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 together to create a real cool microclimate that contrasts the heat. The skilful use of urban greenery, drafts and shaded areas transforms a large living area into a single 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 60 square kilometers, the Al Khobar mixed complex will offer residential, commercial and working 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 wisely blended, 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 cavities 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' in the cooling function. They work together as a single body, " reads in the presentation of the project. “Our approach wants to recover the aspect of the most ancient Islamic cities. Places where the sense of community arose 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 summary, a residential complex that inspires a lot and has a lot to teach the new generation of cities.
