accomplished in my life,

and to my brothers and sisters, for all their love and support.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to the Libyan Ministry of Education for its financial support, without which this research would never have been possible. I was fortunate in having Prof. Scott Dietz as my committee chairman at SCAD. I am most grateful to him for encouraging

and advising me throughout my work, as well as for his advice, comments and valuable discussions during the preparation of the final submission of this thesis. I am also very grateful to Prof. Mohamed Elnahas, my faculty advisor, for his advice and comments on my thesis prior

to submission. My thanks are also due to Prof. Malcolm Kesson, my topic consultant, for his comments and guidance throughout my work on

this thesis. I would also like to extend my gratitude for editorial help rendered by Mrs. Zeba Siddiqui for her valuable and ongoing assistance.

Many thanks also go to the staff of the SCAD Library for their assistance.

Outside the academic arena, my deepest thanks go to my family and in particular my husband, Mohamed A. Elmughrbi. Its various members never stopped encouraging me to finish this thesis and they continued to bear with me throughout the period of my work because of

my academic interests.

Finally, I thank my Creator for His grace, for having such helpful people around me, and for the privilege of being able to complete this

research. Table of Content: 2.3.2 Brief History 2.3.3 Economy List of Figures 2.3.4 Demography Abstract 2.3.5 The Geology, Soil and Topography Part One: 2.4.6 Climate 2.4.7The residential land use change in Tripoli. 1.1 Theoretical Context 2.3.8 Architectural and Urban Fabric of Tripoli, New versus 1.2 Arguable Position old 1.3 Design Objective 1.4 Design Strategy Part Three: Site Analysis 1.5 Expected Outcome 3.1 General Information 3.2 Site Description 1.6 Active Research& Relevant Resources 3.3 Land-Use Map 1.6.1 Environmental effect on Islamic culture and its 3.4 Circulation Map relation to architecture 3.5 Sun Path 1.6.2 Case Studies 3.6 Prevailing Wind 3.7 Views from the Site to Its Surroundings

3.8 Views to the Site Part Two: Context Analysis 3.9 Environment Simulations 2.1 Digital Context 3.9.1 Solar Radiation Analysis 2.1.1 Introduction 3.9.2 Shadow Study 2.1.2 Kinetic Envelope Systems 3.9.3 Wind Study 2.1.3 Parametric Design of BIM 2.1.4 Design parameters for kinetic skins Part Four: Programming 2.2 Social and Cultural Context of Skyscrapers 4.1 General Overview of Needs and Desires 2.2.1 History and Technology 4.2 Tripoli’s Traditional Street Component 2.2.2 Sustainable Skyscrapers 4.3 Program Summary 2.3 Context Analysis of Tripoli City, Libya 4.4 Program Distribution 2.3.1 Background 4.5 Program precedents 4.6 Program Quantitative Summary and Proportions 4.7 Conclusion

Part Five: 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Islamic Geometric Patterns 5.3 Types of Islamic Patterns 5.4 The Proposed Mashrabbia Patterns 5.5 Dynamic Mashrabbia Environment Simulations 5.6 Project Schematic Design

Part Six: Design Development 6.1 Dynamic Mashrabbia Pattern Development 6.2 Building Orientation 6.4 Building Design Development 6.5 Dynamic Mashrabbia Evaluation 6.5.1 Solar Radiation Analysis 6.5.2 Building Energy Performance Analysis 6.5.3 Dynamic Mashrabbia Benefits

Part Seven: Design Development 7.1 Dynamic Mashrabbia Details 7.1.1 Dynamic Mashrabbia Behaviour during Daytime 7.1.2 Detailed Mashrabbia Design 7.1.3 Dynamic Mashrabbia Effect on Interior Spaces 7.2 Building Skin Layers and Ventilation system 7.3 Design Development 7.4 Conclusion

Bibliography List of Figures: Fig. 2.10: Menara Mesiniaga, Kuala Lumpur, 1992, T. R. Hamzah & Yeang Part One: Figure 2.11: Swiss Reinsurance Headquarters, London, U.K., 2004, Fig. 1.1: The old city of Tripoli, Libya Foster and Partners Fig 1.2: Courtyard House Fig.2.12 : The Solaire, Battery Park, New York City, 2003 Fig 1.3: Mashrabbia Figure 2.13: Pearl River Tower, Guangzhou, China, 2010 Fig 1.4: Geometric Patterns of Tessellate Panels Fig. 2.14: Tripoli city’s skyline Fig 1.5: Interior rendering of the Court yeard by Foster+ Partners Fig. 2.15: Tripoli links between European and African cities Fig 1.6: ABI's Strata System Fig. 2.16: Oil exports from Libya Fig 1.7: Detail of ABI's Strata System Fig. 2.17: Temperature and rainfall averages, Tripoli, Libya Fig 1.8: Perme System at Aldar Central Market Fig. 2.18: Tripoli residential land use between 1960-2005 Fig 1.9: Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters Towers Fig. 2.19: The main entrance to the Medina, known as Bab Al-Hurriyah Fig 1.10, Investment-Council-Headquarters-Towers-Concept-Design (the Freedom Gate) the earliest fortified wall around the town was built in Fig 1.11: Investment-Council-Headquarters-Towers-Ground-Design the 4th century Fig 1.13: Façade Layers Fig. 2.20: Marcus Aurelius arch Fig. 2.21: Karamanli Palace Part Two: Fig. 2.22: Right: The main hall of Gurji mosque, Lift: Islamic Inscriptions Fig. 2.1: The kinetic façade of Arab World Institute, Paris in the mosque Fig. 2.2: Arizona State University's Bio-design Institute in Tempe Fig. 2, 23: The Red Castel, Tripoli, Libya Fig. 2.3: (GSW) headquarters building Fig. 2.24: The modern shore of Tripoli reflecting the contrast between the Fig. 2.4: Design parameters for kinetic skins old and new buildings of the city Fig. 2.6: The BIX electronic skin by Peter Cook Fig. 2.25: The style of high-rise buildings in modern Tripoli Fig. 2.5: A/B-sampling data from sensors and information portals Fig. 2.26: Residential high-rise buildings in modern Tripoli Fig. 2.7: Sullivan's Wainwright Building Fig. 2.27: Commercial and Residential high-rise building in the modern Fig. 2.8: Sears Tower part of Tripoli Fig. 2.9: Lift: Taipei 101 tower, right: Burg Dubai Fig. 2.28: Right, Alfateh tower. Lift: Abulaila tower

1 Fig. 2.29:10-story residential building is under construction. (Picture: Sep. Fig. 4.1: An example of Tripoli’s narrow traditional streets 07, 2010) Fig. 4.2: One of Tripoli’s medina streets Fig. 2.30: Hydra Tripoli Tower Fig. 4.3: Handicrafts in the old city of Tripoli Fig. 2.32: The new skyscrapers of Tripoli (some of them are under Fig. 4.4: Concept diagram construction): dwarfing Boulayla and Alfatah towers. Fig. 4.5: A rendering of Medina Tower JW.Marriott Hotel (bottom right) Fig. 4.6: Some views of Medina Tower Fig. 2.31: Medina Tower, Tripoli, Libya Fig. 4.7: Program proportions

Part Three: Part Five: Fig. 3.1: The proposed site, Tripoli, Libya, North Africa Fig. 5.1: The Root Two proportion systemFig. 5.2: Root Three proportion Fig.3.2: Zooming further to the site system Fig. 3.3: Tripoli’s district heights map Fig. 5.3: The Golden Ratio proportion system Fig. 3.4: Land-use map Fig. 5.4: Islamic mashrabbias pattern case studies Fig. 3.5: Circulation map Fig. 5.5: The various opening stages of Pattern Fig. 3.6: Sun path of Tripoli city Fig, 5.6: Pattern I Environment Simulation Result, 20-foot depth space Fig. 3.7 Prevailing wind, Tripoli, Libya Fig. 5.7: Pattern I Environment Simulation Result, 30-foot depth space Fig. 3.8: Views from the site Fig. 5.7: Pattern II Environment Simulation Result, 20-foot depth space Fig. 3.9: Views toward the site Fig. 5.8: Pattern III Environment Simulation Result, 30-foot depth space Fig. 3.10: Summer solar radiation study result Fig. 5.9: Pattern III Environment Simulation Result, 20-foot depth space Fig. 3.11: Winter solar radiation study result Fig. 5.10: Pattern I Environment Simulation Result, 30-foot depth space Fig. 3.12: Summer shadow study result Fig. 5.11: The site Fig. 3.13: Winter shadow study result Fig. 5.12: First floor zoning Fig. 3.14: Pressure study result Fig. 5.13: Second floor zoning Fig. 3.15: velocity study result Fig. 5.14: Section A-A Fig. 5.15: Building elevations Part Four: Fig. 5.16: Perspective

2 Fig. 5.17: Perspective Fig. 7.4: Building’s skin layers, left: during moderate climate and at nights, right: during hot climate. Part Six: Fig. 7.5: Building perspective Fig. 7.6: Site plan Fig. 6.1: Dynamic mashrabbia pattern ( Maya software) Fig. 7.7: Basement levels plan Fig. 6.2: Best building orientation study result, Tripoli, Libya (Ecotect Fig. 7.8: First floor plan software Fig. 7.9: Second floor plan Fig. 6.3: Distributing the dynamic mashrabbia on the towers( Revit Fig. 7.10: Section A-A software) Fig. 7.12: North elevation at about 4:00 pm Fig. 6.4: Site plan Fig. 7.13: West elevation at about 4:00 pm Fig. 6.5: Basement floor plan Fig. 7.14: East elevation at about 10:00 am. Fig. 6.6: First floor plan Fig. 7.15: South elevation at about 10:00 am Fig. 6.7: Second floor plan. Fig. 7.16: Building perspective Fig. 6.8: Section A-A Fig. 7.17: Building perspective Fig. 6.9: Top: South elevation. Down: West elevation Fig. 7.19: Close perspective to the dynamic mashrabbia Fig. 6.10: Top: East elevation. Down: North elevation Fig. 7.17: The sky gardens Fig. 6.11: Project perspective Fig. 7.18: The café Fig. 6.12: Project perspectives Fig. 7.16: The main entrance of the project and the main courtyard Fig. 6.13: Solar radiation study result (Vasari software)

Fig. 6.14: Building energy analysis result (Vasari software)

Part Seven:

Fig. 7.1: Dynamic mashrabbia behaviour during daytime

Fig. 7.2: Dynamic mashrabbia detailed design Fig. 7.3: Dynamic mashrabbia effact on interior spaces at different opening stages

3 The Living Skyscraper This thesis investigates how the use of new materials,

Mashrabbia; A Kinetic Envelope Represents Islamic Culture and technologies, and the digital revolution can express the local Improves Building Energy Performance culture and make a building harmonizes with its surrounding

Rabeia M. Alhadi environment to take full advantage of the available natural June, 2011 resources and provide an acceptable climate for its occupants.

The main aim of this design is to create an innovative and next

Abstract generation sustainable tower designed specifically for Tripoli city by taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies while respecting the During the last couple of decades, Tripoli, like any other traditional way of living that reflects the area’s cultural roots. major city has grown exponentially. Nowadays it requires thousands of new homes per year; a situation that has created a lot The approach of this design is to develop a bio-inspired kinetic of controversy as urban planners propose skyscrapers and envelope system which has the interactive access to the Tripolians drastically refuse to change their beloved city. surrounding environment. This kinetic façade is inspired by the

traditional Islamic mashrabbia and has the ability to responce and With the growing populations in Tripoli, high-rise buildings are adjust according to the sun movement to minimize undesirable becoming an important part of the city life. However, the new high- environmental impacts. A new Parametric Design method in rise buildings should accommodate the local style of life. Building Information Modeling (BIMPD) and computational

simulation is used in this design.

