The Contemporary Library of Old Muscat: Where Contemporary Architecture Meets a Traditional City

‫مكتبة مسقط القدمية احلديثة‬

The Contemporary Library of Old Muscat: Where Contemporary Architecture Meets a Traditional City CHALLENGING THE LOCAL DESIGN INDUSTRY AND BREAKING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE EXISTING ARCHITECTURAL NORMS

SARAH AL LAWATI MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

COPYRIGHT 2021 MANCHESTER ENGLAND UNITED KINGDOM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE COPYRIGHTS RESERVED BY: SARAH AL LAWATI MA ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY HOME COUNTRY -THE SULTANATE OF OMAN- AND ITS CAPITAL MUSCAT FOR INSPIRING ME TO DEVELOP THIS THESIS, IN HOPES TO ONE DAY WITNESS IMPECCABLE GROWTH WITHIN ITS ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN FIELDS, AND CONTRIBUTE IN DOING SO. I ALSO THANK THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER, MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY, AND MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE FOR THIS COURSE -MA ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM- AND HELPING ME FURTHER DEVELOP MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, AND MY PASSION FOR DESIGN. MY GRATITUDE ALSO GOES TO MY TUTORS EAMONN CANNIFFE AND MAZIN AL SAFFAR FOR HELPING ME DIRECT THIS THESIS TO ITS FINAL STAGE, AND I THANK MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR THEIR ENDLESS SUPPORT THROUGH THIS JOURNEY.

‫مكتبة مسقط القدمية احلديثة‬

THE CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY OF OLD MUSCAT WHERE CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE MEETS A TRADITIONAL CITY

CONTENTS PG. 8 PG. 9

1. INTRODUCTION - THE CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY OF OLD MUSCAT - THE SULTANATE OF OMAN AND ITS CAPITAL MUSCAT

PG. 11 PG. 12 PG. 15

2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAPITAL MUSCAT -THE HISTORIC - THE INDUSTRIAL - THE POST-INDUSTRIAL

PG. 17

3. MATTRAH: PRESERVING HERITAGE IN ARCHITECTURE -THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE POSSIBLE FUTURE

PG. 22 PG. 26

4. SHATTI AL QURUM: ADAPTING TO PRESERVE HERITAGE IN ARCHITECTURE -MODERN MUSCAT -CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN MUSCAT: A STUDY ON THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

PG. 29 PG. 31

5. PROPOSAL RELATED RESEARCH - THE EVOLUTION OF OMANI ARCHITECTURE IN OMAN AND MUSCAT: PRESERVE AND ADAPT TO PRESERVE - WHAT DOES CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE MEAN?

PG. 33 PG. 35 PG. 37 PG. 38

6. PROJECT SITE AND LOCATION - OLD MUSCAT LOCATION - UNDERSTANDING OLD MUSCAT - WHY THIS SITE - SITE VISIT DOCUMENTATION AND BUILT FABRIC

PG. 40 PG. 41 PG. 42

7. PROJECT AIM AND CONCEPT - CONCEPT DRAWING - INTERIOR COLLAGE - PROGRAMME MAPPING

PG. 44 PG. 45 PG. 47 PG. 49 PG. 51 PG. 52

8. DESIGN CONCEPTUALIZATION: RESEARCH AND ZONING - CONCEPTUAL MASS EXPLORATION - PRECEDENT STUDIES - FUNCTION AND ZONING LAYOUT - SITE AND PROPOSAL - UNDERSTANDING THE SILHOUETTE PRODUCED BY THE ZONES -SECTION DRAWING OF PROPOSAL ZONING / CONCEPT

PG. 54 PG. 56 PG. 57 PG. 58 PG. 59 PG. 60 PG. 61

9. DESIGN MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY - PROPOSAL LIGHTING AND FACADE EXPLORATION - CHOICE OF MATERIALS - USE OF PALM TREE LEAFS - EXTERIOR MATERIAL RENDER - INTERIOR MATERIAL AXONOMETRIC - COLUMN PLACEMENT / GRID STRUCTURE - PROPOSAL AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAMS

PG. 63 PG. 64 PG. 65 PG. 66 PG. 67 PG. 68 PG. 70

10. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: MASS AND LAYOUT - PHASE 1 - PHASE 2 - PHASE 3 - PHASE4 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT - ACCESS TO LIBRARY - DESIGN DECISIONS AND EXPLORATION

PG. 73 PG. 74

11. DESIGN REALISATION: THE CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY OF OLD MUSCAT - BUILDING USERS AND PUBLIC REALM - AXONOMETRIC X PERSPECTIVE DRAWINGS

PG. 86 PG. 87 PG. 89

12. THE PROJECT AND THE CAPITAL MUSCAT - IMPACT ON OLD MUSCAT’S SKYLINE - PERSPECTIVES SHOWING THE LIBRARY’S RELATION WITH THE CITY : EXTERIOR - PERSPECTIVES SHOWING THE LIBRARY’S RELATION WITH THE CITY : INTERIOR

PG. 92 PG. 94 PG. 96

13. TECHNICAL DRAWINGS: PLANS AND SECTIONS - PROJECT IN 3D - SECTION DRAWINGS - PLANS / LAYOUT DRAWINGS

PG. 104

14. CONCLUSION

PG. 106

15. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. INTRODUCTION UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF THE COUNTRY AND ITS CAPITAL TO PROPOSE A CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY

INTRODUCTION: - This thesis focuses on challenging the existing architectural norms and regulations of the Sultanate of Oman by designing a contemporary library in the village of Old Muscat.

