ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING 

The primary goal of the complex is to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect in an urban area of Dubai. This has been achieved through the integration of nature-based solutions, utilization of renewable energy, incorporation of high albedo materials, and provision of shade via its unique shape and structure. The structure has the ability to counteract microclimate changes in the urban canyon by leveraging its distinctive characteristics and shape.

The concept of "Elevated Neighbourhood" is to concentrate different land uses and activities to reduce travel and decrease air pollution production and energy consumption. This mixed-use complex offers various facilities to its residents and the surrounding neighbourhood, acting as a micro-city.

The complex provides several environmental, economic, social, and aesthetic benefits to the local neighbourhood. These include:

• Mitigating the UHI effect and cooling the urban area
• Filtering the air and naturally absorbing CO2 emissions and other particles produced by traffic and energy consumption from cooling systems
• Providing thermal comfort to inhabitants, especially during hot summers in Dubai
• Creating a platform and open space for interaction through its structure
• Acting as a landmark for combating urban climate change and improving the aesthetic appeal of the area
• Increasing economic benefits by providing various facilities and services to the local neighborhood, which can lead to job creation and economic growth. For example, the complex can include shops, restaurants, and other commercial spaces that attract people and increase foot traffic in the area. This increased activity can lead to new business opportunities and increased economic activity. Additionally, the complex can incorporate renewable energy sources, which can reduce energy costs and potentially provide opportunities for energy trading and revenue generation. Finally, the unique design and sustainability features of the complex can make it an attractive destination for tourists, potentially increasing tourism revenue in the area.

The 'Multi dimensional Climate Model' is an initiative of RUPD GbR to empower  decision makers and local leaders to take effective, integrated and cross-sectoral action towards urban heat island (UHI) mitigation through applying Solarchvision, a computational platform developed by Mojtaba Samimi.

Whereas many tools and methods for measuring UHI effect exist, there are no proper multi-dimensional climate models that consider spatial climatic analysis in urban design. On the other hand, analyses and results of the existing tools are not visually intuitive for various stakeholders like decision makers, local leaders, urban planners, architects, etc. to precisely identify hotspots for taking smart and effective action towards their reductions.

In this regard, we developed this model, that can be replicated in all cities around the world, to empower decision makers to make smart and climate-safe decisions that simultaneously secure prosperity for residents as well as empowering local leadersto not only take effective, integrated and cross-sectoral action, but also long-lasting resilient action within time and budget. In addition, the model provides a new insight for architects, urban planners and landscape architectsand enables them to examine the advantages and disadvantages of small and major decisions in relation to the sun, climate patterns and future extreme weather conditions in each location.

The model, in fact, enables cities to take accelerated and more ambitious climate adaptation action that contributes to greener and more resilient city. It is also able to facilitate the implementation of climate action plans and related SDGs on the ground.

Moreover, the model acts as a multi-dimensional urban climate monitoring system. By connecting it to real-time data, the impacts of climate on building skin and urban fabric and vice versa are monitored constantly. In fact, the model will be able to control urban areas in a proactive and predictive ways.

The ‘’Multi-Dimensional Climate Model’’ provides a comprehensive platform to:

1. Identifying the existing climate stress in urban areas in various dimensions;
2. Predicting the improvement potential of future planning opportunities by developing scenarios and testing them;
3. Monitoring the impact of climate on urban areas and vice versa;
4. Assessing the climatic impacts of new designed buildings on surrounding areas and vice versa by placing them into the model; and
5. Serving as a base for future construction projects or for granting construction permit. This will help us to prevent the risk before it occurs.

A public space for the target site called ‘‘Oasis’’ to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect, provide thermal comfort and a pleasant environment for not only inhabitants but also for visitors. 

The place invites people to interact, communicate, cool down, and relax especially during the hot summers in Abu Dhabi. Inspired by real oases and their microclimatic effects, the 40m structure resembles a tree and features a dense and elevated greenery with a water fall covering five floors. We created a small cool island by providing shadow and blocking the solar radiation through greenery and the shape of the entire structure as well as using natural and high albedo materials. 

Since the UHI occurs in different levels ranging from sub-surface to air, the elevated greenery mitigates the UHI effect through the vertical mixing of air and can improve air quality indirectly through the reduction of surface temperature and thereby reducing thermal air movements. The greenery alleviates UHIs directly by shading heat absorbing surfaces, and indirectly through evapotranspirational cooling. 

From an urban climate planning point of view, the structure can interrupt microclimate changes in the urban canyon through its shape and characteristics, decrease the anthropogenic heat and the energy consumption in the surrounding buildings. 