4

Part One Topic Research

5 1.1 Introduction (theoretical Context) Western model of the air-conditioned, rectilinear glass box. This pattern of gleaming glass skyscrapers springing up in the tropics, Recent years have seen an unprecedented growth in the deserts and other extreme climates has led many to denounce the construction of tall buildings, with more, and taller, skyscrapers tall building as inherently anti-environmental. In short, these tall being constructed than at any other time in history. Certainly on an buildings are contributing to the degradation of both global (climate international scale, the past several years have been the most change) and local (cultural) environments. active and dynamic in the history of tall buildings.1 However, too It does not, however, have to be this way. Tall buildings many tall buildings continue to be designed in one of two have the opportunity to reinvent themselves as a typology for a inadequate ways: either as vertical extrusions of an efficient floor sustainable urban future – featured centres of life, work and play plan, or as iconic pieces of high-rise urban ‘sculpture’. In both with innovative functions, technologies and environments to face cases the only relationship with the urban setting is a visual one, the challenges of the future climate-changed world. This new with the tall building usually dominating. This has led to the typology needs to be inspired not only by environmental issues, but syndrome of tall buildings as ‘isolationist’ architecture – stand- also by the cultural and vernacular traditions of the location they alone, non-site specific models that are readily transportable are placed in. This is especially important in maintaining the cultural around the cities of the world. integrity and continuity of any urban domain, but especially in In particular, cities in developing countries seem to ignore developing countries where the embrace of Western models is both the local climate, culture and context and instead simply ‘import’ the enthusiastic and rapid. In short, tall buildings need to be inspired by

1 Anya Kaplan-Seem, As Economy Sank, Skyscrapers Soared Ever Higher place – both culturally and environmentally. This thesis seeks to http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/090407skyscrapers.asp

6 explore an alternative design approach for tall building to create outskirt of Tripoli, despite the fact that they still need to return to high-rise building that embrace its location and is inspired by the the inner of the city for their daily work. climatic, cultural and contextual aspects of place. “Tripoli's population of 1.6 million is growing by 1.2 Arguable Position approximately 2.2% per annum but the city is a little struggling to

handle such growth. The rapid growth of the city requires a new During the last couple of decades, Tripoli, like any other approach to its urban structure, the layout and organisation of major city has grown exponentially. Nowadays it requires housing, employment location and eventually traffic management." thousands of new homes per year; a situation that has created a lot 2 (said CBRE report) of controversy as urban planners propose skyscrapers and

Tripolians drastically refuse to change their beloved city. Tripoli is a With the growing populations in Tripoli, high-rise buildings city of low buildings that recognizes street life and human scale as are becoming an important part of the city life. However, the new one of its most important aspects. The few high-rise buildings high-rise buildings should accommodate the local style of life. This located in the city’s downtown have been criticized and almost no thesis investigates how the use of new materials, technologies, and one believes that skyscrapers could be the solution to their housing the digital revolution can express the local culture and make a problem. The modern recently-built multiple story apartment blocks building harmonizes with its surrounding environment to take the that do not accommodate privacy or access to nature have full advantage of the available natural resources and provide an compelled many people to seek their unique style of life at the

2 CB Richard Ellis’(CBRE) Report on the Libyan real estate market July, 2010, http://www.libyaonline.com/news/details.php?id=13972, accessed on November 20, 2010.

7 acceptable climate for its occupants. This thesis explores what role living that reflects the area’s cultural roots. In this design, the focus traditional Islamic architecture can play in digital architectural will be on the skin of the tower, which will introduce a kinetic facade design of a tall building and discusses how solar control and natural that minimizes undesirable environmental impacts by integrating ventilation systems can be integrated into kinetic facade systems to solar control, daylight and natural ventilation systems, and minimise the environmental impacts. Sun shading should be encompassing a wide range of strategies resulting in an energy considered as an integral part of fenestration system design that is efficient building design. Such facade systems minimize adapted into the facade design.The product of this thesis is a overheating and excessive solar gain during summer and hot mixed-use skyscraper in Tripoli city, Libya, representing the Islamic seasons. culture and coping with the region hot climate. 1.4 Design Strategy:

1.3 Design Objective This project proposes a possible solution by creating a

community-like skyscraper that takes Tripoli’s street life to the sky. The objective of this project is to design a self-reliant This community offers residents the opportunity to live according to building that appropriately respects and recognizes its surrounding their traditional life style which incorporates an Islamically- site while subtly reflecting Islamic culture. The main aim of this acceptable level of privacy and desired access to nature. The design is to create an innovative and next generation sustainable design will be generated and moulded by the surrounding tower designed specifically for Tripoli city by taking advantage of environment, and some of the parameters that will be employed in cutting-edge technologies while respecting the traditional way of distinguishing the building are natural lighting, shade and stable

8 conditions in the harsh climate through the design of a dynamic designed according to green building techniques, and aims for skin that has the ability to adapt, mutate and adjust according to the urban sustainability. local climate. The approach of this design is to develop a bio- 1.5 The Expected Outcome inspired kinetic envelope system which has the interactive access to the surrounding environment like solar radiation, daylight, etc. A As the first green skyscraper in the city, the project will play new Parametric Design method in Building Information Modeling a crucial and irreplaceable role in improving the Libyan way of life

(BIMPD) and computational simulation will be used in this design. by redefining what we understand as a skyscraper and initiating new architectural knowledge incorporating a sense of economic, The design of this skin will be inspired by the traditional environmental and cultural responsibility. Islamic architectural element Mashrabbia (a wooden screen with The project also will enhance the local neighborhood by different patterns used to provide privacy and allow air movement), adding additional living space with other commercial and cultural and will almost play the same role of Mashrabbia in providing facilities. shade, privacy, and a more comfortable internal environment. It will At the same time, the project will propose a possible also incorporate a photovoltaic panel system in the Mashrabbia to solution for coping with hot- climate architecture utilizing advanced provide energy self-sufficiency. building technologies with vernacular architectural elements. The

resulting system will intelligently provide thermal comfort, natural The project will be a mixed-use development with housing, energy and reduce energy usage of HVAC system according to suq (shopping center), public library, gym, parks, a madrassa outdoor climate condition, which creates an “Acclimated Building”. (education center) and even a primary health center. It will be

9 The expected long term achievement of this project is an innovative high-rise buildings also require the application of new technologies design approach integrating BIMPD and biomimicry for thermal and expertise in every aspect of the design and construction, and comfort and developing building energy efficiency. require a thorough understanding of the life style and culture of the

region in which they are to be located. 1.6 Active Research and Relevant Resources 1.6.1 Environmental effect on Islamic culture and its

relation to architecture 1.6.1 The Islamic cultural response to high-rise buildings The heritage of the traditional Arabic architecture has The brilliant Egyptian architect, Hassan Fathy had explained influenced and developed in response to three main factors: the very perfectly “Old Islamic houses have filigreed windows and region’s hot and humid climate, social and religious aspects, and central courts, for example, to admit light without glare, coolness local availability of building materials. In general, its main features without air conditioning. The same principles could easily be are simplicity, functionality, durability and suitability for climatic incorporated even into high-rise buildings” (CNN, 1974). environments and social life.3 For generations, Islamic culture has exhibited various fundamental principles of sustainable ways of living. It is the In response to the hot and humid climate, four architectural intention of this design to revive and utilize these fundamental elements are visible. First, buildings were constructed close to each principles into the modern design of a contemporary multi-story, other. This type of high-density structure created narrow alleys, mixed-use tower in Tripoli city. However, the idea of high-rise which were shaded for most of the day. The narrowness of the buildings brings a new scale into Islamic architecture. Moreover,

3 Robert Hillenbrand , Islamic Architecture: form, function, and meaning, 1994.

10 alleys caused the wind to increase in velocity as it breezed through, lowering the temperature in the thermally massive courtyard walls creating a comfortable pedestrian zone (Fig 1.1). and floor. These elements hold the coolness throughout the hot

day, which represent natural and environmental sustainability (Fig.

1.3).4

Courtyards could be included in a single house or multiple

houses could share the same open space to take advantage of

protected outdoor space. Courtyards may be of different sizes and

accommodate multiple functions. In addition to providing privacy

and stable conditions in the harsh climate, they may function as a

Fig. 1.1: The old city of Tripoli, Libya central hall to connect the different rooms of a single house, a

The second element is the courtyard house, in which most space where extended family, neighbors or guests, gather, of the rooms, which may have shaded verandas, face inward providing a ‘main street for a neighborhood, gathering or common toward the courtyard, which was in the center of the house (see Fig space for families.5

1.2). The existence of the courtyard generates wind movement In these days, although the location of the courtyard is inside the house by allowing hot air to ascend, while cooler air to more likely to be at the edges of the house, it is still one of the replaces it from the surrounding rooms. Such courtyards also major characteristics of the Arab house. reduce cooling loads in the hot climates. At night, cool air comes in 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid.

11

Fig 1.2: Courtyard House

Wooden screens (mashrabbia), were also widely used in

Arab houses. They allow cool breezes to enter through the wooden

Fig 1.3: Mashrabbia lattices, thereby enabling the entry of air currents, which reduce the The effect of religion and social interaction on local temperature; reflected heat, solar radiation, and the intensity of architecture can be observed in two ways. Firstly, the Islamic traffic noise (see Fig 1.3). 6 religious teachings encourage privacy and modesty, and courtyard

houses fulfil this condition by providing an inward-looking house

whose privacy cannot be breached from the street. All the first floor

rooms opened onto the courtyard, while the exterior walls were

mostly solid , apart from some small ventilation openings at a

considerable height, thereby preventing pedestrians from looking

6 Ibid.

12 inside. Mashrabbias were also used in the second floor to provide they still plays the same role of the traditional one, providing shade, privacy by reducing visual glare. A zigzag entrance to the house, privacy, and stable conditions in the harsh climate. where the main gate was faced with a solid wall to provide privacy 1- Tessellate Panels at Simons Center for Geometry &

The term “muhalla,” meaning neighborhood or locality is Physics also very important in Islamic architecture. Each neighborhood has State University of New York at Stony Brook , Long Island, NY, its own character, often marked by a gate. Within the demarcated 2010 area, various sorts of buildings such as a mosque, hamam, and Project team: Architect: Perkins Eastman shops of various kinds to meet most of the residents’ needs would

7 Fabricator: A. Zahner Co. be found. Adaptive Building Initiative created a dynamic installation for 1.6.2 Case studies: the Stony Brook Foundation’s new Center for Geometry and - Modern adaptation of the traditional Mashrabbia for Physics. privacy and solar protection. The installation serves both as the building's artistic Here, some examples of modern building’s components centerpiece and as a functional piece of shading seamlessly design that brings back the concept of Islamic and Middle Eastern integrated within its south-facing glass façade. To achieve the mashrabbia presented in the terms of modern technology. Although requirements of the building program, ABI installed a floor-to-ceiling the modern mashrabbias work in different manner, nevertheless composition of Tessellate panels, each with a geometric pattern—

7 Ibid. mirroring the research focus of the building’s resident scientists and

13 mathematicians. As these patterns align and diverge, the visual effect is of sparse geometric patterns—hexagons, circles, squares, and triangles—that blossom into an opaque mesh (see fig 1.4). The result is a kinetic surface that spans 122 square meters and imbues the building with the functional capacity to dynamically change its opacity.8

Fig 1.4: Geometric Patterns of Tessellate Panels Fig 1.4: Geometric Patterns of Tessellate Panels

8 Adaptive Building Initiative, http://www.adaptivebuildings.com/simons-center.html, accessed on Nov 12, 1010.

14 Tessellate is controlled using location-based sensory data Foster + Partners has designed two distinctly circular buildings, to respond to light and weather conditions and fully integrates into Tribunal Superior de Justicia (High Court) see fig 1.5, and the building management system. For instance, when high levels of Audiencia Provincial (Appeals Court). direct light are detected, the metal panels diverge, and their patterns completely overlap, blocking the sun’s rays. The sensors are programmed in a variety of ways to maximize energy efficiency and savings.9

Façade:

Adaptive Shading Coverage: 124 sq. m.

Materials: Waterjet-cut steinless steel, glass

Dimensions: 5.6m Wide x 6.7m Tall

2- Strata System at City of Justice (AP + TSJ) Fig 1.5: Interior rendering of the Court yeard by Foster+ Partners

Both buildings were designed to minimize unwanted solar gain, Architect: Foster + Partners while allowing natural daylight inside. As a key part of this Ciudad de Justicia, Madrid, Spain, 2006-2011, Strata environmental strategy, ABI systems were used to develop a The new Campus of Justice in Madrid is the largest single customized shading scheme. Each building will use ABI's Strata site dedicated to law courts in Europe. Following the master plan, system; when extended, the system will cover the triangulated roof

9 Ibid.

15 grid. When retracted, their profile will 'disappear' into the structural - 7,000 sq. feet of shading area - System Geometry: Parallelogram profile of the roof (see figs 1.6, 1.7). - Number of operable units: 115 During the day, the primary function of the system will be - Materials: Aluminum, Steel sun shading. A custom algorithm combining historic solar gain data - Control System: Each unit driven by a servo motor with custom array control with real-time light-level sensing will control the shading units.10

Fig 1.7: Detail of ABI's Strata System

3- Perme System at Aldar Central Market, Central Market , Abu

Dhabi, UAE , 2006-2010.

