Spiraling Grounds

SPIRALING GROUNDS

Innovation & Research Center

A PARK RE-IMAGINATION INTO A CAMPUS

architecture biomimicry concept design Landscape organic Sustainability

PROJECT INFO:

Location: Deira, Dubai, UAE

Function: Exhibition & Research Campus

Area: 17,000 sqm

THESIS SUMMARY:

In the modern-day urban context, our architecture looks rigid and artificial and has strayed far from natural morphology. As architects, we should constantly be analysing why we design the way we do and look towards the future, but to move forwards, we must understand the history of architectural design and learn from the past. For as long as human civilizations have existed, buildings have always been designed using the golden ratio and human proportions as a reference, and this has proved to be the most efficient method to design interior spaces, but it does not necessarily mean the same thing for the exterior of the building.

The thesis explored the field of evolutionary biomimicry mathematically, biologically, and artistically to come up with a new design methodology that can create buildings that blend better with nature instead of disrupting it. This was done by studying the mathematical development of organic patterns on both the macro and micro scales to understand how to mimic them in their beauty and efficiency of filling spaces. The research found that methods of growing our buildings by simulating the development process of organisms are still not possible due to technological limitations, but they can prove to be a revolutionary success in the fields of energy efficiency if achieved, and can dramatically alter how our city skylines look in the future. This means that the field of biomimicry is in need of research and development since it has only existed for the past 30 years.

FLOW OF RESEARCH

CONCEPT DIAGRAM

PROJECT PROPOSAL:

The best solution found after the conclusion of the research is an injection of an organic form into the artificial urban fabric, contrasting its fluidity and natural form with its surroundings in hopes to inspire and further research the biomimetic methodology in design and motivate its use in art and architecture. The building will function as a research and exhibition campus that serves as an easily accessible public space, allowing for the research and teaching of the plethora of biomimicry fields and subjects. The project's form is derived from the Fibonacci spiral that is found in abundance in nature's geometry, but most importantly, it is found in the human proportions and gives an opportunity to twist the rectilinearity suggested by the golden ratio into curvilinearity.

DESIGN PROCESS

SITE CHOICE:

The chosen site for this project is union square park since it is a hotspot in the heart of Deira that features a highly walkable surrounding space, as it is a large pedestrian area of nearly 55,000 square meters of walkable area with no interrupting roads. Its connection to the metro provides easy access and gives the opportunity for a direct connection to the metro station underground for seamless access. This will allow for the creation of an urban space that blends with the park and acts as a social hotspot for visitors, as well as a resting spot for workers who usually stop and rest here under the shaded trees while waiting for the bus. The site is also surrounded by three massive parking lots, two of which are connected directly by footbridges.