2019 On Site Review Report by Hossein Rezai 4946.OMA

Muttrah Fish Market ,

Architect Snøhetta

Client Municipality of Muscat

Design 2009-2012

Completed 2017 2 Fish Market Muscat, Oman

I. Introduction

Muttrah Fish Market is a two-storey building under a large roof canopy. It sits on the fringe of the corniche, very close and accessible to the sea and the port where large tourist liners dock. The building footprint is just under 2,300 square metres on an overall site area of 22,249 square metres. The new building complex replaces the old fish market and adds a vegetable souk, as well as rooftop restaurants and cafés, to the site.

The architecture of the building is highly unusual in the context of the controlled urban planning guidelines prevailing in Muscat where colours are neutral and subdued, and building heights limited to 50 metres. The Fish Market sits comfortably in this context, yet is a successful attempt to expand the city’s architectural horizons. The choice of exposed steel for the extensive roof canopy, which is of a curvilinear and organic form hovering above, distinguishes the building, yet demonstrates an intellectual level of congruency with the tradition that is commendable.

From a social perspective, the development aims at dignifying the fishing industry through destigmatisation of occupations in this sector which have been increasingly disregarded by the local population in the post- oil economy.

II. Contextual information

A. Brief historical background

Country: Among the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, Oman is the least investigated (Benkari 2017). Situated on the south-eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, it is geographically embraced by the United Arab Emirates in the north-west, Yemen in the south-west, Saudi Arabia in the west, and the open waters of the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean to the north and east. Politically, Oman is an island of stability and continuity in a much disrupted neighbourhood. Unlike all other countries in the region which have been involved in devastating wars during the last half-century, Oman has in fact maintained a neutral political position (both internally and externally) by focusing on its socioeconomic development. Since the 1970s, Oman has been in a new historical phase often called “Renaissance”. Three major events marked this new beginning: the discovery of oil (1964) and its exportation (1967 onwards); the end of the Dhofar War (1962–1976); and the ascension to power of Sultan Qaboos bin Said (1970).

Sultan Qaboos, regarded by domestic and international public opinion as an illuminated and sensible sovereign, has guided the country towards steady development in terms of infrastructure and urban planning, diversification of the economy, as well as sociocultural enrichment. Before Sultan Qaboos’s ascension (through a palace coup), his father Sultan Said Taymur (1932–1970) had already defined priorities for infrastructural development of the country by focusing on Muscat and Muttrah as important centres. In fact, the last decade of Sultan Said Taymur’s reign saw the construction of the Muscat municipality building, a post office, schools, government offices and residences for his British advisers (Peterson 2007). Between 1959 and 1962, the road between Muscat and Muttrah was paved, laying the groundwork for today’s conflation of the two locales. Yet the advent of Sultan Qaboos and the discovery of oil favoured the acceleration of this urban development’s process. For example, plans for a new port and corniche in Muttrah

3 were already approved in the 1960s, envisaging four phases staggered until the 1980s; yet Sultan Qaboos revised the plan by bringing forward the completion of all phases to 1974 (ibid.).

City: Muscat is the capital, as well as the largest and most congested city in Oman (Benkari 2017). In fact, over 30% of Oman’s population lives in a city which covers 5.3% of the total area of the country, i.e. 1,459,249 out of 4,559,963 people (ibid.; Sultanate of Oman’s National Centre for Statistics & Information, 2017 data). Muscat has been at the very centre of development plans since the early 20th century. Its urban area has been growing through what scholars define as “sprawl and refills” development (Benkari 2017), i.e. gradual geographical extension alternating with construction of incorporated areas. This strategy began in the 1960s, when Muscat was first linked to Muttrah, then continued in the 1970s and 1980s by spreading over 60 kilometres to the west along the coast, and eventually culminated in the late 1980s when the urban expansion started to fill the gaps between the built-up areas (ibid.). Today, the capital stretches along 160 kilometres of the Sea of Oman coastline. The urban growth of Muscat (and to a lesser extent that of other parts of the country) has been guided by a robust set of regulations and procedures introduced in the 1970s with the aim of preserving the traditional architecture and natural landscape of the place. Among other areas of the capital, Muttrah is perhaps one of the best examples of such commitment to preservation.

