Palestine Technopark Thesis.pdf

102

Transcript of Palestine Technopark Thesis.pdf

  • FACULTY OF ENGINEERINGDEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

    PALESTINE TECHNOPARK

    Prepared by:Hania Halabi

    Mohammed AbualrobSara Khasib

    Supervised by:Arch. Dima Yaser

    A Graduation Project submitted to the Department of Architecture in partial fulfilment

    of the requirements for the degree of B.Sc in Architectural Engineering

    BIRZEITJanuary 2013

  • IFirst and foremost we offer our sincerest gratitude to our supervisor, Arch. Dima Yaser who has supported us throughout our thesis with her patience and knowledge; we thank her for her inspiring motivation and openness for discussions and critiques of ideas that helped the progress and enhancement of the project. It has been our pleasure working with her and getting to know her on a personal level, we would like to further acknowledge her for structuring our thoughts and challenging us in order to widen our horizons.

    We would also like to send our deepest regards to the head of the Department of Architectural Engineering, Dr. Samar Nazer, and all the faculty members for being supportive and encouraging throughout the whole process.

    Our deepest gratitude goes to our families for their patience, steadfast support and unconditional encouragement throughout our education process. We also thank our friends and beloved ones who have always been there for us in every possible way.

    Our sincere thanks to all of those who made this possible.

    Acknowledgements

  • II

    Abstract

    Keywords: Technology, Sustainability, Architecture, Experience, Interaction, Reclamation.

    This study forms a theoretical basis for the final graduation project which is Palestine Technopark and is based on desktop research, literature

    review and development, information analysis and assessment. The research aims to develop a clear understanding for the concept of Technoparks, and investigates the local Palestinian needs for such a project, in order to develop a vision for a Technopark that is compatible within the Palestinian settings on economic, educational and communal levels. It further aims to enrich the main ideology behind Technoparks with new notions that can contribute to localizing their concept in Palestine. On a more architectonic scale, the research clarifies the design criteria of

    Technoparks by providing design considerations, guidelines and standards for the different functions a Technopark encompasses.

  • III

    Acknowledgments I Abstract II Table of contents III List of figures V

    List of tables VII

    List of Abbreviations VII

    1 Introduction 11.1 Definition 1

    1.2 Research Questions 2 1.3 Research Objectives 2 1.4 Technopark Significance in Palestine 3

    1.5 Research Statement 3 1.6 Research Methodology 3 1.7 Research Outcome 4

    2 Technology Overview 52.1 Technology and Architecture 52.2 Technology and Experience 62.3 History of Technoparks 7

    3 Sustainability 113.1 Hedonistic Sustainability 123.2 Architecture in the Experience Economy 14

    4 Interactive Technology 17 4.1 Technology and Interaction 174.2 Interactive Technology Examples 21

    5 Technopark in Palestine 225.1 Technology in Palestine 225.2 Technopark Vision in Palestine 24

    6 Case Studies 266.1 Qatar Technopark 266.2 Korea Technopark 366.3 Case Studies Digest 41

    7 Design Considerations 427.1 Planning and Location Considerations 427.2 Technopark Master plan Considerations 43

    Table of Contents

  • IV

    7.3 Businesses Design Considerations 467.4 Educational Design Considerations 47

    8 Program 538.1 Project Program areas 538.2 Functional Relationships 54

    9 Site Selection 559.1 Site Selection Criteria 559.2 Potential Sites 569.3 Sites Assessment 589.4 Site Analysis 59

    10 Conclusion 62

    References 63

    Appendicies Appendix A A1 Appendix B B1 Appendix C C1

  • V List of Figures

    1.1 Research Objectives 21.2 Research Methodology 4

    2.1 Technology and Architecture Relation 52.2 World fair Crystal Palace, London 1851 82.3 Technopark History Timeline 92.4 Silicon Valley Research Park Location 10

    2.5 Silicon Valley Research Park Master Plan 10

    3.1 Sustainability aspects relations 113.2 Hedonistic sustainability 123.3 Waste To Energy power plant project 133.4 Branded Dubai 15

    4.1 Life Style Transformations 174.2 Sensacell Interactive Technology 214.3 Light space Play wall 214.4 Live sketching performance 21

    5.1 Expotech 2012 235.2 Technopark Vision 25

    6.1 Qatar Science and Technology park 266.2 Incubator Centre 266.3 Qatar Technopark location 276.4 Qatar Education City Figure Ground Analysis 286.5 Main Surrounding Functions 286.6 Education City Development Master Plan 286.7 Project Stages 296.8 Buildings & Circulation 306.9 Section A-A 316.10 Section B-B, Functional relations 326.11 Parking Location 336.12 Incubator Building 346.13 Tech Buildings 346.14 Veil Roof 34

    6.15 Podium 346.16 Base 346.17 Qatar Technopark 3D visualization 346.18 Innopolis location 366.19 Master Plan & Zones 366.20 Initial Stage 376.21 Networked Incubation 38

  • VI

    6.22 Functional Relationships 39

    7.1 Vehicular Circulation 44

    7.2 Pedestrian Circulation 447.3 Bicycle Circulation 457.4 Roller Coaster 457.5 Circulation 467.6 Designing Spaces for Effective Learning 477.7 The Creativity Zone 487.8 Vocational Spaces 50

    7.9 Social Learning 507.10 Research Lab 517.11 Research Lab Design 517.12 Touch Table Screen 52

    8.1 Functional Relationships 54

    9.1 Potential sites locations 559.2 Jenin Site 569.3 Nablus Site 569.4 Birzeit Sites 579.5 Kofor Aqab & Rafat Sites 579.6 Rafat Site Pictures 599.7 Site sections 609.8 Site Approach & surrounding streets 61

    9.9 Surrounding urban life 619.10 Environmental analysis 619.11 Potentials 619.12 Site plan 61

  • VII

    List of Tables

    6.1 Qatar Technopark SWOT Analysis 356.2 Daedeok Technopark SWOT Analysis 40

    9.1 Sites assessment 1 589.2 Sites assessment 2 58

    List of Abbreviations

    IASP: International Association of Science Parks

    R&D: Research and Development

    USA: Unites States of America

    PICTI: The Palestine Information and Communications Technology Incubator

    PALTEL: Palestinian Telecommunication Group

    ICT: The Information and Communications Technology

    GDP: Gross Domestic Product

    SWOT: Strenghts, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

    CETL: The joint Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning

  • Chapter 1

    Introduction

  • 1The relationship between technology and architecture is rooted in history ever since the very beginnings of humanity on earth, this relationship with the high complexity it embraces, has yet been ever changing due to the needs of the epochal times. Nations have always been aware of the role technological advancements play in increasing their power, and thus have taken active steps to strengthen their innovation systems.

    Innovation is not the act of introducing something new, but is rather about the exploration of new ideas to make a change that brings about a new dimension of performance; this philosophy has been an epicenter of knowledge for the fields of education and business so as

    to be translated into real developments that are capable of transforming communities into knowledge based ones; into communities which not only lead the presence, but rather look beyond today, breaking the limits towards a better future. Collaboration between education and business in light of the technological advancements these communities witness nearly every day has been the core for a further spatial need that led to the emergence of different organizations, Technoparks being in the foreground. These organizations have yet introduced new meanings to the relationship between technology and architecture in the way they have been created.

