Ehab Kamel Ahmed

advisor

University of Nottingham, Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Nottingham

United Kindgom

Contextual ArchitectureArchitecture of the Middle EastArchitecture for Cultural Heritage… more

The project has very good aims focusing on raising environmental awareness, with the intention of engaging society and empowering them. In this attempt, the design provides a number of open spaces; i.e. open terraces and the roof, as social spaces, which can be encouraging the locals to gather.
The technical drawings (plans) were labelled in the Turkish language, which is not easy to fully understand what exactly many of the functions were, but generally, the project could have benefited from having some internal shots to explain how the designer dreams of the space usage.
I have two main remarks on the design strategy; first, the deep plan is not usually helpful to environmental considerate building performance. The deep plan will force the use of artificial lighting throughout the day, in addition to mechanical aids to natural ventilation, and cooling/heating systems. The design could have explored potential passive design solutions to be engaged (e.g. open terraces can be one of the design elements used in this process, but this was not clearly explained and is not enough on its own). The second remark is the use of reinforced concrete. I totally understand that RC is a common construction material in Turkey and the majority of the Middle East countries (and beyond), yet, it is important for such a project that raises environmental awareness to set an example of using sustainable construction materials.
I appraise the student on her contribution and encourage her to continue and develop her research on sustainable buildings' design; as this is the future architects' responsibility to protect the planet.