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Mutualism Architecture
Borrowed from biology, the terminology of “mutualism architecture” was first introduced in 2004. Workman investigated a holistic system with the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Masdar City, UAE
Vertical Forest, Milan, Italy Earthships, Global
Arctic Research Stations
Collaborative Survival
Microbiotic crusts and their interrelations with environmental factors
A central theme in the book is “collaborative survival,” which emphasises the interconnectedness of humans, other species, and the environment. I argue that survival in extreme environments depends on fostering these relationships. This underlying philosophy is the heart of the project.
Located in the middle of Al Ain City, Al Sanaiya has been serving as the largest industrial area for the past 50 years.
UAE Persian Gulf Oman
E Built Area Desert Crop Area 3km
24.2232° N, 55.7229°
29,300 m2
Sanaiya
Al Sanaiya
The area has been vibrant with many economic activities but also facing the challenge of becoming a capitalist ruin due to its pollution and economic structure.
Capitalist Ruin - Tsing’s Interpretation
“the detrimental aftermath of unchecked capitalist activities, characterized by the depletion of natural resources, socioeconomic inequalities, and environmental damage, where the relentless focus on profit undermines sustainable development and societal well-being.”
Industrial Pollution
The pollution in Al Sanaiya is caused by several factors ranging from Chemical Processing, Lack of Recycling Facility to Vehicular Emissions.
Car-centric
Being an extremely car-centric area, leaks and spills from vehicles have contaminated the soil. The high concentration of garages also contributed to the monolithic structure.
Al Ain 2030
In light of the challenges, a 20-year hoslistic masterplan has been proposed by the UPC (Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council)
Revitalization
Al Sanaiya will undergo several phases of revitalization, essentially shifting the economic pattern from industrial activities to a mixed use urban neighbourhood.
Barter (n.) non-monetary exchange in goods or services
Tsing illustrated how alternative economic practices can emerge in the context of capitalist ruins. Barter can slowly transform the area instead of bringing gentrification to the highly intricate informal network established in Al Sanaiya.
Reuse and Reduce
Tsing illustrated how alternative economic practices can emerge in the context of capitalist ruins. Barter can slowly transform the area instead of bringing gentrification to the highly intricate informal network established in Al Sanaiya.
INDUSTRIAL REVITALIZATION
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
PAST
MATERIALS MUTUALISM
Mycelium Factory
Spores Cultivation Farms
Research and Development Centre
Mycelium Production line
Substrate Sorting and Storage
Demostration Farm
Processing Factory
Contaminated Soil Storage
REDUCING
FUTURE
Recycling Centre
Resources Exhibition Hall
Recyling Sorting Stations
Administrative Offices
Cafeteria and Kitchen
Tailors’ Workshop Material Archive/ Showrooms
Construction Waste Managemet
Clothes Thrifting
Human Resources Workshops
Education and Outreach Centre
Anthropocene Ecocene
REUSING
POLLUTINO
Recognising Mycelium
Despite increasing popularity of mycelium, mycelium insulation or leather which are biodegradable are still pretty foreign to the UAE which has ambitions to transition into a more sustainable nation.
General Public
Mutualism between Recycling and Mycelium Industries
Sanaiya substrate provision sustainable material provision
The project can be a great opportunity to promote mycelium as a sustainable material by demonstration to the general public. Mutualism happens here where the recycling centre can gather organic substrate that is essential for mycelium inoculation; while the mycelium factory can generate revenue for operation for both.
Mycelium Factory
Recycling Centre
Al
divertpeople revenue for operation barter demostrationandeducation
Proposed Site Plan 1:10,000
Selected Site
The project site is situated in the middle of Al Sanaiya. To the north there are systematically classified industrial streets; to the south there is a big garage cluster. The L-shaped site lies on a 5m tall plateau standing tall in a generally flat industrial area.
29,300
m2
Systematically Classified Industrial Streets
Cluster
Garage
RECYCLING
Spatial Configuration - North and South
The main pedestrian access is the staircase from the north while the vehicular entry is from the south. The recycling facility mainly is on the pedestrian side and the mycelium factory is on the vehicular side. The diagonal axis crosses from the pedestrian entrance to the upper right corner to form a main circulation spine allowing the shortest travel distance across the L-shaped site.
