Yusuf Rafi_Y4 | Unit 14 | Bartlett School of Architecture
IHYA YACHT CONSTRUCTION HUB
YUSUF RAFIYEAR 4
All work produced by Unit 14
Cover design by Charlie Harris
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture
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The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.
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IHYA YACHT CONSTRUCTION HUB
REVIVING AND INNOVATING ARABIAN DHOW CRAFTSMANSHIP
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
The maritime history and culture of Saudi Arabia has been overshadowed greatly by the discovery of oil, shifting the country’s focus and leaving its legacy behind. As the country embarked on a journey to diversify its economy away from oil, billions of dollars has been investing into future upcoming projects. Despite this, the eastern province is often overlooking when it comes to tourism-based initiatives, yet its strategic positioning in the gulf sea poses potential for international attraction.
By shedding light on the forgotten craftsmanship of wooden sailboats from the pre — oil era, A luxury yacht construction hub is proposed in the city of Dammam. This space aims to revive and integrate the traditional construction principles of wooden Dhows and blend it with state-of-theart technological innovations, making it a global destination for Arab HNWI’s and investors seeking bespoke handcrafting luxury vessels.
The space will be more than just a manufacturing facility, it will be an immersive educational and heritage driven storytelling of every phase of its construction. Visitors will embark on this journey through the building, observing the construction, interacting with artisans and learn about the kingdoms forgotten past.
While reviving the cultural past, the space will also act as a platform for the city of Dammam to position itself as a major player in the global luxury tourism index, conjoining the past with the future and transforming the city into a soughtafter destination.
STAGE 1 - RESEARCH
Fragment Exploration
H - 2 Hercules
The H2 Hercules is a Timber aircraft desgined by Howard Hughes that utilized the principles of Duramold technology, which high heat and high pressue molding to created dpanels
Structural Analysis
Stringers
Frame/Bulkhead
Former
Fragment Exploration
Surface Panelling
Reimagining how the principles of aircraft construction techniques can be applied for the construction of a shed with duramold panels attaching to the structure
Fragment Exploration
Surface Ribbing
DURAMOLD BIOMIMICRY
The layering of a structure of a leaf, from its veins to the leaf parts, we can speculate a structural ribbing using duramolded panels with varying thicknesses.
Surface Ribbing
Fragments
Surface Stacking
Stacked Cantilever
Utilizing all the speculations, surface stacking is added to the equation to create a structure that uses surface panelling and ribbing while having a denser structure surrporting the lighter cantilever.
Branched Delamination
Suspended Cantilever
Branching a ribbed surface over a prolonged cantilever reques addition support, potentially with tensioned wires to suspend the structure to create shading elements
STAGE 2 - BRIEF AND CONTEXT
Saudi Post Oil
For decades, Saudi Arabia has stood as a pivotal force in the global energy landscape, its oil reserves fueling industries and economies worldwide. The network of maritime routes illustrates the nation’s profound in uence on international trade. These paths, traversed by oil tankers and cargo ships, underscore Saudi Arabia’s indispensable position as one of the world’s top oil exporters, connecting the Kingdom’s resources to every corner of the globe and demonstrating its strategic importance in global supply chains.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic position at the crossroads of global trade routes, historically vital for its role as a leading energy exporter, is now being re-imagined by leveraging the advantages of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, and extending its reach through the broader maritime networks to the Arabian Sea, the Kingdom is planting its foot in a new global landscape. Beyond its foundational legacy in oil, Vision 2030 is propelling Saudi Arabia towards a diversi ed future, transforming its coastal regions into vibrant hubs for logistics, luxury tourism, and innovation.
The Propesity Well:
Oil in Saudi Arabia was rst discovered on March 3, 1938, at Dammam Well No. 7, marking the beginning of a transformation that would rede ne the nation’s future. Chief geologist Max Steineke’s insistence on drilling deeper, despite repeated setbacks, proved crucial to this success. This discovery not only validated the geological potential of the region but also revealed a resource base that would eventually become the largest in the world.
