VERTICAL VOIDS

VERTICAL VOIDS REIMAGINING DUBAI’S SKYLINE

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© Yash Rochani 2020

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A thesis book for the Final Architectural project submitted to the Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Art & Design, American University in Dubai.

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture Fall 2020.

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Thesis Abstract The city’s contemporary approach of rapid expansion has led to the birth of a low density development; saturating its footprint horizontally along the city’s perimeter, as well as stretching its arms towards the sea & the desert. Thus, fragmenting, segragating and forming an horizontal infrastructure of highways along the stretch of the city. This restricts and discourages human interaction and social gathering, hence, diminishing the connection between the built environment and its residents. As a response to this issue of horizontal sprawl and social disconnection, my thesis aims at enhancing these topics by further densifying existing neighborhoods. This will help revitalize Dubai, creating walkable and sustainable communiteis.

© Yash Rochani 2020

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Approval of the Thesis Book for Final Architectural Project Department of Architecture

School of Architecture, Art & Design, American University in Dubai.

VERTICAL VOIDS REIMAGINING DUBAI’S SKYLINE

Student Signature: Date: 12/12/2020 Advisor Name: Takeshi Maruyama Advisor Signature: Date: 12/12/2020

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CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2

An Urban Concern My Proposal – Connecting Voids

URBAN SPRAWL 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

What is sprawl ?

Dubai’s Irregular Expansion into sea & desert Cities within city - Districts, Zones & Neighborhoods Auto Dependency - Long commute distances Urban Density

URBAN VERTICALITY What is Urban Verticality ?

3.1.1 New vertical topography of skyscrapers 3.2 Horizontal Connection

CHAPTER 4

3.1

RETHINKING DUBAI’S SKYLINE

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 3

1.1 1.2

CASE STUDIES

4.1

Figure vs Ground / Solid vs Voids 4.1.1 Analyzing Voids in 3rd Dimension 4.2 Densification – Building within voids 4.2.1 Analyzing this phenomenon - in Sheikh Zayed Road 4.3 Connection – Introducing various levels of horizontal connection

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5

Case Study 1 – Linked Hybrid, Beijing, Steven Holl Architects Case Study 2 – Gao Yang, Shanghai, Will Alsop Case Study 3 – Parasite Office, Moscow, Za Bor Architects Case Study 4 – Elevated Connectivity, US, A. Nakagoshi Case Study 5 – Vertical Prison, Malaysia, CK Toong

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 8

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION 6.1 6.2

Program Diagrams Spatial Area Analysis

SITE SELECTION 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5

Why Dubai ?

Potential Clusters in Dubai Cluster Criterias Potential Sites Site Criterias

URBAN VERTICALITY 8.1 8.2 8.3

Concept 01 - Vertical City Concept 02 - Blur Concept 03 - Inverted Modules

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Throughout Dubai’s development, the urban fabric of the city has expanded impractically and against its nature. Being a city of wonders, Dubai has constantly tried to expand its land by diverging both into the sea and the desert. Examples include the Palm Islands, The World Islands, The Villa, The Academic City development, and so on. These zones and districts have resulted in an urban sprawl; whereby work and live, construction and labor camps, commercial and residential, have all been segregated from each other. This sprawl spreads out over large amounts of land, putting long commute distances between places. Therefore, it creates a low-density, auto-dependent city, where walkability, pedestrian flow and social interaction are restricted.

On the other hand, high-rise towers and skyscrapers have further restricted human interaction and intervention due to its vertical layout, eliminating horizontal social spaces and public plazas. The lack of connection or accessibility from one tower to another is the primary cause of such unsociable housing, which leaves most of us feeling distant.

I propose to study the figure-ground of Dubai’s neighborhoods like JLT, Marina, Downtown, and so on to understand the built vs. unbuilt, or the solid vs. voids, and use this information to develop new structures within these voids. This will be done while preserving the urban connections on the ground level, hence proposing a floating structure (towers and simple horizontal bridges).

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ABSTRACT

My proposal to this issue of expansive sprawl is further densification of the existing urban cloud, allowing people to live closer and avoid the need to commute. Densification of current spaces can be achieved by studying the negative spaces within the existing skyline of Dubai (the past/present) and proposing a mirror development of the existing urban fabric (the future). A development built within the voids but does not connect to the urban tissue instead floats above the existing urban tissue and suffices on itself. Densifying the neighborhood above the grade level will help retain the existing infrastructure while creating new horizontal connections between the existing and new buildings. Hence it will create various levels of interaction besides the ground level.

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CHAPTER 1

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INTRODUCTION

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The urban spread of Dubai’s neighborhoods and fragmentation of zones have led to a long-outstretched development spanning throughout the desert. Looking at the map of Dubai, we can notice a scattered layout that spreads out over large amounts of land, like a water spill, extending all the way to its geographical border. This sprawl has resulted in the formation of a ‘low-density’ urban language. Hence, districts are in turn, more spread out, which have therefore, put long commute distances between places. Consequently, creating an auto-dependent city where walkability, pedestrian flow, and social interaction are restricted.

On the contrary, Dubai has not just expanded itself horizontally, but even vertically. To accommodate the rapid boom in population, the overabundance of high-rise towers and skyscrapers is a common phenomenon in this city. These megastructures have restricted human interaction and intervention due to its vertical layout. The very methodology of highrise towers has created a social barrier for its accommodated users, as it limits the presence of social spaces and public plazas. The division of levels and the lack of connection or accessibility amongst one tower to another is the primary cause of such vertical layouts lacking sociable spaces. Over the past two decades, the city is being dominated by such commercial layouts, which have interrupted the closeness, intimacy, and socio-cultural belonging between human souls.