- This has been done by analysing the development of the built environment in the Capital Muscat, and considering aspects such as preserving history and heritage.

- The proposal has been designed by studying other libraries and understanding the requirements of such a programme.

- Although the aim of this proposal is to bring modern architecture to a conservative urban fabric, this thesis still preserves the natural landscape and uses ancient materials within its design. This shows that implementing contemporary architecture does not have to lead to abolishing the city’s original essence, rather it is adapting to preserving this whist accepting modernisation.

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IRAN

SAUDI ARABIA

The Sultanate of Oman is located within the Middle East as part of the content of Asia. The country is located nearby the UAE, Saudi Arabia and,Yemen. The capital of Oman is the State of Muscat. However, within the state is the Provenance of Muscat, home to many settlements or villages, including the Old Village of Muscat (known as Old Muscat), the area I have chosen for my thesis.

UA E

YEMEN

Google Maps (2021)

KEY: THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

THE PROVENANCE OF MUSCAT

THE STATE OF MUSCAT

OLD MUSCAT

THE PROVENANCE OF MUSCAT

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2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAPITAL MUSCAT THE HISTORICAL, INDUSTRIAL AND POST INDUSTRIAL MOVEMENTS IN MUSCAT

EXAMPLE OF THE BUILT FABRIC

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT:

Al Saidiya School (1940)

PEAK OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE (15TH - 18TH CENTUARY)

PORTUGUESE INVASION (1507 - 1650) AREA OF MUSCAT THAT HAS BEEN MOST IMPACTED BY THE PORTUGUESE AND PERSIAN INVADTIONS

MUSCAT BECOMES THE CAPITAL OF OMAN (1793)

MUSCAT BEFORE THE 1970S (BUILT UP AREA)

PERSIAN INVASION (1737 - 1749)

HIS (LATE) MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS TOOK OVER THE THRONE (1970)

INVADTION OF FORTS AND THE AREA

CONSTRUCTION OF AL JALALI AND AL MIRANI FORTS (1588)

National Museum of Oman (2016)

EXAMPLE OF THE BUILT FABRIC MUSCAT DURING THE 2000S (BUILT UP AREA)

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IMPACT OF INDUSTRIALISATION: MINA AL FAHAL (PETROLEUM PORT)

1: TRANSPORTATION

MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (2018)

MINA SULTAN QABOOS (1974)

Muscat’s industrialisation period emerged after his late majesty took over the throne. One of its major impacts has been transportation, as Muscat has witnessed an evolution in this industry, and continues to develop even further.

SEEB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (1970)

SULTAN QABOOS HIGHWAY

MUSCAT EXPRESS-WAY (2012) | 12

IMPACT OF INDUSTRIALISATION: 2: PRODUCTION

MINA AL FAHAL (PETROLEUM PORT)

WADI KABEER INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

Although the main impact of industrialisation on Oman has been due to oil and gas, most of its production happens outside the capital. However, Mina Al Fahal remains to be a port mainly used by the petroleum sector. Furthermore, many areas in Muscat are now dedicated to industrial purposes.

GALA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE | 13

THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUILT UP AREA IN MUSCAT Al Awadhi, Charabi and Ramadan (2017)

IMPACT OF INDUSTRIALISATION: 3: RESIDENTIAL

Macro Trends (2021)

1960S-1970S

1980S-1990S

It was not until the 1970s that Muscat started to flourish. In which many people lived elsewhere and migrated away.

However when the change started to happen, people started to move back into the capital and many even left their cities in Oman to find jobs and dwell in Muscat. There are no dedicated residential zones in Muscat, rather they are more like clusters scattered all over the city and are facilitated with essential and non-essential establishments.

1990S-2000S

2000S-2020S | 14

IMPACT OF POST-INDUSTRIALISATION - TOURISM:

AL QURUM BEACH

AL JILALI AND MIRANI FORTS (1586)

In order not to have a completely petroleum-dependent economy, Muscat is investing in its tourism field. As the city is coastal, the beach becomes a significant feature in its tourism, as well as its many mountains and historic sites.

AL RIYAM HIKE | 15

3.MATTRAH PRESERVING HERITAGE IN ARCHITECTURE

THE PHYSICAL AND HISTORIC FABRIC OF MATTRAH: It was the hot summer afternoon of Thursday the 4th of Ramadan 1440 Hijri, the 9th of May 2019 that is, and I decided to join my father at the fish market in Muttrah. As I drove down towards the Fish roundabout, I began to look for a place to park my car. This road never fails to amuse me of how crowded it could get. Once I finally found a parking spot near one of the restaurants that were still closed, I began to walk towards the corniche where I had a view of all the ships docked at the port.

I met my father there and we both walked in towards the fish market. This must be one of my favourite buildings in muscat.

Every time I join my father, I get distracted by the structure of the building and the organic roof and façade. As the sun started to set, we walked out of the market and towards the south.

We had plenty of fresh fish to break our fast with the rest of our extended family. This was a tradition my family had, that we would gather at Ramadan every first Thursday night -or night of Fridays as we call it- in the sour, the home of our tribe. As we entered the gate, I felt as if I went through a time machine, from the newly designed fish market to these humble concrete small houses. As I heard the Athan from my grandparent’s house I broke my fast, then walked towards the mosque that was just a block away. I stepped my right foot into the hall and my eyes instantly saw the calligraphy that was on the mosaic of the walls.

Moments later I heard the call for prayers and stood next to my friends and family to perform this act of faith.

