Welsh School of Architecture Earth and Society MSc Environmental Design of Buildings 2013/3014

The Influence of architecture to achieve

sustainable life in the United Arab of Emirates

Assignment 1

Student Name: Najla Hariri

Student Number: C1264694

Module Leader: Julie Gwilliam _ Lara Hopkinson

2 | P a g e

Introduction:

During the last few decades large awareness toward the environment rises due to the massive negative human impact and high levels of pollution, which encouraged researchers in different fields to establish a new trend of studies to achieve sustainable life. Architecture is one of these domains that could be widely influential in accomplishing sustainability through improving buildings performance towards their surrounding environment. It is notable that in the 20th century architects were not really aware of sustainable benefits, as it was not an adopted trend in any other specialization either, and with the high demands to build (due to the vast increase in population) and the availability of resources, designing comfortable and good looking buildings was the worldwide aim.

Complex high-rise designs are one of the modern trends in cities to save the use of land, with the multi function of these structures they could be considered as small cities (retail, offices, hotel, residential), and consequently, makes them one of the biggest polluters in any urban development. Thus, architects role could be significant to achieve high quality towers in terms of sustainability.

In the following study this role is going to be identified through analyzing architectural trends in the United Arab of Emirates during the last two decades, and why the implementation is still moving in slow steps to achieve friendly environmental skyscrapers although the awareness of sustainability is issued,. What are the barriers and is there any efficient strategies apparent in the horizon of architectural future in this country.

This will be accomplished through assessing and critiquing the architectural design of a

constructed tower (for example Khalifa Tower) in terms of three main aspects, economy,

environment and society.

Another case study will be presented, which is not constructed yet to addresses the new vision

of architecture in achieving sustainable buildings (Dynamic Towers).

In addition, trends of authorities have to be mentioned in the context of the study to demonstrate

the future of sustainability in UAE.

Image 1

3 | P a g e

Image 2

Image 3:

Present environmental situation:

Image 4:

4 | P a g e

Image 5

UAE’s Architecture:

“Dubai in one of only a few locations worldwide where iconic architecture in not only

encouraged, but actively pursued. As long as it is eye-catching, it seems that anything goes,

from sublime to the outrageous, and sometimes a combination of two.” (discover Dubai/ Iconic

Dubai Archtitecture )

Many projects where constructed in this country during the last decade like Khalifa Tower,

Emirates Towers, Burj Al Arab and the list continues. Definitely, architectural profession

prospered but without any sustainable considerations during this time, Jana [ described this

directional change as a period of time where Dubai or the United Arab of Emirates were seeking

to achieve world records, having the tallest, largest and when possible, the first of everything.

(R.Jana, 2 March 2006). (X Hua Jin, 2013)

However, Murray raises issues regarding newly built high rise towers, which have insufficient

surrounding infrastructure, such as pedestrian access and in some instances no electricity

supply.” (C.Murray, 2008) (X Hua Jin, 2013, p. 1).

But, fortunately, during the last few years, specifically after the global financial crises, new trends

began to appear in terms of achieving sustainable structures. Government and authorities start

establishing new strategies by learning from the mistakes they made in the past. In addition,

5 | P a g e

clients have begun asking for high quality, sustainable buildings, not just iconic, world record-

breaking structures, to reduce the proportion of energy use to heat, light and ventilate buildings,

which is identified as energy hunger in high rise buildings. (X Hua Jin, 2013, p. 1)

This, reflectively, affected the trends of architecture in this country and it can be said that a new

era of sustainable architecture is going to take place during the next following decades. To speak

critically about architects role in this trend, there are to parts to evaluate. Firstly, the role of

architects before the global financial crises, and secondly their role after this phenomenon, as

they noticeably differ.

Architectural Role before The Global Financial Crises:

Although the traditional architecture established high performance designs to cope with the

harsh climate in the UAE, architects role was not really significant during the last century in terms

of sustainability, and they did not worked to improve this kind of adaptation with the environment.

Image 6: Traditional architecture in the middle east, Passive concepts

Certainly, the availability and the cheep price of oil, which is the main resource of this country,

was the main factor to import modern western designs and create the main causes of pollution

through constructing large buildings with the ignorance of many important issues, for example,

the orientation, natural ventilation and efficient elements which can be vital to reduce the

consumption of energy, thus reduce carbon emissions in the surrounding.