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Section 1.1 - An Urban Concern

The City of Future and Wonders; a phrase often associated with the city of Dubai, a city which has rapidly developed over a short period. According to Dubai Statistic Centre, 2015, the total built up area of Dubai increased from a mere 54km2 in 1975 to 977km2 in 2015.

It has expanded at an unprecedented percentage of more than 1700% in only 38 years.

Dubai has stretched its roots along the entire coast of the Arabian Gulf. Being a city of wonders, Dubai did not stop its construction just along the sea; instead, it started broadening its fabric beyond what seemed possible. The construction boom between 2004-2008 made it possible for Dubai to develop its land both impractically and against its nature. Dubai, once covering the perimeter of the sea, spread its leg beyond what was allocated to it by diverging both into the sea and the desert. This was done by means of artificial islands and suburban outstretch into the desert. This irregular expansion of outskirts developments, floating human-made megastructures and high-rise towers have led to several segregated zones, neighborhoods, and districts, which have resulted in a ‘fragmented’ urban language in turn.

Section 1.2 - My Proposal

The low-density language of Dubai’s fabric has led to an abundance of highways, bridges, large streets, and plugged-in transportation systems, due to its overdependence on the automobile to travel from one node to another. Thus, restricting informal human interactions and discouraging residents from running their errands on foot. Unlike old, vibrant neighborhoods of Dubai, which still serve as a great example of walkable spaces and social lives, the new polycentric clusters do not hold similar features.

My proposal tries to perceive Dubai as not a collection of superstructure projects but as a relational space, that bonds its fabric to host people closer and improve intimacy among its residents. Thus, proposing densification and concentration of highly populated neighborhoods, to allow for use of existing infrastructure to help further develop.

Densification of current spaces can be achieved by studying the negative spaces within the existing skyline of Dubai (the past/present) and proposing a mirror development of the existing urban fabric (the future). A development built within the voids but does not connect to the urban tissue instead floats above the existing urban tissue and suffices on itself. Densifying the neighborhood above the grade level will help retain the existing infrastructure while creating new horizontal connections between the existing and new buildings. Hence it will create various levels of interaction besides the ground level. Therefore, I propose a 3-dimensional connection rather than the current 2-dimensional connection which only links the towers through the ground level.

I propose to study the figure-ground of Dubai’s neighborhoods like JLT, Marina, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed, and so on to understand the built vs. unbuilt, or the solid vs. voids, and use this information to develop new structures within these voids. Also known as ‘Urban Infill’; whereby the primary function is to ‘fill-in the gaps’ within an existing neighborhood. This will be done while preserving the urban connections on the ground level, hence proposing floating structures which have a minimum connection to the grade level.

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CHAPTER 2

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URBAN SPRAWL

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What is Urban Sprawl?

According to Ivonne Audirac’s, Journal of the American Planning Association, Batty et al. defined sprawl as “uncoordinated growth: the expansion of community without concern for its consequences, in short, unplanned, incremental urban growth which is often regarded unsustainable.” (Audirac, 1990) In simpler terms …

Urban Sprawl refers to the rapid expansion or growth of poorly planned cities to its geographic extent, which spreads out over large amounts of land, creating high segregation between places. It pertains to areas located at the urban perimeter, the peripheral limits to which a city, town or cluster has grown, but are spread, confined by or next to undeveloped sites.

Urban planners often associate the sprawl of a city to the movement similar to that of a water spill. In the fashion of how water spreads when poured on a surface, the expansion of a city’s infrastructure in an irregular and impractical manner over its geographical surface, is referred to as an Urban Sprawl. Also sometimes it is compared to a spider’s web. During the twentieth century, most developed cities have extended outwards, upwards, and even downwards in ways never envisioned.

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Section 2.1 - What is a Sprawl ?

In a 1968 paper entitled ‘How large can cities grow?’ Jean Gottmann posed the question, ‘Is there a limit to urban growth?’ (Gottmann, 1968). Gottmann’s main worry was the limit to which cities and clusters could expand and whether or not these cities will be able to cope with the the constant increase in the percentage of the population. He also noted that most issues of associated with the growth of a modern city are usually the ‘result of urban sprawl’.

Figure 1. Illustrating an Urban Sprawl in Manila, Philippines

Figure 2. Demonstrating London’s urban growth. Similar to the notion of ‘water spill’.

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Urban sprawl is caused in part by the need to accommodate a rising urban population.

Figure 3. Graph showing Land Development growing faster than population in USA. The graph in figure 3 demonstrates how urban sprawl is a consequence of growing population numbers within a city. The higher the population growth rate, the higher is the developed land growth rate. For example, the total U.S. population growth between 1982 and 2012, was from 231.7 million to 314.1 million people. This is an increase of only 35.6%. In comparison, developed land increased at a rate of 58.6% during this time. The differential growth rate between developed land and population, where land is developed faster than population growth, is the essence of an ‘Urban Sprawled’ fabric.

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The expansion of Dubai is unrivaled anywhere in the world. From 1975 to present, the urban area has expanded enormously, transforming the city tremendously. During the last two decades Dubai’s built up area expanded like never before. According to Dubai Statistic Centre, 2015, the total built up area of Dubai increased from a mere 54km2 in 1975 to 977km2 in 2015. (Elessaswy, 2015) Expanding at an unprecedented percentage of more than 1700% in only 38 years. Figure 5 compares satellite images taken in 1985 and 2015, taken directly above Dubai; comparing the present infrastructural development with the one around 30 years ago. The differences are astonishing and present the most powerful imprint of rapid urban growth.

Figure 5. Satellite image of Dubai in 2015.

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Section 2.1 - Urban Sprawl in Dubai

Figure 4. Satellite image of Dubai in 1985.