District: The district of Muttrah appears as a gem encapsulated in a beautiful seafront corniche, in which traditional merchant houses lean against a mountainous framework. As with the rest of Muscat, and despite a lack of corroborating evidence, there is no reason not to assume that a fishing village existed in Muttrah since prehistoric times and that coastal and possibly long-distance trade took advantage of Muttrah’s protected harbour and inland access to Omani markets (Peterson 2007). Yet its historical importance as a fishing hub did not translate into proper port facilities until the late 1960s and early 1970s, when a fish market was also built. While today the old fish market is already demolished to leave space for the Snøhetta- designed one, the atmosphere of a fishing centre remains. At the intersection of formality and informality, fishermen continue to sell their fresh products both inside the market and on their boats in the shade of the new Fish Market’s iconic canopy. Suspended in an undefined time, the local community made of fishermen, fishmongers and their customers blends with the growing number of tourists attracted by a glimpseof authenticity.

B. Local architectural character, including prevalent forms and materials

The local architectural character is marked by an almost monochromatic palette in shades of white, cream and beige, with traditional merchant houses (mostly rebuilt in the 20th century) and other low-rise buildings complementing the brown and grey of the rocky outcrops.

C. Climatic conditions

Generally, the climate of Oman is considered to be arid and semi-arid, but it differs from one region to another. In Muscat, summers are hot and very long, while winters are warm. As in other locales of the , annual rainfall in Muscat is low (diurnal precipitation is less than 100 millimetres) and mainly happens between December and April. Yet the area has been hit by several storms and cyclones in the last two centuries. In 1890, a heavy storm killed more than 700 people in Muscat and Muttrah; in 1962, a series of storms hit Muscat, and the main gate of the city (al-Bab al-Kabir) collapsed; while more recently two severe cyclones, respectively in 2007 and 2010, caused flooding and heavy damage.

4 D. Immediate surroundings of the site, including architectural character, access, landscaping, etc.

The project is located in the corniche of Muttrah, surrounded by mountains and facing the Sea of Oman. The architectural landscape is characterised by old merchants’ houses in the traditional palette of whites and beiges, with a turquoise mosque standing out as a unique element of contrast.

E Topography of the project site

The site is effectively flat and is partially reclaimed from the corniche. The reclamation happened as part of a larger masterplan for the area which includes development of the entire Royal Port. Since the completion of the Fish Market building, the masterplan has changed and is currently under review. The work has been awarded to a Dubai-based development company (Damac Properties) for re-planning and implementation.

III. Programme

A. History of the inception of the project; how the project was initiated

The Muttrah Fish Market is part of a broader urban development plan called “Majestic Muscat”. Presented to the public in 2011, “Majestic Muscat” included 23 projects aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of the capital. The then Head of Muscat Municipality, Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, was the brain behind this vision. Among the suggested 23 projects, only three have so far been developed (the Muttrah Fish Market, the Al Azaiba Park and the Al Coastal Promenade). The remaining 20 projects, as well as the completion of those already initiated, have stalled because of changes within Muscat Municipality and lack of adequate fund allocation due to shifts in development priorities.

B. How were the architects and specialists chosen?

Impressed by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, the then Head of Muscat Municipality thought that Snøhetta could be the right architects to work on the Fish Market in the corniche of Muttrah. He personally wrote an email to Snøhetta, presenting the Fish Market in “romantic and exotic terms”. Snøhetta agreed to send a proposal for the Fish Market, together with those for a few other “Majestic Muscat” projects (which ultimately did not go through). Other consultants for the Fish Market project were sourced by Snøhetta, and appointed directly by the Muscat Municipality.

In the broader context of “Majestic Muscat” projects, Sultan Hamdoon also approached a number of other architects, town planners, landscape architects and other international designers (from across the globe, but with an emphasis on Scandinavia). These included Jensen & Skodvin Architects from Norway, Gehl Architects from Denmark, Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects from Denmark, Atelier Jacqueline Osty & Associés from France, and Project Architecture from Australia.

C. General programme objectives

As part of the modernisation process of the city, the project was intended to replace the existing fish market by improving hygiene conditions for fishermen and eventually to become a tourist attraction in the corniche of the old port. Although of no historical value in terms of architecture, the existing fish market was one of the oldest in Oman. Thus, one of the main objectives was that of ensuring continuity and preserving the identity of the place while causing no major disruption to the fishermen. Providing a temporary solution

5 during construction to avoid any interruption to the activities of the fish market, as well as negotiating with stakeholders to achieve a design which could satisfy the fishermen, became a crucial part in the realisation of the project.