    1.1 Definition

    The concept of Technoparks has first emerged in the early 1950s, and

    was officially defined by the International Association of Science Parks

    -IASP- in February 2002, as follows:

    A science park is an organization managed by specialized professionals, whose main aim is to increase the wealth of its community by promoting the culture of innovation and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge-based institutions. To enable these goals to be met, a science park stimulates and manages the flow of knowledge and technology

    amongst universities, research and development R&D institutions, companies and markets; it facilitates the creation and growth of innovation-based companies through incubation and spin-off processes; and provides other value-added services together with high quality space and facilities

    (IASP, 2012).

    IASPs definition also goes on to say that the expression Science Park

    may be replaced in this definition by other expressions, Technopole,

    Technology Park, or Research Park, the terms Science Park and

    Technopole are used most commonly in Europe; the term Technology

    Park is more prevalent in Asia, while the term Research Park is

    preferred in the United States and Canada.

  • 21.2 Research Questions

    How can we adapt and customize the concept of Technoparks as internationally perceived in Palestine under its current circumstances and the constraints it faces, to fulfill the special

    needs of our community?

    How can the Technopark be of an added value to the urban fabric of Palestine in terms of the architectural and urban paradigms and spatial experience?

    1.3 Research Objectives

    This research will highlight the main concepts of Technoparks to reach a clear understanding of Technoparks, and their adaptability within the Palestinian context taking into consideration the existing constraints and potentials, it will further explore creative solutions for simulating the Palestinian local needs on a technological level and maintaining social, environmental and economic sustainability.

    On an architectural level, the research will investigate related architectural topics and theories that can form a basis for developing design concepts that will contribute to creating an architecture that is compatible within the local settings.

    Figure 1.1 - Research ObjectivesResearchers, 2012

  • 31.4 Technopark Significance in Palestine

    In recent decades, the Palestinian economic and social dimensions have witnessed many transformations, the Oslo-Accord in 1994 has resulted in a non-sustainable economic development process on one hand, whereas openness to western cultures, globalization, and the invasion of technology have greatly affected the life style of Palestinians on the other hand. These transformations have engendered new needs on educational and business levels in light of the technological advancements.

    We believe that a project such as a Technopark in the Palestinian context can simulate these transformations, orient the human potentials in the direction of productivity, yet bridge the gap between education, business and community by utilizing technology as a tool and medium for innovation.

    1.5 Research Statement

    The increasing importance of applying the concept of Technoparks in sustainable development comes from its unique potentials in accelerating the growth of economy and transforming it into an economy that is not based on consumption but is rather productive just as much. In this project we seek to conceptually design a Technopark that represents a hub where ideas are not only created but are brought

    to reality as well, the Technopark will also introduce an interactive environment in which different target groups will experience various rich environments that will stimulate their creativity and innovation.

    1.6 Research Methodology

    In order to achieve the objectives of this research, the research will cover important literature that will be reviewed to assist in synthesizing a notion for the design project. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with some key players in the economic and technological sectors such as: The Palestine Information and Communications Technology Incubator PICTI, Palestinian Telecommunication Group, PALTEL etc. in order to understand the local needs and develop

    the projects program accordingly, and relevant case studies will be

    analyzed to form a base for the Technoparks design and planning

    considerations, as well as the functional relations and standards.

  • 4Figure 1.2 - Research MethodologyResearchers, 2012

    1.7 Research Outcome

    It is believed that by the end of this research, a clear vision for a Technopark in Palestine will be defined in reference to all gathered and

    analyzed information; the concept of Technoparks will be customized and enriched with new notions that will later help in developing the design concepts of the project and a set of design guide lines will feed into the site selection criteria within the understood settings of Palestine.

  • Chapter 2

    Technology Overview

  • 5Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, technology witnessed massive advancements in its applications which had an impact on all aspects of human evolution; architecture being a physical manifestation for the production of the human mind, was highly affected as well, as a consequence the relationship between technology and architecture, which was modest in the very beginnings, engendered yet environed new meanings and needs.

    2.1 Technology and Architecture

    Evoking the root of the word Technology drives us back to the Greek

    word Techne which originally means the activities and skills of the

    craftsmen, an aspect that has been recognized in light of its relation to building and construction; quality, passion and experience being the main ingredients for a unique outcome, (Kronenburg, 2001).Technology comprehensively perceived, is thus an all-embracing term that can be used for an uncountable range of operations that are engaged with the physical activities undertaken by people, it has an impact on different aspects of life, one of which is architecture, and is usually associated with anything that is innovative, new, or advanced in a particular period of time. A technician for example is someone who deals with the efficiency and operational parameters of a machine

    rather than its meaning or truth. However as technology is pervading the core of our existence, this definition restricts the role of technicians,

    limits what they truly do and who they are, (Kronenburg,2001).

    Nevertheless, craftsmanship remains a linkage that bridges the gap between technology and architecture as two fields of man-made activity

    and creates an intertwined relation between them. This relation which is an extension of the inevitable needs of people for technology as new advancements continuously emerge cannot be confined to a particular

    ideology, since it embraces different aspects and can be apprehended from different views.

    In early history, the action of layering stone pieces above each other to build a house, was a technological action of the time, and required skills only found in craftsmen, the result was a piece of architecture, known for its quality of work. With time, craftsmen and builders tried

    Figure 2.1 - Technology and Architecture RelationResearchers, 2012

  • 6different construction techniques to meet the continuously changing needs, whether functionally or aesthetically.

    In the mid eighteenth century with the emanation of the Industrial Revolution, a turning point in the relationship between technology and architecture was defined, architecture which was not prepared to meet

    the new challenges, had to gradually adapt to the epochal situation of the time. The increasing applications of digital technologies generated new sensational schematizations in reception of architecture and this progress influenced an experimental approach in architecture,

    embracing new aesthetics that seek to define new architectural identities

    and meanings, (Kronenburg,2001).

    2.2 Technology and Experience

    Technology with the new meanings it set forth, transformed the architectural outcome, not only because it had to be more technological,

    but also because it had to be differently created and represented. The technological advancements with the new techniques they offered affected the structure and form of architecture, but on the other hand, architecture arraigned, its response was not restricted on the final

    image of architecture as a physical artifact, but has also addressed the spaces, spatial experience and functions to cover technologys needs.

    It has also become a means to reflect these advancements and offer

    spaces that can host some technological businesses and educational

    institutions, as well as to exhibit some achievements, among which experience remains a main concern.

    In this respect it is useful to look at the model of experiential realms developed by Joseph Pine and James Gilmore (Klingmann, 2007) which is categorized according to the levels of guest immersion and participation on educational, aesthetic and entertainment levels, in their model Pine and Gilmore give great emphasis on the participatory qualities of the experiences being offered, further categorizing participation into passive, where guests reflexively engage to the space

    and negative where they directly and consciously engage themselves to a particular event. According to this theoretical model, we see that a Technopark should involve a hybrid of the two categories differentiated by offerings for different target groups of different ages.

    In her book Brandscapes, 2007 Klingmann emphasizes the requirement

    of a customized mix between passive and negative participation.

    Whereas the activities for children and teenagers alternate mostly between educational and escapist experiences involving a mix of learning and total immersion, the adult activities are oriented toward entertainment and aesthetic experiences

    (Klingmann, 2007, p.15)

  • 72.2.1 Architecture beyond the Digital Representation

    The new emerging technologies since the Industrial Revolution and especially those of our contemporary time are shaping new formal and material possibilities of design by introducing the digital into the

    physical environment. New here seems to become the paradigmatic

    condition towards the projection of technological meanings about architectural representation. In this context the relationship between technology and architecture can be viewed from a different angle highlighting how technological advancements affect the dichotomy between the subject of representation architectural space and the

    represented object architectural tectonics. The ideology Joanna

    Wlaszyn (2012) introduces in this regard lies within the same framework of how architecture responded to technology aesthetically, technically, and functionally.