Figure 6. The image illustrates how the size and shape of the urban area have changed over time. The majority of the urbanization between 1972 and 1990 was concentrated around Dubai Creek. After that period, the development of the sprawl along the coastline of the Arabian Gulf can be clearly noticed.

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Figure 7. Diagram of the new coastal border of Dubai, after the expansion of land over the water body.

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Traditionally, Dubai’s urban tissue was developed to surround the Creek, whereby neighborhoods like Deira and Bur Dubai flanked the river body on either side. Today, Dubai has stretched its roots along the entire coast of the Arabian Gulf. The urban fabric of the city is planned to run in parallel with the coast, with neighborhoods being developed on the coastal line. (Refer to Figure 5) Being a city of wonders, Dubai did not stop its construction just along the sea. Instead it started broadening its fabric beyond what seemed possible and beyond what was allocated to it. Dubai’s urban growth was not constrained by physical boundaries such as the desertified terrestrial environment or the Gulf coast.

The construction boom between 2004-2008 made it possible for Dubai to develop its land both impractically and against its nature. Once covering the perimeter of the coastal line and exhausting the natural resource allocated to it, Dubai spread its leg beyond what was assigned. This was done by diverging both into the sea and the desert.

Multiplication of Dubai’s coastal line and addition to the overall developed land growth was made possible by means of artificial islands and floating human-made megastructures over the Arabian Gulf. These additional pieces of land made it possible for the city to increase its footprint even against the natural barriers, thus providing Dubai with even more areas to benefit from the location along the coast. A few examples floating above the water body include the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebal Ali & Palm Deira), The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, and several small, privately-owned properties. Overall, around 143km2 of land has been added to Dubai’s total terrestrial area by such offshore reclamation projects. With more islands still under development, changing the entire appearance of the coastline.

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On the other hand, Dubai has been expanding into its desertified terrestrial areas. Therefore it has been extending the urban, vegetated, and water areas into the South of Dubai at the expense of sand. The primary reason to this Southern outstretch is the willingness of Emirati housings, who prefer staying away from the central city, thus leading to many outskirts developments being created between the desert. Examples include the Villa district, Academic City, Silicon Oasis, Arabian Ranches, Al Khawaneej, and many more. (refer to Figure 8) Therefore, we can see how Dubai’s urban tissue has expanded irregularly in both directions, the sea and the desert. This has led to a language of ‘linear urban sprawl’.

Just over a span of 30 years, Dubai has consumed the majority of its available land. If we were to project into the future, imagine a time when the two cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have extended so far into their respective geographical borders that they actually meet. That is not as far-fetched as it might at first seem.

Therefore, the issue of urban sprawl is of great concern, and strategies to slow down this sprawl of architectural dominance should be considered to conserve the natural landmass.

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Figure 8. Red area demonstrates the suburban, outskirt developments, as a result of urban sprawl into the desert.

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Due to the irregular expansion of Dubai and the phenomenon of urban sprawl, several major outskirts developments, floating megastructures, and high-rise towers have been created. These different entities have helped create several, segregated zones, neighborhoods, and districts without any thought relations between them, which have, in turn, resulted in a ‘fragmented’ urban language.

Creating a phenomenon known as ‘Cities within a City’, this is whereby several divisions of districts and neighborhoods are noticed within a single city, segregating the city into smaller ‘sub-cities’. This is due to the increase of zoning and separation of activities. Whereby work and live, construction and labor camps, commercial and residential, have all been segregated from each other. Cities within a city are a common feature of Dubai, and a number of smaller cities have been developed within it, including Dubai Festival City, Sports City, Media City, Internet City, Healthcare City, and so on.

Figure 9. Illustration of Dubai’s fragmented urban language, separating areas according to their relevant functions.

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Section 2.2 - Cities within a City

Breaking the linkage between the main city and its sub-cities gives the city the potential to grow and expand virtually without any limit. A segregated society, far from one another, leads to the implantation of new transportation hubs, new water, electricity, and gas connections. Thus, consequently, it increases energy and resource consumption and effectively doubles the need for built up residential entities.

Figure 10. Few examples of neighborhoods in Dubai, indicating the Cities within a City phenomenon.

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The phenomenon of ‘Cities within a City’ has resulted in a ‘fragmented’ urban language of Dubai. This segregation and fragmentation of areas according to their activity have led to the development of homogeneous neighborhoods that lack a mixture of land uses. Therefore, make it necessary to travel a certain distance to get to a particular location. For instance, a person staying in a residential district will have to travel to another neighborhood to work, rather than staying close to work, in a mixed-use community. Therefore, large distances are created between localities. This, therein, put long commute distances between places. This form of planning results in, residents being forced to rely on automobiles to get to a location.

Figure 11. Illustration of Dubai’s fragmented urban language, separating areas according to their relevant functions.

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Section 2.3 - Auto Dependency

As a result, an abundance of highways, bridges, broad streets, and plugged-in transportation are implanted into the city to accommodate these vehicular-based systems of transport. Consequently, lengthening trip times, people spending more time in their vehicles, and accumulation of traffic congestions around the city. (Benfield et al, 1999) According to the Sierra Club, “The average American driver spends 443 hours per year behind the wheel. Residents of sprawling communities drive three to four times as much as those living in compact, well-planned areas.” (Sierra Club, 2011)

Figure 12. Illustration of Dubai’s most prominent highways, Sheikh Zayed Road; congested by a fleet of vehicles. Representing the issue of auto dependency and traffic jams.

The separation of the workplace from the residential area, compelled by wide-scale land use division is very commonly seen in Dubai and its neighboring emirates. According to a survey conducted in Ajman in 2007, has confirmed that majority of the population residing in Sharjah or Ajman commute to work to Dubai, having more than 20km daily commute distance. (Dubai Census, 2007) Therefore, we can notice that Dubai is based upon an intensive use of the private car. A recent study has shown that one of the largest vehicular density is found in Dubai. With a greater vehicle to person ratio than most of the largest cities in the world. Dubai has a vehicle to person ratio of more than 560 cars per 1,000 people. (Simply Car Buyers, 2018) Such cities are naturally non-sustainable as they promote increased use of private transport, which are power hungry, and are also not easily acheived by the whole population.