D. Functional requirements (i.e. architect’s brief)

In line with the idea of preserving the traditional style of such venues, one of the main requirements of the new fish market was that of openness and natural ventilation. Eventually, on the suggestion of the Head of Muscat Municipality, an environmental cooling system which optimises spot cooling and natural ventilation was integrated into the design. Additionally, a vegetable market was part of the brief.

Traditionally, a fish market runs its operations from sunrise until late morning. In order to extend the activities of the place beyond those hours, the project brief included a rooftop restaurant and cafés in the terrace with full panoramic view of the corniche and the port.

IV. Description

A. Building data: volumetry, massing, number of units, surface in square metres, etc.

The building covers a footprint of 2,840 square metres on a site of 22,249 square metres. It is two storeys high with an overarching roof canopy that stretches across the entire building. The ground floor is entirely dedicated to the fish and vegetable markets. Facilities like cooled tables, air-conditioning and spot cooling to support hygiene, as well as features like a screen/wall with varying degrees of perforation to allow air movement and let controlled light in, made out of simple breeze blocks, are all incorporated into the design.

The second level is a roof terrace overlooking the harbour and housing two enclosed spaces intended for restaurants and cafés to bring people up and into the building. The entire structure is then covered with an organically shaped steel-framed roof supported on steel Y-shaped columns. Aluminium lamellae are hung from the underside of the roof to shade both the roof terrace and the building from the western sun. The proportions of the building and the off-white colour of the roof canopy blend the structure into its context, while allowing it to stand out – a duality that enriches the site and the neighbourhood.

B. Evolution of design concepts, including:

1. Response to physical constraints – siting, climate, plot ratios, etc.

The project is located at the corner of a larger masterplan, by the water and partially on reclaimed land. The 150-metre-long building, which is orientated in an east–west direction, occupies about 15% of the overall land plot, leaving the rest for landscaping, waterfront promenade and car parking facilities. While the building is successfully completed and operational, these external facilities are yet to be built on site. The freeform, organically shaped roof canopy extends beyond the building footprint to create shaded open spaces around the outside. Highly directional sun-shading lamellae are incorporated into the roof canopy structure to block the western sun and to create a protected and moderated microclimate around the entire building and on the roof terraces. The intention is to invite the public up onto the roof terrace and to activate the Fish Market building beyond normal operating hours, although this is yet to happen.

6 2. Response to user requirements; spatial organisation

The primary spaces of fish and vegetable market, rooftop restaurants and cafés, as well as the services facilities all relate to one another in a clear and readable manner. The hierarchy of the spaces is apparent from the higher headroom in the fish market hall when compared with the vegetable market.

3. Purely formal aspects – massing, articulation of façades, decorative features, use of traditional motifs, etc.

The overall roof canopy hovers above the spaces below and curves around in a manner that articulates and announces the hierarchy of the spaces. Within such areas, adjacent activities (fish cutting and selling) seamlessly merge into each other. The simple breeze-block façade facing the corniche is masterfully perforated to varying degrees to achieve natural light penetration in a controlled manner along the entire length of the Fish Market. The wall is a reflection of the tiled walls on the opposite side with ceramic-tiled murals of marine and fishery themes.

4. Landscaping

External landscaping work is yet to be implemented on site. Some hardscape work is done, but the car park and green landscape are pending resolution of landownership with the port and the revised masterplan for the entire port area which the Fish Market is a small part of.

C. Structure, materials, technology

1. Structural systems; in restoration projects, structural interventions

Two distinctively different structural systems are fused together in the overall development. The two-storey enclosed buildings housing the fish and vegetable markets, as well as the restaurant and cafés spaces, are in reinforced concrete. The roof canopy is formed with Y-shaped steel columns supporting primary steel tubes which in turn support secondary and tie beams. This creates a steel grillage from which aluminium sun-shading lamellae are hung to moderate the environment and to protect both the roof terrace and the surrounding areas from the heat. The entire structure is erected on the improved ground, with over 1,500 stone columns installed into the reclaimed land to enhance the bearing capacity of the ground.