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FIGURE GROUND PLAN SHOWING BUILDINGS

FIGURE GROUND PLAN SHOWING OPEN SPACE

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6. SITE SPECIFIC

The area of Mattrah is positioned by the coast and is considerably seen within its many layers that resemble the past, the present, and the possible future. Starting at sea level where the ships dock, and the roads that allow cars to pass by the corniche.

The area also allows pedestrians to commute and demonstrates the old tribal village in contrast to the newer buildings and the site-specific ones.

5. THE NEW

4. THE OLD

3. PEDESTRIAN LANES

2. ROADS

1. SEA LEVEL

SITE IN 3D - SHOWING BUILT UP AREA | 19

SECTIONS THROUGH MATTRAH:

SHOPS AND STREET LANDSCAPE

MOSQUE AND TRIBAL VILLAGE

FISH MARKET

“FISH” ROUNDABOUT

NORTH TO SOUTH MAIN ROAD

TRIBAL VILLAGE AND NEW BUILDINGS SKYLINE

PORT BUILDINGS

CORNICHE COAST LINE

EAST TO WEST | 20

4.SHATTI AL QURUM ADAPTING PRESERVING HERITAGE IN ARCHITECTURE

STUDY EXAMPLE:

LOCATION OF SHATTI AL QURUM Shatti Al Qurum is a district positioned on the coastline of Muscat and connects to other major districts within the capital. As it is an area that is well established, I have chosen the part of the coastline to study further and understand the contemporary development of Muscat.

SHATTI AL QURUM COASTLINE | 22

The area of Shatti Al Qurum started its development relativity in recent years. The first multiplex cinema is located in this area and started its operation in 2000. The area also has buildings that are popular to residents due to their location by the beach. Shatti Al Qurum continues its development with the new Waterfront building and the ongoing residential complex on-site.

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USERS ANALYSIS

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

PROFESSIONAL

LEISURE - NON COMMERCIAL

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A WALK THROUGH THE SPACE ON MARCH THE 3RD 2021

| 25

Saeed (2019)

CONTEMPORARY MONUMENT IN SHATTI AL QURUM -THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE To further understand the contemporary development and lifestyle in Muscat, I have studied the Royal Opera House that stands within the area of Shatti Al Qurum. This contemporary building resembles the modern Omani lifestyle by both its programme and architectural design.

OPERA GALLERIA MALL Arabian Business (2011)

LOCATION OF MONUMENT OUTDOOR PUBLIC SPACE Keith (2019)

FRONT ELEVATION

LARGE GARDEN

Brunswick Group (2011)

Verdaus (2021)

PLAN

Muralidhar (2012)

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Muralidhar (2012)

Detail 1:The columns and arches

Verdaus (2021)

This aspect of the design consists of exterior columns that are connected to the main parts of the building by a concrete slab, together with the columns these create colonnades with arches within their designs, acting as a significant aspect of the architecture

Detail 2:The theatre (designed by Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo) Despite the traditional design of this space, the technology embedded within makes this room transformational. The technical aspect of the theatre is visible behind the scenes and when viewed with the architecture, it creates an interesting contrast | 27

5. PROPOSAL RELATED RESEARCH EXAMINING THE ARCHITECTURAL TRENDS IN MUSCAT AND WHAT CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE MEANS

EVOLUTION OF OMANI ARCHITECTURE IN OMAN AND MUSCAT

.

.

17TH CENTURY: JIBREEN CASTLE

BY THE PERSIANS

.

19TH CENTURY: INTRO OF MINARETS TO MOSQUES (IMAGE OF ONE OF THE OLDEST MOSQUES IN OMAN)

1970s: AL ALAM PALACE

.

1990s: THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

2010s: THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

.

.

16TH CENTURY: JILALI &MIRANI FORTS BY THE PORTUGUESE

Architecture in Oman has thrived throughout history and continues to do so. This country has witnessed astonishing buildings such as forts and castles built by the Portuguese and Persians. Moreover, Muscat and Oman in general evolved their architectural approach continuously and allowed inspiration to take place possibly to adapt to the modern era. An example of this is the introduction of minarets to mosques in the 19th century. After the renaissance period in the 1970s, there has been a clear shift towards modernisation where buildings like Al Alam Place were built. One might state that the evolution of contemporary architecture in Muscat has been having a significant impact, especially in the last few decades as seen by the Children’s Museum. But contemporary design mainly started to emerge by the projects such as the Royal Opera House. An extension of this can be found in my dissertation. | 29

PRESERVE: HIGHLIGHTING DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE

ADAPT TO PRESERVE: MOVING TOWARDS CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

MATTRAH: THE OLD

SHATTI AL QURUM: THE NEW

Although Muscat has seen exceptional growth within its architectural and urban field, the city continues to preserve its heritage within its built environment.Yet in recent years architects have been challenging this concept by designing buildings that are considered modern to Muscat but still adapt to preserve its history. Through this adaptation, elements such as Islamic architecture and Omani forts continue to influence these modern buildings of Muscat.

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WHAT DOES CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE MEAN?

OMAN / MUSCAT

GLOBALLY Contemporary architecture can be defined as the architecture of this century, in which it does not necessarily follow a certain style, rather represents the 21st century.

Contemporary architecture in Muscat and Oman, in general, has started to emerge in the last few years.

However, as seen by previous research, the built fabric tends to either preserve or adapt to preserve the heritage of Islamic and Omani architecture. This questions whether the contemporary movement in Muscat is doing its role of representing our modern era.