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In addition, vehicular reliant road layouts within these districts nurture an absence of connection and work as barriers for walking and cycling to close by locations (Benfield et al., 1999). Reliance on automobiles and the long distance between residential houses and community spaces in Dubai have limited walkability and pedestrian flow. This is due to the lack of public connection between places which have encouraged people to opt for vehicular based movement rather than pedestrial. This has led Dubai to being one of the least walkable cities in the world.

Figure 13. Images of people jaywalking across wide streets, as a result of lack in connectivity and pedestrian connection among neighborhoods.

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Figure 14. Map of Dubai, displaying urban density based on color index. Warm colors, areas of high density. Cool colors, areas of low density.

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Section 2.4: Urban Density

Urban planners have argued continuously that density in residential areas is essential for a sustainable future. Many scholars and practitioners think of urban densification as a steering wheel for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. They also argue that density stimulates intellectual and entrepreneurial productivity (Glaeser, 2011).

However, Dubai’s urban sprawl has led to the disappearance of high-density neighborhoods and has given rise to several low-density areas over its development. In old Dubai, situated around the Creek, mainly Deira, Bur Dubai, and Satwa, the density of the urban fabric is highly concentrated and condensed, allowing for proximity to places around. In Figure 15, this heavily dense neighborhoods can be seen in warm colors. In these areas, people can reach 500 to 1,750 buildings within a 1000-meter radius and have a greater potential for being exposed to a variety of other people and encouraging social interactions. On the other hand, the urban fabric is reduced and spread out. This can be seen in the more recently created neighborhoods which have sprawled into to the outskirts, such as the suburban neighborhoods or where megadevelopments are concentrated, allowing for isolation and privacy, such as gated communities. In Figure 15, these lightly dense neighborhoods can be seen in cooler colors. In these areas, reach values are extremely low; people can reach between 10 and 200 buildings within 1000-meters of their home.

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In addition, another factor that leads to low-density planning, is the local citizen’s resistance to implement measures that would promote a dense residential neighborhood. This is because of Dubai’s native population’s preference to stay between their people and prevent being surrounded by immigrants whose morals and ethinic customs may influence the native norms. Therefore, concepts such as compact or dense urban planning and inclusive neighborhoods are prohibited and viewed as politically and culturally impractical. Emiratis consider segregated housing “a necessary means towards preventing their cultural heritage from being swept away by an overflow of foreign customs”. Consequently, low-density arrangements and social barriers are placed in a way that retains the current state of segregation, fragmentation, and low-density neighborhoods (Alawadi, 2016). This housing typology has led to the deterioration of central areas and the increase in suburban housings at the fringes of the city.

Figure 15. Figure-Ground Diagram of Dubai’s map. This can be used to understand the urban density in different areas of the city.

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CHAPTER 3

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URBAN VERTICALITY

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Figure 16. Map of Dubai’s tall buildings cluster locations. The size of dots illustrates the height of each building. The bigger the dot, the taller the tower.

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Section 3.1: What is Urban Verticality ?

The urban development of Dubai has not just sprawled horizontally, but in fact, even vertically. To accommodate the rapid boom in population, Dubai expanded its urban fabric to the sky. This was done by the construction of absurdly tall structures. The overabundance of high-rise towers and skyscrapers is a common phenomenon in this city. Actually, Dubai can be thought of as a linear array of tall buildings, stretching all the way from Sheikh Zayed Road to Jumeirah Lake Tower. This phenomenon of developing into the sky is what I refer to as ‘Urban Verticality’.

The dominance of these high-rise structures accumulates most of the area in Dubai today.

Dubai’s linear urban tissue accommodates several tall buildings along both sides of its 12lane Sheikh Zayed Road. These several high-rise towers are concentrated in particular areas, creating what are known as ‘clusters’. A cluster is a group of buildings or structures that are positioned or located close together in a dense urban manner. From north to south, these clusters include, Satwa & DIFC, Downtown & Business Bay, Barsha Heights, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lake Towers. (refer to Figure 17)

Figure 17. Image of Al Satwa & DIFC’s skyline.

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These clusters have restricted human interaction and intervention due to its vertical layout. The very methodology of high-rise towers has created a social barrier for its accommodated users, as it limits the presence of social spaces and public plazas. The division of levels and the lack of connection or accessibility amongst one tower to another is the primary cause of such vertical layouts lacking sociable spaces. Over the past two decades, the city is being prevailed by such economical layouts, which have disrupted the intimacy, nearness, and sense of belonging between the building and the human spirit.

Figure 18. Images of some of Dubai’s high-rise clusters: (1) Dubai Marina, (2) Business Bay, (3) Jumeirah Lake Towers

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Figure 19. (1) Topography of Dubai in 1960.

Figure 19. (2) Dubai’s new vertical topography created by the excessive constructuion of high-rise towers.

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Section 3.1.1 : The New Vertical Topography

Traditionally Dubai’s topography was considered almost flat, consisting of a slight deviation in levels created by the dunes of the desert. However, today due to the boom in urban verticality and Dubai being a city of wonders, it transformed its topography tremendously.

Therefore, if we change our point of view and look at the city from a different perspective, we can notice how Dubai’s skyline has transformed the city’s topography and is now itself the new topography.

Skyscrapers dominate Dubai’s skyline today in such an incredible manner that we can see it forming a new topography which has replaced Dubai’s natural, flat topography with clusters of tall buildings. It creates a highly uneven piece of space consisting of various levels that could be further analyzed to create new developments on.