    Wlaszyn (2012) criticizes those who see architecture as an image, and says that it is very fundamental to go beyond the image shaped by the form and material representation and to explore the immaterial potentials of architecture lying in the experience architecture offers.

    Digital technologies reconfigure architectural thresholds by

    emphasizing the phenomenological properties of architectural space (senses of the invisible). The concept of representation takes here a very particular direction by seeking to liberate

    the perceptible potentiality of architecture rather than be encased as a new technological standard of conception and production. The manner in which one apprehends the novel logics of architectural representations entails a radical change in perception and understanding of physical space hence an aesthetic experience of architecture that flags the issue of the

    temporality of architectural representation. (Joanna Wlaszyn, 2012)

    The relationship between technology, architecture and experience cannot be clearly defined, it is ever changing due to the ever changing

    world we live in, the new advancements witnessed nearly every day, define new meanings and needs to be addressed constantly. However,

    the essence of such relation lies in the ability to reflect yet simulate

    what is advanced, new and innovative, as well as in the potentiality for the two fields of technology and architecture to serve one another.

    2.3 History of Technoparks

    Research Parks appear to be an excellent place to cross the Valley of Death between invention and the marketplace.

    (Wessner, 2009)

  • 8Technoparks in the sense they are internationally recognized nowadays are not very old, however going back in history, it can be noticed that their concept indirectly started with the emergence of the public world exhibitions which originated in France with the first French industrial

    exposition being held in Paris in 1844.

    After that, many world exhibitions had taken place in different countries which took the trend towards improving their national image through expos, pavilions, parks ... etc. This trend has influenced

    the development of art, design, international trade, tourism and technology, and gradually evolved to include three distinguished eras: Industrialization, Cultural exchange, and National Branding (Davies, 2008). Today, these eras are embodied and represented differently as new spatial representations have emanated to meet the growing yet changing technological needs over time.

    Nowadays, Technoparks are a result of the accumulation of knowledge and experiences gained from these eras and old expos; this doesnt

    in fact reflect similarity in the functions, nor means that expos have

    particularly influenced the emergence of Technoparks; however, both

    expos and Technoparks can be thought of as two forms of architectural spaces, engendered by the Industrial and Technological Revolutions to simulate the needs of technological advancements in different ways, and over different periods of time, expos were first then Technoparks

    followed.

    In the last couple of decades, Technopark has become a rapidly growing phenomenon and an increasingly common tool of national and regional economic development; Technoparks are seen as a means to create dynamic clusters that accelerate the economic growth and international competitiveness. Varying in their sizes and types, most Technoparks seek to encourage

    greater collaboration among universities, research laboratories, and large and small companies, in order to facilitate the conversion of new ideas into innovative technologies for the market. This aim has been in fact a reason behind the increasing concern of nations to have Technoparks in their countries; they perceive Technoparks as capable of facilitating a cooperation that generates higher returns on the existing

    Figure 2.2 - World fair Crystal Palace, London 1851www.designhistorylab.com

  • 9investments, as well as meeting the special needs of high-tech industries for infrastructure and associated services. A further encouraging factor is that Technoparks have great potential in developing entire regions and cities - as some history examples show - so the influence of a

    Technopark goes beyond the limits of an entity within a city towards affecting the overall settings within which it lies.

    The concept of Technoparks which is now 60 years old, has first

    emerged in the United States of America USA in the early 1950s;

    Stanford Research Park was established in order to increase the

    possibilities and profitability of commercializing Stanford Universitys

    research and to meet the needs

    of entrepreneurially minded academics. Successfully, it has transformed the Silicon Valley area from one of the poorest regions in the USA

    into a global center of technology, finance, education and research.

    Today, the park is considered the genesis of the science park movement and is still a home for the main headquarters of many international companies. (Wessner, 2009)

    Prior to 1960, four other projects were also founded in the USA,

    including the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. Meanwhile Technoparks were spreading in Europe and this phenomenon started drawing considerable attention in other parts of the world as well.

    Figure 2.3 - Technopark History TimelineResearchers, 2012

  • 10

    In 1960, there were only six science park projects in the world (five

    in USA and one in the former Soviet Union), during the next decade time, both Sweden and the Uinted Kingdome established their first

    parks. By the 1970s, science parks had been established in Belgium, Japan, and Korea, Taiwan and a number of other countries, amounting to some 50 projects in 13 countries. Since the 1980s, the whole world has witnessed an explosion in the establishment of science parks, (Wessner, 2009).

    By 1992, the United States National Business Incubation Association reported that more than fifty universities and colleges had participated

    in the emerging trend of entrepreneurial universities, becoming more directly involved in supporting new business development activities; more than 1000 Technoparks were established around the world and among Arab countries, and as many as 103 Parks were founded in the USA alone, (Wessner, 2009).

    Figure 2.5 - Silicon Valley Research Park Master Planwww.fastcompany.com

    Figure 2.4 - Silicon Valley Research Park Locationwww.cities21.org

  • Chapter 3

    Sustainability

  • 11

    The relationship between technology and sustainability has developed over time and taken many forms of application throughout the years; one of these forms was the idea of Technoparks, the concept of which was to achieve sustainability through merging business and education in the scope of technology so that a new knowledge-based community could be created.

    Achieving sustainability in Technoparks is an integral feature of the development process in the economic, social and environmental dimensions; it ensures recycling of energies between these dimensions of development and achieving harmony in collaborating between the diverse existing elements in the environment of a Technopark despite the differences between their needs and requirements.

    The implementation of the concept of sustainability in architecture and urban design has been interpreted in diverse strategies and competing conceptions of place making. This diversity in implementation is due to the multiplicity of the aspects affected or related to the two fields,

    (Guy & Farmer, 2011).

    Nowadays many architects endorse sustainability in their projects in different forms; they see that sustainable architecture isnt a

    prescription but rather an approach, an attitude, that shouldnt even

    have a label, it should just be architecture. They replaced the rigid thinking which perceives the environment as merely a physical entity, with new radical thinking that merges all systems and processes in the society and environment in their designs, (Guy & Farmer, 2011).

    Figure 3.1 - Sustainability aspects relationsResearchers, 2012

  • 12

    3.1 Hedonistic sustainability

    Hedonistic Sustainability is the latest evolution of the green movement that is just now coming into its own as a powerful architectural and design concept. This movement has a radical new intellectual way in understanding sustainability; it focuses on achieving pleasure for community through the implementation of sustainability in architecture.

    Hedonistic sustainability transforms the whole movement of sustainability into something more dynamic. It gives a proof that architecture can be economically profitable and environmentally

    responsible as well as pleasurable. It doesnt think about buildings as

    structures, but as ecosystems, and what is meant here by ecosystems is not only the untouchable environment; hedonistic sustainability considers all the human made buildings, culture, economy as part of an ecosystem that creates a closed loop of recycling energy between these three categories of sustainability: environment, community and economy, (Bergmann, 2012).

    At the center of a cultures general perception of sustainability is the

    idea of a moral code rather than looking at how sustainable cities and buildings can increase the quality of life and achieve pleasure for the community. Hedonistic sustainability looks for finding ways of

    designing cities and buildings as double ecosystems that are both

    ecologically and economically profitable and dont force people to

    alter their lifestyles in order to clear their consciences. A Sustainable building is the place where people are able to live exactly the way they want, or even better, because their world is designed in such a way that they can actually do so, (Bergmann, 2012).

