Resurgence

Unveiling Lost Identities in the Middle East

Student Name - Sahar Nami

Project Name - Resurgence: Unveiling Lost Identities in the Middle East

Function - Museum, Research Center, Cultural Center

Plot Size - 18,120 sq.m

BUA - 16,628 sq.m

Project Description

The project is a “Museum of the Lost Heritage in the Middle East”, which stands as a key element of cultural preservation and exploration, weaving together the threads of history, identity, and innovation, reviving the lost heritage, and emphasizing the rich culture of the Middle East. It embodies a fusion of tradition and modernity through contemporary wind-tower-like structures. The project is entirely 3D printed with some being done on-site and others prefabricated. Three main programs are designed to integrate the concept of replica, which include a research center, a museum, and a cultural center.

The project enjoys a prime location amidst Abu Dhabi's vibrant Cultural District. With attractions like the Louvre, Zayed National Museum, and Guggenheim nearby, the area attracts a diverse range of visitors, making it an ideal tourist destination.

The research center serves as a space of exploration, where scholars explore the history of the Middle East, unearthing forgotten truths and conducting experiments to illuminate the shadows of the past. Central to the project's narrative is the exploration of lost identities in the Middle East, particularly lesser-known religions like Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Ancient Greek religion. Each museum space showcases artifacts and monuments dedicated to these religions, symbolizing the rich cultural identity of the region. Notable exhibits include the remains of the Sanctuary of Zeus, the Palace of Darius, and the Bamiyan Buddha, offering visitors a glimpse into these forgotten chapters of history. Completing the triad is the cultural center, a vibrant space where visitors engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and connect with others.

Reviving lost identities is not just an architectural endeavor, but a cultural journey that celebrates diversity and heritage. Through its innovative design and thematic exhibitions, the project aims to educate and inspire visitors while contributing to the vibrant cultural heritage and contemporary advancements in the UAE.

Sustainable Development Goals

Site Location

Master Plan of the Cultural District in Abu Dhabi

Site Analysis

Landmarks

Views

Design Process

Form Inspiration

Concept Theory

The project ends with a fully glazed facade that symbolizes the suddenly destroyed monuments and buildings in the Middle East that are caused during wars and conflicts due to their unstable nature.

Zoning

The project is based on three different zones which include a cultural center, a museum, and a research center, where each program includes different programs within the zones.

Space Division

Bamiyan Buddha Museum

Levels of Privacy

The levels of privacy vary within the project based on its functions, with the cultural center being the most public, the museum being semi-public, and the research center being private.

Access

The project has one main access used by cars and during drop-off, and two secondary accesses for pedestrians. It also includes an underground basement parking for visitors.

Circulation

The volumes are connected by a main horizontal circulation and three main vertical circulations that act as a core for the project.

Context Relationship

The project’s height is adjacent to its surrounding buildings allowing it to properly integrate with its surroundings. The height diminishes as it approaches the side of the lake.

The project is surrounded by religious buildings, commercial buildings, residential buildings, and museums.

Socializing Space + Inner Courtyard

The project includes three main socializing spaces for visitors to interact with one another and three inner courtyards.

Landscape

Three main landscape spots are chosen within the exterior social spaces.

Daylighting

Natural daylighting is brought into the building through the tapered elements, inner courtyards, and exterior glazed facades.

Sustainability

The ceilings are slanted to capture the maximum amount of sunlight possible from every orientation during the day.
The slanted ceilings also act as a ventilation system by exchanging cool and hot air.

Floor Plans

Structural System

The uppermost part of the project, which is a cone-like form has a steel structure that holds the weight of the building in place and is clad by 3D printed panels.

Construction Method and Technology

The system used for 3d printing the project is the “Gantry system”. It is limited to printing up to a maximum height of 9.9 meters from the ground when printed on-site.
COBOD company allows for the printing of the maximum possible height by the use of the gantry machine.

The main material used throughout the project will consist of 3D printing using concrete combined with PLA (polylactic acid).

PLA is a recycled and biodegradable material with good heat resistance and mechanical durability.