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Figure 20. Image of Dubai’s urban verticality, illustrating only one level of horizontal connection currently. ie. the ground level.

Traditional Neighborhood Connections

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Current connections due to rise of skyscrapers

Alternative connections found in clusters

Section 3.2 : Horizontal Connections

The concept of Urban Verticality was developed to provide for multi-use areas which carry the benefit of offering residence, work, and entertainment spaces all in a single building.

Thus, it encourages human interaction and intervention. However, today the very methodology of high-rise towers has created a social barrier for its accommodated users. This is due to the layout and structure in such vertical manner.

The development of clusters of towers has created a ‘2-dimensional’ mode of connection between each other. For instance, if a resident staying in one building needs to travel to another, the only possible route is, first to travel vertically downward to the ground level, then move horizontally, and finally, travel vertically upward to the desired level.

This demonstrates a lack of horizontal connection between these virtually vertical structures and proves only one level of horizontal connection exists between existing skyscrapers. The lack of connection or accessibility from one building to another results in unsociable housing.It limits interaction between residents staying in towers, compared to staying in single or double-story houses.

In addition, skyscrapers have eliminated social spaces and public plazas which are commonly present in suburban neighborhoods, thus restricting informal human interactions and spontaneous social encounters.

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CHAPTER 4

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RETHINKING DUBAI’S SKYLINE

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Figure 21. Figure-Ground diagram of the top view of a particular area in Dubai Marina.

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Section 4.1 : Figure vs Ground / Solid vs Void

As a starting point to solve the issues of horizontal expansion and social connection, I propose to study and analyze the figure-ground of Dubai’s clusters like JLT, Dubai Marina, Downtown & Business Bay, Barsha Heights, and Sheikh Zayed Road to understand the built vs. unbuilt, or the solid vs. voids. This information can allow us to study the variation in heights (urban verticality), the distance between two towers (sprawl within dense neighborhoods), and the available areas within these clusters.

The current urban fabric of these clusteres are very unorganized and haphazardly planned.

A combination of supertall structures and low-rise buildings all comprise together in the same area; with no standardized setbacks or height restrictions. This chaotic fabric has helped create an interesting positive vs. negative relation, putting different amount of distances between a tower and another. This creates a variety of spaces between the existing infrastructure which can be utilized to sprawl within the neighborhood itself, rather than sprawling outwards.

As a result, through this analysis, we can achieve information about the most appropriate negative spaces (voids) in each neighborhood. In turn, this will allow us to make an appropriate site selection, to develop a project in.

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Total Volume: 0.042 km3 = 100% This diagram shows an actual representation of the density in one of the clusters of Dubai; Dubai Marina. I have placed the towers within this cluster in a 3-dimensional box. This box represents the volumetric space available to possibly carry out construction in. Hence, the total constructable volume available has been denoted as 100%.

Built Volume: 0.004 km3 = 10% The diagram here shows the total built volume or the current density of the location. Only 10% of the total available volume has been used to construct. This shows the proportion of volume wasted between buildings which could potentially be used to build within, rather than sprawling outwards.

Unbuilt Volume: 0.038 km3 = 90%

This diagram here shows the negative spaces or the total unbuilt volume of the chosen location. Subtracting the volume of existing towers from the total constructable volume, shows us the percentage of negative spaces available between such clusters which can be utilized to carry out future construction in.

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Section 4.1.1 : Analyzing Voids in 3rd Dimension

Similar to the analysis carried out in the previous section, to study the negative spaces from the top view of each cluster, another analysis can be deduced within Dubai’s new topography (refer to chapter 3.1.1). This will allow us to study the negative space (voids) within the cross-section or the skyline of Dubai’s tall clusters.

Adapting to this approach will allow us to analyze the clusters in 3-dimensions rather than just studying the negative spaces from a plan perspective and not inducing the height of buildings in the research.

Figure 22. Figure-Ground diagram of the skyline (new topographic development) in Dubai.

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Figure 23. (1) An illustration of the initial idea of ‘Densification’.

(2) Conceptual diagram of building within voids.

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Section 4.2 : Densification - Building within Voids

My proposal to this issue of horizontal expansion and social connection is further densification of the existing urban cloud, allowing people to live closer and avoid commuting. The key here is to have existing infrastructure work harder and for more of us. However, I am not proposing further addition of high-rise towers; instead, I call for the densification of existing, high-density, central parts of Dubai to stitch the city together. This would create even more vibrant and better-connected communities, less reliance on cars, more affordable living in central parts of town, and many other benefits. In addition, densifying around existing neighborhoods is more efficient, cost effective, and will consume fewer resources than spreading further into the outskirts. Rather than creating new transport hubs, new water, electricity, and gas connections, a viable solution is to upgrade the existing infrastructure and build more around it. We can, therefore, better preserve energy and create walkable and sustainable communities.

This ‘Densification’ of current spaces can be achieved by using the information from the study of negative spaces within Dubai’s existing skyline (the past/present) and proposing a mirror development of the existing urban fabric (the future), new structures within these voids. Also known as ‘Urban Infill’, whereby the primary function is to ‘fill-in the gaps’ within an existing neighborhood. Using this approach, we can allow even further densification of neighborhoods, thus reducing horizontal sprawl and providing more vibrant, better-connected communities.

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Figure 24. Office building, illustration of urban infill in Manhattan.

Section 4.2.1 : Urabn Infill & Sheizh Zayed Road

Urban Infill is the development of a new structure that is sited within an pre-existing neighbourhood. It is the construction of a project in the isolated or undeveloped pieces of land within or nearby an area where majority of the lands are pre-developed. Urban planners, architects and researchers often term this phenomena as “filling in the gaps”. Infill supports the opposition of sprawling by densifying already dense clusters of buildings. Infill is also sometimes refered to as “land recycling”.