Facts/data on the roof canopy:

• 1,100 pieces of circular hollow-section tubes were cut and cold-bent in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. • 2,424 pieces of aluminium lamellae cut and bent in the Netherlands, then powder coated in Dubai, 350 micron dry film thickness. • 114 pieces of rectangular hollow-section columns times 2 = 228, cut, welded and powder coated in Muscat. • The prefabricated pieces of the Y-shaped columns were originally designed and fabricated to be bolted onto the pre-welded nuts on the inside. These were changed to welded connections when some were found to be loose. This was done by filling the holes previously installed for the bolted connections with weld, then grinding flat against a template to leave the “coins” which are left proud of the steel surfaces to form a permanent feature. • Steel base plates and brackets were CNC cut in Oman. • All steelwork erection and site welding and installation was done in Oman. • All steelwork received a zinc-rich epoxy primer coat.

7 2. Materials

Structural members: Reinforced concrete and structural steelwork. Infill materials: Block infill walls and large aluminium screens/doors. Renderings and finishes: Plaster and paint, tiling, cement screed, tempered glass.

3. Construction technology

Aluminium lamellae at roof level provide shading and passive cooling to the spaces below; cool trays in the fish market keep the temperature of goods at -4°C.

4. Building services, site utilities

Air-conditioning in the vegetable market and the rooftop restaurant and café spaces; spot cooling in the fish market.

D. Origin of:

1. Technology

Cooling system: locally and regionally sourced.

2. Materials

Steelwork: locally and regionally sourced, except for the curved roof canopy and aluminium lamellae which were sourced in the Netherlands.

3. Labour force

Locally sourced.

4. Professionals

Architects: Snøhetta, from Norway.

Contractors: Oman Shapoorji Company, from Oman; Central Industry Group, from the Netherlands (for the curved roof canopy); Steel Structure Consultant: Steel Buildings, from Oman.

Consultants: Structural Engineers: BuroHappold, from Denmark, and their Dubai-based regional office; Cost Consultant: Driver Consultancy, from Oman.

Others: The client’s representatives were all Omanis.

8 V. Construction schedule and costs

A. History of project design and implementation, with dates

The architects started working on the project in 2009 and it took a long time to obtain the final design. From personal conversations with multiple parties involved in the realisation of the project, it clearly emerged that achieving the Fish Market that we now appreciate has been far from a straightforward journey. Various challenges in fact occurred.

At the design level, architects and client had to negotiate with stakeholders to make various adjustments in order to reach a consensus with the users of the Fish Market, i.e. fishermen and fishmongers. For example, the original design proposed by Snøhetta appeared to change the way of cutting and selling fish. This met with strong opposition from fishermen and fishmongers, leading to over a year of negotiation and changes to the design. Another point of discussion was the use of natural ventilation instead of an air-conditioning system, as the stakeholders were concerned that fresh goods could easily spoil in the hot weather of Oman. Despite the long and sometimes draining negotiations between parties, key personnel of Muscat Municipality have highlighted that reaching an agreement with the users of the Fish Market was an important cornerstone of the project.

At the construction level, a series of unexpected circumstances delayed the completion of the work for almost four years. The contract was awarded in December 2010, yet the actual commencement date was postponed to September 2011 (eight months after the original date). Due to the presence of unsuitable soil for the proposed location of the new fish market, it was not feasible to commence the excavation works; therefore a ground improvement study was conducted, with soil improvement work. Other delays were caused by changes to the original design, disagreements between the client’s representative and the contractor on the concept model for the steel canopy, as well as lack of adequate fund allocations due to changes in development priorities. The new Fish Market had been targeted for completion in September 2013 but the actual handover date was August 2017. External lights were about to be installed during the site visit in March 2019, while the dining area is still vacant.

B. Total costs and main sources of financing

The Muttrah Fish Market is a public project. The main sources of finance have been the Ministry of Finance (at the national level) and the Municipality of Muscat (at the city level). The original contract value was 5,649,000 OMR (around 15 million USD), while the revised contract sum was 7,733,370 OMR (around 20 million USD).

C. Comparative costs (if relevant)

According to the international construction market survey compiled by Turner & Townsend in 2017, the average construction costs per square metre of internal area in Muscat (Oman) were as follows:

• Airports (building only), ranging from 900 OMR for a low-cost carrier terminal to 1,400 OMR for a domestic terminal; • Commercial (offices), ranging from 380 OMR in a business park to 640 OMR in a high-rise prestige building; • Industrial, ranging from 360 OMR for a warehouse to 525 OMR for a high-tech factory/laboratory.