Fig 1.6: ABI's Strata System

AP: Architect: Foster + Partners - 20,000 sq. feet of shading area - System Geometry: Hexagonal Abu Dhabi's historic Central Market has been transformed - Number of operable units: 257 into a dynamic new quarter with markets, shops, offices, TSJ: apartments and hotels. One of the oldest sites in the city, Central 10 Ibid.

16 Market is a reinterpretation of the traditional marketplace and a new - Ventilation and airflow control - Dust and debris protection civic heart for Abu Dhabi. The project comprises a combination of - Reduced solar gain and glare lower-rise, ecologically sensitive levels of retail roof gardens - Shading control forming a new public park—and three towers. - Privacy control

Using the Adaptive Building Initiative's Perme system,

Hoberman Associates developed several exterior shading roofs in three public squares within the retail complex. The kinetic design works off an operable grid. In its covered configuration, the shading roof resembles a traditional coffered Islamic roof. When retracted, the roof becomes a slender lattice that complements the Foster

11 team's designs for fixed shading (see fig 1.8).

- Adaptive Shading Coverage: 3,000 sq. ft. - Number of operable units: 8 - Materials: Aluminum, Steel - Control System: Each unit driven by a servo motor with custom array control

Adaptively Benefits

11 Ibid.

17 Total ground floor area: Over 32,000sq m

Area of Curtain Wall: 67,500m2

Curtain Wall System: Unitized and Stick Curtain Wall

Fig 1.8: Perme System at Aldar Central Market

The following case studies were selected as examples of

skyscrapers whose architects attempted to mediate between the

modern building typology and the local identity.

4- Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters Towers Fig 1.9: Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters Towers Architects: Aedas+Arup architects CONCEPT: The design of the towers considers both traditional Height: 476 ft (145m), Client: Abu Dhabi Investment Council Islamic architecture as well as sustainability. It includes and utilises Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) sustainable techniques, including a state-of-the-art computer Site area: 11,500sq m operated shading system. The designers have also striven to fuse Number of floors: 29 floors Islamic architecture with the modern design, basing the entire

18 structure of the building on a mixture of two-dimensional circles and Use: Commercial office use, as well as facilities for a full-service three dimensional spheres. The entire structure is designed to restaurant, café, a fully configured auditorium for up to 150 people, reflect a single geometric theme. "Our concept for the Abu Dhabi a multi-use conference space, and prayer rooms for the building’s

Investment Council headquarters was generated from a estimated 2,000 office workers.13 mathematically pre-rationalised form which was in turn derived from

Islamic principles,” said Aedas deputy chairman Peter Oborn. “It’s a thoroughly modern building rooted in tradition.”12(see Fig. 1.10)

Fig 1.11: Investment-Council-Headquarters-Towers-Ground-Design

Fig 1.10, Investment-Council-Headquarters-Towers-Concept-Design

12 Wordpress Theme, Architecture View , http://www.architecture- view.com/2010/10/24/gorgeous-investment-council-headquarters-towers-for-abu-dhabi/, 13 accessed: Nov 20, 2010. Ibid.

19 DETAILS by an estimated 20%, and provide 80% to 90% of the shading on

the building.14

The mashrabiya is made of a translucent fabric mesh

(PFTE), providing occupants closed. The honeycomb design is not

only practical in terms of shading, but is also very resilient and

difficult to damage.15

These sustainable initiatives will lead to an estimated 20%

reduction in electricity consumption, due to a reduced in the need Fig 1.13: Façade Layers for air conditioning and lighting, a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions Both towers are covered from top to bottom with a dynamic and a 15% in cooling plant capital cost.16 ‘mashrabbia’ screen, which opens and closes in response to the position of the sun (see Fig. 1.9). The mashrabbia comprises over

1,000 translucent moving elements on each tower and is controlled

by specially designed computer software. It will reduce solar gain

14 Ibid. 15 Ibid. 16 Bridgette Meinhold, Inhabitat, Solar-Powered Crystalline Towers Unveiled for Abu Dhabi, http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-crystalline-towers-unveiled-for-abu-dhabi/abu- dhabi-investment-council-headquarters-towers-13/?extend=1, accessed: Nov 20,2010.

20

Part Two Context Analysis

21 2.1 Digital Context: why many design standards and handbooks are used for

2.1.1 Introduction recommending building orientation, materials and other design

How to make buildings acclimate to the climate has been strategies for reducing the energy usages of HVAC systems. Since the challenge of architecture for Thermal comfort. Reducing the this thesis suggests design of a bio-inspired dynamic envelope outdoor high temperature differences is still the significance of system responding to solar radiation and local climate conditions, building energy efficiency. In particular, there are many locations and in order to explore the envelope system, this research reviews with great daily or seasonal variation in climatic temperature. The important literatures related to biomimetic design in architecture temperature can swing around 40 C° degrees from winter to and kinetic/interactive building envelope applications. summer and around 10 C° degrees from night to day17. Currently, 2.1.2 Kinetic Envelope Systems the common strategies for addressing this wide temperature range The optical and thermophysical properties of building of climate are the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning) envelopes are one of the most important design parameters

18 systems. Much energy of HVAC system is needed in these affecting indoor thermal comfort and energy conservation . locations for indoor thermal comfort. There are lots of studies Regarding the interactive or kinetic envelope, it belongs to the focusing on the high-tech or high-efficient HVAC system to save issue of kinetic architecture that initially was first demonstrated by energy. However, we believe the fundamental point is the building the literature “Kinetic Architecture” wrote by William Zuk and Roger design rather than external treatment like the HAVC system. That is H. Clark in 1970. It shows a systematic knowledge about kinetic

18 17 Gul Koc¸ Zerrin Yilmaz, “Building form for cold climatic zones related to building Z. Xie, H.-X. Cao, “Asymmetric Changes in Maximum and Minimum Temperature in envelope from heating energy conservation point of view,” Energy and Buildings, Beijing”, Theor. Appl. Climatol. 1996, vol. 55, pp. 151-156 2003, vol. 35, pp. 383–388.

22 architecture, also proposed a combination between natural incident sunlight according to the outside daylight illumination organisms and buildings19. Building envelopes tend to be smarter conditions. In the result, the indoor lighting environment will be with more moving parts, and the main trend driven by kinetic balanced and save the electrical lighting energy. envelopes is sustainability and indoor comfort20. Also, some practices and research consistently justify that interactive envelopes can offer promising energy savings and indoor comfort

21 22 23.

There are many examples among which the following ones are worth mentioning. Consider, for instance, eye adaptation that the Fig 2.1: The kinetic façade of Arab World Institute, Paris pupil controlling the amount of light entering the eyes 24. This was Another example involves automated shades which have the contributed to design camera shutters and then inspired an attributes of highly transparent and relatively unarticulated building interesting façade of Jean Nouvel’s design, Arab World Institute in enclosures. At Arizona State University's Bio-design Institute in Paris (Fig.2.1). The kinetic envelopes will control the amount of Tempe (Fig 2.2), researchers used interior aluminum louvers 19 William Zuk, Roger H. Clark, Kinetic Architecture. New York: 1970 20 Sullivan, C. C., “Robot Buildings. Pursuing the Interactive Envelope,” Architectural controlled continuously by photocells and sun-tracking embedded Record, 0003858X, 194: Issue 4 21 Thanos Tzempelikos, “Integration of Dynamic Facades with other Building computation instead of the large expanse of window walls at Gould Systems,” Automated Buildings Magazine, 2007, May. 22 Sullivan, C. C. Evans and Lord Aeck Sargent Architecture. A manual override 23 Thanos Tzempelikos 24 Carlos Ernesto Ochoa, Isaac Guedi Capeluto, “Strategic decisionmaking for intelligent buildings: Comparative impact of passive design strategies and active features in a hot climate,” Building and Environment, 2008, pp.1829–1839.

23 accessible through occupants' computers allows personal extremely good daylight to the office floors through shading adjustments to be made25. systems and much reduce the need for electrical lighting.

Fig 2.2: Arizona State University's Bio-design Institute in Tempe

In addition, the envelope systems of the Gemeinnützige

Siedlungsund Wohnungsbaugesellschaft (GSW) headquarters building(Fig. 2.3), designed by Sauerbruch & Hutton Architects, demonstrate the views that the envelopes of buildings may like the Fig 2.3: (GSW) headquarters building skins of living organisms to breathe, change form, and adapt to Current intelligent kinetic systems arise from the variations in climate26. Its kinetic envelop systems offer the isomorphic convergence of three key elements: mechanical naturally ventilation for 70 percent of the year, and provide engineering, embedded computation and responsive architecture.

25 Based on morphology and biology about tissue systems which Sullivan, C. C. 26 Michael Wiggington, Jude Harris, “Breathing in Berlin,” Architecture Week 2003, 0903, pp. E1.1. include three basic types- nervous tissue, connective tissue and

24 skin tissue, at the architectural counterpoints, the interactive/kinetic 2.1.3 Parametric Design of BIM (BIMPD) envelope systems can be also arose from the isomorphic Most issues related to parametric design is for exploring, convergence of three key elements: sensor / monitor systems, representing or optimizing geometric shapes rather than capturing embedded computation and kinetic components. Sensor/monitor and describing real architectural needs related to environments or systems like the biological nervous tissue are to sense and record occupants 28 29 30. However, the term “BIMPD” is a new and indoor air condition parameters involving pollutants, air flow rate different area and includes 3D knowledge-rich parametric modeling and etc. Next embedded computation deemed as connective tissue information from geometry to shape, from materials to analyzes the data received from the sensor/monitor systems constructions and from occupancy activities to environmental through embedded programs given by designers or users, and in conditions. Lee and Sacks 31 extended BIM to domain knowledge turn the kinetic components related to the skin tissue can adjust and explored the ability of an object in BIM to respond to internal or their configurations, shaping or composing according to the external stimuli (i.e., change its form in response to changes in its commands from embedded computation. Multiple building tissues context) through complex constrains defined by users or of envelopes are grouped together and carry out a specific environmental conditions. On the other hand, BIM can utilize acclimated function for outside and inside air condition signals, and external software to access necessary parameters for building then form an integral kinetic system, which can be deemed as an 28 Ibid. 29 interactive/kinetic building organ27. B. Bruderlin, D. Roller (Eds.), Geometric Constraint Solving and Applications, Springer, Berlin, Germany:1998. 30 J.Y. Lee, K. Kim, “Geometric reasoning for knowledge-based parametric design using graph representation,” Computer-Aided Design, 1996, vol. 28, pp. 831– 841. 31 Ghang Lee a, et al, “Specifying parametric building object behaviour (BOB) for a 27 Bettig B., J. Shah, “Derivation of a standard set of geometric constraints for parametric modeling building information modeling system,” Automation in Construction, 2006, vol.15, pp. 758 – and data exchange,” Computer-Aided Design, 2001, vol.33, pp.17–336. 776.

25 energy performance analysis. Schlueter & Thesseling 32 developed 2.1.4 Design parameters for kinetic skins a prototypical tool DPV integrated into a BIM authoring tool According to Rickey and Dorin in indicating where

(Autodesk Revit) enabling the instantaneous energy simulation and design decisions of kinetic skins occur and the range of parameters the visual representation of outputs. that may require consideration. This preliminary outline is intended

The BIM-based design with parametric methods presents the to identify the general range of factors to be considered, rather than possibility of kinetic building configuration for indoor thermal the prescription for any particular design approach. A flaw of all comfort according to constraints like the relation between solar generalist models is that the specificity of each project makes some radiation and changes of multilayer envelopes. These aspects redundant. However, as a means to articulate the configurational changes will be driven by the biologic conceptual ontological shift that occurs when considering kinetic process as an manipulation of spatial/configurational, physical/behavioral and outcome rather than a design aid, the scope of decisions occur material/constructional aspects of design. Also, this process allows around three interconnected groups of parameters. As the diagram discussions of design ideas and analytical tests combined with below suggests these are: existing computational techniques like EnergyPlus at multiple 1- Choice of input or sampling; points during the design process. The BIMPD method ultimately 2- The manner in which these samples are processed by results in an iterative design process supporting kinetic the control system; conceptualization, materialization, and construction information.