    This new methodology encourages interaction between people, buildings and the built environment through integrating the human happiness with economic and environmental sustainability; hedonistic sustainability uses the architecture of the space as a medium for interaction and pleasure, it doesnt consider buildings as isolated

    objects but as architectural tools to mobilize and intensify the existing relationships.

    Figure 3.2 - Hedonistic sustainabilityResearchers, 2012

  • 13

    One of the examples on Hedonistic sustainability is a project for Bjarke Ingeles; its the Waste-To-Energy power plant in Copenhagen. The

    building works as an energy plant and is designed to be economically profitable and environmentally responsible by disposing landfill.

    To Ingeles this main function of the plant had no contradiction with achieving pleasure and recreational activities for the society, he saw in his trend of hedonistic sustainability that achieving pleasure and happiness for the society through sustainable architecture will actually enhance the societys awareness toward sustainable development,

    therefore he designed the project as socially profitable too, by using the

    building for creating a social activity which was chosen to be skiing, achieved by a sloped design for the roof of the building, (Basulto,2011).

    The relationship between the concept of sustainability and the environment of a Technopark, as we see, is very important and embodies the notion of interaction and experiencing technology we desire to achieve in our project, applying the concept of Hedonistic sustainability will not only serve in achieving pleasure, but will rather increase the societys awareness towards technology and productive

    development. The implementation of Hedonistic sustainability could be extended to the micro and macro scales of the design process, affecting the program and some of the functions our Technopark will embrace, so as to ensure creating spaces that are not only motivating but pleasurable and sustainable as well.

    Figure 3.3 - Waste To Energy power plant projectwww.dezeen.com

  • 14

    3.2 Architecture in the Experience Economy

    Everybody experiences far more than he understand. Yet it is experience, rather than understanding, that influences behavior.

    (McLuhan, 1964, p.277)

    Within a generation, shopping malls have gone from functional shopping machines to environments where lighting, music, and a careful selection of materials, not only display the products as such but provide the right ambiance. This indicates the change architectural emphasis witnessed over time, evolving from an emphasis on what

    architecture has and what it does to what you feel and who you are,

    the main key element of this change is referred to as the experience

    economy, (Klingmann, 2007).

    The experience economy is not about the consumption of objects but is rather about the sensation and life style where experience itself becomes the product. Buildings are no more where people work or live, they are more about who the users imagine themselves to be. It cannot be denied that the architectural form and function remain to be of a high importance in the design process criteria; however the personal identity and personal growth have become even more crucial in the assessment of the architectures value, (Klingmann, 2007).

    Architecture is unique in its potential to help in accomplishing transformations; it can affect peoples moods and feelings. Therefore,

    architectures capacity to provoke aesthetics is the key to establishing

    cultural, economic, and social frameworks that suit our new routines and lifestyles. Designing for experience requires connecting architecture to the users personal dreams and desires, unlike function and program,

    an experience can never be fully controlled. For architecture to be recognized it has to be aesthetically distinctive, and brings out relevant emotional experiences that are of high connectivity with its users; this can be accomplished by creating an architectural presence that is sensed: that is a presence thats not only seen but also felt, (Klingmann,

    2007).

    Recognizing how important it is to create architecture that bonds with the daily life of people, actually draws us back to the concept of social sustainability, and the need for pleasure as key element to achieve that, consequently the implementation of hedonistic sustainability is of high potential in an environment such that found in a Technopark, it plays a role in achieving experience economy and fulfilling experiential

    architecture which we both find very essential for attaining the

    interactive technology experience we desire in our project.

  • 15

    About the experiential architecture Bernard Tschumi once said:

    The architecture of pleasure lies where concept and experience of space abruptly coincide, where architectural fragments collide and merge in delight, where the culture of architecture if endlessly deconstructed and all rules are transgressed. No metaphorical paradise here, but discomfort and the unbalancing of expectations. Such architecture questions academic (and popular) assumptions, disturbs acquires tastes and fond architectural memories. Typologies, morphologies, spatial compressions, logical constructions, all dissolve. Such architecture is perverse because its real significance lies outside utility or purpose and

    ultimately is not even necessarily aimed at giving pleasure

    (Tschumi, 1996, p.93)

    3.2.1 Branding

    When thinking about architecture as part of our social and economic environment, power, identity, and experience follow; architecture today is no longer part of marketing the environment; it has become the essence of it. In the twentieth century, due to many changes on the cultural and economic levels, a revolution in architecture occurred affecting both the functional and aesthetic aspects; a new mean of transforming how people perceive and experience architecture was engendered in the sense of what can be known as branding.

    Brands have become a symbol for contemporary consumer values: differentiation, customization, communication, and perception and powerfully focused on molding ideas about what our identity should be, (Klingmann, 2007).

    The intimate relationship that has recently developed between branding and architecture caused brands to employ architecture as a central part of a larger marketing strategy, such as BMW, Prada...etc. Architecture on the other hand was successfully used to enhance the image of some cities such as Bilbao, Shanghai, and Dubai and to elevate their position in the global world, (Klingmann, 2007).

    Figure 3.4 - Branded Dubai www.ssqq.com

  • 16

    There is, however, a fundamental difference between branding of a product and branding of architecture. The architectural brand is defined

    by sustained public presence and characterized by an extensive duration period. In some cases branding in architecture has been equated with commodification, it appears in the use of signature architecture and

    icon making. Branding can be a powerful strategy to craft a unique identity, but the irony that it has in many cases achieved just the opposite effect, thus branding strategies can fail to establish sensitive connection to the context and sometimes impose forms and formulas on the urban landscape, (Klingmann, 2007).

    Brands no longer focus on the product, but rather concentrate on building associations with particular lifestyles, contexts, and consumers. Branding is not only a means of creating an emblematic architecture but rather has strategies to hold the potential of boosting general interest in design and planning, and greatly enhances the value consumers place on spatial experiences, thus such concept can also be implemented in a Technopark, where a branded experiential environment is needed to stimulate the users.

  • Chapter 4

    Interactive Technology

  • 17

    4.1 Technology and Interaction

    Architecture is no longer simply the play of masses in light. It now embraces the play of digital information in space.

    (Mitchell, 2000, p.41)

    The models of society communication methods are rapidly changing, the information space around us instrumented with screens displayed in many public spaces, computers, cell phones and other technological equipment, is becoming dominant, the digital displays and new interventions have transformed the technological landscape by reshaping the heavy bulky inventions into lightweight portable devices that people can carry wherever they go, this wouldnt have

    occurred without a growing need for technology being part of the environment itself. However, what is also significant in this regard

    is that this information space with its strength and fast growth rate shows tendency to reflect a diffused need for merging with the physical

    space; that is a need for coherent coalescence between the virtual and real spaces, so that the information landscape becomes integral with the urban landscape of the city. Combining the miniature personal digital devices with the physical public spaces offers unprecedented opportunities for defining a new trend in architecture that reforms the

    way we experience the city, museum, office and house via interactive

    technology allowing the virtual space to bond with the physical one, (Sparacino, 2002).

    The daily life of people is characterized by accessing and processing a large quantity of Information, this has witnessed an amazing progress in performance in the last decade paralleled by a drop in the cost of technological devices, many people are gradually becoming able to acquire such devices, and this had determined a profound transformation of the world societies; information that has usually been transmitted to people by traditional media, newspapers, books, radios, telephones, etc. is now being conveyed in electronic forms, which are not only confined on the private space of houses but is rather

    expanding to cover the public space; as noticed more and more screens are being installed in coffee shops and restaurants for example. The efficient exchange of data that technology offers globally and locally

    both between individuals and organizations delineates new social, economic and cultural models based on knowledge exchange. The information society is distinguished by its power that is associated

    Figure 4.1 - Life Style TransformationsResearchers, 2012

  • 18

    with strong ability to receive, store, process, and transmit information instantaneously, (Sparacino, 2002).