9 D. Qualitative analysis of costs (per square metre, per unit, etc.)

The Muttrah Fish Market’s construction cost per square metre was 1,806 OMR (around 4,690 USD). Although the Snøhetta-designed Fish Market is a unique building in the architectural landscape of Oman, for the purpose of qualitative analysis of costs it is comparable to a domestic airport with a long-span structure. In this vein, the Muttrah Fish Market appears to be in line with the construction cost of a domestic terminal (i.e. 1,400 OMR/m2) as elaborated by Turner & Townsend (2017).

E. Maintenance costs (heating, cooling, etc.)

The monthly electricity bill is around 7,000 OMR (around 18,000 USD).

F. Ongoing costs and “life performance” of building, in terms of materials, maintenance, etc.

The building materials and finishes used are generally maintenance-free. The cooling system and exposed steelwork require standard and general maintenance.

VI. Technical assessment

A. Functional assessment (use)

The spaces are used for the intended purpose. The movement of fish through the building (from the entrance through the cutting stations and the display trays) is well defined and utilised. The vegetable market is a sealed/air-conditioned box, and well laid out for the purpose.

B. Climatic performance, lighting, natural and/or mechanical ventilation, sun control, insect control, acoustics, orientation, etc.; description of systems developed and utilised

The Fish Market has a controlled and pleasant level of natural light penetration. This is cleverly achieved through a combination of passive and active measures. The building is placed on its site such that the longer dimension runs in an east–west direction, the roof canopy substantially blocks the western sun, and the perimeter walls in breeze blocks have a controlled and designed level of penetration to allow natural light to filter through. Minimal artificial lights are provided to supplement the natural light and to moderate variations.

C. Response to treatment of water and rainfall; discharge of water, and retention and release system(s), if any

No attempt has been made to harvest, treat or retain rainwater. The little rainwater that the site receives is discharged into the ground and eventually into the corniche.

D. Environmental response; adaptation to the natural environment; adaptation to native flora and fauna

The site context, being a partially reclaimed area of land off the corniche, does not lend itself to integration with native flora and fauna. The entire new masterplan of the port, together with the Fish Market building, can create an ecosystem leading to a micro-ecological civilisation. The Fish Market on its own would not be able to have an appreciable impact.

10 E. Choice of materials, level of technology

Cutting-edge technology is woven into elements of display counters in traditional market spaces. The stainless-steel fish trays are cooled and maintained at a low temperature of -4°C in display units which retain the relationship between the fish sellers, the fish and the customers.

F. Response to, and planning for, emergency situations, i.e. natural disasters, floods, winds, fires, earthquakes, etc.

The reclaimed land is at a higher platform with respect to the water in the corniche. This mitigates the probability of the site flooding from the corniche. Floods in Muscat tend to happen in the valleys(or wadi) between hills and rocky outcrops exacerbated by roads/building developments. The area around the corniche is not susceptible to flooding. The structural design accounts for the seismic load effects. Building evacuation is very easy, as the two-storey structure is highly perforated around the perimeter allowing easy escape.

G. Ageing and maintenance problems

The materials used are long lasting and essentially maintenance free. Steel for the roof canopy, aluminium for the sun-shading lamellae, reinforced concrete for the single-storey buildings, masonry and aluminium screens, folding and sliding doors, as well as ceramic-tiled wall finishes and the cement screed floors are all relatively easy to maintain.

H. Design features: massing and volume, articulation of spaces, integration into the site (topography and neighbouring buildings)

The neighbouring buildings are the port facilities that are being designed and built now. The building mass and colour sit very congruently with the older two-storey masonry buildings around the corniche, notwithstanding the organic form of the roof and the distinctly different materials of steel and aluminium used in the latter. The monochromatic colour merges with the off-white tones of Muttrah and Muscat.

I. Impact of the project on the site, in terms of increased circulation or vehicular movement, changes required for infrastructure (particularly for projects in high-density areas), etc.

Land was reclaimed from the corniche. In the process, the corner of the corniche wall where the building is sited was reinforced with sea walls. The reclaimed land required major infrastructural improvement to enhance the soil.

J. Durability and long-term viability of the project

The Muttrah Fish Market replaces an older building to house fishing retail activities which will continue to thrive in this new and much more hygienic place. The new building also sets out to activate this corner of the corniche by drawing more tourists and locals to the restaurants and cafés with a view.