FOR EXAMPLE:

FOR EXAMPLE:

BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM BY HERZOG & DE MEURON (2008)

WHITNEY MUSEUM OF ART IN NEW YORK CITY BY RENZO PIANO (2015)

HEARST TOWER IN NEW YORK CITY

BY NORMAN FOSTER (2006)

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL IN LOS ANGELES BY FRANK GEHRY (2003)

GERMAN EMBASSY IN MUSCAT BY HOEHLER + ALSALMY (2017)

MUSCAT’S MARSA PLAZA BY ACME (2019)

HISTORY OF SCIENCE CENTRE

BY HOEHLER + ALSALMY (2016)

MOHAMMED AL AMEEN MOSQUE BY QUAD DESIGN (2014) | 31

6. PROJECT SITE AND LOCATION A VILLAGE KNOWN AS “OLD MUSCAT” WHERE HISTORY AND THE CONTEMPORARY MEET

33 |

THE PROVENANCE OF MUSCAT - OLD MUSCAT LOCATION

Within Muscat, a city and capital that portrays the past and the present I choose the Old Muscat as the site for my thesis. This area has witnessed great historical impact as well as ongoing contemporary development. Hence I believe that challenging the future of architecture in Muscat will be most interesting at this site.

THE RENEWED Taking inspiration from the evolution of Omani architecture and its preservation of heritage as well as the adaptation in doing so, Old Muscat can start to translate this development within its landscape and skyline.

THE NEW

ADAPT TO PRESEVE

THE OLD

PRESEVE | 34

UNDERSTANDING OLD MUSCAT:

OLD MUSCAT’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT: NATURE ON SITE:

1

GULF OF OMAN

2

PALM TREES

3 SIDAB COASTAL TREK KEY: HISTORIC BUILDINGS

SITE BOUNDARY

POLITICAL BUILDINGS

THESIS SITE

The Old Village of Muscat is filled with architecture that has been influenced by the different eras of Oman. For example, The Al Alam Palace (1) is considered humble in comparison to a typical palace yet resembles the renaissance period of Oman as it was also rebuilt in the 1970s. Despite this site being a landmark to political events and tourism, the houses and local shops (2) are also simple in terms of their design, as they surround the majority of the village’s landscape.

The contemporary movement is also present by the National Museum (3) with architecture that adapts to preserve the Omani heritage.

MUSEUMS

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BOUNDARY SKETCH

NATIONAL MUSEUM

MINISTRY

FORT

MUSEUM

GRAVEYARD

AL SAIDIYA ROAD

NORTH TO SOUTH

FORT

MINISTRY

MUSEUM HOUSES

EAST TO WEST

ROUNDABOUT

GRAVEYARD

The Old Village of Muscat is home to many political buildings including the Al Alam Palace, and many museums such as the National Museum. The significance of nurture in Muscat is also highlighted by vegetation such as palm trees and mountains like the Sidab Hights.

My proposal will be located behind the National Museum and on a small mountain. Around this area are many houses, and a graveyard sits behind the mountain as well. The site can be accessed by a highly used road known as the Al Saidiya Road.

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MUSEUMS ON SITE

WHY THIS SITE? Although there are some public libraries across Muscat, they are still considered few.

Furthermore, as the Old Village of Muscat is now the location of many museums, a library becomes a sensible programme for the site. Not only does it provide a space where education and knowledge can be found, but also facilitates the museums including the National Museum.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN MUSCAT

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7

5 3

1

4

8 9

10

2

6

11

21 15

18 25

SITE VISIT DOCUMENTATION: THE URBAN FABRIC 4

2

1 10

9 8

13

3 6

12 22

5

19

16

7 13

11 12 14

26

23

15 17 16

17 14

18 20 26 27 24 23 22 19

20 24

21

27

25 | 38

7. PROJECT AIM AND CONCEPT INTRODUCING THE IDEA BEHIND THIS THESIS PROJECT AND UNDERSTANDING ITS PARAMETERS

40 |

I believe that designing a library will be well suited for this site as not only does it highlight the heritage and provide information, but can facilitate the neighbouring museums. The aim is to challenge the Omani design industry yet preserve the natural and historic heritage. Furthermore, I believe that education is for all, and what Muscat needs is a space where this can be provided.

CONCEPT DRAWING | 40

INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT I aim to design with local materials such Omani marble as it fits well aesthetically, and palm tree leaves where the ancient Omani architecture can make its appearance in the contemporary field.

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MEETING HALLS: - Large space that can be divided to more than one theatre - Remote leaning / meetings friendly and the use of screens

BOOKS: - Many topics including culture, science, etc..

- Needs room for storage and processing - A large archive space can be created to store old books and make room for new ones

PROGRAMME MAPPING To understand the programmes within a library and the activities the building should hold, this diagram has been drawn to map out the various spaces needed.

OTHER FACILITIES: - Cafe for food and drinks enables people to stay longer - Informal gathering space indoors and outdoors - Quite space outside to read

PEOPLE AND SPACE: - To hold around 2000 people (500 cars) or 1000 people in regards to virus limitation - A place to study, read, write, learn, etc..

- Facilitate the neighbouring museum -Wide range of dedicated spaces for different activities and noise requirements | 42

8.DESIGN CONCEPTUALISATION EXPLORING DESIGN IDEAS, PRECEDENTS AND FUNCTION / ZONING

44 |

2

CONCEPTUAL MASS EXPLORATION 3

To understand the different masses and shapes that the Library can take and how they sit onsite, these sketches were done. This is also to evaluate which design works best, and the drawings are as follows: 1. Design of a singular building, taking up space within the mountain as well 2. Design of three buildings as one program 3. Design of one building with different levels, taking up the same shape and curvature of the mountain From this I understand that all designs are relevant and can be incorporated as part of the proposal.