    Even if people tend to split their daily activities between the real and the digital realms, more and more frequently, they do virtual shopping on the internet, go to the library on the internet, meet and chat with people in chat rooms, manage their financial issues online, play games

    for entertainment and even plan their schedules on their computers. In this virtual atmosphere appears vocabulary of physical space, nouns like: room, wall, highway, hall and verbs like: build, inhabit, surf, enter, etc. stand to indicate an intertwinement between the virtual and physical spaces that cannot be dismantled, (Adams, 1997). All of the profound transformations that the life-style of societies has witnessed demand a new architecture that supports these new modalities of communication and living. Space needs to be redesigned to favour information exchange and simulates its needs, (Adams, 1997). A main concern however is the absence of culture and human interaction gradually due to the fact that social relationships between people is being altered by relationships with devices through which others can be contacted, as if certain virtual activities one does, are melting into factorized templates that no longer provide with an opportunity for social exchange in a physical environment, and here as we see lies the challenge of creating physically interactive technology spaces in our Technopark; it is about the possibility for the science and

    technology of interaction to be progressively adapted in the emerging design solutions, so as to bring both the architectural and the technical aspects of a space to a desired level of quality and performance.

    4.1.1 Enabling Technologies

    The blending of media design and architectural disciplines engenders several scenarios for the agenda of architecture to be capable of encompassing not only the design of new media - and information - enhanced spaces, but rather investigating natural modalities of human-computer interaction which facilitate communication through cyberspace. People ostensibly come together more completely in cyberspace than in real space transcending a lonely individuality and the tragic contradictions of sameness and difference that are inherent in real communities, (Sparacino, 2002).

    The teleology of cyberspace places human history in a succession, it transforms space from a two dimensional earth surface, to a three-dimensional outer space, and then eventually to a multidimensional space where symbolic, technological, social, and mathematical relationships exist, the geographical distance becomes irrelevant, (Sack & Zukav, 1980). The strangeness of this ontological use of cyberspace is its contradiction of what has been called the first law of geography,

    the principle which states that near things are more closely related than are distant things.

  • 19

    Enabling technology in a physical space requires an architect who is capable of reshaping the surrounding space and body, and transforming them into technology-augmented devices to simulate the information exchange and communication needs of people, by injecting the cyberspace into the physical one. It is to be realized that although cyberspace is intangible, it represents an entire entity to its users, a virtual world, where they live, act, and communicate; this entity has been changing over time, just as any physical thing simply changes.

    4.1.2 Technology and Cyberspace; Between Modernism and Postmodernism

    If the modernist universe is the universe, hidden behind the screen, of bytes, wires and chips, of electric current running, the postmodernist universe is the universe of the naive trust in the screen which makes irrelevant the very quest for what lies

    behind it (Zizek, 1995).

    In his article Cyberspace or the Virtuality of the Real, Zizek (1995)

    discusses technology and cyberspace from the perspective of standing in the middle of a shift between the epoch of modernism which promotes the culture of calculations, and the epoch of postmodernism which promotes that of simulation.

    An obvious indicator to this the shift is how the term Transparency is

    used: modernist technology is transparent in the sense of retaining the illusion of the insight into how the machine works, i.e. the screen of the interface was supposed to enable the user to have direct access to the machine behind the screen; the user was supposed to grasp its working, in ideal conditions even to reconstruct it rationally. The postmodernist transparency designates almost the exact opposite of this attitude of analytical global planning: the interface screen is supposed to conceal the working of the machine behind it and to simulate as faithfully as possible our everyday experience (Zizek, 1995).

    As Zizek argues in this regard, the price that people pay for the continuity in illusion is that they are simply becoming blind users accustomed to opaque technology, and are renouncing the endeavour to understand how the machine, device or computer they are using functions. As users interact with cyberspace they are resigned to the fact that they are dealing with a non-transparent situation that is homologous to that they face in their everyday life.

    4.1.3 Applying the Modern and Postmodern Theory in Architecture

    The theory that Zizek introduces about technology in modern and postmodern times as we see can also be applied in the field of

  • 20

    architecture, and we seek to experiment this application in our project. A Technopark that mainly provides an environment for innovation whether on an educational or a business level, has to be mind-stimulating all the time, it has to prompt its users towards understanding rather than blindly using. If transparency in technology is applied according to the modern theory, that is; with a concern that mainly focuses on how things work and not how things look like, the way technology

    users perceive the devices they are using will change, and this is where innovation starts; when mind starts thinking beyond the limits.

    Exposing the innards of technological devices is not the only means to motivate the mind to rethink and question what exists to come up with what is new, however architecture itself should be complementary, it should no longer play the role of a hosting space where interaction takes place, but rather becomes a medium for interaction. However, it is also important here to distinguish between the different needs according to the different target groups of the Technopark. Revisiting Klingmanns idea in this regard (2007), children and teenagers are

    the ones who look for experiences of total immersion, whereas adults tend to entertainment and aesthetic experiences, which means, that the postmodern thought should also be applied when designing for adults.

    Applying both concepts of modernism and postmodernism in our Technopark require a flow in the experience which leads to the further

    concept of Narrative Spaces.

    4.1.4 Narrative Spaces

    People experience their lives as a narrative. Amongst cognitive psychologists, Jerome Bruner (1987) emphasized the importance of story, as the means which structures our perception and communication. Bruner sees that information processing and sorting into categories doesnt define our thinking unless it has a meaning. The history of

    architecture offers innumerable examples of places which embed and narrate a story through their spatial experience, but as for the new information society architecture can more explicitly embed stories and information in its structure, (Sparacino, 2002).

    The architecture of information societies is truly driven and informed by technology, which in turn shapes the architectural thinking and design development in order to create narrative spaces. Technology is not only about softwares or hardwares that are to be added to a space; technology has to be strongly integrated so as to be complementary to the space, it is the architects role to introduce new solutions by

    reshaping the tools he has to produce new space designs that offer a consecutive flow of experiences that form the events of the story,

    (Sparacino, 2002).

  • 21

    4.2 Interactive Technology Examples

    Sensacell Interactive Technology produces modular sensors that transform any surface into a human interface technology. Imagine you are at a museum. As you walk up to a piece of artwork, the floor recognizes your

    presence and begins to tell you about the piece. What if you were doing cardio at a gym and each step lit up the floor while counting

    the calories that you burned? (Sealevel,

    2010)

    Live sketching performance through interactive Technology by the Artist Shantell Martin, (light rhythm visuals, 2011)

    The light space Play wall combines the latest in interactive technology with software controlled content that will provide hours of fun and exercise for kids and adults of all ages and abilities. The system is capable of storing and running a potentially limitless variety of games and interactive programs that can be used by multiple participants simultaneously.(exergamefitnes,2010)

    Figure 4.3 - Light space Play wall www.exergamefitness.com

    Figure 4.2 - Sensacell Interactive Technology www.sealevel.com

    Figure 4.4 - Live sketching performance www.lightrhythmvisuals.com

  • Chapter 5

    Technopark in Palestine

  • 22

    5.1 Technology in Palestine In this era of rapid technological growth and fast development, technology has its critical influence and role in Palestine on the

    economic, educational and social aspects. On an economic scale, The Information and Communications Technology ICT sector in Palestine has a significant influence on

    the development of the Palestinian infrastructure and on the quality of living; it plays an imminent role in shaping the future of Palestine and facilitates the ability for Palestinians to communicate with others locally and globally regardless to the Israeli occupation and its negative drawbacks.