32 Arno Schlueter, Frank Thesseling, “Building information model based energy/exergy performance assessment in early design stages,” Automation in Construction, 2009, vol.18, pp.153–163.

26 3- The tectonic or constructional logic and appearance of tradition as a form of public art and there exists an opportunity to the skin33. sample a range of cultural inputs as well as environmental stimuli.

Environmental input would necessarily be related to the local, while

cultural input could sample both the global and the local. The

design of the input mechanism will obviously be dependent on

application, but considering this in terms of a full set of possibilities

makes explicit that this is a design parameter and specification

excludes or includes opportunities34.

Fig 2.4: Design parameters for kinetic skins On control:

On sampling: If there is some form of mediation between input and

What data will constitute the physical and what Anders resultant affect, how might this meet aesthetic as well as has termed ‘virtual space events’ of the interactive skin and how performative criteria? There may be an opportunity for auto-poesies will these be captured or sampled? A range of physical sensors are in which the aesthetic is to a degree, emergent. Alternatively the available, tuned to environmental data, physical movement or personal aesthetic of the designer may be embedded in a similar requiring direct interaction. These can be complimented by data manner to, for example, such proportional systems as used by networks that allow access to remote data. Architecture has a long Palladio or Le Corbusier. Thus the control system would be located

within the spectrum of top-down, in which particular criteria are 33 JULES MOLONEY, BUIILDING SKINS AS KINETIC PROCESS, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. 34 Ibid.

27 ‘directed’ and bottom-up approaches where parameters are set for the evolution of behaviour35.

On tectonics:

What technology is available to implement an interactive skin? Typically, composition in architectural design is based on a tectonic approach in which the aesthetic is largely based on fabrication methods, articulation of joints, and materials. As evidenced by the Arab Institute façade by Jean Nouvel, this attitude to engendering aesthetics can be extended to environmental

control systems. Similarly the example of the BIX electronic skin by Fig 2.6: The BIX electronic skin by Peter Cook

Peter Cook et al indicates the tectonic design of electronic displays The interactive skin can be manifest in either physical or can in itself be important (Fig 2.6). electronic form and both require detailed design in terms of their

physical appearance as well as their performance. We can make a

broad distinction between passive systems with minimal

‘mechanics’ such as the wind walls of artist Ned Kahn (Fig 2.5-E)

and more complex mechanical systems such as the Agesis

Hyposurface (Fig 2.5-F).

35 Ibid.

28 In order to evaluate and develop this conceptual model for

the design of kinetic skins, the next stage will be to undertake a

taxonomy of available technology using the ‘sampling / control /

tectonic’ categories. It is anticipated this will produce a useful

design resource, but also act as a research methodology, flushing

out gaps for the development of new design approaches and

technology36.

2.2 Social and Cultural Context of Skyscrapers

2.2.1 History and Technology

The term "skyscraper" was first used during the 1880s,

shortly after the first 10 to 20 story buildings were built in the United

States. Combining several innovations: steel structure, elevators,

central heating, electrical plumbing pumps and the telephone, Fig 2.5: A/B-sampling data from sensors and information portals; C/D-visual programming

interface controlling prototype facade (Janssen and Kramer); E-tectonic wind wall (Ned skyscrapers came to dominate American skylines at the turn of the

Kahn); F- agesis hyposurface (Gaulthorpe et al) century37.

36 Ibid. 37 Dirk Stichweh, New York Skyscrapers, Prestel: Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 2009

29 An early development was Oriel Chambers in Liverpool.

Designed by local architect Peter Ellis in 1864, the building was the world's first iron-framed, glass curtain-walled office building. It was only 5 floors high as the elevator had not been invented. Further developments led to the world's first skyscraper, the ten-storey

Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1884–1885. The architect, Major William Le Baron Jenney, created a load-bearing structural frame. In this building, a steel frame supported the entire weight of the walls, instead of load-bearing walls carrying the weight of the building. This development led to the "Chicago skeleton" form of construction38. fig 2.7: Sullivan's Wainwright Building Most early skyscrapers emerged in the land-strapped areas Sullivan's Wainwright Building in St. Louis, 1891, was the of Chicago, London, and New York toward the end of the 19th first steel-framed building with soaring vertical bands to emphasize century. Height limits and fire restrictions were later introduced. the height of the building , and is, therefore, considered by some to London builders soon found building heights limited due to a be the first true skyscraper39 (Fig 2.7). complaint from Queen Victoria, rules that continued to exist with

few exceptions until the 1950s. Concerns about aesthetics and fire

38 Ibid safety had likewise hampered the development of skyscrapers 39 Ibid

30 across continental Europe for the first half of the twentieth century

(with the notable exceptions of the 26-storey Boerentoren in

Antwerp, Belgium, built in 1932, and the 31-storey Torre Piacentini in Genoa, Italy, built in 1940). New York City developers competed among themselves, with successively taller buildings claiming the title of "world's tallest" in the 1920s and early 1930s, culminating with the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930 and the Empire

State Building in 1931, the world's tallest building for forty years.

The first completed World Trade Center tower became the world's tallest building in 1972 for two years. That changed with the Fig 2.8: Sears Tower completion of the Sears Tower (later renamed the Willis Tower) in From the 1930s onwards, skyscrapers also began to appear Chicago in 1974(Fig. 2.8), which became the world's tallest building in Latin America and in Asia. Immediately after World War II, the for several decades40. Soviet Union planned eight massive skyscrapers dubbed "Stalin

Towers" for Moscow; seven of these were eventually built. The rest

of Europe also slowly began to permit skyscrapers, starting with

Madrid, in Spain, during the 1950s. Finally, skyscrapers also began

to be constructed in cities of Africa, the Middle East and Oceania

40 Ibid (mainly Australia) from the late 1950s.

31 In the early 1960s structural engineer Fazlur Khan realized London in the United Kingdom, Shanghai in China, Dubai in the that the rigid steel frame structure that had "dominated tall building United Arab Emirates which now the location of the tallest building design and construction so long was not the only system fitting for in the world, Burj Dubai, about 2000 ft.42 (Fig. 2.9). tall buildings", marking "the beginning of a new era of skyscraper revolution in terms of multiple structural systems." His central innovation in skyscraper design and construction was the idea of the "tube" structural system, including the "framed tube", "trussed tube", and "bundled tube". These systems allowed far greater economic efficiency, and also allowed efficient skyscrapers to take on various shapes, no longer needing to be box-shaped. Over the next fifteen years, many towers were built by Khan and the

"Second Chicago School", including the massive 442-meter (1,451-

41 foot) Willis Tower. Fig 2.9: Lift: Taipei 101 tower, right: Burg Dubai A landmark skyscraper can inspire a boom of new high-rise The 21st century is now bringing together, new elements: projects in its city, as Taipei 101 has done in Taipei since its smart skin, responsive materials, parametric design in curtain wall opening in 2004 (Fig. 2.9). Large cities currently experiencing technology, customization and digital fabrication. Tall buildings will skyscraper building booms include Miami in the United States,

41 42 Ibid Ibid

32 use “smart skins” that will respond to changes, environmental and environmental concerns have expanded beyond the issue of the emotional. Smarter programmable elevators will distribute traffic consumption of non-renewable energy sources. Sustainability more efficiently vertically and travellators will do the same essentially aims for ecological balance45. horizontally, between the lobbies of clustered skyscrapers43. High Performance Tall Building:

2.2.2 Sustainable Skyscrapers Environmental awareness extends to both the urban

In 1983, the UN established the World Commission on environment and the context in which a tall building is placed as

Environment and Development in an attempt to resolve the well as its interior environment. The issues of outdoor microclimate conflicts arising out of the aspirations of the developed and and indoor air quality as well as the potential toxicity of materials developing worlds. In 1989 they published “Our Common Future” or and chemicals used in building components, systems, and the Brundtland Report44, which launched the concept of furnishings are also of concern to the building users. In a broad

“sustainable development” and was reinforced in 1992 at Earth sense the term “green” is often used for a sustainable, which

Summit in Rio. It called for “Development which meets the needs of essentially describes design, construction and maintenance the present generation without compromising the ability of future practices that minimize or eliminate the negative impact of a generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable architecture is building on the environment and on the users. Tall buildings are environmentally conscious, energy-saving, and utilizes responsive massive consumers of energy. They are the dominant elements in and renewable materials and systems. Ecological and urban architecture due to their scale and purpose, and should be

43 Ibid 44 45 Wced, Our Common Future. World Commission on Environment and Development, NewmanMAN, P. Sustainability and Cities: The Role of Tall Buildings in the New Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. WILLIAMSON, T., RADFORD. A., and BENNETTS, Global Agenda. Proceedings of the CTBUH Sixth World Congress, Melbourne, Australia, H., (2003). 2001, pp. 76-109.

33 the focus of sustainable design. A high performance tall building is Maximum advantage can be taken of daylight by shaping the plan one that achieves the peak efficiency of building functions while arrangement of a building to suit the activities within. The fabric of meeting the requirements of optimum performance employing the façade and the area assigned to windows is of ultimate concern green technologies. Some overall benefits of high performance in gathering sunlight. The form and the orientation of the building in design are: energy efficiency, design flexibility, resource relation to the seasonal paths of the sun across the sky has a conservation, indoor environmental quality, etc.46. significant impact on the thermal value and performance48.

Design Factors Structure and Material Preferences: There is a relationship that

The principal design factors that are crucial for achieving a needs to be investigated in each building—particularly tall building high performance tall building are site context, environment, in which the structural framework is enormous. For example, the structure and use of materials, energy consumption, use of water, core provides structural stability and its positioning is important for ecological balance, community development, etc. and the design sustainability49. To capture cold night air in desert-like climate and factors assume different forms, such as conceptual, schematic, harvesting it as cooling energy during occupied hours, a massive physical, economic, environmental, and socio-cultural47. concrete structure can be employed. Also, a steel framed structure

Strategies for Achieving Sustainability in High Rise Buildings can be made of recycled content. Steel and reinforced concrete

The following are a few strategies that can be adopted to buildings are typically the materials of choice. accomplish sustainable tall buildings. Passive Solar Gain: 48 Deshmukh, N., Energy Conservation of Moderately Tall Office Buildings, Master’s Thesis, School of Architecture. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 46 DONALDSON, B. and LIPPE, P. Process and Integration, Lessons Learned: High 1992. 49 Performance Buildings. The Durst Organization. New York, NY, 2000. Beedle, L.S., ALI, M.M., and ARMSTRONG, P.J., The Skyscraper and the City: 47 Mir M. Ali and Paul J. Armstrong, Overview of Sustainable Design Factors in High- Design, Technology, and Innovation. Edwin Mellen Press. Ceredigion, U.K and Lewston, Rise Buildings, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008. NY, 2007.

34 Façade Technology: Daylighting and shading are usually the key can be applied as well to the considerable loads of individual tall aspects to façade design for typical green buildings. The façade buildings or groups of tall buildings where the electricity load and covers over 90 to 95 percent of the external building surface area in annual cooling requirements are similar. A typical distribution of a tall building, that is, the roof area is almost insignificant compared total energy output from a CHP system is shown in Table 151. to façade areas. Thus, the energy gain or loss for a tall building depends very much upon the materiality and technology employed

50 in the façade treatment . Table 1: Energy Output Distribution of CHP System

Combined Heat and Power: A highly efficient technology for Rainwater harvesting collects the rain onto roofs, then stores it in energy saving in densely built-up urban areas is the Combined a tank, intended for eventual use. The recycled water is used for

Heat and Power (CHP) system. CHP is the simultaneous toilets, washing machine and outside tap use. Grey water recycling production of power, heat and, occasionally, chilled water for air- is another process in which water from bath, shower, and hand conditioning, and is also known as co- or tri-generation. CHP wash basin is reused. This “grey water” is more suited to residential avoids transmission losses as electricity is generated close to the tall buildings in which sufficient amounts are generated regularly for

52 point of use.The result of using CHP systems is a cost saving and reuse in toilets, washing machines and outside tap . reduction of CO2 emissions of over 30 percent with respect to generation from coal-fired power stations and over 10 percent with respect to gas fired combined cycle gas turbines. CHP technology 51 Smith, P. P. (2007). Sustainability at the Cutting Edge: Emerging Techniques for Low Energy Buildings. Elsevier. London, New York et. al 50 52 Ibid Ibid

35 Building Management Systems building complexes or for a number of similar buildings in outlying

53 Innovative building technologies such as computer-based areas . smart or intelligent building systems can play a major role in Case Studies managing the energy usage. The increasing reliance on computer A new generation of sustainable tall buildings is technology and automated systems can be directed toward challenging conventional high-rise building practices and setting achieving a sustainable functioning of skyscrapers. The Building trends for future projects incorporating innovations in materials and

Management System (BMS) is a centralized control system to intelligent building systems. Menara Mesiniaga: Ken Yeang and T. manage the operations of the various building systems such as fire R. Hamzah were among the first architects to apply ecological protection, security, communication networks, elevators, HVAC principles to their “bioclimatic skyscrapers.” The Menara Mesiniaga systems, etc. The environmental data collection and control system in Subang, Malaysia (Fig. 2.10), designed in 1992, presents an is usually incorporated within the BMS which can also be used to early model building for the physical translation of ecological control more passive features like opening windows and shading principles into high-rise architecture54. devices. The component of the BMS that deals with energy-related services is controlled by the Building Energy Management System

(BEMS), also known as the Energy Management and Control

System (EMCS), which may in some circumstances function autonomously. The control system need not to be located on-site 53 Ibid and the supervision of the system can be centrally for multiple 54 Abel, C. Sky High: Vertical Architecture. Royal Academy ofArts. London, 2003.