Human Car
Site Plan 1:500 +0 Site Boundary 2m Offsets
Mycelial Fragments
Inoculation Equation
Substrate Fruiting Bodies
Mycelial Fragments
Culture Nutrient Exchange Inoculate
Spatial Sequence - Mycelium Inoculation
The Spatial sequence is related to the mycelium inoculation process. Mycelium can be inoculated by first introducing mycelial fragments into an organic substrate like coffee grounds. Next during the inoculation, nutrient exchange will take place. Finally, mushrooms will fruit.
The diagonal circulation is a metaphor of the inoculation process but in reverse.
Roof Plan 1:500
Mushroom
Mycelium
Coffee Grounds
Gahwa: Traditional Arabic coffeespices.
Dead Plants
Palm Fiber: Deadplants from local flora like fallen date palm tree leaves
Rice Water
Mandi: A fragrant rice dish often made with meat and a mixture of aromatic spices.
Substrate Test
Fruiting Nutrient Exchange Mycelium Factory Wing
Fruiting - Entrance and Lobby
You will first be welcomed by the “fruiting” entrance. With mushrooms growing underneath the staircase at the entrance and a gift shop selling mycelium products. This is to directly set the tone for the architecture and provoke visitors’ curiosity on this interesting fungi.
Nutrient Upcycling - Bartering Hall
As you travel further into the building using the footbridge, there is a bartering hall. This big space surrounded by waste sorting rooms is like “nutrient upcycling”. Everyone becomes a working cell to exchange goods and waste. They can also do skill exchanges here, mutualistically benefiting one another.
Inoculation - Mycelium Factory Wing
Take a few steps down, you will enter the mycelium factory wing. To achieve the cool and dark spatial quality, the mycelium lab is sunken under a garden. The main facilities are private but visitors can speculate soil processing as they enjoy their coffee in the cafe.
Extreme Heat
Another big challenge in the area is the extreme heat. The temperature can approach 50°C on the hottest days. Guest workers can suffer from health risks working in this extreme environment.
It is so hot that business is closed from 1pm to 4pm to avoid the heat. Instead the guest workers work till late after resuming work in the afternoon. Those who live outside of the area have nothing to do but to seek refuge in alley ways. Barter can happen during the period.
Vibrant Night Life
Employees seeking refuge in the site in avoidance of extreme heat
Closure Hours - Siesta
Employees seeking refuge in the site in avoidance of extreme heat
13:00 08:30 12:24 14:45 17:22 19:18 22:30 05:23 16:00
Opening Hour Closing Hours
Fajar (dawn) Prayer
Dhuhur (noon) Prayer
Asr (afternoon) Prayer
Maghrib (evening) Prayer
Isha (nightfall) Prayer
Vertical Circulation
By lifting up the ground, seeking shelter underneath, a drastic increase in thermal comfort can be achieved as shown in the solar simulation. The lifted ground plane can function as ramps for vehicles. Mutualistically humans and cars can benefit from it.
Day and Night
During the day, the roof level is bustling with trucks and cars. Human activities happen downstairs. As night falls, the roof transitions into a gathering place.
Car Recycling People People People People
Being highly routined like Salah “the practice of praying 5 times a day”, the act of barter and recycling becomes a humbling and reflective ritual.
Waste Sorting Circulation
As the vehicles ascend on the ramp, at +2m level trucks carrying organic waste go to the right and unload the substrate here and unload the contaminated soil here; at +4m level, driving users go straight and circulate until they find the suitable drop point out of the 36 types.
Substrate
Carpark
Truck
Users
Driving
Inventory
-4 +0 +0 +2 +4
Vertical Sorting Circulation
At the drop point, designated waste can be dropped into the chutes. Falling onto the curved soft landing, the waste accumulated together with those thrown in from the ground floor. The electric hatch floor opens after it’s full, dropping the waste further to the underground level. Waste will undergo a final check-up on the conveyor belt before they are transported out.
Mutualism: between Place-Making and Operation
Some architectural interventions help achieve the mutualism between place-making and operation.
Landform Stepping
The roof is sculpted to resemble a rugged landscape, divided into layers of sizable steps akin to natural rock formations. This design allows visitors to hike up the steps, enjoy panoramic views.