    Palestinian companies began their work in providing ICT in the West Bank and Gaza in the early 1980s, today, the ICT sector is playing a

    vital role and is an essential driver in the development of the Palestinian economy, it stands on the top of other economic sectors in its readiness to expand the Palestinian economic base and significantly penetrate

    regional and international markets, (Wihaidi, 2009).

    There are approximately 250 ICT companies, 150 small computer stores, more than 150 internet cafes in the West Bank and Gaza and over 5300 individuals working in the sector, (Wihaidi, 2009). These companies cover wide spectrum of the ICT market including hardware

    distributors, software development firms, office automation vendors,

    internet service providers, telecommunications companies, and

    ICT consulting and training companies. Exports of Palestinian ICT are limited to software, research and development and outsourcing services, and only few companies have started software development projects with regional and international partners, (Wihaidi, 2009).

    As for the end of year 2007, the ICT sector contributed in about 10 -12% of the gross domestic product GDP with a market size of around

    $500 million. Nowadays, there are over 15,000 ICT professionals working in the region. Additionally there are 11 universities in the region that provide ICT degrees and over 2500 new graduates coming to the market each year, providing a rich stream of new talent, (The Palestinian Economic Bulletin, 2012). All these statistics show that Palestine is rich with skilled human resources in this sector, and has great potential for development in the field.

    Each year in the West Bank and Gaza Strip an Expotech takes place

    for the purpose of leading the Palestinian ICT sector towards an innovation - based economy, the ultimate target of this exhibition is to place Palestine on the global ICT map; this year (2012) Expotech was

    launched in Ramallah, on October 6th, with 40 entrepreneurs presenting their ideas and innovation in a dedicated forum within the exhibition, (Expotech, 2012).

  • 23

    As part of our methodology, we attended the exhibition along three days, to investigate the local needs for spaces to host such an event, and for a hub to embrace a number of ICT companies, by conducting a few semi-structured interviews with key players in the field such as:

    the executive manager of PICTI , Eng. Hasan Omar, and the director of investors relations at PALTEL, Fareeda Diab.

    All key players and even the managers of start-up companies showed great interest in the idea of a Technopark in Palestine as we illustrated it briefly during our interviews, they emphasized on the need for

    technologically qualified spaces as they can increase productivity

    according to what they said.

    Expotech 2012, was spatially divided into 9 categories, some of which was dedicated to education and community. iEducate booth

    in the exhibition hosted some Palestinian universities to display their curricula and attract students, (Expotech, 2012).

    It is believed that the ICT sector can play a critical role in enabling the educational system to better meet the developmental needs of the society, and thus the Palestinian educational systems are trying to adapt the ICT sector in schools and universities, benefiting from many local

    companies and international programs for educational development. Many schools and universities started to develop their own technological infrastructures, like computer labs, interactive learning facilities and e-learning programs; however, the implementations are still limited, and are not using the full potentials acquired, (Wahbeh, 2006).

    On a social level, new technologies and cyberspaces have become part of the Palestinians lives; the social platforms and integrative

    facilities they provide, have played a critical role in introducing these technological facilities in the society; many studies show that there is a rapid increase of demand for ICT products and services in Palestine; even if Palestine is not currently a hardware producer, people are consumers of the global market, (Wahbeh, 2006).

    In Expotech(2012), a whole zone iSell was dedicated to hardware

    companies so as to display their newest products, (Expotech, 2012), Figure 5.1 - Expotech 2012

    www.expotech.ps

  • 24

    this zone targeted as we could notice from our visit to the exhibition technology users from the public.

    All facts on the economic, educational and social levels are indicators that the Palestinian ICT sector has not reached its full potential but chances for development are really high, especially due to the liberalization of the telecommunications market and its openness to new entrants. The human resources, who have played a vital role in strengthening this sector, should never be under estimated; Palestine may be limited in the physical resources required for hardware production due to many factors and constraints, but on the other hand its rich with skilled human resources that can contribute to the software

    production and economy.

    5.2 Technopark Vision in Palestine

    The need for a motivating environment that can contribute to the Palestinian economy on the long run, through collaboration between education and business on one hand, and the new emerging needs of the changing life style the Palestinian community is witnessing on the other hand, are two main components in the decision-making process of creating a Technopark in Palestine. Such needs couldnt have been

    enough to justify the creation of a Technopark if we lack the ability to organize it, and use its facilities for production, but as previously mentioned, statistics show that strong human resources do exist in

    Palestine, yet having the required resources without the communitys

    need for such an environment, wouldnt have also been enough to

    justify its creation; however since the need and resources met, the idea has high potential for success.

    Our vision for a Technopark in Palestine will simulate the general concept of Technoparks as defined by the international association

    of science parks, in a customized way that will meet the local needs. Education, Business and Community will form three major

    components in the creation of our Technopark, each adapted to the Palestinian settings on different levels.

    As for education, our Technopark wont be subordinate to a particular

    university or educational institution, but will rather provide training centers, labs and research and development units that can be used by students of all universities, it will embrace a motivating educational environment which will stimulate the mind for production of ideas that can be adopted by the business units to be brought to life.

    Now, as for business, our Technopark will provide offices, and

    vocational training centers that can be rented by ICT sector companies; all working spaces will be highly equipped with technological devices and tools that are needed by such companies and are not found in their original places of work. The collaboration between education and business is of high importance for the experience we desire to achieve

  • 25

    in our Technopark whether for the students or businessmen; thus we see that the design of the Technopark will form a medium for achieving this collaborative relation as we visualize it.

    Community as a third major component, will interact with the project through the interactive technologies the Technopark will embrace in its spatial experience, this experience will be modern and postmodern oriented in its way of implementation, not as styles but rather as thoughts; the interaction we wish to acquire will basically catalyse thinking towards how things work and not how they look like in order to gradually transform the Palestinian community into a knowledge-based one, however aesthetics will be highly considered as well especially when targeting adults in some activities.

    Emerging from our desire to design a project that will contribute to the development of existing abandoned facilities or sites, we believe that reclamation of Brownfields[1] in Palestine can be of an added value, and thus we consider in our vision choosing an underused site for the project.

    [1] Brownfield sites are abandoned or underused industrial

    and commercial facilities available for re-use. Expansion or redevelopment of such a facility may be complicated by real or perceived environmental contaminations (Brownfields Center) Figure 5.2 - Technopark Vision

    Researchers, 2012

  • Chapter 6

    Case Studies

  • 26

    In order to explore the needs and the criteria of Technoparks design, two cases were chosen for analysis. The first case, Qatar science and

    technology park, was selected for the relevance of its size to our project, yet since it is regional case located in Qatar - the Middle East. The second case, Daedeok Innopolis in Korea, was chosen to be analyzed for developing a program and for further understanding of the different sectors relations inside the Technopark.

    6.1 Qatar science & technology park

    Qatar Science & Technology Park was established in 2004, as part of Qatar Foundation, to act as an international hub for technology companies in Qatar, and an incubator of start-up technology businesses. Inaugurated on March 2009, Qatar Technopark aims to spur the economic and human development of Qatar, by creating an environment for applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship, (Qatar Science and Technology Park, 2012).

