Research Educational Center

Project idea

The project is a research cultural center following the concept of the United Arab Emirates: 'Year of Community'. It is proposed for the historic site Al Shindaga in Bur Dubai. Inspired by the Year of Community initiative and the Sikka Festival that takes place every year on the site, the project aims to foster unity and collaboration through an architectural form characterized by intersecting and interlocking volumes that physically represent connection and interaction between different functional zones. The center’s primary objectives are to celebrate art and culture through shared spaces, preserve local heritage by integrating features such as the Storytelling Circle, and provide accessible, flexible gathering areas that welcome all community members. By integrating different facilities such as a research lab, makerspace, lecture hall etc., into the rich cultural fabric of the Dubai Creek, the project aims to drive innovation and cultural growth while enhancing pedestrian connectivity with shaded pause nodes used in the landscape in the desert climate.

Project description

The project solution for the Research Educational Center involves a multi-level structure integrated with themed landscape features designed to foster community and celebrate heritage. The architectural scope includes two basement levels for parking and utilities, a ground floor featuring a lobby, library, and auditorium, and upper levels dedicated to specialized learning spaces such as the makerspace, research lab, and exhibition hall. Externally, the project incorporates four specialized circles, also known as the pause nodes: the Play Area, Storytelling, Community Pause, and Information/LED circles, which provide interactive, shaded, and educational zones for the public. This functional program is unified by a design language of intersecting volumes and an earthy color palette intended to promote a welcoming and harmonious community atmosphere.

Technical information

The Research Educational Center is engineered with a robust structural framework featuring a systematic layout of square columns designed to provide maximum stability and load-bearing support for the building's complex intersecting volumes. Spanning a 5,521 sqm site in Al Shindagha, the technical program consists of two basement levels for parking and utilities, a ground floor, and two upper levels, a library and an auditorium with mezzanine seating. The design utilizes a material palette of earthy neutrals and terracotta to withstand the high heat and humidity of the Dubai Creek area.

Documentation

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