Oil Reserves: Saudi Arabia holds the second-largest proven oil reserves globally, with approximately 267 billion barrels, primarily concentrated in the Eastern Province near Dhahran, Ghawar, and Safaniya oil elds.
BLACK GOLD: THE TIMELINE
American geologists nd oil in saudi arabia in the eastern province of saudi arabia, leading to the establishment of the rst commercial oil well. the no.7 Prosperity well.
Establishment of the trans - arabian pipeline, linking the eastern rpovince to the mediterranean.
Rapid development of oil extraction processes, re neries and port infrastructure.
Strategic negotiations between saudi governments and foriegn stakeholders leading to a global nationalization of Aramco.
the 1973 oil embargo explained saudis growing power as oil prices surged globally, allowing the kingdom to emerge as a descisive force in global energy politics.
Saudi currently is the largest oil exporter in the world, marking it as a global energy titan.
PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND
Analysis
Due to it’s industrial prioritization, Dammam has not been a favourite target for tourism and cultural developments, thus making room for future prospects in terms of urbanization. Looking at its desert ecosystem, it ts the interests of projects which would help in the economic development. Which also makes it a step closer to the Vision 2030 objectives.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
THE GULF BEFORE OIL
Before the discovery of oil, the gulfs economy largely sustained o of shing, pearling and established shipping routes throughout the gulf. remnants of por
and maritime trade. the coastal communities thrived on these practicles engaging in well ports and excavations of dhows serve as a memory to this history
EASTERN PROVINCE BEFORE OIL
The history of existance of Shipping vessels in the Gulf sea, Extracted from the book Seafaring in the Arabian Gulf and Oman, People of the Dhow. by Dionisius A. Agius
A banush depicted in a 5 rupee bahraini stamp
A Kuwaiti Jalbut with its prominent upright stern
A Kuwaiti Baghla - Nasser al - Rifaie
An Iranian bum, charecterized by its straight, sharp-pointed stemhead at the deira creek in Dubai
Battil - Yousef Al Majid, Doha, Qatar
A Sanbuq with a curved scimitar stern piece in hat on the Dhofari coast
Tashalas ( atbed cargo lighters, jalibuts and mashuwwas were used in Qatif and were often used as trading ports to Dubai, Iron and Qatar
Baghla and Bums were used primarily fas passenger vessels from Dhahran to Bahrain whereas Jalibuts were used for shing and trade.
Baghla, Battil, Bum, Banush (sanbuq/ shut), Mashuwwa, Jalbutwere used in Bahrain and Primarily fcoused in shing, pearling and tradiing with India.
DAMMAM BEFORE OIL
The Eastern Province’s main shing port, Dammam Port, served communities like Jubail, Tarut Island, and Al Uqair, which depended on lesser ports for quick travel. It was essential for long-distance shing and regional connectivity because of its advantageous location on the Arabian Gulf, which made travel and trade with other nations simpler.
AL - UQAIR
JUBAIL
TARUT ISLAND DAMMAM
The Saudi Dhow
Known locally as a sambuk or jalibut, this classic Saudi dhow was utilized in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. They were made from foreign hardwoods, including as teak, and put together using age-old methods like caulking with natural bers and steam bending for the hull. Dhows were crucial for trade, pearling, and shing because they transported fabrics, dates, and spices between East Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the Indian subcontinent. They stand for the maritime heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Penultimate Rib
Transom
Upper Sternpost
Aft Futtock
Middle Futtock
Stern Hull Rib
Floor Ribs (bolted to keel)
Principle Floor Ribs (bolted to keel)
Upper Ribs
Dammam
Site Location
Dammam had its economic boom in the mid 30’s and ever since then it grew into a vital commericial hub closely linked with the oil industry. The addition of reclaimed land re ects dammam’s expansion strategy to accomodate the evergrowing urban growth, assisting in the devlopment of the port, creating a space for industrial, residential and tourism infrastucture spatially constrained area
Dammam Corniche
The highlighted zones indicate the areas where most of the people are projected to be using after the completion of the construction of these zones ie by 2030. The zones are by the Gulf sea and is used primarily during the evening and night times, when the tempreatures low.