    Qatar Technopark is located on the north campus of Qatar Foundations

    flagship project in the Education City and comprises 45,000 square

    meters of multi-user buildings, including offices, laboratories and

    business facilities. The first phase of construction comprises 115,000m

    of development. The main buildings as the following diagrams will further illustrate, are two Information and Technology Transfer Centers Tech Centers with floors that can be subdivided into 500 m2 modules, for the purpose of flexibility in design, and a core building known as

    the Incubator Centre, located on an elevated podium to connect them,

    (Qatar Science and Technology Park, 2012).

    Figure 6.1 - Qatar Science and Technology park www.woodsbagot.com

    Figure 6.2 - Incubator Centrewww.woodsbagot.com

  • 27

    Figure 6.3 - Qatar Technopark locationResearchers, 2012

  • Figure 6.4 - Qatar Education City Figure Ground AnalysisResearchers, 2012

  • Figure 6.5 - Main Surrounding FunctionsResearchers, 2012

  • 28

    Figure 6.6 - Education City Development Master Planwww.skyscrapercity.com

  • 29

    Figure 6.7 - Project Stageswww.desmena.com, Edited by researchers, 2012

  • 30

    Figure 6.8 - Buildings & Circulationwww.desmena.com, Edited by researchers, 2012

  • 31

    Figure 6.9 - Section A-AResearchers, 2012

  • 32

    Figure 6.10 - Section B-B, Functional relationswww.desmena.com, Edited by researchers, 2012

  • 33

    Figure 6.11 - Parking Locationwww.desmena.com, Edited by researchers, 2012

  • Figure 6.12 - Incubator BuildingResearchers, 2012

  • Figure 6.13 - Tech BuildingsResearchers, 2012

    500 m2 Modular Design for offices

  • Figure 6.14 - Veil RoofResearchers, 2012

  • Figure 6.15 - PodiumResearchers, 2012

  • Figure 6.16 - BaseResearchers, 2012

  • 34

    Figure 6.17 - Qatar Technopark 3D visualizationwww.desmena.com

  • 35

    Table 6.1 - Qatar Technopark SWOT AnalysisResearchers, 2012

    6.1.1 Qatar Technopark SWOT Analysis

    Strengths

    Strong Functional Relations

    Public forums and landscape podiums for the community are considered

    Flexibility in the Business spaces design - modular

    design is considered

    Climatic ConsiderationsEnvironmental Design

    Pedestrian and Vehicular

    Circulations are separated

    Weaknesses

    Interactive Technologies are not highly considered

    Opportunities

    The public forums can be used for ensuring interaction through

    further Interactive design considerations

    High possibility of coorporating with

    surrounding universities due to its location in Qatar

    Education City

    Threats

    No threats found

  • 36

    6.2 Daedeok Innopolis in Korea

    This case study has been analyzed to understand the various relationships between the different functions in a Technopark and how they harmonically work together. Moreover, it was partially used in developing the projects program and understanding the importance of

    considering future expansion in a Technopark.

    Daedeok Technopolis grew out of a research cluster founded in 1973 in Korea, by research centers and IT companies, this science cluster was a start for a hi-tech district to support the regional growth, which resulted in a new urban center. Daedeok Innopolis lies in Daejeon City, with an area of approximately 70 Km2 including residential, commercial and industrial zones, research and development units and parks, (Oh & Kang, 2009).

    Figure 6.19 - Master Plan & ZonesOh & Kang, 2009

    Figure 6.18 - Innopolis locationOh & Kang, 2009

  • 37

    Daedok Innopolis idea was first initiated as a research cluster or

    technology park in Daegeon city to work as an incubator for research and development in the country. After that, the technology park was developed into a Hi-Tech district, on three stages of growth, the

    Technology Park, Innopolis, and Innovation Cluster Model.

    Following is an analysis for the functional relationships and framework of the first stage which is the technology park; this stage was analyzed

    for its relevance to our project in terms of size and vision.

    6.2.1 First stage: Technology Park

    This stage started in 1973 with corporation between Research institutions and businesses, to build a technology park model that contains three main functions: Research and development Business Infrastructure

    The management of the Technopark was not only limited to hosting and organizing these functions, nor focused on infrastructure-related services only; however its concern was mainly on how to connect education, research and development with Business.

    The relationship between education and business was based on using the research and development units in the educational institutions for creating new ideas and providing the human resources higher skills, on the other hand the businesses were responsible to bring these ideas to life.

    Figure 6.20 - Initial StageOh & Kang, 2009. Edited by Researchers, 2012

  • 38

    Research & Development

    High education institutions and public research and development centers have played the main role of development, and the main source of human resources. Public research institutes focused on conducting national research and development while private research and development institutes formed a hierarchical relationship with their mother firms and concentrated on research and development on

    a smaller level.

    Business & networked Entrepreneurship

    Business incubation was limited to start-ups in the labs of high education institutions or Research and development institutes,(The Daedeok Science Town focused on non-industrial basic science activities in the initial stage).

    Infrastructure

    The Infrastructure of the Technopark contains the administration units and supporting services such as housing, management facilities, and public spaces. In this case, the government of Daegeon is responsible to manage the park through the ministry of technology.

    Figure 6.21 - Networked incubationOh & Kang, 2009. Edited by Researchers, 2012

  • 39

    6.2.2 Functional relationships

    The functional relationships and the framework of Daedeok Technopark can be understood from the following diagram which clarifies how all

    parts harmonically work together to achieve development.

    Figure 6.22 - Functional RelationshipsOh & Kang, 2009. Edited by Researchers, 2012

  • 40

    Table 6.2 - Daedeok Technopark SWOT AnalysisResearchers, 2012

    6.2.3 Daedeok Technopark SWOT Analysis

    Strengths

    Strong Functional Relations between

    education and business

    Emphasis on the Infrastructure (Supporting

    Services)

    Future Expansion Considerations

    Weaknesses

    Little emphasis on the role of community in the

    Technopark

    Interactive Technologies are not considered

    Opportunities

    More organizational efforts can be given to enhance the role of community within the existing Technopark

    Threats

    Non-sustainable Technopark on the social

    level

  • 41

    6.3 Case Studies Digest

    By analyzing the two Technopark case studies, one of which chosen to be in an Arab country, some major points were noticed to be of high importance, and have to be taken into consideration during the assessment and design process of a Technopark in Palestine. These points have sometimes been strength points that should be adopted, and sometimes weaknesses and threats to avoid as the swot analysis showed.

    Generally speaking, the cases provided a good base for a better understanding of the concept of Technoparks, they have put all theoretical information on ground, closely illustrating how the collaboration of education and business takes place for the benefit of

    communities, they have also been fundamental for setting guide lines regarding planning and circulation considerations; Qatar Technopark in particular was of higher benefit on an architectural scale, since

    its buildings organization and spaces are tangible, whereas Korea

    Technopark emphasized methods for how the three components (Education, Business and Community) worked together and illustrated their functional relations.

    A point that has to be strengthened in both cases, as we saw is Interaction; Qatar case study provides public gathering spaces

    where information interaction can take place, but doesnt give enough

    emphasis on the idea nor ensures interaction through its design, whereas interaction in Daedeok Technopark is not even considered.

    We find this concept of great vitality in our Technopark to bring about

    the motivating experience we desire for the users, emphasis will be given to ensure the interaction that is missed in these cases.

  • Chapter 7

    Design Considerations

  • 42

    Technoparks as structured communities or resource centers dedicated to the development of innovation can be considered powerful tools for regional development and economic transformation; they rely primarily on momentum and the long-term vision of community leaders. The soft aspects such as scientific knowledge,

    social consensus, and entrepreneurship, in the planning and design process of Technoparks are as important as the hard ones including

    infrastructure, technology facilities and the research and development investments. This dualism form part of the challenge of setting up a Technopark.