K. Ease and appropriateness of furnishings; interior design and furnishing

All furnishings are fixed and made out of durable materials (mainly stainless steel) which are easyto maintain and keep clean.

11 VII. Users

A. Description of those who use or benefit from the project (e.g., income level, socio-cultural profile, etc.)

The project is intended to serve both tourists and the local community. In the last two decades, in an effort to diversify its economy and become less dependent on oil revenues, Oman has started developing the tourism sector. As already mentioned elsewhere in this report, Muscat is the main city and point of access for tourists who spend their holidays in the country. The Muttrah port and corniche are among the first places that tourists visit; thus, elevating the attractiveness of the place has been crucial. By combining elements of architectural modernity with more traditional vibes, the new Fish Market has quickly become a favourite spot in the whole country.

Apart from tourists, the main users of the Fish Market are fishermen, fishmongers and local clientele. While improved hygiene conditions, compared to the previous fish market, are a clear advantage for both sellers and buyers, the broader social impact of the new Fish Market may be less obvious. Fishing is a traditional activity in Oman; however, the profession is gradually losing its appeal to younger generations who are reluctant to take it up as a career, instead preferring other employment opportunities. According to a 2015 report by the World Bank, fewer young Omani wish to enter the traditional skiff sector as full-time fishers while many may be prepared to engage in part-time fishing, perhaps supporting family traditions. Meagre salaries, i.e. monthly remuneration for skiff crew as low as 200 – 300 OMR (520 – 780 USD), are not the only reason behind the decline in the attractiveness of fishing. Under a process of modernisation and increased exposure to global lifestyles, jobs in this industry already occupied a stigmatised position. The Muttrah Fish Market is an attempt to strip the profession of this stigma by embedding it in a sophisticated architectural environment in close contact with world travellers.

B. Response to the project by clients, users, community, etc.

1. What do architectural professionals and the cultural “intelligentsia” think about the project?

The project has been positively received within architectural circles and the cultural community at large. During our on-site visit, the encounter with Malik Al-Hinai – Director of Muttrah’s Bait Al Baranda Museum – conveyed a positive embeddedness of the project in the overall plan for development of Oman in terms of cultural attractiveness and sensitivity to traditions. Mr Al-Hinai, who has followed the country’s evolution since the 1980s and had a say in the initial brainstorming for the new Fish Market, regarded the new Fish Market as a successful attempt to “uplift the quality of the city”, attract tourism and preserve tradition. The sensitive evaluation done by Snøhetta in terms of topographic specificities of the place has been highly appreciated by the local cultural elite because it granted harmonious integration of colours and relevance to the natural environment.

2. What is the popular reaction to the project?

The fishermen have taken to the project in a positive way. They are owning the place, and seeing the benefits. The tourists visit the place in large groups and regularly too. The building is gradually finding its place in the local architecture. Completion of the rest of the overall port masterplan and opening of the rooftop restaurants and cafés will have a significantly positive effect on the use of the building and activation of the area.

12 3. What do neighbours and those in the immediate vicinity think about the project?

The interview with the director of the museum nearby revealed how proud the neighbours are of the building, and how they also see the positive impact it has so far had, and how this will extend into the future.

VIII. Persons involved

A. Identification of project personnel and their roles in the project (e.g., client, architect, planner, consultant, craftsmen, etc.)

• Client: Muscat Municipality – Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi (Head of Muscat Municipality from 2007 to 2015) – Mohsin Al-Sheik (Head of Muscat Municipality from 2015 to date) – Nasser Al-Hinai (Director General of Technical Affairs and Project Manager of the Fish Market) – Nasser Al-Saadi (Director of Projects – DGTA – and Project Engineer of the Fish Market) – Ammara Abu-Sin (Project Engineer) – Kadhim Al-Lawati (Project Engineer) – Saif Al-Rashedy (Advisor of Communication) • Main Contractors: – Oman Shapoorji Company LLC – Steel Buildings LLC (Specialist sub-contractors, steel structure, Oman) • Architects: Snøhetta – Robert Greenwood (Partner & Managing Director of Snøhetta, Architect & Design Director of the Fish Market) • Consultants: – BuroHappold (Structural and MEP Engineers): structural design out of Copenhagen office, site supervision out of Dubai office) – Rod Manson (Engineering Director) – Peter Konnerup (Senior Engineer) – Zbigniew Czajewski (Director and Specialist Designer of the Fish Market) – Driver Consultancy (cost consultant, Oman) – Taleb Mohammed (Projects Manager) – Central Industry Group – CIG (fabrication of the roof elements and the lamellae together with design optimisation – canopy contractor, the Netherlands) – Rutger Hilkhuysen (Managing Director of CIG Architecture)

