A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 1

A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users

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 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 2

Introduction

The project involves the construction of an embassy. This is the overall concept of the

project, and it will guide all the stages. Essentially, it seeks to meet the needs of users. This

architectural project is essential, and will require the best result. The location for the project is in

the UAE. The architect involved is the Highrise Senpeder. The area involved is about 740,000

sqm. It entails of a construction of five floors. The climate in the region is dry and hot. In this

regard, the embassy will have to consider the local climate conditions to ensure it mitigates any

devastating effects from the weather[ CITATION Ric03 \l 1033 ].

Usage of space

The users of space are mainly employees of the embassy. They are involved in the

running of the embassy such as human resources and security. The embassy is also the office of

the ambassador, and it caters to many visitors. These are political representatives from the local

country. Guests also involve important individuals in both form the home country and the local

country where the embassy operates. Other visitors also include citizens who want visas.

Citizens form the home country also part of the visitors, and they often visit the embassy to have

their documents updated or receiving information in regards to their stay in the foreign country.

The visitors also go to the Cultural Centre[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ]. It is imperative to create

space to cater to a variety of individuals. The building has consular offices. This has to be easily

accessible to the public, especially the visitors.

 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 3

Figure 1: Use of space

Background

The project entails the creation of a vertical structure of offices, libraries, guest waiting

rooms, and conference rooms underneath a canopy that encourage the interaction between staff

and visitors. The podium, or the Valley of the design, and the floors located above it emerges as

a shared space for casual relaxation. The roof terraces provide the staff with a private place to

work. The embassy will also have a variety of shared amenities. These include a bank, gym, an

auditorium and dining facilities[ CITATION Jan16 \l 1033 ]. The clients project specifications

entail a building that guarantees the best security ad comfort. Considering that the building will

cater to a diverse group of people, it should be accommodative to their differing needs. Primarily

aesthetic, security and political considerations influence the design of the building, and its

internal environment or compound. It also provides a welcoming sense for the local

people[ CITATION Per13 \l 1033 ].

Based on the urban perspective, the embassy constructions often contained apartments and not

offices. Historically, the US launched a program to build about several consulates and staff

apartments. It also sought to create information centers and libraries. Based on this perspective,

the American buildings have stood out in their new homes many countries were devastated by

the war in 1952, and the American embassies were a new and modern effort that was unique and
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 4

it replaced or represented anything something appealing in the environment it operated

in[ CITATION Jan16 \l 1033 ].

Construction, materials and structural solutions and techniques

The construction, materials and structural solutions and technique have been vital in

coming up with a design. This allows the project to meet the needs of the users.

Two Blocks

The fundamental element of the design is the two blocks. This is comprised of compact,

practical blocks that have square footprints[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ].

Cascading cubes

The next step is to create a better-lit upper zone that is slimmer by breaking down the top

of the cubes. The space is quite large and gives the construction a good ambiance. The cascades

in the locks become wider as you approach the end[ CITATION Wan13 \l 1033 ].

Figure 2: Block

Adaptation

The next step entails rotating the two towers against each other to ensure that they merge

with the primary orientations of the surrounding streets and neighborhoods. This leads to the

evolution of an intriguing plaza and creates an improved view from within the cube[ CITATION

Pan \l 1033 ].

Shaded communal space

 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 5

The terraces and the plaza have cascades that are protected from the sunlight. The roof

covers both towers, leading to a collective feeling inside the building. The rotation of both cubes

results in a natural twist in the ceiling. This is an interesting thing to consider while stabilizing

the structure[ CITATION Wan13 \l 1033 ].

Figure 3: Adaptation and communal space

Connectivity

The podium located on the ground flow and the floors above it are closely interlinked.

This creates a shared space between the podiums. This is where people can come to relax and

interact. It creates an atmosphere that encourages people to converse with each other, or just gaze

at their environment. The design used also promotes a feeling of the community and immense

visual connectivity[ CITATION Per13 \l 1033 ].

Roof terrace

The lower roof gardens also function as part of the shared space. This is where

individuals in the building can meet as well. However, the roof terraces provide a private place

where the staff and meet and interact. Visitors are not allowed to access these areas. This leads to

improvement in the security of the building. Individuals who go into the terraces will remain

connected to the common spaces below. It provides an excellent view[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ].

Shape and roof

The large canopy that hangs between the two towers is integrated into the structure and

provides shade for the roof terrace and common space. The roof also improves the microclimate
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 6

within this space that covers the outdoor spaces right below. This leads to implements of the

energy efficiency of the building. This allows the projects of the building facade to be visible

from the passing street.