Architect Michael J. chairman of the University of Hartford Department of Architecture described

the trends impact when speaking about Khalifa Tower: ” Purely as a piece of structural design,

the Tower is impressive. The biggest impact on the building is its wind load. The skyscraper's

form is crafted to break down the cumulative effects of high winds. As the tower rises, each of its

three wings is set back at different heights in a clockwise spiral pattern. This gives the tower a

variegated form to confuse the wind. The stepping and spiralling also benefit the tower

aesthetically. Whatever your opinion about constructing a gargantuan energy block in the middle

of a desert, there is no question that the Tower is an elegant object, glistening on the skyline. As

I mentioned, the world has changed since the tower was just a concept, and one of the most

important changes is a greater awareness of the environmental impact of buildings. I talked to

Skidmore Owings & Merrill partner George Efstathiou about the building's design, and asked if

sustainability was a client concern, he admitted that it wasn't, noting that "back then it was not as

important." But there are a few nods at conservation, condensate water from the air-conditioning

system is collected to irrigate the landscape, but why use water-thirsty landscaping in the

desert? The environmental impacts of such a building are enormous. At peak, the tower requires

6 | P a g e

12,500 tons of cooling per hour; the tower consumes 250,000 gallons of water a day (in a

desert!); peak electrical demand is roughly equivalent to a half-million 100-watt light bulbs. “

(Architecture.), 2012).

However, Carely Fordred determine few sustainable features as a beginning to sustainable

approach, ”High performance glazing with a low emissive glass provides the tower with

enhanced thermal protection against the high temperatures experienced in Dubai. The

conduction of electric power using higher voltage reduces energy losses and increases energy

efficiency compared to low voltage energy distribution. Smart lighting and mechanical control

using a Building Management System (BMS) lowers the costs of operation, and allows a more

efficient use of building resources and services”. (Fordred, 2010)

From the previous it can be noticed that architects did not give enough attentions to the

environment when they designed this tower as much as they were interested about breaking

records and building a city landmark. In addition, no drainage system are available in this huge

building, and the problem was solved by collecting the sewage from big tanks located in

basements and transferred by tracks out of the city to water treatment stations. Add to that the

low wages of the labour, who constructed the tower, which reached maximum of 4$ per day. In

fact, a project like khalifa tower could be more efficient in terms of sustainability if there were

concepts in the design stage regarding energy production or passive design schemes.

On the other hand, architects succeeded in the social aspect to achieve mixed use towers

contains retail, offices, residential apartments and hotels and this can give a clue for the future to

adopt such a trend, to reduce the need of transportation and travel. Furthermore, many designs

contains leisure spaces and organized landscape to encourage human activities in a secure and

safe environment. And definitely aesthetic aspects where covered widely in the previous trends.

Add to that the economical aspect in this type of projects as one tower could be occupied by

huge number of people.

Image 7: Khalifa Tower Park

Going to the question, why there was not any sustainable trends in the past?? It can be said:

It was due to lack of knowledge mainly,

No policies or regulations to encourage this trends and adopt it to be implemented,

It was not a client interest as it will cost more to be located.

The harsh climate which make it a challenge to achieve comfort with out damaging the

surrounding environment.

The fast growth of the country did not give the opportunity for sufficient time in the design

stages to plan with the considerations of the environment,

7 | P a g e

And the availability of oil, as a resource, in low prices which made other methods more

expensive compared to it.

Image 8

Architectural Role after The Global Financial Crises:

“The recent global crises has put enormous strain on the city of Dubai, which has been forced to

seek alternative approaches to stay insulated during these tough times. A collaborative approach

seeking innovation through sustainability has recently been understood and acknowledged to

produce positive outcomes among different parties. The understanding has been presented

within the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (announced on 3rd Feb 2007), and in BREEAM Gulf

environmental rating system for construction professionals to adhere to.” (X Hua Jin, 2013, p. 3)

This aimed to:

Optimize land use and disruption while preserving natural resource,

provide efficient energy, electricity and water to meet Dubai’s growing need,

Provide integrated roads and transportation system to facilitate mobility and improve

safety,

Maintain Dubai as a safe, clean, attractive and sustainable environment. (X Hua Jin,

2013, p. 3)

As a result to the high awareness of the government and the trends to learn from past mistakes

and the changed in client demands to a better sustainable approach, architecture was widely

influenced and influential, thus architects role become more prominent to achieve the targets, so

high-rise designers began to focus with more considerations on sustainable issues to achieve

high quality buildings performance toward the environment & society. Consequently, after 2007,

new styles of design concepts started to occur, for instance, Nakheel Tower, Dynamic Towers

and Masdar city.

8 | P a g e

Image 9

Dynamic Towers are one of the evolutional projects in UAE to create sustainable towers as

Architect Fisher (the designer of these towers) said:” Not only will residents be able to enjoy

sunrise and sunset through the same window; they will be able to shift their balcony gardens

throughout the day, to guarantee plants the optimum amount of light. The efficiency of this

project, will derive above all from its prefabrication, each storey will be composed of about 40

factory-built modules, preinstalled with all wiring, plumbing and customized furnishings, including

kitchen and bathroom fixtures. This is the "most revolutionary aspect" of the project, since it will

enable 90 people to put up in less than two years what would require more than 20 times as

many workers, and nearly twice as much time, using traditional construction methods. Such a

vast savings in man-hours will dramatically reduce the risk of accidents, and bring down

insurance costs accordingly. The largely hollow core will function as the axle around which the

floors turn. It will also be the conduit for elevators, electrical wiring and plumbing. To enable

water to flow through a constantly shifting structure, a system based on technology used to

refuel airplanes in mid-flight will be implemented. It will serve each floor through a single "smart

connection" for clean water and another for waste. Panels on the roof of each storey, part of

which will be exposed at some point in every day's rotation, will collect heat from the sun's rays.