Marjan IslandDammam CornicheKing abdullah Cultural center
The close proximity of the site to the dammam port enables to receive and transfer materials for construction by sea by enalbing a temporary port to be constructed while the construction of the hub continues.
THE SEAS
The red sea acts as a home for coral reefs and marine tourism e orts while providing access to the Suez Canal . the fragile ecosystem limitsd the amount of development that can take place
The Gulf sea is bordered by all the neighbouring GCC countires and is charecterized mainly by its industrial activities. The demand for yacht production facilities in this area is currently almost non existant making it a prime target for a yacht construction Hub.
The yacht charter market for saudi arabia is projected to grow signi cantly towards 2030, prompting an exponential growth for the luxury and leisure markets which will be funded in bene ts of the kingdoms e orts to boost toursim.
The Red SeaGulf Sea
Contextual Brief
REIMAGINING TRADITION
Saudi’s maritime heritage has been overshadowed by oil. with major economic diversi cation plans and e orts underway, the eastern province, despite being Saudi’s money making city is overlooked in terms of external economic e orts.
IHYA yacht construction hub aims to revive the traditional dhow construction principles which have been long forgotten and blends it with modern construction principles to atttract global interest in its maritime history and diversi cation plans.
More than manufacturing, it will act as a revival of a lost craft as well as welcoming timber construction in the kingdom.
The hub will reposition Dammam as a global yachting destination that blends heritage with possibilities.
Primary Targets
Skilled Artisans & Knowledge Transfer Market GrowthThe Souq: A Marketplace for Craftsmanship
The preservation of a century old crafting techniques related to tradition through dedicated training programs
Reviving and preserving TraditionalWooden Craftsmanship
traditional craftsmanship that is taught in the workshops is put to work at the souq where users craft and sell their own items.
Preserving Cultural TraditionsBlending Traditional with innovation
The project focuses on restoring traditional wooden construction techniques, particularly dhow shipbuilding.
Historical techniques are adapted with sustainable materials and modern technologies to create new possibilities.
The project will push saudis yacht market helping reach its projected goal of 721.81 million by 2030, creating a growing base for cliente.
This project addresses the need to preserve Saudi Arabia’s maritime heritage while integrating modern sustainability practices, ensuring the tradition remains relevant in today’s luxury market.
A Space for Learning VISION 2030Economic & Cultural Sustainability
Local artisans pass down their skills, training a new generation while actively working on wooden constructions.
a space that creates a self-sustaining economy where handcrafted wooden products can be sold, ensuring long-term growth.
The combination of heritage with innovation, the project will support economic diversi cation and tourism development, aligning with the vision 2030 principles.
Traditional Crafts
the tradition of wood-based crafts across Saudi Arabia—from basket weaving in Qatif to intricate wooden mashrabiyas in Jeddah, once played a vital role in daily life, using local materials and techniques passed down through generations. Today, the crafting practicies and methodologies of these practices are fading and need to be revived as part of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable, local craftsmanship.
