A novel, Contemporary, Regional Architecture
Our proposal ‘Sharjah Modern’: Barjeel Art Foundation Museum is an exploration in rethinking the timeless architectural typologies in the region with a contemporary mindset. Drawing on fractal tessellations, the team designed a modular building that provides spaces for meeting, dwelling and enjoying art. Taking notes from the tools of regional space-making with a contemporary design mindset; the building is a seamless integration of exterior to interior.
Facing the Challenges of the Site
The project utilizes triangular modules of limestone columns that are paired to compose an arcade of arches and stacked at varying heights to indicate various functions of the museum. The massing of the interior programs designed to adhere to the structural grid at the southeast corner of the site, stacking up to screen the gas station.
Shaded Green Terraces
The masses setback open towards the North-West, residential end of Al-Tarfa Neighborhood making space for shaded green terraces opposing the highway.On the exterior, south end of the site, the building rises and forms a concealing gesture facing the highway. A vehicular drop-off zone and underground parking access planned on the ground floor. The stone columns bloom to form petal-shaped vaults at the tops, assuring that all exterior spaces are well shaded.
The Central Lung of the Building: An internal Oasis
Moving through the interior of the building, the lobby seamlessly blends the outside arches with a double-height stone space that welcomes its guests gracefully with overlooking balconies and a spiral staircase. A central courtyard/ atrium hybrid garden that carves its way upwards throughout the entire building, towards an open skylight. The courtyard acts as the lung of the building, drawing natural light and greenery, enjoyed at multiple levels through the balconies. By the design of its form, allows for a sustainable form of natural cooling. Stack Effect, the courtyard performs as a cooling oasis,inspired by the ‘Barjeel’ or ‘Malqaf’ evident in heritage buildings of the region.