Horizontal turbines, like airplane propellers sandwiched between the floors, will gather power

from the wind. The building will actually produce more energy than it consumes, he says, leaving

the rest to be sold to the neighbours.” (ROCCA, 11 Feb 2009)

9 | P a g e

Image 10

It is clear from the above that architects role changed later, to be more careful and responsible

about the surrounding environment. Nevertheless, sustainable architecture is still facing many

barriers to achieve the vision of sustainable development in the UAE like:

The huge costs of this type of projects due to the abroad prefabrication manufacture,

The cost of the apartment are unaffordable (very expensive),

How professionals are going to reduce pollution (outcome) is still unpredictable

although it is a renewable energy generator,

Design concept need to be improved in terms of passive design concepts.

But it seems to be that the advantages weigh on the disadvantages in these types of projects if

the above points could be solved as it is:

Energy station generators by wind and solar radiation,

Could be economic (time, cost, human resources) if the prefabricated units can be

manufactured locally,

Well designed in terms of architectural quality aspects,

Vertical extend which is still a demand due to the population growth,

Covers social aspects due the multi-functional use.

image 11

10 | P a g e

image 12

Image 13

11 | P a g e

The Conclusion:

From the above analysis it is notable that architectural trends changed in the United

Arab of Emirates and have taken a step forward to sustainability after the financial crises

which changed the approach of thinking, and the mentality of only building luxurious

shinny structures has become an unacceptable trend now, with the support and the

awareness of the UAE’s government. Nevertheless, there are still huge challenges to

build sustainable skyscrapers in the middle of the desert due to: Lack of local materials,

the harsh climate of this land, poor infrastructure and lack in public’s knowledge to

consume less, and how to integrate passive design methods in these huge structures. If

architects could reduce the barriers their role will be significant in building sustainable

cities (covering three aspects, social, economical and environmental), as cities and

buildings are the biggest polluters today. Certainly, lessons from traditional architecture

can be useful to be integrated in modern styles to simulate the surrounding nature and

not necessarily importing foreign designs which can not be workable or suitable for the

country in many aspects.

The End

12 | P a g e

Image References:

Image 1: http://www.ieee-uae.com/new/about-us/about-uae.html

Image 2: http://www.overseaspropertymall.com/2007/06/

Image 3: http://www.emiratesdiving.com/OLD_SITE_2010/eda_book.html

Image 4: http://business.heroesoftheuae.ae/en/section/the-problem

image 5: http://uae.panda.org/?195711/Groundbreaking-scientific-tool-developed-to-help-manage-the-

UAE-Ecological-Footprint

Image 6: Buildings of the Mediterranean & middle east /page 83

Image 7: http://landarchs.com/burj-khalifa-tower-park-oasis-like-paradise/

Image 8: http://topspecialthing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/burj-khalifa-dubai-united-arab-emirates.html

Image 9: (X Hua Jin, 2013)

Image 10:

http://www.dynamicarchitecture.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7%3Auae&catid

=6%3Adynamic-projects&Itemid=15&lang=eng

Image 11, 12: http://radenfelix.wordpress.com/2008/11/page/4/

image 13: http://inhabitat.com/rotating-wind-powered-tower-to-begin-construction-in-dubai/

Bibliography Architecture.), a. M. (2012, march 15). http://articles.courant.com/2012-03-15/news/hc-op-

crosbie-burj-khalifa-wasteful-desert-dinosau-20120315_1_burj-khalifa-george-efstathiou-dubai-

tower. Retrieved from http://www.courant.com/.

C.Murray. (2008). Dubai. The Architects 228 , 21.

countries/united-arab-emirates. (2013). Retrieved from http://globaledge.msu.edu.

discover Dubai/ Iconic Dubai Archtitecture . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.emirates.com/.

Fordred, C. (2010). A tall order – Cooling Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. HVAC&R Nation , 11.

R.Jana. (2 March 2006). Dubai's Architectural wonders. Business Week Online , 18.

ROCCA, F. X. (11 Feb 2009). Believe Him or Not, He Puts a Fresh Spin on Architecture. The

Wall Street Journal .

the problem. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.heroesoftheuae.ae.

X Hua Jin, G. Z. (2013). Sustainable high-rise Trends- Dubai's Strategy. Retrieved from

http://www.hrpub.org/journals/jour_archive.php?id=48.