Palm frond baskets
Wooden tools
Tables
Haseer (Palm weaved mats)
Fishing nets
Crates
Chests
Padels
Ornamentation
STORAGE HOLD : Primary Cargo FORCASTLE : Lookout and storage
PASSENGER QUARTERS :
BILGE : Drainage and maintenance
STERN : Steering mechanism
LOWER AFT CABIN : Captains Quarters Crew rest area
GALLEY : Kitchen
GALLEY : Kitchen
STEMPOST :
BOW PLANKING :
BOW PLANKING : CEILING PLANKING :
EXPLORATION OF A BAGHLAH
STERNPOST :
KEEL : Mahaweel
TRANSOM : RIBS :
TIMBER HULL TECTONICS
Stermpost
SleepersSleepersOver KeelFrames
Scarph Joint
Segmented Lamination with Enhanced Curvature
Stepped Interlocking Joinery
Uniform Lamination
Continuous Lamination with Gradual Transition
Smooth Lamination with Reinforced Inner Curve6
Lamination With Modular Base
DHOW REVIVAL PROCESS
The keel de nes the backbone of the dhow, establishing its length and structural alignment. This marks the ceremonial beginning of construction.
Artisans re ne the structure with hand tools, sealing gaps and ensuring smooth transitions. This stage highlights craftsmanship and structural accuracy.
Dhow Construction
Timber ribs are erected perpendicular to the keel, shaping the vessel’s cross-section. This skeletal structure gives the dhow its distinct curvature.
Decking and Final Assembly
The upper structure is completed with decks, railings, and masts. The vessel nears readiness, now resembling its nal iconic silhouette.
Prefabricated keel sections are laid onto a custom rigging system, forming the structural spine of the vessel.
Interior platforms and circulation paths are installed, incorporating layered material systems and access channels.
and
Yacht Construction
Digitally-fabricated timber ribs are slotted and xed into place, de ning the vessel’s shape with millimetric accuracy
Cabin & Feature Installation
The vessel’s interior is detailed with uid forms, integrating lounge, control, and storage areas into a uni ed body.
Exterior coatings, furnishings, and sail mechanisms are added. The nished yacht bridges tradition and innovation.
Curved planks or composite panels are added over the ribs to create a seamless outer hull, utilizing advanced joinery
Sails
rigging are installed. This nal stage transforms the structure into a functional seafaring vessel, ready for launch or ceremonial display
The hull begins to take form as planks are added over the ribs. Workers secure joints using traditional joinery methods like dowels or rope lashing.
Interior Deck Integration
Modular Keel Base Setup
Detailing and Joinery
Keel Laying
Frame Assembly Using Precision-Cut Ribs
Frame Assembly
6. Final Finishing & Presentation
Hull Surface Application
Sail Mounting and Launch Prep
Structural Completion
sub title
Ships As A Structural Element
mortise and tenon joinery
tongue and groove joinery, sec
Drydock Position Exploration
Upper Docking
Mid Docking
Drydock Fragment
Drydock Platforms
multi level visual speculation
Platforms that overlook the construction process of the yachts can be speculated as structurally cantilevered to analyze its visual heirarchy.
Ground level initiation of construction allows viewing spaces below the platforms, at the same time limiting direct accessiblity to the lower platforms.
SPECULATIONS
Sea level initiation of construction allows better overall circulation throughout the platforms.
Ground
Sea
Exploration
Following the concept of the wooden hull, the ship Ribs is fragmented to create the structure for the platforms and the drydock.
Gulf maritime heritage Process observation curiousity
understanding global identity educational value
witnessing a story
Monorail System
The Marine Monorail System will provide an immersive way for tourists and potentialbuyers to experience the ship building process by each phase, streamlining the process and providing a deeper understanding of the construction process.
Exhibition Space Assembly SpaceLaunching Space
Finishing Construction
At the heart of the shipyard, the initial stages of the yachts construction takes place after the approval of the detailed design process. craftsmen assemble the ships frame by hand, combing traditional techniques with modern precision, forming the skeletal structure.
After the completion of the yachts structural framework, it is moved to the nishing studio where the panels are tted to form the superstructure. nishing tments such as interior work, bespoke xtures and tech are tted, transforming the assembly into a fully realized vessel
Launching
The nal phase marks the launching of the vessel, a waterlocking mechanism facilitates the vessels transition into the Gulf sea. Water is introduced into the bay gradually, lifting the vessel from the platform, aligning it with the sea level. upon reaching full buoyancy and completing tests, the outer gates are unlocked, releasing the vessel.
