الإبداع
والتميز في الهندسة المعمارية
تخطيط
وتصميم وتشييد قاعة معارض - جامعة الملك
عبد العزيز ، جـدة
د
. يونس عبد الله مختار ، و د . خالد محمود
محمود
إدارة
المشاريع - جامعة الملك عبد العزيز - جدة
الملخص
: قاعة المعارض هي أحد المرافق
التعليمية المساعدة ، وتم تصميمها للتجاوب
مع محورين أستخدما في تخطيط المدينة
الجامعية ( محور مكة المكرمة ومحور الموقع
) . ولأظهار هذا التجاوب استعملت
مواد مختلفة للأنشاء علي كل محور .
القاعة الرئيسية للعرض صممت علي محور
الموقع في شكل صندوق زجاجي ، بينما البناء
الخارجي صمم علي محور مكة المكرمة.
ويتكون هذا البناء من جدران خرسانية مكسية
بحجر الجرانيت الأحمر . البحث يعرض بعض
تفاصيل التخطيط والتصميم والتشييد لقاعة
المعارض .
Planning,
Design and Construction of Exhibition Hall, King Abdulaziz University,
Jeddah
Younis
A. Mukhtar and Khalid M. Mahmood
Projects
Directorate - King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah
Abstract:
Exhibition Hall is an academic
support facility that has been designed to be responsive to the two axes
(Makkah axis and site axis) geometry used in the master plan of the new
campus of the University. To protrude this concept different materials of
construction have been used for the structure oriented to each axis. The
main exhibition space, planned along the site axis, is in the form of a
glass box, while the outer structure laid along the Makkah axis consists of
concrete walls cladded with red granite. The paper presents the salient
details of planning, design and construction of Exhibition Hall.
1
- INTRODUCTION
The Projects Directorate is implementing a development plan for the new campus of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. The plan includes new academic facilities and academic support facilities, women campus, campus support facilities, staff residences and student housing [1]. The academic facilities and academic support facilities have been planned around three main squares (Fig.1): Ceremonial Square or Arrival Court, University Square and Academic Square. Ceremonial Arrival Court is the place where the University meets the public. It is located at the end of the ceremonial drive that links the University to the city center. It has been well landscaped with parking structure on the sides. University Square is the core around which the academic support facilities are provided and is approached through a ramp from the Ceremonial Arrival Court. Academic Square is designed in the form of an oasis and acts as the nucleus for the major faculties and Central Library.
The
academic support facilities around University Square include Executive
Administration, General Administration, Exhibition Hall, the Deanship of
Students’ Admission and Registration, Computer Center, Faculty Club, Main
Mosque and car parking. The design of buildings for these facilities is
based on a combination of Islamic and modern architecture with the maximum
use of local materials. A detailed description of planning, design and
construction of University Square is available elsewhere [2].
Although
each building in the University Square has some special features, Exhibition
Hall is a unique structure in many respects. The main exhibition space is
enclosed by frameless glass walls to create a glass box. Together with the
Executive Administration building, Exhibition Hall forms a gateway to the
main academic campus. This paper presents the planning, design and
construction aspects of Exhibition Hall.
2
- FACILITY REQUIREMENTS AND PLANNING
Exhibition
Hall is considered to be one of the facilities that will contribute to the
relation and interaction with the public. Exhibition Hall provides the
necessary space and facilities for presenting the achievements of the
students and staff to the public in a befitting manner [3]. The hall is also
to be used by the library for mounting book exhibitions. It is also
anticipated that some of the traveling exhibitions could be displayed in
this hall. Fig. 2 shows a view of Exhibition Hall from the University Square
with the Deanship of Students’ Admission and Registration building on the
right.
For
the maximum utilization of this academic support facility, its planning and
design have been carried out in a way that it can be used for other purposes
also. Exhibition Hall is, for example, equipped to provide additional space
for students’ registration at the start of academic year. During this
period, the space can be opened into the Registration Hall of the Deanship
of Students’ Admission and Registration building to accommodate the large
number of students. Similarly the Registration Hall can be used as an
extension to the exhibition space when needed. Exhibition Hall and the
Deanship of Students’ Admission and Registration building are, therefore,
linked by a closed structure (Fig. 2).