PRECEDENT STUDIES The two main precedents I looked at were the Qatar National Library (Doha) and the Bibliothèque Alexis de Tocqueville (France), both by OMA Architects. The library in Qatar is within the same region as Muscat and so will have similar requirements, whereas the one in France has a large underground space as an archive, similar to the idea I have for my proposal. By studying these two libraries I managed to find the areas of the different functions and sub-functions needed, which then helped me formulate the size of my proposal, as I aim to design a space larger than the Bibliothèque Alexis de Tocqueville but smaller than the National Qatar Library.

THE QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY: DOHA

BIBLIOTHÈQUE ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE : FRANCE

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TOTAL AREA SPACES 1. LIBRARY AREA

2. ADMIN AREA 3. CAFÉ AND OUTDOOR AREA

4. MULTIPURPOSE SPACES AREA

5. DEFULT BUILDING REQUIREMNTS

FUNCTIONS NEEDED: RECEPTION AND HELP DESK CHILDREN SPACE WITH PLAY AREA BOOKS ON SHELVES: FOR KID’S BOOKS GROUP STUDY SPACE SILENT STUDY SPACE VIRTUAL READING AND RESEARCH SPACE BOOKS ON SHELVES QUITE STUDY SPACE OLD BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVE BOOKS FOR STORAGE AND PROCESSING MANAGEMENT OFFICES EMPLOYEE LOCKER AND BREAK ROOMS CAFÉ FOR FOOD AND DRINK (INDOORS AND OUTDOORS) OUTDOOR READING SPACE OUTDOOR MEETING SPACE GROUP MEETING SPACE (SMALL) GROUP MEETING SPACE (LARGE) MULTIPURPOSE HALL OTHER OPEN SPACES AND FACILITIES

QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY 31 000m²

BIBLIOTHÈQUE ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE 14 430m²

5 009.5m² 726m²

985m² 758m²

4 025m² 730m²

813m² 3 191m²

742.5m² 605m² 1 329.5m²

990m² 505m² 930m² 3 055m² 780m² 5 660m² 50m² 930m² 465m² 585m²

3 718m² 1 063.5m² NA 47m² 2 495m² 1 247m² 2 943m² NA NA 1 116m² DISTERBUTED 265m² 1 279m² 7 087m²

560m² 3 087m² NA 2 351m² 596m² NA 743m² COMBINED WITH SILENT STUDY SPACE 214m² 709m² 2 967m²

MY PROPOSAL 21 085m² - EXCLUDING EXTRA FACILITIES

830m² 620m² 230m² 700m² NA

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KEY: ACCESS MAIN FUNCTIONS RECEPTION AND HELP DESK CHILDREN SPACE WITH PLAY AREA GROUP STUDY SPACE SILENT STUDY SPACE VIRTUAL READING AND RESEARCH SPACE BOOKS ON SHELVES QUITE STUDY SPACE OLD BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVE MANAGEMENT OFFICES EMPLOYEE LOCKER AND BREAK ROOMS CAFÉ OUTDOOR AREA MEETING AREA (SMALL)

FUNCTION LAYOUT

MEETING AREA (LARGE)

After deciding the main functions and sub-functions of the program, I was able to lay them out on-site depending on the movement I want people to take when walking through the building.

MULTI-PURPOSE HALL

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KEY: RECEPTION AND HELP DESK CHILDREN SPACE WITH PLAY AREA GROUP STUDY SPACE SILENT STUDY SPACE VIRTUAL READING AND RESEARCH SPACE BOOKS ON SHELVES QUITE STUDY SPACE OLD BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVE MANAGEMENT OFFICES EMPLOYEE LOCKER AND BREAK ROOMS CAFÉ OUTDOOR AREA MEETING AREA (SMALL) MEETING AREA (LARGE) MULTI-PURPOSE HALL

ZONING DIAGRAM By laying out the different functions of the library and finding the areas needed, I was able to create a zoning diagram to further analyse the location of each function more architecturally. | 48

EAST TO WEST SITE SECTION

C

EAST TO WEST SECTION WITH PROPOSAL

SITE AND PROPOSAL (2D) By understating the location of the different functions of a library, I created these section drawings to further understand the mass of my proposal and how it sits on-site, as well as determine the parts of the existing mountain that I want to keep and others that I want to demolish. As seen by the diagrams, I aim to preserve most of the natural landscape where the amount of landscape removed from the site is minimal.

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1

MOUNTAIN TO BE DEMOLISHED

ZONES OF PROPOSAL

2 MOUNTAIN TO BE PRESERVED

SITE AND PROPOSAL (3D) SITE

3

My proposal focuses on preserving the natural landscape of Muscat. Although I aim to design a building on a mountain, most of the existing landscape will be preserved and only a minimal amount will be demolished.

The relationship of my proposal with the natural landscape can be seen in 3 aspects: 1. The rhythm of the building’s mass follows the typography of the parts that will be taken down 2. This rhythm allows the mountain to act as structural support for the higher floors of the building 3. This can also provide many design opportunities at the back of the mountain / building (to be elaborated on further pages) A

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1

2

3

UNDERSTANDING THE SILHOUETTE PRODUCED BY THE ZONES 4

The silhouette that the zones produce and the way they have been arranged are demonstrated on-site by these diagrams.

By looking at these images, the drawings show that: 1: The silhouette of the building show different layers that represent parts of the mountain that are meant to be demolished 2: The proposal becomes distinguished from the National Museum on elevation view, feeding into the concept of challenging the local design industry with contemporary architecture.