36 suspended aluminum sunscreens on the south facade ward off the

direct rays of the noon and afternoon sun into the interior55.

Swiss Reinsurance Headquarters: Foster and Partners

developed new technological, urban planning, and ecological

design concepts in the Swiss Reinsurance Headquarters building

(see Figure 3) constructed in 2004 in London. The steel spiral

“diagrid” structure creates an aerodynamic form that provides the Figure 2.10: Menara Mesiniaga, Kuala Lumpur, 1992, T. R. Hamzah & Yeang. lowest resistance to wind and diminishes demands on the load-

The fifteen-story tower expresses its technological innovations on bearing structure, as well as the danger of strong downward winds its exterior and uses as little energy as possible in the production in the area around the building. The net-like steel construction of and running of the building. Instead of a continuous facade, the the load-bearing structure lies directly behind the glass façade and building open and closes in sections arranged in stages around the allows support-free spaces right up to the core. The most tower. It has an exterior load-bearing structure of steel with innovative element in the inner structure is the inclusion of aluminium and glass, and a crowning superstructure for the roof, triangular light shafts behind the facade, which spiral upwards over planned as a future support for solar cells. The interior and exterior the whole height of the building. These light and air shafts are structure of the tower is planned around climatic considerations and interrupted every six stories by an intermediate floor, to minimize its orientation toward the daily path of the sun. Deep incisions and the development of drafts and noise.

55 Ibid

37 The slimming of the building’s profile at its base reduces

reflections, improves transparency, and increase daylight

penetration at ground level. The aerodynamic form of the tower

encourages wind to flow around its face, minimizing wind loads on

the structure and cladding, and enables the use of a more efficient

structure. Natural air movement around the building generates

natural ventilation within the building56.

The Solaire: Located at Battery Park in New York City, the Solaire

(see Figure 5) is the first residential high-rise building in the U.S. to

integrate green features in a comprehensive way (Carey, 2006). It

is a 27-story, 293-unit luxury apartment building located on the

Hudson River developed by the Albanese Organization and

designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates. Its sustainable features

include PV panels incorporated into the building’s facade, a planted

roof garden, and fully operational blackwater treatment system. It is

based on guidelines developed by the Battery Park City Authority,

which address five areas of concern: 1) Enhanced indoor air Figure 2.11: Swiss Reinsurance Headquarters, London, U.K., 2004, Fosterand Partners. 56 Foster, N. Modeling the Swiss Re Tower, Architecture Week, www.architectureweek.com, 2005.

38 quality; 2) Water conservation and purification; 3) Energy efficiency; The Pearl River Tower: The Pearl River Tower (Fig. 2.13) is a

4) Recycling construction waste and the use of recycled building 990-foot (300-meter) tall “net-zero energy” mixed-use building, materials; and 5) Commissioning to ensure building performance57. Guangzhou, China. Designed by Adrian Smith and Skidmore,

Owings & Merrill, it has a curved glass façade that directs air flow

through narrow openings in the facade that drives large, stainless

steel wind turbines to generate electrical energy. The building’s

aerodynamic shape, was developed in collaboration with Rowan

Williams Davis & Irwin, Inc. of Ontario, Canada using the RWDI-

Skin suite of proprietary analysis tools, including its Virtual wind

simulation modeling (RWDI Group, 2007)58.

Figure 2.13: Pearl River Tower, Guangzhou, China, 2010 Figure 2.12 : The Solaire, Battery Park, New York City, 2003 58 Rwdi Group, Promotion brochure, Spring, SLOCOMBE, D.S. , Environmental Planning: 57 Ecosystem Science and Ecosystem Approaches for Integrating Environment and Development. Carey, H. L. The Solaire: Green By Design. Battery Park City Authority, New York, 2006. Environmental Management. 17(3), 2007, pp. 283-303.

39 2.3 Context Analysis of Tripoli City, Libya western cities of the Arab world and between European and African

59 2.3.1 Background cities (see Fig 2.1).

Fig 2.15: Tripoli links between European and African cities Fig. 2.14: Tripoli city’s skyline

Tripoli is the largest and the capital city of Libya, North 2.3.2 Brief History

Africa. It has a good strategic geographical position and a profound Tripoli’s history reflects the history of the country. It has history. Tripoli lies at a latitude of 32◦ 56 north, and a longitude of known ups and downs but its historical architectural monuments 13◦ 10 east and is on the south coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a are a testimony to the great Libyan civilisation. Tripoli was founded central position. It forms a vital link between the eastern and

59 Temehu, Tripoli: The Bride of The Mediterranean, www.temehu.com/Cities_sites/Tripoli.htm

40 by the Phoenicians in the first half of the first millennium B.C. under 2.3.3Economy the name of Oea. Among the Greeks Oea, together with the Tripoli is the country’s principal commercial, industrial, and colonies of Sabratha and Leptis Magna, was called Tripolis (in financial center. It is a port, and it is a highway junction. The city

Greek, “three cities”), a name that was retained for Oea. In 105 has an international airport. About 75 percent of Libya’s industrial

B.C., it was conquered by the Romans. In the fifth century A.D., it enterprises are concentrated in Tripoli. The Libyan economy was conquered by the Vandals, and during the sixth and seventh depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which centuries it was part of the Byzantine Empire. In the seventh contribute about 95% of export earnings, about one-quarter of century it became part of the Arab Caliphate. From 1551 to 1911, GDP, and 60% of public sector wages. Libyan oil and gas licensing

Tripoli was part of the Ottoman Empire. In October 1911, the city rounds continue to draw high international interest; the National Oil was captured by the Italian Army, which remained there until 1943, Company set a goal of nearly doubling oil production to 3 million when British troops took over. Until Libya’s declaration of bbl/day by 201561. independence (1951), Tripoli was one of the centers of the national GDP: $74.72 billion (2010est.) liberation struggle. It was a capital of the Kingdom of Libya from GDP growth rate: 8.5% December 1951 until Sept. 1, 1969, when it became the capital of Industries: petroleum, iron and steel, food processing, textiles, the Libyan Arab Republic60. handicrafts, cement

Agriculture: wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts, soybeans; cattle.

60 61 Ibid. About Libya, http://www.lipoexpo.com/1st/libya.html, accessed on Des. 12, 2010

41 Exports: crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas62 2.3.5 The Geology, Soil and Topography

Geology: Tripoli’s land consists different layers, the most important

one is the sand rock which is on the top. It’s allows rain water to

drain and gather under the ground and creates wells64.

Soil: The soil of Tripoli is suitable for agriculture65.

Topography: The city of Tripoli rises 49 feet above sea level and

mostly flat66.

2.4.6 Climate: Tripoli gets under the influence of the subtropical zone.

The climate of Tripoli is Mediterranean with hot dry summers, cool

winters and some modest rainfall. Weather can be variable,

influenced by the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea which

moderates daily temperature ranges. The percentage of humidity is Fig 2.16: Oil exports from Libya between 53%-72% and it is higher in the summer. The temperature

in Tripoli is between 8 -18 Celsius in the winter, and sometimes 2.3.4 Demography: The Tripoli metropolitan area (district area) becomes 46 Celsius in the summer. Rainfall in Libya is pretty low. 63 has a population of 1,682,000 (Feb, 2010 est.) . 63 True Knowledge, Tripoli’s population in 2010, http://www.trueknowledge.com/q/tripoli's_population_in_2010, accessed on December 14, 2010. 64 Ibid 62 65 Ibid Ibid 66 Hosam Bsimam, The Old City of Tripoli: (Tripoli, 2006).

42 Much of the rain occurs in winters. The average annual precipitation is less than 100 mm67.

Fig 2.17: Temperature and rainfall averages, Tripoli, Libya

2.4.7 The residential land use change in Tripoli.

The residential area in the city of Tripoli had been on Table 2: Weather average conditions of Tripoli, Libya increase between 1969 and 2005. In 1969 the residential land use The following bar chart shows the years average weather was at 1,126.8 hectares or 7.6% of the total city area. This figure condition readings covering rain, average maximum daily climbed in 1980 to 4,573.3 hectare or 30.8% of the total area, and temperature and average minimum temperature for Tripoli, Libya.68 to 6,783.3 hectares or 45.7% in 200569.

69 GEOGRAFIA Online, Malaysian Journal of Society and Space 4 (71 - 84) 2008, 67 Changes in residential land-use of Tripoli city, Libya: 1969-2005 Ibid http://pkukmweb.ukm.my/geografia/images/upload/7.2008-osama%20kh%20ali-english- 68 BBC Weather, http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT00033 1.pdf

43

Fig 2.18: Tripoli residential land use between 1960-2005 Fig. 2.19: The main entrance to the Medina, known as Bab Al-Hurriyah (the Freedom Gate) the earliest fortified wall around the town was built in the 4th century.

The Madina or the historic city of Tripoli, now occupies the 2.3.8 Architectural and Urban Fabric of Tripoli, New versus old site of ancient Oea which was built by the Phoenicians in the Al-Madina (The Old City of Tripoli) seventh century BC. In 46 BC Tripoli was captured by the Romans The northwestern part of Tripoli is the Old City, or Madina, who developed the city and built many temples, markets and public which was rebuilt during the second half of the 16th century. It is baths surrounded by residential buildings. The Ottoman presence located on a rocky cape and is walled on two sides. (See Fig. 2.6) that followed lasted until 1911, and most of the existing mosques In the south and southeast is the New City, with public and and public buildings were constructed during this period. Suburbs commercial buildings, as well as residences. began to spring up outside the walls at the end of the 19th century.

The ramparts were damaged during the Italian presence and when

it was bombed during the Second World War. The old city of Tripoli

44 was designed along the lines of other Arab cities. Its narrow streets celebrations throughout the year which also link people with their are often covered and vaulted to shore up the walls of adjoining heritage. houses70. The unique space design in the Islamic Madina cannot be

The Islamic walled city or Madina possesses important found in other medieval or historic cities. The space is well defined environmental and aesthetic characteristics. In the Madina both and organized with attention to privacy and community, its ancient resident and visitor alike can experience and enjoy the city's most designers recognizing its inhabitants' cultural and social needs. significant architectural values, its design, style, building materials, These values make the city worthy of being conserved and

71 skilled workmanship, beauty and uniqueness. A variety of buildings promoted for today's use . Among Tripoli’s ancient architectural and other features of the Madina serve to remind people about the landmarks are the Marcus Aurelius triumphal arch (A.D. 163–164), past, providing insight into the culture and history of previous the Karamanli Palace (1736), the Gurgi Mosque (1833), and the generations. These features show the different activities of people Castle, or Citadel (first centuries A.D.; rebuilt in the 14th, 16th, and who lived and worked in the Madina many centuries ago. In 20th centuries). addition to its distinctive architectural values, the Madina has a high Marcus Aurelius Arch spiritual and symbolic significance based upon its history. Sense of The arch is dating back to 163-164 AD, and it’s served as place and continuity through time are well expressed. The Madina entrance to the city. It was the only one of Oea. The arch contains still hosts many special, long-standing cultural events and

70 The World Heritage Center, UNESCO 71 ,http://portal.unesco.org/culture/es/file_download.php/3e14cf4c9202cf4efa37a11a6e2135a Temehu, Tripoli: The Bride of The Mediterranean, 0Newsletter+no9.htm, accessed on December 13, 2010 www.temehu.com/Cities_sites/Tripoli.htm, accessed on Dec. 13,2010.