The
planning of the University has been developed on two distinct axes: one that
is responsive to the direction of Makkah (Makkah axis) and the second
responsive to the site and its many influences (site axis). Makkah axis is
the axis for University Square and Ceremonial Drive while Academic Square is
planned along the site axis (Fig 1). The two axes with their inherent
geometry and building masses were planned to collide on the site for the
Exhibition Hall. The master plan also envisaged the Exhibition Hall and
Executive Administration to form the gateway of the University with all the
symbolism attached to their planning and architectural elements. The
challenge created by this collision, therefore, necessitated a design that
is responsive to the two-axis geometry on one hand and compatible with a
twin building mass on the other.
The preliminary designs for the Exhibition Hall considered circular, octagonal and square plans [4]. However, in the final design a twin square structures plan was selected as it clearly depicted the two-axis layout and the building coalesced with the other facilities in the University square.
The
outer square structure of building is along Makkah axis and the inner
structure having the main exhibition space is laid on the site-axis. These
two structures are distinctively designed by using different materials of
construction.
3
- DESIGN
Exhibition
Hall building consists of two levels. The upper level forms the main
exhibition area of approximately 635 square meters (Fig. 3). The lower level
(Fig. 4) accommodates work and storage area for receiving, sorting,
assembling and storing exhibition material, offices for administration and
security, public toilet facilities and mechanical and electrical rooms. The
two levels are connected internally by an elevator and externally by a
staircase. The elevator opens into the exhibition area through a small
lobby.
The
Exhibition Hall can be approached from the Ceremonial Square either by a
grand stairs on the west side of the building or by gradual rise to the
University Square. The main entrance to the Hall is from the east. It has
four double glass doors open into the space linking to the Registration Hall
of the Deanship of Admission and Registration. Other side doors are from the
elevator lobby. The lower level can be entered from the parking area or the
loading bay on the north.
The
inner structure on the upper level having the main exhibition area is in the
form of a glass box. It measures 25.20m X 25.20m with 11.70m high glass
walls. The walls are made of 12mm frameless toughened glass, which gives a
reasonably good thermal insulation and provides natural light during the
day.
The
outer structure of the hall has heavy concrete walls cladded with granite on
both sides. These walls provide protection to the glass box from the direct
sun and the heat reflected from the surrounding surfaces. The structure also
acts as an arcade, providing shelter to the visitors and students using the
space around the glass box. This space has water terraces and fountains. It
has also been designed for the display of artwork. The transparency of glass
walls allows visitors in this area to view the exhibits in the glass box.
Visitors inside the glass box equally can enjoy the outside view and the
running water terraces.
A
large circular skylight supplements the natural lighting in the glass box.
The skylight creates a strong feature and landmark on the skyline of the
University, especially when it is floodlit during the night. The skylight
which takes the form of a drum, penetrating the roof the Exhibition Hall,
has a delicate interlaced painted steel structure carrying concentric rings
of lighting system. It forms an internal decorative feature.
The
floor of the main hall has strong pattern out of coloured granite. Floor
outlets for computer and electricity are arranged to integrate with the
floor pattern. Along the perimeter of the floor is the air conditioning
supply linear bar grills which are of heavy duty anodized aluminum. They are
also integrated with the floor pattern.
The
Exterior of the building is landscaped with paving material similar to the
inside and with trees and shrubs planted on the north, the south and the
west of the Hall. Four fountains with elevated troughs are placed on the
four corners, creating sculptural feature.
The
design of concrete structure for the Exhibition Hall is based on the ACI
Building Code 318 - 89 [5]. Cast-in-place concrete has been used for most of
construction. However, the drum of the skylight is constructed out of
precast concrete cladded with granite stone. Sixteen circular columns, as
shown in plan in Fig. 3, support the roof and the skylight. The four columns
at the corners of the hall are cladded in bronze colour stainless steel on
backing board fixed to the concrete. The remaining twelve columns are laid
in a circle and finished with mineralite of matching granite colour. A
two-way ribbed system was adopted for the suspended slab at the first level.
The
concrete walls also contain air shafts and plenum room on the top. From this
plenum room return air ducts spanning across to reach the air-handling unit
on the roof of the glass box. These ducts also form an architectural
element. The exterior surfaces of the wall are cladded with granite,
decorated with geometrical forms of deep relief (Fig. 2).
The
design and construction of the glass box and skylight were entrusted to
specialized subcontractors. The effect of wind was duly considered in the
design of glass walls and the steel members of the skylight. Fig. 5 shows a
section through the skylight with details of steel members configuration and
supporting concrete elements. For the wall of glass box 19mm thick tempered
clear glass fins at every 2.0 meters reinforce the 12mm thick glass panels.