FUNCTION DIAGRAM
Logistics
Construction Workshops Workshops
Courtyards
Piers
SOUQ
Musuem
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
Logistics Presentation
Souq
Souq
Launching
Finishing Construction
Inner Courtyard
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
Logistics: Materials required for the construction of the ships are sent and received here. this is where each panel is documented and tagged, which is then further transfered to the construction areas upon con rmation of yacht construction.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
Exhibition: Before the construction of the yachts, A Display Exhbition showcases the yacht design collections, materials, and nishes for customization, allowing clients to explore options for their bespoke vessels.
Design space: A creative hub where designers develop concepts, produce sketches, and create digital models of clients’ dream yachts. It also houses the meeting rooms and lounges where client- designer discussions occurs.
Restaurants: acting as a bridging element from the pier to the rest of functions, the restaurant houses the nest delicacies the marine has to o er.
Souq: This is a space that is designated to the users, by the users. they have the oppurtinity to rent and craft their own items to then sell.
Inner Courtyard : A tranquil space linking the museum and souq, o ering a shaded retreat for visitors to relax, socialize, and enjoy outdoor events amidst nature.
Piers: In the common case of a visiting buyer from far away, the yachts in which they travel in can be anchored at the piers that connect directly to the construction spaces and the restaurants.
Workshops: users have the ability to rent out workshop spaces to create their own fragments and items out of timber to that is taught to sell in the souq.
STRUCTURAL
Overall Construction strategy
Extended Laminates to interlock
By utilizing multi-layered and reorganized laminates that are compressed to form a durable structure, The layers enable the ability to create a tighter opening for increased strength. The red extensions highlight interlocking elements that extend from the laminated layers, serving as integral joints. These extensions interlock with adjoining sections, mimicing traditional hull construction while leveraging modern techniques.
Assembled Fragment
The fragment demonstrates the nal con guration of interlocked laminated components, forming a continuous structural curve. Through the use of multi-layered, compressed timber, each segment achieves both material density and spatial precision
PRIMARY TIMBER ELEMENTS
Induvidual Pieces stacked together proved to be inadequate for the load it will bear.
Complete Stone plinths proved to distribute loads more e ectively straight towards the ground.
Al hambra’s sequential courtyards reveals a spatial responding to clamatic responsiveness. acting as mediar
Al Hambr
tial logic that mimics symmetry and heirarchy while mediary spaces between structure and enviorments
Hambra
ARAB ELEMENTS
Compass
Each geometry compiling together to create the mashrabiya carries symbolic and functional meaning rooted deep inside traditions
The mashraibya is a traditional element that architecturally embodies eviorment and cultural expression of saudi arabia. The timber latticeowrk mediates between interior and exterior, balancing between interior and exterior, ventilation and light.
The mashrabiya mitigates sunlight across the solstices and equinoxes, optimizing thermal comfort year round. creating a dynamic relationship with constructional logic and nature.
Jaft
Jalsa Mada’af
MASHRABIYA FRAGMENT
A historical feature that shapes privacy, air ow, and light in Middle Eastern architecture.
Mashrabiya
fragment Construction Sequence
Inspired by the cascading logic of Muqarnas, this timber system relies on interlocking splits where each layer supports the next—allowing for a self-sustaining vaulted structure.
Muqarna
FRAGMENT
Construction Sequence
FRAGMENT
The base structure includes the Stone plinths, which serve as load-bearing supports.
load bearing columns are erected along with the supports for the structs.
curved hull inspired frames are assembled on the roof to support the mashrabiya units.