45 fine decorations, showing Apollo and Minerva. Now-empty niches consulate for the Italian state of Tuscany. The house was restored contained statues of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus72. during the early 1990s and became known as Tripoli Historical

Exhibition73.

Fig 2.20: Marcus Aurelius arch Fig 2.21: Karamanli Palace, Karamanli Palace Gurji Mosque: Karamanli palace is dating back to the early 19th century, built by Yusuf Karamanli. Some rooms on the 1st floor have been The mosque of Gurji is Located west of Marcus Aurelius' , it turned into exhibits with dolls acting out everyday life. The was built by Mustapha Gorji in 1834 AD, who was the head of the

Karamanli family ruled Tripoli through most of 18th and half way port. The building includes a school and a tomb (or a grave) of the through the 19th century. With their fall, the house became founder. The project completed the maintenance and restoration of

72 Liberty International, Libya, Tripoli, www.liberty-international.org/libya/excursions- 73 tripolitania/, accessed on Dec. 13, 2010. Ibid

46 this architectural group in the year 1994. The building is considered assumed that the first fortress was built in the 7th century, to one of the best examples of Islamic stone carvings and floral motifs protect against the Muslim Arab invasion of Libya.

74 in the capital (Fig. 2.22).

Fig 2, 23: The Red Castel, Tripoli, Libya

At least until the 17th century, it appears that all sides of the

fortress were surrounded by water. Much of the present structure

dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the plan is distinctly Fig 2.22: Right: The main hall of Gurji mosque, Lift: Islamic Inscriptions in the mosque Ottoman and includes a mosque, harem and numerous courtyards. The Red Castel: Additions by each ruling group in Tripoli give the building an The castle of Tripoli, known as Assai al-Hamra or the Red eclectic but beautiful style (Fig 2.23). The castel is today used by Castle, has been the fortress of many lords of this region through the Jamahiriya Museum75. the centuries. It was briefly the stronghold of Christian knights in Modern Tripoli the 16th century, only to be expelled by Muslim pirates. It is In the face of rapid economic development, population

growth, people's increasing needs and changing lifestyles, large

74 75 Ibid Ibid

47 concrete buildings and busy streets dominate the new part of the city. The old city is nearby (Fig. 2.24, 2.25), but these roads and structures have a distinctly modern feel. Buildings are popping up at a furious rate, in an effort to draw investors and demonstrate

Libya's success as an independent, self-sufficient nation.

Fig. 2.25: The style of high-rise buildings in modern Tripoli

The modern city of Tripoli has been heavily influenced by

the global city type. Dominant urban features include commercial

city centers, multistory residential buildings, large shopping malls,

wide boulevards, an extensive network of highways, and sprawling Fig. 2.24: The modern shore of Tripoli reflecting the contrast between the old and new new suburbs. However, the residential concrete and glass boxes buildings of the city that have been built in the modern part of the city don’t

accommodate the local life style, inconsequence, nobody likes to

live in these undesired boxes, and people who occupy these blocks

48 are either immigrants or needy people, who cannot afford their own The most notable pieces of contemporary architecture in houses because of the high land cost. This kind of unintended modern Tripoli can be found on Tripoli's waterfront in the ignorance of the city context and the local culture leads the city to northwestren part of the city, close to the port and the old lose its unique identity. madina. Alfateh tower, a 26-floor office building was built in

1998, and it is one of the most famous towers in the city.

Alfateh tower was the tallest building in the city until 2010,

when the tower of Abulaila was built as a 34 - floor investment

tower.

Fig. 2.26: Residential high-rise buildings in modern Tripoli

Fig. 2.28: Right, Alfateh tower. Lift: Abulaila tower

Fig2.27: Commercial and Residential high-rise building in the modern part of Tripoli

49 Projects in progress: Hydra Tripoli Tower

The following are some pictures that show some of Tripoli’s Location: Tripoli ongoing high-rise buildings style, most of these projects are still under Use: mixed-use tower includes: retail, hospitality, and offices76. construction, and they are representing the new generation of Tripoli’s Number of floors: 45 floors architecture. Most of these buildings continue to be designed as vertical Status: Under construction extrusions of an efficient floor plan and some of the modern ones are iconic pieces of high-rise urban ‘sculptures’, and no one of them is inspired by place, culture, or environment.

Fig. 2.30: Hydra Tripoli Tower

Medina Tower high rise development in Tripoli

Location: Tripoli/Libya

Fig. 2.29:10-story residential building is under construction. (Picture: Sep. 07, 2010) 76 Walid El-Tigi / Yasser Fathy, Hydra Properties unveils Tripoli Towers in Libya, zawea.com, Zawya, http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20081124090455/Hydra%20Properties%20unv eils%20Tripoli%20Towers%20in%20Libya, accessed: Des 04, 2010

50 Use: Mixed-use includes apartments, a health club, offices, retail

space, conference and food and beverage facilities77.

Number of floors: 40 floors

Site area: 12,500 square metres

Status: under construction

New proposed skyscrapers on the sea front of the city

Fig. 2.31: Medina Tower, Tripoli, Libya Fig. 2.32: The new skyscrapers of Tripoli (some of them are under construction): dwarfing Boulayla and Alfatah towers. JW.Marriott Hotel (bottom right)

77 Sidell Gibson Architects, Medina Towers, Tripoli, http://www.sidellgibson.co.uk/projects/hotels-and-overseas/medina-towers-tripoli.php, accessed on Des. 10, 2010.

51

Part Three

Site Analysis

52 3.1 General Information 3.2 Site Description:

Location: Tripoli, Libya, North Africa The chosen site of the living skyscraper is around

Latitude: +32.83 19400sq.ft. (18600sq.m.) of land on the northwest part of Tripoli’s

Longitude: +13.08 waterfront. The site was carefully selected to serve the main goal of

Time zone: UTC+2 hours the project--that is, to provide residents with an opportunity to live

according to their unique, traditional lifestyle, The site is located in

the heart of Libya’s capital, facing Tripoli’s coastline and at the

junction of the old city of Tripoli (medina) and its modern area.

Being close to the old city is intended to provide its

residents with great cultural access. The site and the projected

skyscraper will be visible from both the modern city and from the

ancient site. From either of these two vantage points, the living

skyscraper utilizes the opposite area as a background and faces

the other. Consequently, besides bridging the past and present, the

living skyscraper will establish a dialogue between these different

eras. The choice of this site is an appropriate way of connecting the

Fig 3.1: The proposed site, Tripoli, Libya, North Africa new building with its source of inspiration. Moreover, the stunning

53 view of Tripoli's waterfront afforded by the site is an additional The selected site is placed in the high-rise building district in incentive for the choice of the site. the current land-use map of the city of Tripoli (Fig. 3.3).78 At

present, the site is under excavation in preparation for the The tower will be constructed in Tripoli’s central business construction of the new tower (Fig 3.7). district a short walk’s distance from the city's main square, as well as the Gold Market. It will be 10 minutes away from Matiga Airport,

20 minutes away from the international airport, and within walking distance of public transportation to all the city’s localities.

Fig 3.3: Tripoli’s district heights map

78 Fig3.2: Zooming further to the site Tripoli City Centre’s Urban and Architectural Charter, Tripoli urban fabric map, http://www.iau-idf.fr/index.php?id=615&etude=717, accessed on Jan 10, 2011.

54 3.3 Land-Use map

Since the site is located in Tripoli’s central business district, diverse land uses, such as commercial, residential, manufacturing, religious, and public gardens, are found in its vicinity. The elevations of these buildings are from two-story existing buildings to forty-story towers currently under construction.

The site is flanked by the 28-story Corinthia Hotel to Fig 3.4: Land-use map the northeast , the two-story gold market to the east, 10-floor 3.4 Circulation Map residential towers from the south, Dat el-Emad, a 20-floor office building, to the west, and 40-floor mixed-use high-rise buildings which are under constructing to the southeast.79

Fig 3.5: Circulation map 79 Ibid

55 3.5 Sun Path - Winter: 34 degrees - Summer: 81 degrees80

Fig 3.6: Sun path of Tripoli city

3.6 Prevailing Wind Direction:

81 East wind is the prevailing wind in Tripoli city. Fig. 3.7 Prevailing wind, Tripoli, Libya Wind speed: 5m/s

80 GAISMA, Surt, Libya. http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/surt.html, accessed Jan. 24, 2011.

81 Ecotect Software

56 3.7 Views from the site 3.8 Views toward the site:

Fig 3.8: Views from the site

Fig3.9: Views toward the site

57 3.9 Environment Simulations In order to compare the total solar radiation amount that the

Building Form Studies: building receives based on its form, four schematic forms are

3.9.1 Solar radiation analysis placed on the site, square, cylinder, two squares, and two

Since Tripoli (located at 32◦ 56 N, and 13◦ 10 E) is in the cylinders. Second step was applying the solar radiation simulations subtropical zone, it is undeniable that we are facing a problems in on each form in two different times, winter December 21 and the term of sun, it has high monthly temperatures and high diurnal summer June 21 temperature ranges.82 Therefore it is more important to prevent The simulation results reveal that west orientation in the solar radiation from overheating the building surfaces. summer is the most critical part to be protected than other parts For a high-rise built form, vertical surface is most critically (Fig 3.10), while the south elevation is the most one exposed to the exposed to the full impact of external temperatures and global sun in winter (Fig 3.11). For the form, the results show that the direct solar radiation, thus this study investigates on the impacts of cylinder form collected lowest amount of solar radiation while solar radiation towards the building form and orientation. The square form received the highest amounts of solar radiation, also computer program “Vasari v5” was applied to simulate the intensity the results indicate that splitting the building to two towers and and distribution pattern of cumulative incident solar radiation on orienting one tower behind the other, reduces solar radiation vertical surfaces. amount and increases the shaded area.

82 Pidwirny, M. (2006). "Climate Classification and Climatic Regions of the World". Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2nd Edition. http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7v.html , accessed on March 10, 2011.

58 - Summer, June 21 at 4:00 pm - Winter, December 21 at 1:00

Fig 3.10: Summer solar radiation study result Fig 3.11: Winter solar radiation study result

59 3.9.2 Shadow Study:

- Summer, June 21, at (10:00am, 12:00pm, 4:00pm) - Winter, December 21, at (10:00am, 12:00pm, 4:00pm)

Fig 3.12: Summer shadow study result Fig 3.13: Winter shadow study result

60 3.9.3 Wind Study: Prevailing wind direction: East Wind speed: 5 m/s - Velocity :

- Pressure :

Fig 3.14: Pressure study result Fig 3.15: velocity study result

61

Part Four Programming

62 4.1 General Overview of Needs and Desires: intervals. This form of urban design is an optimal form of desert

The cultural base of the community will have a great impact architecture that minimizes hot climate effects. It also maximizes on the programming of The Living Skyscraper because culture is daytime shade, and insulates the “fabric” from severe winter

83 also a kind of groundwork that separates neighborhoods, temperatures . communities, and cities. Just as the design of the physical elements of the building hopes to connect the building to the site, the program of the building will also be established with a connection to its context. The climate and surroundings will also help create a unique mesh of the program with the exterior.

The project aims to establish a “community node,” a center that gathers people to a common place. The program of this vertical neighbourhood, The Living Skyscraper, is inspired by the

composition of the traditional streets component of the old city of Fig 4.1: An example of Tripoli’s narrow traditional streets

Tripoli. Streets in the old city of Tripoli often radiate from public

squares. All public facilities such as mosques, suqs (markets), 4.2 Tripoli’s Traditional Street Component: hamams (public baths), teahouses and schools are found within The fabric of Tripoli's old city is composed of narrow winding streets with high walls of brick (Fig 4.1), usually roofed at various 83 Temehu, Tripoli, http://www.temehu.com/Cities_sites/Tripoli.htm , accessed December 12, 2010.

63 these squares (Fig. 4.2). From the public squares, streets branch in sizes. The design of these units will be inspired by the unique different directions to include the residential units which are Islamic style that accommodates suitable levels of privacy, desired generally grouped around small squares where neighbours, access to nature, and natural lighting and ventilation. families members and children can meet and spend time 2- Commercial: together84. Suq: the building will include a retail (suq) that supplies the

occupants with their daily needs. It is intended that the suq will

enhance the local neighborhood by providing additional commercial

facilities.