Urban infill is not a new concept; this has been the primary growth strategy of most countries.

Several developed countries such as New York, Manhattan, and Hong Kong has made use of this strategy to provide for further construction opportunities once its resource of borderline expansion was exhausted.

Figure 25. Urban Infill examples in (1) Hong Kong, (2) New York.

This concept has also been seen in Dubai. Densifying by utilizing the areas between super-tall towers is already being done in Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road. Many restaurants located at the start of Sheikh Zayed Road’s cluster of buildings are making use of the empty setback areas left in between towers to accomodate its kitchen and seating. The previous alleyways or unused pedestrian paths have now been revitalized by the construction of several such eateries. Making use of these empty pieces of volumes has led to a much more efficient, cost effective proposal of construction, and consumes fewer resources than locating elsewhere.

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Figure 26. Image showing London Dairy bistro, developed between Aspin towers.

Figure 27. Image showing chili’s, developed beside Al Mural Tower.

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Figure 28. Image showing Caribou coffee, expanding its seating into the neighboring alleyway.

Figure 29. Image showing Piccolo Mondo cafe, developed between two towers.

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Urban Densification

Traditional Neighborhood Connections

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Urban Elevation

Current connections due to rise of skyscrapers

Horizontal Connection

Proposed Neighborhoods with Elevated Connections

Section 4.3 : Elevated Connection

Urban Infill does not only help reduce the horizontal sprawl of the city. But, it also helps create new horizontal connections between the existing and new buildings, hence creating various levels of interaction besides the ground level. Therefore, the proposal will be a 3-dimensional connection, rather than the current, 2-dimensional connection, which only links the towers through the ground level.

This will be done while preserving the urban connections on the ground level, hence proposing floating structures which have a minimum connection to the ground level. A development built within the voids but does not connect to the urban tissue. Instead it floats above the existing urban tissue and suffices on itself. Densifying the neighborhood above the ground level, will help retain the existing infrastructure and alleyways on that level.

59

CHAPTER 5

60

CASE STUDIES

61

Linked Hybrid Architect: Steven Holl Location: Beijing, China BUA: 22,000 m² Year: 2009 Key Aspects: Hybrid (multi-use), Elevated, 3-Dimensional Urban Space, Skybridges, Social nodes

62

Section 5.1 - Case Study 1

This multi-functional complex located beside the old city of Beijing, aims at tackling the problem with current urban developments which public spaces. This project takes a pedestrian-oriented approach to encourage higher levels of interaction and connection between towers. The main aspect to adapt from the project is the use of elevaed skybridges which help connect upper levels of the buildings to create a new zone of horizontal connection and access. These skybridges take the common approach of the use of trusses to tackle the issue of covering long spans. It features more than 5200 m2 of social space on its floating deck.

63

64

65

66

67

Site Plan

N

KEY:

68

Access Points

Location Map

Site Map

69

Programatic Floor Plan (Area Analysis)

Colour Code

70

Function

Area sqm (m²)

sqft (ft²)

Sports Club

1570

16900

Health Spa

715

7700

Cafe

675

7265

Book Shop

380

4090

Exhibition

815

8775

Bar / Club

975

10500

Elevation

Section

Detailed Section

71

Gao Yang Architect: Will Aslop Location: Shanghai, China BUA: 600 m² Year: 2010 Key Aspects: Suspended, Bubble like floating structures, Addition of hanging restaurant to a pre-existing structure Gao Yang features a hanging four-story restaurant and two bars suspended in brightly colored pods. Alsop revised the former layout and proposed changes to integrate and enhance it, by keeping most of the building intact while adding structures looking like floating bubbles to the total waterfront area.

72

Section 5.2 - Case Study 2

Alsop coordinated with several other design team disciplines including structural, mechanical and electrical principles in order to make this project possible. Aspects of suspended structural elements can be adopted from the project to analyze this new form of load distribution.

73

74

75

Parasite Office Architect: Za Bor Architects Location: Moscow, Russia BUA: 230 m² Year: 2011 Key Aspects: Urban Infill, Levitating structure, Origamic facade to transfer loads, Intact courtyard access This project is a design-studio space which provides for economic office space for their own firm. The design firm makes use of the free space between two existing houses and providing for construction of a polygonal volume space.

76

Section 5.3 - Case Study 3

This three story office is a single structural unit gripped between the side facades of the houses. This allows for the project to levitate directly above the existing alleyway without any support from the ground. This makes a free-to-access courtyard below the structure, which is not interupted by the addition of this project. Adapting to this concept addition while keeping the urban fabric intact is something which will allow for a dynamic flow of people in the design project.

77

First Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

78

N

N

Second Floor Plan

Section AA

N

79

Elevated Community Architect: Unknown Location: Unbuilt BUA: Unknown Proposed Year: 2011 Key Aspects: Elevated horizontal platform, Connects existing structures, public and social interaction

80

Section 5.4 - Case Study 4

This project is a proposal for a new urban network above the current fabric of the city. The development boasts a large hovering horizontal deck created between existing skyscrapers; hosting three levels of various functions throughout the project. The city provides a domain of social and public interaction which allows for a new level ofconnection between the exsting buildings beside the ground level. The bottom most layer is public and mostly used for connection and transportation. The middle layer is a private one with residential and commercial units, while the third one provides for recreational activities.

“The Bridge” It’s an attempt to establish a physical line of communication, demonstrating the importance of perceiving the connections that lies within the vertical towers. By bridging together various points of vertical towers, the line of communication is made open to become intercepted and decoded.