3: The layers of the silhouette mean that the building can have large spaces on the lower floors and more confined ones on the top 4:The top floors of the proposal can “sit” on the existing mountain as a form of support | 51

SECTION DRAWING OF PROPOSAL ZONINGS / CONCEPT

C

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

B

SECTION A: The different levels of the proposal in relation to their position on the mountain, as well as the height difference of the proposal and the existing buildings such as the National Museum.

SECTION B: The different layers of the zones are visible and show the idea of following the rhythm of the mountain that is to be demolished

SECTION C: Along with section B, this also shows the idea of having the archive and reception areas within the existing mountain, where at some areas of the building, the mountain becomes a part of the architecture | 52

9.DESIGN MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY STUDYING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL LIGHTING AND FACADE EXPLORATION As Muscat is a warm city, using glazing and glass must be thought through to prevent overheating and glare.

When it comes to the main spaces of the library, glass can be used on the North and South facing surfaces to allow light in but prevent the space from being overheated by the sun. Artificial light can also be used to give readers comfort in using the space.

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LIBRARY INTERIOR LIGHTING STUDIES

These light studies show a rough representation of what the space might look like at four different times of the day.

The archive space, where unlike reading spaces, requires dimmed artificial lighting to preserve the books and prevent damage.

LIBRARY INTERIOR LIGHTING AT 8AM ON 15/06

LIBRARY INTERIOR LIGHTING AT 12PM ON 15/06

ARCHIVE INTERIOR LIGHTING STUDIES

LIBRARY INTERIOR LIGHTING AT 4PM ON 15/06

LIBRARY INTERIOR LIGHTING AT 8PM ON 15/06

ARCHIVE WITH DIMMED ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS

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REDUCE CO FOOTPRINT WHY?

OMANI MARBLE

FOLLOWS AESTHETICS

WHY?

CHOICE OF MATERIALS RESPONDING TO HERITAGE

PALM TREES LEAFS

COMPLEMENTING THE SITE

I aim to use local materials to decrease the impact of carbon footprint and demonstrate the Omani heritage as well as preserve it within the architecture. This is done by using Omani marble and palm tree leaves. Omani marble fits well with the aesthetics I aim to achieve and can be used on wall OR floor surfaces, hereby giving accent to the interior space of the library. On the other hand, using palm tree leaves will add a statement to the architecture of my proposal as this martial was used in ancient Omani architecture as well. Thus, showing that despite the need to push the local design industry beyond its boundaries, elements that represent heritage can still be a part of modern buildings. Palm trees also contrast well with the site as vegetation is used widely in the Old Muscat. | 56

IMPLEMENTATION

HOW TO INCORPORATE PALM TREE LEAVES INTO THE DESIGN Despite having the glazing on the North and South facing ends of the buildings, during certain times of the day some areas of the library might still get overheated, and find glare which can cause discomfort for people reading and researching. This is why dried palm leaves can be used much like curtains, possibly in the form of panels that can move around the glazed walls when needed.

This then provides protection from heat due to the sun much like its original use back in the day, I aim to use palm tree leaves to add a paradox to my design. This can be added onto the inner surfaces of the building, where study spaces will be provided. Having the panels on the inner surface will prevent the need for reoccurring maintenance and damage.

SOLUTION

PROBLEM

OVERHEATING AND GLARE

DRIED PALM TREE LEAFS AS CURTAINS

INNER GLAZED SURFACES OF THE LIBRARY | 57

EXTERIOR MATERIAL RENDER The three main materials or elements used architecturally within the design are: 1. Stone cladding: following the architectural fabric of the neighbouring buildings and adapting to preserve contemporary architecture in Muscat.

2. Curtain wall systems (glazing): giving a sense of openness to the building.

3. Mashrabiya screen: once again adapting to preserve heritage by bringing in elements from Arabian / Islamic architecture as well as providing shade.

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INTERIOR MATERIAL AXONOMETRIC Visualising what the inside of the library would be like using the materials mentioned in previous pages.

COLUMN PLACEMENT / GRID STRUCTURE Due to the step-like placement of the different floors in the library’s design, a grid structure would likely be most suitable to connect these different levels. The plan and section drawings show the grid that the columns follow to be able to provide structural support for the proposal. Some of these columns would then be connected to the foundation structure. These columns also become an architectural element within the design and can be seen within the library.

GRIDS ON SECTION

GRIDS ON PLAN

COLUMNS SEEN IN LOBBY

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PROPOSAL AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAMS The axonometric diagrams indicate that the proposal comes in layers starting with the site itself. On the lower floors, the layers seem heavy, holding up the rest of the building. Ironically this is also where the archive of the library is, where all the books and knowledge are stored. Within the “louder” areas of the library (the lobby, kids’ space, and group study space) comes the mountain that becomes a part of the architecture and structure. Flowing this comes the quieter library spaces, indicating lightness. With that comes somewhat of a “light shell” that wraps around the building as a part of the architectural design. Finally comes the lightest elements of the architecture that is access and columns.

Despite how light they seem, they have a major impact on how the building works.

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10.DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPING EARLIER DESIGN STAGES TO FIT INTO THE SITE ,PROGRAMME AND CONCEPT NEEDS

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MAIN ACCESS LOCATION

PHASE 1 By further examining the mass of the building and creating this section drawing, I was able to explore the different possibilities to access the library. In which, the building can have a shared parking lot with the National Museum and use the side of the mountain nearby as the entrance space. This space can be designed as an open area with palm trees and other elements that attract people. It can also provide access to bikers and pedestrians, with stairs and ramps to help get through the different levels of the mountain’s typography.