Besides, the place offers a real surprise in the urban setting for people who stumble across it accidentally and becomes a meeting point for various people as oases have been in the past. In fact, these sorts of surprises can act as a magnet and distract the people from the harsh sealed urban areas with hot climate. It lets them enjoy a comfortable, cool zone as well as it increases the inhabitants’ satisfaction and their health. 

The Oasis also adds value to Abu Dhabi and the neighbourhood that it is located in, while providing identity and a site for cultural activities. 

However, it is impossible to tackle the UHI effect in whole Abu Dhabi just by implementing one project in an urban area. For this reason, the replicability of the idea was considered in the design process. The hollow and prefabricated structure has the potential to be extended, adjusted and replicated in various urban areas. This can provide plenty of urban Oases and lungs to let the city breathe, cool down and move towards urban climate change resilience. 

We tried to tailor the modern architecture and state of the art technology to the local context through the structure shape and its details. 

Located between buildings, the Oasis creates many environmental, economic, social and aesthetical benefits for the local neighbourhood.

The overall goal of 'Kuala Lumpur Integrated & Innovative Sustainable Measures to Mitigate Urban Heat Island Effects (KLIMATE)' project is a collaborative contribution to Kuala Lumpur towards becoming a sustainable city region as defined in the New Urban Agenda and the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – especially in respect to three goals: 1. Goal number 3: ‘good health and well-being’; 2. Goal number 11: ‘sustainable cities and communities; and 3. Goal number 13: ‘climate action’. To achieve the goal, the project will address microclimate changes like urban heat island effects to reduce carbon emission and increase energy efficiency in ''Golden Triangle Area of Kuala Lumpur''. The novelty of the project is the development of a ‘Climatic 3D Model’ to identify the negative effects of urban heat islands in its different dimensions and the best responses towards their reduction. By that Kuala Lumpur city will strive to improve the infrastructure (building), raise the quality of life, foster competitiveness and upgrade municipal services. Examples for such measures would include optimization of the climatic performance of the buildings and urban areas (e.g., shading, openings, material and etc.). The local counterparts explicitly expect from our German team methodological support for local adaptation and better knowledge about up-to-date international experience and know-how. In operationalizing the Project Objective, the following 5 results shall be achieved in R&D and Implementation phases:

1. A cross-sector functional baseline study including, but not limited to a detailed stakeholder analysis, land use conflicts & synergies, institutions, actors, etc.);
2. A Climatic 3D Model (to establish the cooling need);
3. A Climatic Master Plan (to design of improvement responses);
4. An Administrative Road Map (operationalization of improvements);
5. An Implemented Pilot Project (to demonstrate & check feasibility & replicability).

PARTNERS

Resilient Urban Planning and Development (RUPD) GbR

The National University of Malaysia, Climate Change Institute

Kuala Lumpur City Hall

This villa is designed with a focus on connecting the different elements of nature, as well as protecting and integrating them into the design. One of the ways this is achieved is through the use of a bridge that passes through the villa, creating a physical connection between the different parts of the natural surroundings.

Additionally, the villa has been designed with climate adaptation in mind, which means that various elements of the design have been chosen based on their ability to adapt to the climate. This includes the volume and direction of the form, the materials used, the facades, the openings, the shading systems, and the green roof. All of these design choices help the villa to better cope with the climate conditions in the surrounding area, such as high temperatures or strong winds.

The villa is also built on a rocky area, which provides easy access to both the beach and the street through a bridge on one side and the other. This design choice allows for a seamless connection between the natural surroundings and the villa, making it easy for residents to enjoy the nearby beach or explore the local area.

Finally, the villa is completely self-sustained, meaning that it produces its own energy and has been designed with sustainability in mind. This includes the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels integrated into the windows of the building, and the incorporation of sustainable materials and technologies throughout the design. By being self-sustained and sustainable, the villa is able to minimize its impact on the environment and reduce its carbon footprint.

The desire to escape the busy routine of daily life and seek solace in nature is inherent in human nature. Whether it's the woods, a water body, or a mountain, nature has a calming effect that clears the mind, provides energy, and fresh oxygen to the body before returning to daily life. The Stand-by Mind Hotel design aims to create a sanctuary for people to unwind, relax, and recharge their minds and bodies, adapting them to the fast-paced lifestyle of cities. The design philosophy focuses on using nature to connect people to the environment without causing any harm.