“The Skin” It acts as the physical manifestation of modern technology, enveloping the space with a sustainable system for for producing clean & effecient energy. The juxtaposition of new & old architecture produces a conflicting relationship that begins to inquire new responsive design & thinking.

“The Space” It is composed of public & private spaces.

The composition & occurrence of these spaces occurs organically. The project attempts to foster the condition of becoming spatially aware, thuse forming puclic & private spaces.

81

Vertical Prison Architect: Chow Khoon Toong, Ong Tien Yee, Beh Ssi Cze Location: Malaysia BUA: Unknown Year: 2010 Key Aspects: Secondary city above primary city, Isolated network, Podular dwellings and transportation

82

Section 5.5 - Case Study 5

This project is a new approach to designing spaces for criminal individuals above the city of Malaysia rather than expanding out into the suburbs. This vertical prison consists directly above the main city, isolating it from the rest of the city’s fabric and urban tissue. The project proposes a new system of living and transporting using the concept of ‘pods’. Pods are used as both vertical tansportation to import resources while also allowing for a flexible plan to host a variety of number of prisoners according to the population of the prison at different times of the year.

83

CHAPTER 6

84

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

85

Individual Pods

Upper Level: Commercial

Galleries Meeting Rooms

Seminar Rooms

Event Venue

Offices

Utility

Existing Tower

Existing Tower

Existing Tower

Existing Tower Offices

Offices

Outdoor Green Area

Mid level: Recreational

Individual Pods

Individual Pods

Dance / Music Studios

Retail Spaces

Amphitheatre Health Spa

Atrium

Utility

Existing Tower

Gym

Exhibition

Existing Tower

Cafe Book Shop Collaborative Workspace/ Workshop

Lower Level: Residential

Individual Pods

Complex

Complex

Individual Pods

Studio / 1BR

Studio / 1BR

Existing Tower

Existing Tower

Existing Tower

Existing Tower Complex Studio / 1BR

86

Utility

Existing Tower Existing Tower

Utility

Sports Club

Individual Pods

Section 6.1: Program Diagrams

Commercial

Semi-Private

Recreational

Public

Residential

Private

Existing Tower

Existing Tower

Existing Tower Existing Tower

87

Section 6.2 : Spatial Area Analysis Type Recreational

88

Function

Area

Quantity

No. of Occupants

Public / Private

Atrium

1680 m2

1

600

Public

Retail stands

6 x 19 = 114 m2

19 stands

38

Public

Active amphitheater

370 m2

1

100

Public

Café

360 m2

1

50-60

Public

Book store

185 m2

1

30-40

Public

Exhibition / Gallery

140 m2

1

50

Public

Collaborative workspace

20 x 5 = 100 m2

5 rooms

30

Public

Gym

235 m2

1

50

Public

Sports club

555 m2

1

30

Public

Health spa

140 m2

7 rooms

15

Public

Dance studio

92 m2

1

20

Public

Green areas

280 m2

10%

80

Public

Utility

(40+20)x5 = 300 m2

5 WC + Prayer

10 x 5 = 50

Public

Sub-total

13

4,550 m2

Commercial

Offices

1390 m2

3 blocks

150

Semi - public

Movable office pods

20 x 18 = 360 m2

18 pods

25% = 38

Semi - public

Event venue

400 m2

1

200

Semi - public

Meeting rooms

25 x 4 = 100 m2

4 rooms

20

Semi - public

Seminar rooms

80 m2

1

35

Semi - public

Galleries

40 m2

1

15

Semi - public

Interactive Voids

430 m2

multiple

15%

Semi - public

Utility

(40+20)x5 = 300 m2

5 WC + Prayer

10 x 5 = 50

Semi - public

Sub-total

7

3,100 m2

Residential

Studios

35 x 20 = 700 m2

20 units

40

Private

1BR Apartments

78 x 50 = 3900 m2

50 units

100

Private

2BR Apartments

105 x 24 = 2520 m2

24 units

96

Private

3BR Apartments

145 x 6 = 870 m2

6 units

36

Private

Interactive Voids

1410 m2

multiple

15%

Private

Sub-total

4

9,400 m2

-

Connection

Circulation

3000 m2

-

Sub-total

1

3,000 m2

-

-

-

Total

27

20,050 m2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

15%

Public

89

CHAPTER 7

90

SITE SELECTION

91

Dubai

92

Section 7.1 : Why Dubai ?

Dubai is the primary example of a sprawling urban fabric with its development stretching from one emirate; all the way to another. This has led Dubai to form several cities witin itself. Therfore, creating several low density and scarce neighborhoods which have created voids between its structures. Being a city of wonder, Dubai also consists of several high-rise structures which have helped create a variety of unequal clusters, consisting of buildings with different heights.

Therefore, for the process of site selection I have selected several clusters within the most sprawled cities of the world; Dubai.