The base frame following the cooncept of traditional latisllas used in early construction is formed to support the base aswell as the utlities for the manufacturing aspect
the oor beams and boat inspired arched columns are asseembled creating the base frame of the structure.
completed strucutre
EXPLORATION
Structural Heirarchy
The External Framing
Primary Load-Bearing Columns
External Frame for Mashrabiya Floor Beams
Base Frame
The mashrabiya frame is designed as a permeable structure that allows a “rain of light” into the space by utilizing re ective material layers. These layers are arranged in a stacked system of ve di erent sizes, with the largest layer positioned on the outermost side and the smallest layer on the innermost side. This gradual layering not only controls light penetration but also creates a di used and dynamic lighting e ect inside the structure.
The re ective properties of the material amplify and scatter light. The mashrabiya is structurally supported by an external frame, which is integrated into the oor beams and columns, ensuring stability.
Struts
LAYERED ROOFING
Conceptual Roo ng Axonometric Outer Layer Air Gap
Inner Layer
Internal Structure
Internal Spaces
OOFING SYSTEM
Following the construction principles of the mashrabiya the roof structure in this instance follows the same principles
To blend the enviorment more with the structure, architecture, bringing the consturction area on the to the
SPECULATION
ture, this instance explores the possbility of emergent same level as the sea as well as de-limiting the view the sea.
CONSTRUCTION
Plinth Foundation
Load Bearing Surface
Primary Columns
Secondary Floor Frame
SEQUENCE EXPLORATION
Base Frame
External framing
Flooring
Structural Ornamentation
Fragment Elevation
Further development of the fragment to analyze the utlization of load bearing surface, ie: the multi-layered duramold surfaces.
EXPLORATION
The mashrabiya frame is designed as a permeable structure that allows a “rain of light” into the space by utilizing re ective material layers. These layers are arranged in a stacked system of ve di erent sizes, with the largest layer positioned on the outermost side and the smallest layer on the innermost side. This gradual layering not only controls light penetration but also creates a di used and dynamic lighting e ect inside the structure.
The re ective properties of the material amplify and scatter light. The mashrabiya is structurally supported by an external frame, which is integrated into the oor beams and columns, ensuring stability.
Fragment the fragmenting logic is simpli ed in this instance and is explor
Elevation and the possiblity of using stump-strut connections xplored.
Construction Area
Exterior Mashrabiya
HULL AS PRIMAR
Longitudinal Bending
Shear Forces
Torsional Loads
Compressive and tensile Loads
Impact And Localized Forces
The primary forces acting upon a ship’s hull—longitudinal bending, shear forces, torsional loads, compressive and tensile loads, and impact—are critical considerations in Dhow design. The hull’s structure is engineered to withstand these stresses. Translating these principles to architecture means creating timber structures that can manage similar load scenarios, ensuring stability and longevity.
Curve 3. Deadwood
13. Internal Frame
Keel
Inner Stem
Stem
Keelson
False Keel Hull
ARY STRUCTURE
Dhow hull assemblies, with their inherent structural integrity, o er a source of inspiration for innovative architectural systems. This exploration investigates the potential of translating the Dhow’s time-tested engineering principles into e cient and aesthetically striking timber structures, focusing on adapting the Dhow’s load distribution and interconnectedness for architectural design.
Breakdown
1. column to floor slab connection direct2. column and strut support to floor boards 3. same principle but muti layered to create double floors investigation
Stone slabs stacked on top of each other in a V pattern sucures the plinth while creating an interlocking system, allowing the timber columns to disperse the loads e ciently
Based on earlier research, The timber hull formations
Construction
Plinth Connection
Hub Section tions are translated into the construction spaces.
TRADITIONAL
Arching Exploration - Souq - Primary Structure
Due to the angles formed by the keel and curve connections, arches can be formed following the same principles while incorporating arab charecteristics.
ADITIONAL ARCHING
Souq - Fragment
the arches act as struts for the walkways on
Souq Sec
the sides
Section sides of the souq, supporting the mashrabiya roof.