Restaurants:

The Living Skyscraper will include three restaurants will be

distributed inside the tower

3- Cultural and educational:

Fig 4.2: One of Tripoli’s medina streets A center of traditional education will be included in the tower. This

4.3 Program Summary: center will provide

1- Residential: • an Islamic studies program

The primary aspect of The Living Skyscraper’s architectural • a traditional handicrafts training center. The manufacture programming is residential. This includes apartment of different of various kinds of handicrafts has played a crucial role in the

84 economic development and tourism sector in the old city of Tripoli Ibid

64 (see Fig. 4.3), and have had other positive impacts on local 4- Health: populations, as well. The Living Skyscraper will include a traditional Gym: the project will include two separate gym, one for women handicraft center that promotes and develops local handcraft skills and the other one for men. among inhabitants of the city. This center will be in the first floor to 5- Recreation: facilitate access and will offer various traditional workshops in such Parks: the project will include different parks, 3-4 parks as areas as pottery training workshop, copper training workshop, and skygardens distributed within the tower while the main park will be embroidered clothes workshop. located in the ground level.

6- Car parking: Approximately 85 per cent of car parking will be

underground in the two-level basement, while about 15 per cent will

be in the site.

4.4 Program Distribution

Fig 4.3: Handicrafts in the old city of Tripoli Not only is the program typology of The Living Skyscraper

inspired by the composition of Tripoli’s traditional streets, but the - Handicrafts gallery organization and actualization of this programming within the tower - Library will also reflect the Islamic organization and use of space which - Day care regards maintaining privacy as the most essential aspect to be

achieved.

65 In Islamic architecture, the transition between public and tower will be residential, separated by rooftop gardens after each private spaces occurs through semi-public or semi-private zoning in ten floors. order to obtain a suitable level of privacy. This approach of spatial separation can be seen in the fabric of traditional Islamic cities as well as in the design of houses. A well-known example of this is the use of indirect entryways in accessing houses.

The Living Skyscraper design translates the concept of

Tripoli’s horizontal streets and public courts into a vertical system ranging from public to private facilities, beginning at ground level and ascending to the top of the tower (Fig. 4.2), starting at basement levels, which will include underground parking areas.

The ground levels will house various public facilities, including a retail, an auditorium, restaurants, and a health club. The city’s first rooftop garden will be installed on the roof of the ground levels.

Fig 4.4: Concept diagram The next two levels will represent the semi-public facilities—the

education center and the day-care area, which is mostly expected to serve the occupants of the tower. The remaining floors of the

66 4.5 Program precedents Medina Tower will be constructed on the Tripoli seafront on

Medina Tower high rise development in Tripoli 120,500 square feet of land adjacent to other high-rise

Location: Tripoli, Libya, Architect: Sidell Gibson Camilleri developments. The concept of a mix of retail, commercial and

Height: 525 feet (160 metres). Floors: 40F residential facilities is the first of its kind in Libya. The project will

Status: Under construction; completion date for the project has comprise 2,000,000 square feet of floor space spread over 40 been set for December 201285 Cost: €300 million floors above ground level and four levels of underground parking.

Use: Mixed use development. commercial, and residential Medina Tower will feature 200 apartments, a health club, 260,000

square feet of office space, 8,0000 square feet of retail space,

conference and food and beverage facilities, and 240,000 square

feet of underground parking that will accommodate up to 850 car

parking spaces.

Fig. 4.5: A rendering of Medina Tower

85 Sidell Gibson Architects, Medina Towers, Tripoli http://www.sidellgibson.co.uk/projects/hotels-and-overseas/medina-towers-tripoli.php#, Fig 4.6: Some views of Medina Tower accessed on December 10,2010.

67 4.6 Program Quantitative Summary and Proportions Auditorium 30000 sq.f . 48000 According to the program requirements, site area, and sq.ft.. Health some case studies the Quantitative summary of the architectural Health club (gym) 2 Women’s program of the Living Skyscraper is illustrated in the following table: Men’s 15000 sq.ft. Roof gardens 4 15000sq.f. 60000 sq.ft. Space Quantity Area Total area Car parking 850 cars 240.000 sq.ft. Residential Two-bedroom 200 1800 sq.ft. Total building area: 973.000 sq.ft, Site area: 194000 sq. ft , Site apartment One-bedroom 1500 sq.ft. coverage: 40%, Number of floors: 40 floors apartment 15000 sq 500.000 The following diagram shows the proportions of the various ft/floor sq. ft Commercial areas of the The Living Skyscraper. 1-Retail 80000 sq.ft 2-Restaurant 3 30000 sq.ft 110.000 sq.ft. Cultural and educational Islamic Studies Center 1 3000 sq.ft. Day-care 2000 sq.ft. Traditional handicrafts center Copper 1 1000sq.ft. 3000 sq.ft. handicrafts workshop Clay handicrafts 1 1000sq.ft. workshop Embroidered 1 1000sq.ft. clothes workshop

Public library 1 10000 sq.ft. Handicraft gallery 2000 sq.ft. Fig 4.7: Program proportions

68 4.7 Conclusion

If we apply this unique program to The Living Skyscraper, this vertical neighbourhood not only has to promote diversity, it must act as an extension of the city in the sky, dependent on the diverse activities and resources of the city to maintain a healthy, symbiotic relationship. By maintaining the traditional urban fabric of the medina, this project recreates the lost physical continuity of the area, thus supporting social and cultural continuity. It promotes the conservation and progression of tradition through new buildings using, new techniques and technologies.

69

Part Five

Schematic Design

70 5.1 Introduction create a complex system driven by actuators and thermal

Since the most important and fundamental aspects of sensors .

The Living Skyscraper are intended to representing Islamic In order to generate the dynamic mashrabbia it is culture and copping with the hot climate of Tripoli in a important to define and explore the Islamic geometric patterns sustainable way that optimizes the building’s performance that used in the traditional masharabbia. and reduces energy consumption, the focus of this project will 5.2 Islamic Geometric Patterns be mainly on the envelope of the building, which will be a Geometric patterns occur in rich profusion throughout double-skin facade. While the external interactive skin of the Islamic cultures, displayed as they are on a diversity of façade will react to thermal conditions and provide shade, the materials include tiles, bricks, wood, brass, paper, plaster, users of the building will be able to manually operate glass and on many types of objects, such as, windows, secondary ventilation systems for the internal skin. The doors, screens, railings, carpets , furniture, ceramic and metal external kinetic skin form will be inspired by the Islamic decorative and bowls, furniture-specially pulpits in mosques, traditional mashrabbia patterns, with gills that open and close and on other surfaces. Islamic art demonstrates great in response to the sun’s movement, creating a “living” achievements in geometry, calligraphy and arabesque For membrane that blends organic and mechanical processes to more than thirteen centuries Islamic designs have acted as

unifying factors, linking architectural expression throughout

71 the Muslim world, extending across Europe, Africa and geometric patterns can be grouped under the following

Asia.86 The four fundamental concepts in Islamic patterns: categories:

beauty, harmony, symmetry and unity are all intrinsic to the 1. Geometric patterns based on the Square Repeat Unit and

contemplative side of Islamic Art.87 the Root Two proportion system. These include all patterns

generated by the division of the circle to four, and all patterns 90 generated by the multiples of four (Fig. 5.1). 5.3 Types of Islamic Patterns

The vast variety of geometric formations and the strict

rules governing their production reveals an important inner

dimension of Islamic tradition, “unity in multiplicity and

multiplicity in unity”.88 This principle is represented by means

of various mathematical forms symbolizing the constant

celestial archetypes within the cosmos.89 Most of these

86 Jones, D. “The Elements of Decoration: Surface, Pattern and Light.” In Architecture of the Islamic World. Its History and Social Meaning, 144-175. Edited by G. Michell.London: Thames & Hudson Ltd., 1978. Fig. 5.1: The Root Two proportion system

87 Grube, E. “What is Islamic Architecture?.” In Architecture of the Islamic World, Its History and Social Meaning, 10-14. Edited by G. Michell. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd., 1978. 88 Jones, 1978 89 Mostafa, M. The Museum of Islamic Art. (1st ed.). Cairo: Ministry of Education 90 Kritchlow, K. Islamic Patterns: An Analytical and Cosmological Approach. Press, 1955. New York: Thames & Hudson Inc, 1976.

72 2- Geometric patterns based on the Hexagonal Repeat Unit and the Root Three proportion system. This includes all patterns generated by the division of the circle into three or

six, and all patterns generated from the multiples of six (Fig

5.2),91 for example, hexagons and dodecagons.

Fig. 5.3: The Golden Ratio proportion system The most striking characteristic among Islamic

geometrical patterns is the prominence of star and rosette

shapes. Such shapes having five, six, eight, ten, twelve or

sixteen rays are the ones that occur most frequently, but Fig. 5.2: Root Three proportion system

3. Geometric patterns based on the pentagon Repeat Unit patterns containing other numbers, particularly in multiples of

and the Golden Ratio proportion system. These include all eight to ninety six, can be found.

patterns generated by the division of the circle into five, and Even though geometric patterns are generated from

all patterns generated from the multiples of five (Fig. 5.3),92 simple forms; they have been combined, duplicated,

for example, the ten folded base pattern. interlaced and arranged in the fascinating combinations that became one of the most distinguishing features of Islamic art.

91 Ibid. Although they are generated according to very strict rules of 92 Ibid.

73 geometry, the geometric ornamentation in Islamic art day in response to the sun’s position. The gills close when suggests a remarkable amount of freedom, both in its facing the sun directly in order to provide shade and minimize repetition and complexity. Such freedom offers the possibility the amount of solar radiation in the interior spaces, then the of infinite growth and can accommodate the incorporation of gills gradually open as the sun becomes far in the sky in order other types of ornamentation as well.93 to maximize daylight.

5.4 The Proposed Masharabbia Patterns

After identifying Islamic patterns, the next step for this project will be to experiment and generate some dynamic mashrabbias in order to understand how these systems would operate, with response to the sun’s movement as the main parameter. Fig. 5.4 shows some screen shots of dynamic masharbbia case studies that were inspired by

Fig 5.4: Islamic mashrabbias pattern case studies Islamic patterns and generated using Maya software. 5.5 Dynamic Mashrabbia Environment Simulations

Each interface consists of repeated units whose Three of these case studies were chosen for apertures have the ability to open and close throughout the expanded research through real time environment simulation

to gain more in-depth understanding of how these systems

93 Jones, 1978

74 could affect the interior space and building performance. the depth that would allow an acceptable level of daylight to

These simulations include shadow study, solar radiation enter. analysis and daylight study using Ecotect software as a conceptual design tool that provides an accurate and easy way to simulate the environment.

Based on the form study result in Part Three of this thesis, which indicate that both the south and west facades 5.5.1 Pattern I are the elevations most exposed to solar radiation, the environment simulation study focused on these elevations.

This study aims to investigate the level of shade, solar radiation and daylight at the time when the mashrabbia is semi-closed, i.e., when the sun is facing its apertures directly.

The south façade was studied in winter at 1:00 pm and the Fig 5.5: The various opening stages of Pattern I west façade in the summer at 6:00 pm. The same study was done in two different depth spaces, 20-foot depth interior space, and 30-foot depth exploration space for determining

75

Fig, 5.6: Pattern I Environment Simulation Result, 20-foot depth space Fig 5.7: Pattern I Environment Simulation Result, 30-foot depth space

76 5.5.2 Pattern II

Fig. 5.7: Pattern II Environment Simulation Result, 20-foot depth space

77

5.5.3 Pattern III

Fig. 5.8: Pattern III Environment Simulation Result, 30-foot depth space

78

Fig. 5.9: Pattern III Environment Simulation Result, 20-foot depth space Fig. 5.10: Pattern I Environment Simulation Result, 30-foot depth space

79 Simulation Result: 20 feet is a good range of space depth, allowing an

Shadow Study: The result of the shadow study shows appropriate level of daylight relative to the 30-foot depth. that the three dynamic mashrabbias worked as perfect solar 5.6 Project Schematic Design shading devices, providing the interior space with a good Site Strategy level of shade, thereby reducing the building’s inside Based on the site analysis, which demonstrates that a temperature. connection between the old city of Tripoli and the modern city Solar Radiation Study: The result shows that the three can be established through The Living Skyscraper design, it mashrabbia patterns have the potential of reducing the solar is decided that the main entrance to the site will be oriented radiation gain, thereby reduce the interior temperature which on the east side toward the Gold Market and the old city of in turn reduces the energy used for the cooling system. Tripoli, while the second entrance will be located at the west Daylight study: Based on the required interior light level, side in an attempt to connect the project with the main park in which ranges from 200 ft/c to 500 ft/c 94, the daylight the area which in the modern part of Tripoli. simulation study indicates an adequate range of daylight, especially with the first pattern, which shows the highest range, both in winter and summer. The study also shows that

94 Bill Williams, Footcandles and Lux for Architectural Lighting, An introduction to Illuminance, Edition 2.1, (c) 1999.

80 connections made across the towers to improve accessibility

and support building structure.