Figure 4: Section

The creation of spaces relies on human experience within the building as it relies on the

whole-life sustainability. This is realized through the creation of a highly flexible and effective

layout. This is to maintain the working culture of most American embassies. The embassies

being missions in a new country have to maintain the characteristics of the home country. This

would ensure that any visitor coming into the building would be able to experience the American

way of life without necessarily going to the new county. Security is also a challenge. This is dealt

with through construction that makes it easier for the security personnel to control the flow

people, and determine where an individual in the building is located. The importance spaces such

as application offices are located centrally[ CITATION Per13 \l 1033 ]. The office space is also

warping around the perimeter of the structure to allow access to fresh air and natural daylight.

This improves in sustainability, as the building will not require additional internal lighting.

The external environment and sustainability

All the rooms and office spaces are efficiently cooled via the thermal chimneys. The

cooling systems are fueled via biomass, and you will be guaranteed of a fresh atmosphere within

the building. The power and heating plant is located at the roof level. The wind turbines as

provide renewable energy, limiting the use of other sources of energy. The building uses water
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 7

supply from the rainwater tank. Thermal chimneys have cooled all the office spaces and data

rooms for electrical equipment and computers[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ]. The embassy has a

side entrance to the street. Important personnel such as the ambassador often use this. It

encourages security and privacy, especially if the streets are often clear. This also the public to

access the building from the main entrance and minimizes waste of time.

Internal environmental design

Accessibility

It is essential that all individuals can use and access the building easily. Essentially, the

building has sufficient provisions to allow the flow of people in the building. It is quite easy to

enter the building and access various facilities in the building. The approach to the building is

quite easy. The building can be accessed from the road, and it is accessible from different areas

of the location. Furthermore, the exit is much more comfortable the embassy has sufficient

parking spaces, and people can come with their vehicles. The outdoor fields can be used to relax

or for exercise for the embassy staff. The approach route is quite easy. The slopes have been

covered with a ramp in cases where it is steep. The approach route to the building also has

sufficient grounding surface and measures a minimum width of 900mm. The landings and flights

in external stepped approaches have a clear width of 1000mm[ CITATION Ric03 \l 1033 ]. The

building has lifts and ramps that allow physically challenged people to move around both within

and outside the building.

 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 8

Figure 5: Section 2

The building should provide adequate ventilation to the individuals within it. The use of

mechanical means of ventilation is effective. However, it should be tested and approved by the

Secretary of the state. This is then handed to the local councils for approval. The document also

details how to deal with other factors such as air tightness, automatic control, and air

permeability[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ].

The ambassadors office is located on the fifth floor. Even though it is essential to keep

the ambassadors office location a secret, the concerns are minimal at this time. The office will

be comprised on a prominent balcony in the South elevation. To protect the structure from rising

seas and storms, it was raised three to five feet above the ground on top of a platform. The main

building entrance will face west across a vast plaza. The embassy also as an outdoor gathering

area and a separate consular section entrance. This entrance provides a less formal entry for the

guests to the premises. It also encourages business activities while improving security.

Professional Studies

The entrance to the embassy will be on the podium and the large plaza located above.

Upon arrival in the common space, the tower lobbies that have been individually secured can be
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 9

reached at all levels at either end of space. The walkway is quite cool. They are also naturally lit,

and this is a result of the enhanced microclimate provided by the canopy. The massive theaters

and spaces are located at level b2. This is near the maintenance services at b1. Due their large

number, they go up to f1. This provides restricted access to the audiences and public from the

common space at f1[ CITATION Pan \l 1033 ]. Furthermore, these rooms are large boxes that

make it possible to subdivision through the embassy works.

Spatial layout

The embassy is comprised of five floors. The fifth floor will act as the consulate offices,

housing the Ambassador and his/her assistances. It will also contain equipment room for ultimate

safety. The fourth floor has other offices and workplaces. It can cater to a large number of

employees, and it has sufficient space to meet new guests within the premises. The third floor

also has additional offices. However, these are for the junior staff and their visitors. The library

and cultural center are also located on this floor. It is quite accessible, and many people can visit

the center. The second floor has some offices. Most of the offices cater to the security personnel

and other representatives of the state. This is where American citizens can come to relax and

interact with each other It also contains the offices from validating visa applications, and

checking their applications[ CITATION Per13 \l 1033 ]. The ground flow has studios and a

cultural center. It is the gateway into the building and is quite attractive for first-time visitors.