LATILLA BLEA
Plinth Formation
Latillas added
Bleacher frame installation Completed Structure
Latillas are timbers lodged inbetween stone to create a perpendicular structural element in historical arabic construction, this is utilized in the construction of the bleachers of the viewing platforms for the bleachers
Latilla Bleachers
BLEACHERS
Positional Exploration
Bleacher Positioning
positional exploration leads to the understanding that having a central platform restricts viewing and circulation of the overall central space.
LATILLA BLEA
Selected Bleacher Positioning
The positioning now starts at the beginning of the construction space alinged with the monorail system and providing adequate circulation for the structure.
BLEACHERS
This seating arragement allows for 2 di erent presentations to take place simultaneously in any stage of construction, as the vessel can be slid back and forth via the monorail system.
Souq Sec
Arching of the hull structures was
ITERATION
Section
priortizing in creating this fragment.
pier sits on stone plinths with insersions that allo plinths cen
Pier Constr
The
onstruction
allow it to tise and fall following the tide along the central axis
Stone Columns
Stability Floats
Aluminum Frame Marine Grade Plywood
ITERATION
conceptual program mapping iteration
Centralized exhibition space with the tertiary functions surrounding the space evenly.
Site View
Exploration of curving the roof to establish the air ow more evenly throughout the building.
conceptual program mapping iteration
Site View
Linear structured roof exploration
roof shape takes form following
Since the area is still under development, the entire area.
A modernized take on existing urban landscape with reptitive row houses wrapped with a belt track
ITERATIONS
tire site can be speculated to t the narrative of the area.
Traditional
Taking inspiration from al balad district, the layout could be speculated as a historical urban fabric with closely knit streets and alleyways
FINAL DESIGN
Due to the angling of the ships hulls, trusses can be considered as the primary structural elements that can be carried throughout the structure.
EXPLORATION
Combination of warren and warren with verticals is selected as the primary structure
Pratt truss
HOWE truss
WARREN Truss
WARREN Truss with verticals
Hull Deconstruction - Primary Structure
Inspired by the cascading logic of Muqarnas, this timber system relies on interlocking splits where each layer supports the next—allowing for a self-sustaining vaulted structure.
Curve
Deadwood
Keel
Inner Stem
Stem
Inspired by the cascading logic of Muqarnas, this timber system relies on interlocking splits where each layer supports the next—allowing for a self-sustaining vaulted structure.
Hull Deconstruction - Exploded Structure
DESIGN DRIVING ENVIORMENT
The curved roof geometry is designed to optimize air ow compression and redirection, enhancing convective heat transfer and promoting natural evaporative cooling within the interior. As the air accelerates, the drop in internal pressure generates a suction e ect that further ampli es intake from the windward side, sustaining a continuous ow loop.
Simultaneously, solar radiation is de ected by the overhanging can opy, minimizing heat gain while allowing hot internal air to rise and escape through strategically positioned upper vents. This integration of form-driven air ow manipulation and passive thermal strategies reduces interior temperatures without mechanical intervention.
Together, the combination of air acceleration and evaporative cooling cooler sea-cooled air continuously replaces it, establishing a passive cooling evaporative cooling pools (seen in Persian architecture), and natural climate control in waterfront structures. Would you like to re ne this
Air Drawn by the Qana
ENVIORMENTAL PRINCIPLES
As prevailing sea breezes enter the structure through the expansive front opening, the roof’s narrowing pro le creates a venturi-like channel that gradually reduces cross-sectional area. According to Bernoulli’s Principle, this constriction increases air ow velocity while reducing static pressure, e ectively accelerating the air as it passes through the structure.
Qanat Principle
ooling creates a self-sustaining cooling system. As warm air rises and exits, cooling loop. This system draws inspiration from wind towers (badgirs), ventilation principles, o ering a sustainable and e cient solution for this idea further with speci c materials or structural considerations
FRAGMENT CONSTR
The base structure includes the Stone plinths, which serve as load-bearing supports.
