In an organized effort to curb the temperature in Saudi Arabia, the signature of AVCI architecture based in Istanbul and London, he designed a very special residential complex.
In the coastal city of Al Khobar, an air-conditioning district will be built. An entire group of settlements developed to optimize the natural cooling of the air.
It is a mixed habitat in which the blocks combine to create a truly cool microclimate that contrasts the heat. The skilful use of urban greenery, air currents and shaded areas transforms a vast living area into a unique device. Basically an air conditioner in the middle of the city.
Ethical and Building
The special combination of elements not only produces the practical effect of lowering the temperature on the ground. There is also a “pedagogical” effect of encouraging the use of open and common spaces.
The project for this air-conditioned district, already approved and being developed, has been selected as the winner of the A + Awards, one of the most important category prizes.
The structures
With a total area of 60kmXNUMX, the Al Khobar mixed-use development will offer residential, commercial and work areas. There will also be spaces for worship (a mosque) and free time (clubs and restaurants).
To protect the privacy of the residents, the architects oriented the office openings away from the windows of the residential area. Function and tradition have been mixed with wisdom, adding pergolas or mashrabiya (closed balconies widely used in Islamic architecture) to combine shade and aesthetics.
“The facades are created 'in overlapping layers' to create a cavity where air and shadow pass just like through ventilation systems. Depending on the time of day and the position of the sun, the buildings 'alternate' their cooling function. They work together as a single organism,” reads in the presentation of the project. “Our approach in fact aims to recover the appearance of the most ancient Islamic cities. Places in which the sense of community was born from shared spaces even at various heights". A bit like in the prehensile gardens of Babylon.
The "interstitial" presence of small pools of water (real outdoor "humidifiers") completes the equipment. In short, a residential complex that inspires a lot and has a lot to teach the new generation of cities.