The building is quite similar to the local buildings. The embassy seeks to identify with the local

culture. This is active through specific attributes that ensure visitors from the country will feel

comfortable. This is by using the regional architectural characteristics such as thick walls, small

openings on the faade, courtyards and ensuring that the building is oriented towards the West-
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 10

East direction. Furthermore, the local material was used in the construction. This allowed for

more detailed facades with tradition Islamic geometric patterns.

Floor plan arrangement.

The spatial characteristics of the building rely on the program distribution. It can be

implemented without limiting the functionality. This allows you to experience the best of both

worlds. It has a common or share based and is joined by an efficiently organized work areas.

The region for the small sized and medium sized studios use the tower zone as a strategy for

editing. Some of the rooms would gain from the transparent walls. It creates a beautiful view out

towards the building backdrop. The lights radiate into the room quite well. Indeed, it is a unique

scene[ CITATION Ric03 \l 1033 ]. The interiors and faade will be characterized by Islamic

patterns as well as the use of contemporary design languages in the interiors.

Figure 6: Floor plan

The floor plan also considers the office quarters and existing resides. The ambassador has

his residence on the tip floor. This is essential, as it reduces time wastage in traveling. The

personnel will only be available to provide security to the embassy, and not another residence for

the ambassador that is far from the embassy. The residence is also a temporary office for the

ambassador. This entails the creation of an additional office in the residence. This ensures that

they are working when needed or when they have pending issues that the need to deal with.
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 11

The cultural center encourages cultural exchange. It space is sufficient and will have various

attributes that define the America culture. It will be close to the library, and this is where people

can meet to interact and learn. The library is in a secluded part of the building and ensures that it

is silent[ CITATION Per13 \l 1033 ]. The cultural center stimulates cultural exchange and is

often a polar lace for many visitors.

Lessons learned and their Application

Human conflict

The workspaces do not have openings. It is essential to guarantee that the occupants

enjoy the internal spaces. This creates a conducive environment and improves productivity. The

visitor will also be immersed with how the building looks like. It creates a favorable environment

by lighting and ventilating the spaces. In this regard, human conflict is mitigated be ensuring that

all the employees work in a space that is encouraging for them. The personnel also have offices

with sufficient space, and allow them to access other offices within the premises[ CITATION

Jan16 \l 1033 ].

Materials

Using materials that are available locally is essential. It reduces the amount of money to

ensure the success of the project and guarantees energy conservation. It leads to the reduction of

distance required to supply the building with the necessary materials. Furthermore, the cost of

materials are often cheaper but are still of high quality. The time used to ensure that all the

required materials are available is minimized. The local materials also lead to improvements in

the general appearance of the building. It means that the building can adapt to the local

conditions or weather conditions due to the materials used. Additionally, the personnel used
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 12

during the construction should be comprised of local personnel[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ]. Their

effort will significantly add to the appeal of the embassy.

Energy management

This is an essential lesson in the building. Since the embassy will remain operational for

24 hours, even through the night shift will often have few employees and security personnel, it is

essential to have energy sources that provide power to the building. This will reduce the energy

costs, and improve the sustainability of the embassy. The embassy will minimize the use of other

energy sources[ CITATION Mee \l 1033 ]. This is essential, as the building can remain

operational without reliance external energy sources.

Spatial layout

The development of a flexible and adaptable space is essential to cater to recent

developments in digital technology. This will maximize the number of people that can be

accommodated in the building at a time. Additionally, these adaptations will ensure that future

challenges will be dealt with efficiently.

Context

The building should be adapted within its context. Considering it is located in a foreign

country, the building acts as representatives of the US. Furthermore, it should consider the

cultural attributes of the new location it is operating. In regards to the contextual factors, the

building identifies the regions social and cultural characteristics. This is by maintaining contacts

that are common in the region. These include small openings on the facade, courtyards, and

orientation along the east-west direction.

 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 13

Space use

The relativity of the facades and space in essential in ways of determining the benefits

and complexity that have arises from technology. Technological changes have led to any

changes. There has been an increased reliance on computers in the design process, and this

makes it possible to come up with creative ways of using space. Essentially, it represents these

complexities[ CITATION Wan13 \l 1033 ].

The construction of the embassy is a good concept to develop. It is an embassy located in

foreign country it is essential that the design is inspired by the locals. Furthermore, it considers

the needs of people who will often be in the premises such as personnel and visitors. The

embassy will also deal with a wide variety of important individuals such as other ambassadors

and political representatives from the local country. In this regard, it is imperative that the design

meets all their needs. Essentially, the design has bene able to meet the needs of the users.
 A Case Study on Embassies and how they can be designed to respond to the needs of users 14

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