The base frame following the cooncept of traditional latisllas used in early construction is formed to support the base
Primary load bearing structure are then assembled along with the curved roof aspect
the parallel structural support struts along with its bracing is installed
ONSTRUCTION GENESIS
A timber truss framing is creating based on the latillas to create the base of the structure that follows
oor panels are installed along with the railings.
External Mashrabiya panels are multi layered and installed.
inter mashrabiya framing is installed along with the railing for the monorail system is installed.
Construction Hub
Relying on the principlies of Warren truss with verticles along with the Hull Construc
Construction
Design Showr
uction space o ces howrooms
Hub Section erticles, the arching e ect is e ectively visualized onstruction Technique..
Transitionar Stores
The same Warren truss with verticle structure is arr ture inspired by
Vaulting - S
ansitionary spaces
Integrated Passive draft cooling column
The roof uses perforated black steel panels to absorb heat and create air ow, driving warm air downward in the timber columns, powering a fan without elemectricty, drawing cool air upward from water channels below., circulating fresh air and exhausting hot air
Stores
Souq Section
arrayed to create a repeating and a vaulting like strucby traditional souqs
When ships nish constructed and due to launch, where lectures
P1 - Presen
esentation space launch, they are rolled back to the presentations apces tures on the history of
When ships nish constructed and due to launch, where lectures
P1 - Presen
Exhibition
esentation space launch, they are rolled back to the presentations apces tures on the history of
Inner courtyards wings either side of structure restaurants/logistics spaces
Inner Cour
Courtyards
ture acting as a transtionary space from the workshop/ es to the souq/construction spaces.
Workshop Fragment
Utilities/Logistics/Restaur
Restaurants connect directly to the piers and allow visitors ground street for importing the materials and the utilities
gistics/Restaurants/Piers
to enter the structure. the logistics opens up to the underutilities houses the batteries and power generators
The sluice gate uses hydraulic systems to open and close while ally to raise the yacht to sea level and the
Sluice gate - Closed
SPACE - SLUICE GATE
while launching the ships. water enters the structure graduouter gate open, functioning vice-versa.
Sluice gate - Open
VISUALIZATION
DRAWINGS
PLAN
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
SITE PLAN
PRIMARY
ELEVATION
ELEVATION
SECTION
All work produced by Unit 14
Cover design by Charlie Harrishttps://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture
Copyright 2025 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.
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INVESTIGAIVE DOMAIN 2025
At the center of Unit 14’s academic exploration lies Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’, a master-builder that follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal of the designer as somebody who is capable of comprehending the ‘integrateable significance’ of specialised findings and is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of these discoveries while not disappearing into a career of expertise. Like Fuller, we are opportunists in search of new ideas and their benefits via architectural synthesis. As such Unit 14 is a test bed for exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new, leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through astute synthesis. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and through the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, will generate new and unprecedented, one day viable and spectacular proposals. They will be beautiful because of their intelligence - extraordinary findings and the artful integration of those into architecture.
The focus of this year’s work evolves around the intrinsic chance and professional desire for creative and systematic investigation. The explorative and intellectual process of iterative learning through informed experiment, catalysed by potent discoveries and ultimately seeking an architectural application. An intensely investigative approach enables the architect’s fundamental agency and core competency of the profession to anticipate the future as the result of the highest degree of synthesis of the observed underlying principles underpinned by strong research. Constructional logic, spatial innovation, typological organisation, environmental and structural performance are all negotiated in a highly iterative process driven by intense architectural investigation. Through the deep understanding of principles, we will generate highly developed architectural systems of unencountered intensity where spatial organisation arises as a result of sets of mutual interactions. Observation as well as re-examination of past and contemporary civilisational developments will enable us to project near future scenarios and position ourselves as avant-garde in the process of designing a comprehensive vision for the forthcoming. The projects will take shape as research based, imaginative architectural visions driven by speculation.