The hotel is a prefabricated, sustainable structure that can be replicated in different locations. It features a green roof garden and is entirely self-sustained, using renewable energy sources. Guests can rejuvenate their minds and bodies while enjoying the scenic surroundings and breathing in fresh air.

The horizontally stacked steel pipes used in the design seamlessly blend into the natural environment of the mountain while providing a unique and comfortable experience for guests. The pipe's shape and material were selected not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability, strength, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, making them an ideal material for a building located in a mountainous region.

Furthermore, using prefabricated steel pipes reduced on-site construction, minimizing the environmental impact on the site. By using leftover materials from pipe factories, the project promotes sustainable building practices by reducing waste and repurposing existing resources.

The building's unique cylindrical shape creates a sense of unity with the surrounding trees and natural environment, providing a serene atmosphere for guests. Additionally, the circular shape allows for 360-degree views of the mountains and forests from each room, enhancing the connection between guests and nature. Overall, the Stand-by Mind Hotel design demonstrates how modern architecture can be integrated with natural landscapes in a sustainable and visually stunning way.

The project addresses two problems areas Urban Planning and Climate Change, which are of central concerns towards the aim of advancing sustainable urban development in Egypt. It explores possible means of environmental improvement for open public spaces in Cairo’s informal settlements. An integrated approach is intended to:

1.Combat different forms of environmental pollution;

2.Significantly reduce the recurrence of heat islands; and

3.Decrease the local emission of greenhouse gases.

OBJECTIVE

Raising the liveability and quality of life in Cairo’s informal settlements through adequate strategies of comprehensive and sustainable environmental improvement

CONTRIBUTION

1.The environmental assessment tool of outdoor spaces in informal areas;

2.The Tool-Kit for improving environmental performance of informal areas and reducing UHI;

3.The model for improving environmental performance of outdoor spaces in informal areas; and

4.A Pilot Project.

PARTNERS

Freie Universität Berlin

Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture

Global Urban Studies Institute in Berlin (GLOBUS)

(RUPD has been subcontracted by GLOBUS)

The concept behind the underground museum is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to blend seamlessly with its urban surroundings, while also respecting the architectural heritage of neighboring buildings such as the Neue National Gallery by Mies van der Rohe, St. -Matthäus Church, The National Library, Philharmonic and Cultural Forum.

Secondly, the museum's design includes a green roof area, which serves as a magnet for visitors from surrounding buildings, providing a pleasant space to take a break and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, as well as to visit the museum.

Finally, sustainability is a key aspect of the building's design, with a focus on energy efficiency and minimizing its environmental impact.

The integration of nature into the building's design is a fundamental element to prevent the degradation of the surrounding environment and the detachment of people from nature. While many sustainable building designs aim to minimize environmental impact, they often neglect the importance of reconnecting people with the natural world, which is a vital aspect of sustainable development.

Designing a sustainable house in a small piece of land with many rules and regulations is challengeable dominating the creativity of architects. Besides, sometimes client’s budget is also an issue that should have been considered. 

Therefore, the main idea behind the design is to create a building that is less exposed to the sun to save energy and adapt to climate change especially during the heat waves. The main cost-effective solutions integrated into the design are:

1. The form, volume and the direction of the building designed in a way that can control receiving the solar radiation with respect to the construction rules;

2. Planting greenery on the roof to provide shadow and pleasant environment for the residents to make the roof less expose to the sun;

3. Using shading systems for the openings and facades with high exposure to solar radiation; and

4. Painting the facades and roofs with high albedo materials in order to reflect the solar radiation rather than absorbing it.

The project aims to improve the overall quality of living spaces by implementing design guidelines that focus on energy-efficiency, health, comfort, and safety. To achieve this, the project utilized both active and passive strategies in building design.

The project began by analyzing the current situation in living spaces to identify areas that need improvement. This analysis used available climatic data to identify hot spots - areas where energy consumption is high and where occupants may experience discomfort or health risks due to poor air quality or extreme temperatures.

After identifying these areas, the project forecasted future scenarios to predict changes in climate patterns and energy consumption. This helps decision makers plan for the future by designing living spaces that are resilient to future climate conditions.

Finally, the project developed alternatives for building design that incorporate both active and passive strategies. These alternatives were based on the analysis of current and future conditions, and prioritized energy-efficiency, health, comfort, and safety. The aim is to provide decision makers with actionable information that can be used to create living spaces that are sustainable, healthy, and comfortable for occupants.

PARTNERS

Resilient Urban Planning and Development (RUPD) GbR

Tehran Municipality, Center for Urban Planning Studies