Glass panels and fins are connected together by anodized bronze plates and
bolts.
The
design for the various disciplines (architecture, structure, electrical and
mechanical etc.), prepared by the consultants was submitted to the
University’s Project Directorate for review at different stages. These
reviews provided the necessary feedback from the University in finalizing
the design.
4 - Construction
A
set of comprehensive specifications was prepared for the construction of
Exhibition Hall. The specifications were mostly based on the general
specifications for buildings in Saudi Arabia [6] and the design codes. For
example, to complement the safety provisions of the design code for concrete
construction, ACI 318-89 [5], the specifications for materials, mix
proportions, production, curing and quality control were written to be in
line with the provisions of that code. For the granite cladding, that
has been extensively used in the construction of Exhibition Hall, the
specifications were based on BS 8298: 1989 Code of Practice for Design and
Installation of Natural Stone Cladding and Lining [7].
Based
on the design/contract drawings developed by the consultants, the
specifications required the contractor to prepare “shop” drawings,
giving details of material strengths, fixing arrangement, reinforcement
layout, concrete cover and bar bending schedule, etc., for approval before
construction. For quality assurance, the contractor was required to employ
approved independent testing agencies to carry out all tests stipulated in
the specifications. The University employed a project management firm for
full-time supervision, quality control and management of construction.
The
construction was carried out by using the locally available materials as far
as possible. Imported materials, components and fixtures were used only for
special purposes, e.g., steel structure for skylight, fixtures for stone
cladding and large glass panels.
For
durable construction, the ingredients for concrete were carefully selected
to ensure an acceptable level of chloride and sulphates. For all
unreinforced concrete exposed to earth, such as working slabs, type V
(sulphate-resisting) cement was specified. For all other concrete exposed to
earth, type I cement with microsilica, as partial replacement of cement, was
used. All concrete elements permanently in contact with earth were protected
by waterproof membrane and protection board. Appropriate steps were taken
for concreting in the hot weather of Jeddah.
The
stone for cladding and paving was selected by the University from a quarry
at Rania. The stone is granite with reddish colour. It had not been used
previously in any construction work. However, after determining the
suitability of the stone for intended purposes, it was selected for
Exhibition Hall and other buildings in the campus. The stone is now
generally referred to as ‘University Red’.
The stone blocks from the quarry were transported to the Eastern Region for manufacturing panels of required sizes and finish (polished, honed). The provisions of BS 8298 were generally followed in determining the panel dimensions and thickness and fixing arrangement. Stainless steel fixings were used in all cladding work.
5
- Concluding Remarks
The
new campus of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, is one of the plans in the
development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This plan will go a long way in
improving the educational facilities in the country. The design and
construction of Exhibition Hall presents an example of innovation and
distinction in the development of this type of facility in an educational
institute. The facility can also be used by the people of Jeddah for
organizing national and international exhibitions.
The
conceptual design of Exhibition Hall, prepared by M/s Campus Consortium
Consultants Limited (CCCL), Toronto, Canada, was developed and finalized by
M/s Saudi Consulting Services (Saud-Consult), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. M/s
Saudi Letco Co. Ltd. were the main contractors for the project.
References
1.
“Research and Analysis of Faculty Requirements, -King Abdulaziz University
Main Campus,” Campus Consortium Consultants Limited (CCCL), Toronto,
Canada, November 1986.
2.
Mahmood, Khalid and Mukhtar, Younis, A., “University Square, Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia,” Structural Engineering International, Journal of the
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE),
Zurich, Vol. 7, No. 3, August 1997, pp. 182-183.
3.
“ Design Report Phase I - King Abdulaziz University Campus Project”,
Campus Consortium Consultants Limited (CCCL), Toronto, Canada, September
1987.
4.
“ Design Report, Design Package I, Phase III - King Abdulaziz University
Campus Project”, Campus Consortium Consultants Limited (CCCL), Toronto,
Canada,
December
1988.
5.
ACI Committee 318, “Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete
(ACI 318-89),” American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1989.
6.
“General Specifications for Building Construction,” Ministry of Public
Works and Housing, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, 1982.
7. BS 8298:1989, “Code of Practice for Design and Installation of Natural Stone Cladding and Lining,” British Standards Institute, London, 1989.