suzan
August 20th, 2008, 08:45 PM
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1670SOMReinventTheWadi_pic1.jpg
Plans have been put forward for a new and unusual addition to the rolling deserts of Qatar.
Named The Wadi, the creation which comes from the drawing boards of architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill more commonly known as SOM takes its name and form from the naturally occurring desert wadis which provide comfort in the desert for camels, lizards and when not enjoying his own urine, Bear Grylls.
The unusual task of finding a solution to desert building was set by Qatar Petroleum and what the architects have come up with is a monolithic concrete structure that will snake its way through the sands.
The structure consists of huge white concrete walls approximately 70 metres in height which will deflect heat due to the colour and also provide protection from the elements for the Wadi's internal composition. These walls will also provide shading which along with vegetation and water features will cool the interior of the wadi.
Inside, the massive snaking walls steel and glass bridging will be suspended width ways between the walls, these in places will be double stacked, this helps economise on building materials and also reduces the amount of cross sections needed.
These bridges will house the offices and other facilities necessary in today's modern working environment. By using the outer walls as the main support for the bridges the need for columns inside the offices is unnecessary meaning not only is the floor plan made more flexible giving more options for office layouts.
It also allows for maximum light filtration into the offices but also offers the best views possible for workers to enjoy whilst wishing they weren't stuck behind a desk.
As well as offices there will also be structured parking within the complex as well as amenities to help the busy offices folk chill out a bit during lunch hours, if such a thing is possible in the heat of a baking desert.
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=1670
Plans have been put forward for a new and unusual addition to the rolling deserts of Qatar.
Named The Wadi, the creation which comes from the drawing boards of architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill more commonly known as SOM takes its name and form from the naturally occurring desert wadis which provide comfort in the desert for camels, lizards and when not enjoying his own urine, Bear Grylls.
The unusual task of finding a solution to desert building was set by Qatar Petroleum and what the architects have come up with is a monolithic concrete structure that will snake its way through the sands.
The structure consists of huge white concrete walls approximately 70 metres in height which will deflect heat due to the colour and also provide protection from the elements for the Wadi's internal composition. These walls will also provide shading which along with vegetation and water features will cool the interior of the wadi.
Inside, the massive snaking walls steel and glass bridging will be suspended width ways between the walls, these in places will be double stacked, this helps economise on building materials and also reduces the amount of cross sections needed.
These bridges will house the offices and other facilities necessary in today's modern working environment. By using the outer walls as the main support for the bridges the need for columns inside the offices is unnecessary meaning not only is the floor plan made more flexible giving more options for office layouts.
It also allows for maximum light filtration into the offices but also offers the best views possible for workers to enjoy whilst wishing they weren't stuck behind a desk.
As well as offices there will also be structured parking within the complex as well as amenities to help the busy offices folk chill out a bit during lunch hours, if such a thing is possible in the heat of a baking desert.
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=1670