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EXTENDED LOBBY CELLING

INSIDE THE LOBBY

PHASE 2 MAIN ENTRANCE SERVICE ENTRANCE

Starting to design the experience and journey that one would take to access the library, having spacious stairs would give a sense of majesty to the knowledge and education provided within. Considering staff movement as well, private access becomes essential.

Lastly, the mass generated from the conceptual stage needed to be adapted to provide the ultimate experience within the space. This is why a portion of the design has been extruded and designed with glazing, enabling a sense of openness within the lobby as well as creating a space where the building user can view others from different levels of the library.

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PHASE 3 The portion extruded for the lobby space has been adapted to form a more dynamic shape and complement the user experience within the library. In which setbacks have been designed to allow balcony spaces at different levels and with different sizes. At this phase, the user experience has also been further thought through where the journey taken has been looked at by adding elements like furniture, and the design of the building started to form in a more architectural manner.

PHASE 2 BUILDING MASS

DEVELOPED BUILDING MASS

PHASE 4 At this stage, I learn more about the different layers of the design and how the functions and sub-functions relate to one another. The axonometric diagram helps in understanding this and in imagining the user experience within the building and its different layers. This is also when the design has been adapted to accommodate a larger balcony at the top floor, dedicated for scholars or library members. The main entrance has also been further designed to indicate the mountain typography within the curvature of the stairs.

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

CONCEPT

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

FINAL DESIGN

PHASE 4

Starting from the concept stage where the mass of the building has been developed by zoning diagrams and respecting the mountain typography, to considering glazing strategies using a curtain wall system on the North and South Facing façades, the design adapted to use the existing natural landscape as part of the architecture and considered the user experience within the library.

This was further done by adding is furniture and other elements within the layout to understand the journey that one takes and how the different functions are related in a library. Materials like stone cladding and Mashrabiya screens were then added to show the idea of pushing the boundaries of the architectural norms in Muscat whilst still persevering heritage and culture. | 67

MAIN ENTRANCE TO LIBRARY

ACCESS TO LIBRARY The industrial impact on Muscat has resulted in having the Sultan Qaboos Highway and the Muscat Express Way, both of which are connected to the Qurum Hight Street that eventually leads all the way to Old Muscat and the Al Bahri Road. The map below shows different access points to the library’s site within Muscat.

There are several access points to the proposal within the site’s boundary. Starting from the West, cars and possibly pedestrians can arrive at the library’s parking space from Al Bahri Road.

This parking space is proposed to be shared with the National Museum for easy access and commute between the two buildings. Coming from the East is access from the highly used Al Saidiya Street, which also allows cars and pedestrians to access the library from the South (connecting to the houses and graveyard).

AL BAHRI ROAD - CONNECTED TO HIGHWAY

SHARED PARKING WITH NATIONAL MUSEUM

NEIGHBOURHOOD LANE CONNECTING THE GRAVEYARD TO THE HOUSES AND PROPOSAL AS WELL

STAFF AND CAR ENTRANCE AL SAIDIYA STREET CONNECTED TO HIGHWAY

SULTAN QABOOS HIGHWAY

QURUM HIGHT STREET

MUSCAT EXPRESS WAY

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DETAILED DECISIONS

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ARCHITECTURE AND LAYOUT OF THE LIBRARY This perspective drawing shows a space on the top floor that has been designed for scholars and library members.This space is private where the general public cannot see the events occurring inside. The lounge space is also connected to the larger balcony where one can view Old Muscat from the top.

To make the lobby space more interactive, this design strategy had been applied to enable viewing the archive space beneath. In which, curved glass walls create an extrusion that allows people to pass by and see the archive below.The space between the walls is narrow to minimize the amount of light entering the archive and is covered with glass on top to prevent dirt from accessing the space. Next to this can be placed a display table, where rare and old books can be displayed as well as other elements that the museums nearby might want to showcase.

MASHRABIYA SHADOW CASTING IN LOBBY

11.DESIGN REALISATION THE FINAL LIBRARY DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE DEMONSTRATED

KEY: RECEPTION AND HELP DESK

CAFÉ

CHILDREN SPACE WITH PLAY AREA

OUTDOOR AREA

GROUP STUDY SPACE

MEETING ROOMS

SILENT STUDY SPACE

MULTI-PURPOSE HALL

OLD BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVE

MANAGEMENT OFFICES

BUILDING USERS AND PUBLIC REALM The users of the space range from employees to the general public, people of all ages as well as locals, expatriates, and tourists. The section drawing shows how the building is being used by the public and management team, reflecting the functions outlined by the zoning diagram from earlier conceptual stages. | 73

AXONOMETRIC X PERSPECTIVE By pairing an axonometric drawing of the design with perspective views, the user’s experience and the architecture of the library becomes highlighted. The next few pages will demonstrate these views.

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MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE BUILDING

LOBBY SPACE SHOWING LEVELS OF BUILDING

LOBBY SPACE AND ARCHIVE VIEW

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF BUILDING HIGHLIGHTED

FIRST FLOOR PERSPECTIVE

THIRD FLOOR: DISPLAY + STUDY SPACES

THIRD FLOOR STUDY SPACE

THIRD FLOOR: VIEW ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE LOBBY

STUDY AREA WITH CITY VIEW

SCHOLARS / PRIVATE BALCONY

12. THE PROJECT AND THE CITY SCALING BACK TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT THE PROJECT HAS ON THE SITE

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IMPACT ON OLD MUSCAT’S SKYLINE As the main aim of this project is to challenge the existing architectural movement in Muscat with buildings that better represent our modern era, impacting the skyline of Old Muscat also becomes a key aim. Old Muscat has a skyline that is influenced by history with forts like the Jalali and Mirani, and is significant from other skylines in Muscat as it features the Al Alam Palace. Viewing this from the Gulf of Oman, my proposal will add a contemporary touch to the skyline, with architecture that shows how far Muscat has come.