93

Sheikh Zayed Road

Downtown & Business Bay

Palm Jumeirah

Barsha Heights

Marina Jumeirah Lake Tower

94

Section 7.2: Potential Clusters in Dubai

1. Sheikh Zayed Road 2. Downtown / Business Bay 3. Barsha Heights 4. Dubai Marina 5. Jumeirah Lake Towers

95

96

97

Site 1: Sheikh Zayed Road

98

99

Site 3: Baarsha Heights

Site 2: Business Bay

100

101

Site 5: Jumeirah Lake

Site 4: Dubai Marina

Section 7.3 : Cluster Criterias

Criteria

Site 1: Sheikh Zayed Road

Site 2: Downtown & Business Bay

Site 3: Barsha Height

Site 4: Jumeirah Lake Tower

Site 5: Dubai Marina

Cluster Density

2

3

1

4

5

Buiding Fuction Types

5

4

1

3

2

Building proximity

4

2

1

3

5

No. of 100m+ buildings

2

5

1

3

4

Negative vs Positive Space Analysis

4

2

1

3

5

Average building heights

5

4

2

1

3

22

20

7

17

24

Total

102

Selected Cluster : Dubai Marina

103

Section 7.4: Potential Sites

SITE 1

Area: 22,000 m2

104

SITE

Area: 34,

E2

,000 m2

SITE 3

Area: 13,000 m2

105

SITE 1: Dimensions & Images

2

160 m 60 m 50 m

160 m

100 m 1

110 m

SITE 1

Area: 22,000 m2

106

1

2

107

SITE 2: Dimensions & Images

2 21

165 m

1

108

SITE

Area: 34,

0m

E2

,000 m2

1

2

109

SITE 3: Dimensions & Images

1

110

2

230 m

2 55 m

1

SITE 3

Area: 13,000 m2

111

Neighbouring Building Proximity

SITE 1

Largest Distance between towers: 61 m2

112

SITE

Largest Distance 72

E2

between towers: m2

SITE 3

Largest Distance between towers: 76 m2

113

Height Variation between Existing Towers

432 m 213 m 280 m 285 m 232 m

13 127 m

160

195 m

SITE 1

Height difference between tallest & shortest tower: 237 m

114

SITE

Height difference between 86

196 m

35 m m

127 m

0m

E2

tallest & shortest tower: m

90 m

39 m

62 m

82 m

82 m

SITE 3

Height difference between tallest & shortest tower: 51 m

115

Proximity to Public Transport

T

SITE 1

116

M

Metro Station

Taxi Stand

T

Tram Station

Water Taxi Station

SITE

E2

T

M

SITE 3

117

View to Water Bodies

SITE 1

118

SITE

E2

SITE 3

119

Mass vs Void Ratio

SITE 1 Mass: 23% Void: 77%

Existing Mass PotentiaL Constructable Volume 120

SITE Mass: Void:

E2 18% 82%

SITE 3 Mass: 15% Void: 85%

121

Section 7.5 : Site Selection Criterias

Criteria

Site 1:

Site 2:

Site 3:

Neighbouring Building Proximity

3

2

1

Variation in Height between existing towers

3

1

2

Proximity to public transport

2

1

3

Access through existing towers

2

3

1

View to water bodies

2

1

3

Mass vs Void Ratio

3

2

1

15

10

11

Total

122

Selected Site : Site 1

123

CHAPTER 8

124

CONCEPT DESIGNS

125

Vertical City Vertical Connections Perpendicular Lightness & Permeability Grove Vertical Kinetic Spaces

126

Section 8.1 - Concept 01

To design vertical connection elements, instead of horizontal ones. The concept is derived from treehouses found in a dense forest of trees soaring high up into the sky. This creates an effect of lightness and permeabilty as it breaks the need of designing bulky horizontal structures. Similar to a grove, which is a group of trees that grow close together, and without many bushes or other plants underneath, this concept tries to cultivate a space above these vertical elements instead of developing it below.

The concept tries to mimic the vertical language of the context and create a similar design approach to the one already existing, ie. presence of tall vertical skyscrapers. It tries to not break the perpendicuar approach of Dubai building its spaces to the sky, therefore creating vertical bridges instead of horizontal ones.

127

The concept introduces a new approach to connections using vertical kinetic movement, whereby the entire space or volume is transported perpendicularly instead of horizontally. This form of system allows for a rather new design approach of developing a vertical city within the already existing vertical fabric of Dubai.

128

129

Blur CLOUD Mist - generated to tackle weather Hangs using tensile structural cables Floating Submerged Skyline

130

Section 8.2 - Concept 02

To design a floating, opaque strucutre which is smeared between the skyline of Dubai. The concept takes a rather philosophical approach with inspiration from the image below of Dubai’s skyline submerged within a billow of clouds. This creates an hazy and mist-like effect which depicts a light, camouflaged construction between the skyscrapers.

The concept tries to create an ‘artificial cloud’ like structure between the towers of Marina to help densify and connect the neighborhood without compromising the elements of nature. This concept tries to achieve an arcitecture of atmosphere; which link the fundamentals of man-made elements and nature to create a unique experience for its users.

131

The concept takes a relatively strong inspiration from the Blur pavilion in Switzerland. Designed by Dillar Scofidio, the Blur produces a mass of fog around its structure using several pumps and nozzles to shoot a fine mist of water. This mist allows for an experience of an optical ‘white-out’ whereby the entire structure is submerged and camoflauged by a cloud like bubble. The concept will take a similar approach to create a cloud like structure whereby the entire space is submerged within a billow of clouds. In addition, the concept will make use of a smart weather system which will read the shifting climatic conditions of temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction and will regulate the mist at a variety of zones accordingly, therefore help tackle the issue of humidity and climate of Dubai.

132

133

Inverted Modules Mirror Low Density - Ground High Density - Sky Repetitive ‘Modules’ Reflection To design a reflection of the existing city within its urban voids. The concept is derived from an image from the movie “Maze Runner”, whereby a mirrored development is noticed within one of the scenes. The concept takes a rather direct inspiration from the scene which tries to create a mirror effect of the skyline of Dubai, thus filling the voids using an invertion of the existing skyline.

Section 8.3 - Concept 03

134

The concept tries to contradict the existing fabric of the city by flipping and overlapping the positives and negatives to fill the voids between towers with new inverted skyscrappers. This sort of relation allows for doubling the space without increasing or using any new area.

135

In order to build within the voids of the skyline a modular approach is taken which in turn molds into a form according to the voids of the skyline. Similar to an inverted skyline, the modules are less dense towards the ground and more dense as it moves up higher into the sky. The use of modular construction also allows for the flexibilty of expanding and contracting based on the demand or need for a space.

136

137

WORKS CITED

138

REFERENCES

139

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