The restaurants will be located on the north side of the site

to access the sea view, as well as a view into the interior plaza.

The auditorium will be at the back side of the building with its own

entrance.

Approximately 85 percent of car parking will be

Fig. 5.11: The site underground in the two-level basement, while about 15 per cent will The design concept of the building’s floor plans is be in the site at the south side of the site. inspired by the Islamic architectural element, the courtyard, Project Zoning: where building components are erected around an open green space that includes water aspects. The public services The retail, gym, public library, auditorium, and the towers’ will be located around a large public plaza, in the middle of lobbies will be located in the building’s huge base (Fig. 5.12). The second floor will incorporate a large restaurant, cafe, traditional which the two towers, which house private residential units, handicraft center, handicraft gallery, and Islamic study center. All stand. Each tower has its own entrance and lobby, which will enhance the residents’ privacy. Skygardens will be used as

81 the remaing floors of the towers—third to fortieth—will be residential (Fig. 5.13).

5.13: Secound floor zoning

Building Elevations:

Based on the sun study of the building form, the west and

Fig. 5.12: First floor zoning the east façades of the two towers will be covered by the kinetic

mashrabbia, and it is optional to cover the south elevation ( see

Fig: 5.14,5.15).

82

Fig 5.14: Section A-A

Fig5.15: Building elevations .

83

Fig. 5.17: Perspective

Fig. 5.16: Perspective

84

Part Six

Design Development

85 In this part of the thesis the focus will be on design Each mashrabiya comprises an umbrella-like unit which opens and development which includes two parts: First, developing the pattern closes throughout the day in response to the sun's movements (see of the dynamic mashrabbia, and the second part is developing the Fig, 6.1). design of the building. After the mashrabbia takes its final form and - Closed: mashrabbia units face the sun directly. the building is developed, the mashrabbia will be applied on the - Semi open: mashrabbia units partially face the sun. building and evaluated to know its effects on both the exterior and - Open: the units face away from the sun. interior spaces of the building. 6.2 Building Orientation

6.1 Dynamic Mashrabbia Pattern Development Before applying the mashrabbia on the building it is

important to now the best orientation for the building. According

to the best building orientation study that was done using Ecotect

software at the proposed site (Tripoli, Libya), the best orientation

for The Living Skyscraper based on the months of highest

temperature is west north, east south, as shown in Fig 6.2.

Fig. 6.1: Dynamic mashrabbia pattern ( Maya software)

86 the building from solar radiation. Some of the mashrabbia units are

established around the first ten floors of the towers to provide the

occupants of these floors with an acceptable level of privacy (see

Fig. 6.3).

Fig. 6.2: Best building orientation study result, Tripoli, Libya (Ecotect software

6.3 Appling the Mashrabbia on the Tower Fig. 6.3: Distributing the dynamic mashrabbia on the towers( Revit software) Based on the mass solar radiation and shadow studies that are done and discussed in part III of this thesis, the dynamic mashrabbia is carefully distributed on the towers in order to be more focused on both the western and eastern elevations to protect

87 6.4 Design Development -Basement Floors:

- Site Plan: The project includes a two-level basement car parking Since the Living Skyscraper is close to the center of space, with each floor designed to accommodate about 350 cars. Tripoli; the tower will have clear views of the old city of Tripoli and the modern part of the city, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. The skyscraper itself is composed of two towers spiraling around a central courtyard. The main entrance of the project is facing the old city of Tripoli as a kind of connection between the project and the old city.

The main courtyard The main entrance The old city of Tripoli

Entrance Fig. 6.5: Basement floor plan To the main park

Fig. 6.4: Site plan

88 - First Floor Plan: The second floor of the building includes retail, a restaurant, café,

The first floor of the building includes the main lobby of the day-care, and the second floor of the auditorium. The residential project, a restaurant, day-care, gym, public library, Islamic studies part of the project begins from the second floor of the main tower, center, traditional handicraft center, and the lobbies of both towers. which is located in the center of the main courtyard of the project,

Each part of the building is accessed directly from an entrance on and it continues residential until the 47th floor of this tower. The the ground level as well as from the basement level so that residential apartments in the second tower are arranged on floors visitors do not cross over with any of the other users of the 5- 37 of this tower, and each floor of the residential part of this building. tower, as well as in the main tower, includes three apartments.

Fig. 6.6: First floor plan Entrnce

Fig. 6.7: Second floor plan. - Second Floor Plan: Residential

89 - Project Elevations:

The buildings’ hanging parks are placed between the towers

and after different numbers of levels which are tall enough to

accommodate full-grown trees (see Fig.6.7). Both towers also

feature sky gardens in the top three floors in order to further reduce

the potential for solar gain. The form of the towers has been

sculpted to provide sky gardens in what would otherwise have

become the most sensitive areas of the building. The sky gardens

also provide visual relief for users of the building and one of its

important amenity spaces during the cooler months of the year.

Fig. 6.8: Section A-A

90

Fig. 6.9: Top: South elevation. Down: West elevation Fig. 6.10: Top: East elevation. Down: North elevation

91 Project Perspectives:

Fig. 6.11: Project perspective Fig. 6.12: Project perspectives

92 6.5. Dynamic Mashrabbia Evaluation: 6.5.2 Building Energy performance Analysis:

After applying the responsive mashrabbia on the building, and since the main goals of this dynamic mashrabbia, besides representing Islamic culture, are first, to provide the buildings’ occupants with stable conditions in the hot climate of Tripoli and second, to improve building energy performance, it is time to evaluate the impact of the kinetic mashrabbia on the building through applying solar radiation analysis and building energy analysis on the building with and without the dynamic mashrabbia using Vasari software.

6.5.1 Solar Radiation Analysis

Fig. 6.14: Building energy analysis result (Vasari software)

6.5.3 Dynamic Mashrabbia Benefits:

1- Lighting and views:

- Improved daylight

- Acceptable level of shading Fig. 6.13: Solar radiation study result (Vasari software)

93 - Acceptable level of privacy - Improved views for building occupants - Represents Islamic culture

2- Energy Consumption: - Effective reduction in solar gain, about 50% - Approx. 23% reduction in CO2 emission - Approx. 23% reduction in energy use intensity

Part Seven

Final Design

94 7.1 Dynamic Mashrabbia Details 7.1.2 Detailed Mashrabbia Design

7.1.1 Dynamic Mashrabbia Behaviour during Daytime Each mashrabbia comprises an umbrella-like unit which

opens and closes throughout the day in response to the sun's The shading device, whose translucent movements. Each mashrabbia is made up of a series of PTFE components open and close as the sun moves around fabric mesh panels that are driven by a linear actuator. the building, gives the Living Skyscraper a sense of

breathing during its smooth movement. Fig. 7.1 shows the

behavior of the dynamic mashrabbia during daytime,

starting from 7:00 am when almost all the mashrabbia’s

units are open to 7:00 pm when the western units of the

mashrabbia are almost closed and ready to open after

sunset.

Fig. 7.2: Dynamic mashrabbia detailed design

Fig. 7.1: Dynamic mashrabbia behaviour during daytime

95 PTFE Fabric Mesh: reflecting almost all sun rays. Moreover, it provides the

PTFE fiberglass fabric is made of high intensity fiberglass occupants with a desirable leve of shading while allowing yarn by plain weaving, satin weaving or cross grain, coated with daylight to enter even when the mashrabbia is almost fine quality PTFE Teflon latex and then dried.95 closed.

Features of PTFE high temperature fiberglass fabric:

1. Outstanding electrical insulation and di-electric properties

2. High temperature resistance; continuous operating temperature is -70-260, can resist up to 320 in a short time

3. High release from sticky materials ("non-stick")

4. Chemical, corrosion, and moisture resistance

5. Easy cleaning

6. Mildew and fungus resistance

7.1.3 Dynamic Mashrabbia Effect on Interior Spaces:

Below, some still images show the effact of the

kinetic mashrabbia on the interior spaces of the

building.The dynamic mashrabbia reduces solar gain by

95 Taixing Ruichang Conveyor Belt Manufacturer Co.,Ltd. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/701153/50337180-293341293/Solar-Panel-Teflon- Laminating-Fabric-Solar-Laminating-Teflon-Fabric.html, accessed May 26,2011 Fig. 7.3: Dynamic mashrabbia effact on interior spaces at different opening stages

96 7.2 Building Skin Layers and Ventilation system

The Living Skyscraper skin consists of three layers.

Immediately next to the dynamic mashrabbia comes a double- glass façade.

The Double-Skin Façade is essentially a pair of glass

“skins” separated by an air corridor. The main layer of glass is usually insulating. The air space between the layers of glass acts as insulation against temperature extremes, wind and sound.

During wintertime and at night, the Living Skyscraper can rely on natural ventilation through the controlled windows in the Fig. 7.4: Building’s skin layers, left: during moderate climate and at nights, right: during hot inner skin, while in summer and during the hot season, the climate. building’s skin layers work as an insulation system that keeps the building cool (see Fig. 7.4).

97 7.3 Design Development:

Fig. 7.5: Building perspective

Fig. 7.6: Site plan

98 Floor Plans: - First Floor Plan - Basement Plan

Fig. 7.8: First floor plan

Fig. 7.7: Basement levels plan

99 - Second Floor Plan Building Section:

Fig. 7.9: Second floor plan

Fig. 7.10: Section A-A

100 Building Elevations:

Fig. 7.12: North elevation at about 4:00 pm Fig. 7.13: West elevation at about 4:00 pm

101

Fig. 7.14: East elevation at about 10:00 am. Fig. 7.15: South elevation at about 10:00 am

102 Perspectives:

Fig. 7.16: Building perspective Fig. 7.17: Building perspective

103

The two towers are linked physically by the main courtyard

at the ground level and at the high levels by hanging gardens

installed throughout the building, giving access between the two

towers and offering the occupants another connection with the

natural world. The building contains sky gardens in the highest

three floors of each tower in order to further reduce the potential of

solar gain and for more access to nature. Landscaped areas in the

ground level contain mature palm trees which unite the site with

the surrounding nature

Fig. 7.16: Left, the main entrance of the project. Right, the main courtyard Fig. 7.17: The sky gardens

104 The dynamic mashrabbia is established on a

honeycombed pattern structure which is a highly efficient

structural solution that is stable, flexible and economical

Fig. 7.18: The café

The exterior of the towers is covered with the dynamic mashrabbia, which works as a solar coating provides both privacy and insulation for the interior, significantly reducing the solar heat gain, and providing a more comfortable internal environment. Fig. 7.19: Close perspective to the dynamic mashrabbia

105 7.4 Conclusion rationalize complex geometries and relationships, realizing

Designing a high-rise building for a specific location architectural aspirations that would not otherwise be

needs great understanding of the people, culture and the possible. Efficient and elegant structural forms can be

available building technologies while engaging them in a created by combining advanced engineering analysis tools

meaningful way. The Living Skyscraper project represents with 3D CAD and parametric design methods. This strong

the translation of Islamic architecture to contemporary combination leads to inspiring buildings with minimized

architecture for a high-rise building, it attempting to preserve material and energy consumption.

the Islamic character and culture with a strong climatic At the same time and as outlined in this thesis, culture

response and energy efficient design. This is accomplished and architectural vernacular has much to offer the modern

by the use of BIM and parametric design through different world. Sustainable design is not only a way of viewing and

useful digital tools. valuing good design but a way of linking the past with the

Creating buildings that meet the needs of society present to protect our natural world and ecosystems, as well

today and in the future is not an easy task. However, the as to preserve historical and cultural artifact. A successful

use of a range of advanced computer-aided design tall, “green” building is an integral part of a society’s techniques can greatly help produce such buildings more financial, technological and cultural advancement. quickly, easily, and at less cost, while parametric design can

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