IX. Bibliography

A. List of publications

Selected publications on Muttrah Fish Market:

• “A tribute to the past and future – Snøhetta’s Muttrah Fish Market”, Design Curial, 3 January 2018. • “Fish Market in Oman with Norwegian designers”, Detail, 4 May 2018. • “Mercato di design”, Elle Decor, 9 January 2018 (in Italian). • “Muscat’s architectural fish market”, Atlas, June 2018.

13 • “Muttrah Fish Market by Snøhetta”, Architonic, 29 January 2018. • “Oman: The Muttrah Fish Market by Snøhetta unites the old and the new”, Domus, 2 January 2018 [in Italian]. • “Oman’s stunning new fish market merges the traditional with the modern”, Lonely Planet, 5 January 2018. • “Snøhetta completes fish market in Oman”,Arquitectura Viva, 3 January 2018. • “Snøhetta completes fish market inspired byArabic calligraphy in Oman”, Inabitat, 1 February 2018. • “Snøhetta completes the Muttrah Fish Market, Muscat, Oman”, Design Boom, 1 February 2018. • “Snøhetta just designed the world’s most beautiful … Fish Market?”, AD Architectural Digest, 1 February 2018. • “Snøhetta’s calligraphic fish market opens for business in Oman”, Global Construction Review, 2 January 2018. • “Snøhetta-designed Muttrah Fish Market in Oman is inspired by local topography”, Middle East Architect, 4 January 2018. • “Snøhetta’s Muttrah Fish Market features slatted canopy inspired by Arabic calligraphy”, Dezeen, 1 February 2018. • “Striking example of Omani architecture”, Oman Observer, 8 January 2018. • “Worlds of leisure and commerce collide at Snøhetta’s sculptural Oman fish market”, CLAD News, 3 January 2018.

References of the Report:

• Aljabri, H., and Smith, H. (2013), “Users’ perceptions about planning and design of public open spaces: a case study of Muscat”, conference proceedings of the 11th European Architectural Envisioning Association Conference, 141–150. • Benkari, N. (2017), “Urban development in Oman: an overview”, WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 226, 143–156. • Peterson, J.E. (2007), “Historical Muscat. An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer, Handbook of Oriental Studies”, Section One “The Near and Middle East”, Vol. 85, Leiden & Boston: Koninklijke Brill NV Publisher. • Richthofen, A.V. (2018), “A critical reconstruction of modern urban settlement patterns in Muscat and Al Batinah based on military maps”, The Journal of Oman Studies, 19, 85–100. • Shepard, W. (2018), “‘Five years ago there was nothing’: Inside Duqm, the city rising from the sand”, The Guardian, 6 August 2018. • Turner & Townsend (2017), “International construction market survey 2017: Oman – Muscat”, https:// www.turnerandtownsend.com/media/2367/oman_muscat_market_pages.pdf (accessed 12 April 2019). • World Bank (2015), “Sustainable management of the fisheries sector in Oman: A vision for shared prosperity”, World Bank Advisory Assignment. • World Bank (2017), “Country Data: Oman”, https://data.worldbank.org/country/oman?view=chart (accessed 12 April 2019).

Hossein Rezai April 2019

14

Site plan

Ground floor Section

The project is located in the corniche of Muttrah, surrounded by mountains and facing the Sea of Oman. The building complex is a 2-storey under a large roof canopy. The 150 m long building is surrounded by landscaping, waterfront promenade and car parking facilities.

The free form and organically shaped roof canopy extends beyond the building footprint to create shaded open spaces around the building footprint. Sheltered space around the fish market forms a public place to meet and visit the fishermen inside. Moderating ingress of light into the space and encouraging natural ventilation through highly designed perforation in the perimeter wall as a contemporied interpretation of the traditional “mashrabiya”. The ground floor is entirely dedicated to the fish and vegetable markets. The design incorporates new elements and facilities. The roof terrace above allows natural light into the market. Functional and minimal finishes ensure easy maintenance.

The roof terrace offers a panoramic view of the corniche and the surrounding mountains.