KEY: FORTS

AL ALAM PALACE

LIBRARY ON SKYLINE

AL ALAM PALACE NATIONAL MUSEUM THESIS LOCATION

MUSEUM & LIBRARY

PERSPECTIVES SHOWING THE LIBRARY’S RELATION WITH THE CITY : EXTERIOR LIBRARY IN RELATION TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

VIEW FROM NATIONAL MUSEUM ELEVATION

PERSPECTIVES SHOWING THE LIBRARY’S RELATION WITH THE CITY : INTERIOR VIEW OF OLD MUSCAT FROM CAFE

VIEW OF OLD MUSCAT FROM PRIVATE BALCONY

13. TECHNICAL DRAWINGS PLANS, SECTIONS AND 3D DRAWINGS OF THE LIBRARY

A

SECTION DRAWINGS SITE PLAN

B

SECTION A

SECTION B

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PLANS / LAYOUT DRAWINGS

BASEMENT KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 1. ARCHIVE SPACE 2. STAFF ENTRANCE 3, STAFF LIBRARY ACCESS 4. FIRE EXIT

2

3 1

4

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GROUND FLOOR KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 5.OUTDOOR ENTRANCE SPACE 6. LOBBY AREA 7. ARCHIVE AND BOOK DISPLAY AREA 8.FRONT DESK 9. PROCESSING STORAGE 10. LOBBY LOUNGE 11. TOILET FACILITIES 12. STAFF OFFICE 13. MANAGER OFFICE 14. STAFF BREAK ROOM 15. STORAGE 16. FIRE EXIT

5

6

9

8 7

15

14

10

16

13

11

12

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FIRST FLOOR KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 17. KIDS SPACE 18. FIRE EXIT

17

18

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SECOND FLOOR KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 19. RESEARCH SPACE 20. GROUP STUDY SPACE 21. OUTDOOR STUDY LOUNGE 22. TOILET FACILITIES 23. FIRE EXIT

21

20

19

22

23

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THIRD FLOOR KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 24. DISPLAY AREA 25. RESEARCH SPACE 26. OUTDOOR STUDY LOUNGE 27. HALLWAY 1 28. TOILET FACILITIES 29. PRAYER ROOMS 30. HALLWAY 2 31. CAFE 32. OUTDOOR CAFE SPACE 33. FIRE EXIT

25

26

24

29

27

28

33

30

31

32

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FOURTH FLOOR KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 34. SILENT STUDY SPACE 35. RESEARCH SPACE 36. TOILET FACILITIES 37. FIRE ESCAPE

34 35 36

37

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FOURTH FLOOR KEY: (REFER TO ZONING DIAGRAMS FOR COLOUR KEY) 38. HALLWAY 39-42. MEETING SPACES 43. SCHOLAR’S LOUNGE 44. PRIVATE BALCONY 45. TOILET FACILITIES AND STORAGE 46. FIRE EXIT

44

45 43

42

41 38 46

40 39

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14. CONCLUSION

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By choosing my home country -the Sultanate of Oman- as a general site, I was able to then identify a more specific location for my thesis depending on what I believed felt relevant to my concept. In order to do so, I studied the historic development of the capital Muscat, as well as its industrial and post-industrial movements. To understand the built environment even further, I chose to focus on two areas in Muscat where architecture either preserves history and heritage or adapts to do so. With this research I was able to conclude that although Muscat is heading towards a more contemporary lifestyle and design approach, the architecture built still seems to lack representation for the modern era. Hence, I have decided to continue my thesis by designing a contemporary library in an area in Muscat known as Old Muscat. The thesis aimed to design a building that adapts to preserve both natural and cultural heritage yet better represents the modern area within its design. Thus, this design project challenged the existing architectural norms in Oman and its capital Muscat.

Refer to video montage for full design experience, published on the student profile page of MSA MA A+U.

15. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Al Awadhi, T., Charabi,Y. and Ramadan, E., 2017. Urban Development and land Use Change Patterns in Muscat City, Oman.

International Journal of Geoinformatics, 14(4), pp.45-55.

2. Al Taie, H., Pickergill, J. and Al Taie, N., 1997. Oman: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sultanate of Oman. 1st ed. Muscat: Al Roya Publishing, p.42.

3. Damluji, S., 1998. The architecture of Oman. Reading: Garnet.

4.

Gharipour, M., 2016. Contemporary urban landscapes of the Middle East. New York: Taylor & Francis, p.242.

5. Jones, J. and Ridout, N., 2015. A history of modern Oman. New York: Cambridge University Press.

6.

Kultermann, U., 1999. Contemporary architecture in the Arab states. New York: McGraw-Hill, p.203.

7. Macrotrends.net. 2021. Muscat, Oman Metro Area Population 1950-2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.macrotrends.net/ cities/21922/muscat/population> [Accessed 21 November 2021].

8. Visone, M. and Carughi, U., 2017. Time Frames: Conservation Policies for Twentieth-Century Architectural Heritage. 1st ed. London: Taylor & Francis, pp.27 -163.

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THESIS