Roof Edge - Balustrade
Roof Edge - Planter
Roof Edge - Seating and Pocket Space
The mutualism happens when socialising provides seating, seating provides shadow, shadow provides mushrooms, mushrooms provide cleaner remediated air. Cleaner air gathers visitors. While they can gather and reuse their coffee grounds in these chambers.
LED Light Strip
Sandstone Cladding
Recycled Coffee Grouds
Irrigation System
Steel I-beam
Structural Connection
Impromptu Mushroom Farming
Impromptu Usage of the Street in the Nighttime
To visualise the amount of processed waste each day just like a chimney does, the more waste, the brighter.
B. Lighting Strategy
Industrial Area Tectonics
The principle of architectural language is taking reference from the distinctive tectonics of the industrial area. However, the future language of the whole area is still unknown before revitalization
Structural Expression
Emphasizing the structural elements of a building, such as beams, columns, and bracing, can create a visual dialogue between the architecture and its tectonic influences. This can include exposed steel frames, visible concrete structures, and articulated joint details.
Foundation Design
Considering the sedimentary basins and potential for salt tectonics, deep foundations or pile foundations can be visually integrated into the design. This might include visible piles in open spaces or stylized foundation elements as part of the landscape design.
Materiality
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in architectural tectonics. Using materials that reflect the geological and industrial context of Al Sanaiya, such as concrete, steel, and glass, can enhance the building’s connection to its environment. These materials also provide the necessary strength and flexibility for seismic resilience.
Seismic Design Elements
Incorporating seismic design elements such as shear walls, cross-bracing, and base isolators can be both functional and aesthetic. These elements can be highlighted in the design, making them an integral part of the architectural expression.
Industrial Aesthetics
Given Al Sanaiya’s industrial context, an industrial aesthetic can be adopted. This includes using raw, unfinished materials, exposed mechanical systems, and utilitarian forms that reflect the area’s industrial heritage.
Architectural Tectonics from Geological Tectonic Setting
I am taking inspiration from the unique geological formation of the area as the landscape has been protected and timeless. Folding and faulting gave rise to the flat industrial area surrounded by the tall ridge. I am inspired by the Hajar Mountains to celebrate this significant cultural essence.
Stepping Lightwell
The steps have been strategically rotated to create tiny gaps that face north, allowing diffused lighting while avoiding harsh southern sunlight. During the day, the steps absorb heat and, due to the stack effect, effectively dissipating any odors from the recycling hall.
Exploration
Playing around with the language, different forms with different functions were created. For example, a footbridge, a staircase, a substrate filter, etc.
The footbridge serves as a vital link between different sections of the accessible roof, allowing pedestrians to traverse the space with ease. It provides a seamless connection between key amenities, such as seating areas, recreational zones, and viewpoints, enhancing the overall accessibility and usability of the rooftop space. The “Dundee” Footbridge
Twisting Triangle
Peaks on the Peak
Entry Stairs
Substrate Drop-Off
Ascending Landscape
Overhang
Stacked tappered slab edge
Concrete Structure
Exposed concrete interlaced beam system
Concrete Structure
Sandstone Cladding
Concrete beam with tappered profile
Concrete arch chamfered corner
Self-healing concrete
The mycelium is planted varying locations of the mats to create dimensions
The mycelial mat is intricately woven or molded into a jali design inspired by Islamic art and architecture. The jali pattern allows for airflow and light filtration while maintaining privacy
Concrete Structure
Galvanized Steel
Mycelium Panel
Mycelial Mat Facade
By incorporating mycelium bricks, the recycling center addresses the challenge of noise generated when waste is dropped into processing areas, reducing noise levels and improving acoustic comfort.
Mycelium Bricks Infill
Steel
Ground
Floor Chutes with Stainless Steel
I-beam structural frame
Concrete Structure
Galvanized Steel
Mycelium Panel
Glass Envelope Steel Window Frame Steel
Glazed Facade
Transom
Concrete Structure
Glass
Galvanized Steel
While staying in Al Sanaiya for 3 days from day to night, I have been treated with so much kindness. Despite the language barrier, with a camera in my hand they would be so eager to ask for a photo, as if they have no access to preserving memories. As revitalization happens, gentrification is almost inevitable. At the restart of the world I hope at least mutualism can retain the intricate informal network.
Henrik Sit
Nutrient Transport