    Any new economic initiative that faces potential competition seeks to address the needs of a specific target market in an original way,

    thus identifying the design considerations of potential components on different levels is a principal task that has to be carried out before setting up a Technopark. These design considerations form orienting guidelines that include recommendations to the design of Technoparks

    placed by knowledgeable experts in the field. Defining the aspects to

    be covered, though, might be a hard mission due to the diversity of functions a Technopark hosts.

    Following in this chapter are the design considerations relevant to the vision we put for a Technopark in Palestine.

    7.1 Planning and Location Considerations

    The planning and site location considerations are important in the positioning strategy of setting up a Technopark, location is considered a critical decision, since it has to meet many requirements that are sometimes difficult to find in one site. In the planning process of a

    Technopark, the following points have to be considered: Government planning strategy and rules of the area. The surrounding facilities: better if they complement the role of a

    Technopark, such as the existence of a nearby university. Reclamation of land: such as choosing an abandoned site for the

    project. The existence of a physical and technical infrastructure: which

    means the park is preferred to be close to an urban or metropolitan center and endowed with education and telecommunication facilities.

    Public transportation accessibility, (Plan and Manage a Science Park in the Mediterranean, 2010).

  • 43

    7.2 Technopark Master plan Considerations

    The objectives of good site planning for a Technopark are to guide the location of buildings, access roads, parking lots, pedestrian paths, open spaces and landscaping on the property in a way that supports the needed operations on site and maintains the parks first class

    appearance. Toward this end, Technoparks should be planned in ways that will: Respect the site forces. Be compatible with neighboring sites. Protect and be compatible with the environment. Comply with the related design standards on the different levels.

    A good master plan is one that also envisions the concept of mini-city/ village, etc. at human scale, sustaining public / private interactions to ensure the flow of knowledge into innovation and development: a design

    consideration that is more specifically linked to the ideology behind

    Technoparks, (Plan and Manage a Science Park in the Mediterranean, 2010).

    7.2.1 Establishing an organizational theme

    A Technopark should be designed based on a clear theme that can create a coherent site and narrative experience for its visitors, the diversity of functions a Technopark encompasses creates a huge challenge in this

    regard, as some sort of unifying theme should overcome the embraced differences to make the Technopark more user friendly and not confusing by any means. The applied theme should be translated in reality by a master plan that hosts the individual exhibits and facilities as complementary pieces that would make up the overall experience for the Technoparks visitors.

    The theme of the Technopark should enhance the concept of narrative spaces, where the flow of activities and events the users experience

    tells a story that can help them find their way in the site.

    7.2.2 ConfiguringaCirculationSystem

    Circulation in a Technopark should be considered on two main levels: vehicular circulation and pedestrian circulation, a third possible level, however, can also be added according to the planning and design concepts of the Technopark and its needs, such level could be an internal bicycle circulation system, or a more complicated one that takes visitors in a tour around the Technopark stopping on particular nodes for illustration such as a mini train system or even a roller coaster.

    The challenge however, lies in configuring this multi - circulation

    system; that is to be able to design a Technopark that hosts the different levels, without causing confusion to its users, this diversity as we see is an important part of the experience we desire in our project. Achieving

  • 44

    integration between the different systems makes the circulation in site easy and enjoyable. This can be obtained by understanding the design considerations of each of the circulation systems as follows:

    Vehicular Circulation

    In the Design Considerations for vehicular circulation, primary access to the site should be defined clearly from one of the main streets

    surrounding the site, then once a vehicle enters the site, clear vehicular circulation patterns should lead to the parking lots. It is highly recommended here, that a separation of entrances, roads and parking lots is considered between employees cars, visitors cars and service

    vehicles, so as to provide with a more efficient and ordered system,

    (Stanford Handbook, 2004).

    Inside the Technopark; that is in the spaces surrounded by the Technoparks buildings, vehicular circulation should normally be

    limited as much as possible to allow maximum comfort and safety for the users as they are experiencing the spaces of the Technopark, (Stanford Handbook, 2004). However seen differently, vehicular circulation can be also employed in a way to understand technology on different scales, this will be further investigated in the design process of our Technopark.

    Pedestrian Circulation

    In the design considerations for pedestrian circulation, safe, convenient pedestrian paths should be provided from the project to the surrounding external streets as well as inside the site itself. Landscaping and buildings orientation should be designed to enhance pedestrian safety,

    and topography must be taken into consideration as well. Throughout

    Figure 7.1 - Vehicular Circulation

    www.archdaily.com

    Figure 7.2 - Pedestrian Circulationwww.big.dk

  • 45

    the Technopark, pedestrian paths should be equipped and designed to meet the needs of disabled people, (Stanford Handbook, 2004).

    Pedestrian paths also form a huge part of the users experience, and

    thus according to our vision, these paths will not only act as circulation elements, but will also contribute to the interactive experience we desire on our project.

    Bicycle Circulation

    A bicycle rental system can be considered in a Technopark, in order to help people who want to ride long distances to reach particular destinations, this system requires special paths and bicycle parking lots in the site, more importantly it provides the users with a different circulation experience; for people who enjoy riding bicycles, such

    system will provide them with the pleasure we desire the users to feel as part of the hedonistic sustainability concept, thus we see that this system can be supportive to the overall experience of our Technopark.

    Internal Train Circulation System - Roller Coaster

    In big projects, an internal circulation system to move the visitors from one spot to another is always desired, especially when people are interested in a tour and cant spend enough time to explore the

    whole project, but at the same time want to get an impression of all the facilities it encompass. In such a case, an internal visitors train or bus

    system can be provided.

    Figure 7.3 - Bicycle Circulationwww.big.dk

    Figure 7.4 - Roller Coasterwww.labkultur.tv

  • 46

    However, according to our vision, and since we perceive our Technopark as a hub for innovation, a more creative system that combines an internal circulation system with amusement can be suggested. The idea we wish to achieve in our Technopark is to have a roller coaster very similar to that found in amusement parks but as a means of transportation, people riding this roller coaster, will get the opportunity to have a tour all around the Technopark, a tour that is not only confined to the open urban spaces, but that can also include

    penetrating some buildings, stopping at the most important nodes, where people get illustration about particular facilities, and where they can also drop off for further exploration. A last stop as we visualize this idea will be an area where people who dont want to proceed with

    the ride as a real terrifying amusement ride can get off and others who want to go on the ride can get in. Applying this idea, requires a comprehensive study for the design standards of roller coasters and further investigation of its applicability in the site we choose.

    7.2.3 Parking Requirements

    Huge projects such as Technoparks require a great amount of parking lots; however it is always preferred to consider minimizing on-site paving. Sufficient and conveniently located visitor parking is required,

    and disabled people parking should also be provided being clearly signed. Parking areas that are located on site and not underground, are to be articulated at frequent intervals with landscaped openings. The openings should be of sufficient size and design to ensure that trees and

    other plants will not be damaged by overhanging bumpers. However, there can be distinct functional and aesthetic advantages to locating parking under buildings, and this option is considered more practical, so it should be urgently considered, (Stanford Handbook, 2004).

    7.3 Businesses Design Considerations

    Technoparks host a variety of Businesses that require working quarters where offices, conference halls, and maintenance units are located,

    the design considerations for such businesses differ according to the specialty and particular needs each business has, however there are general guidelines that can be followed in designing any working space to increase its quality and thus the productivity of its employees as well as to increase the customers desire to come back again, and

    benefit from the services it offers, (Workplace Design Guidelines,

    2006).Figure 7.5 - Circulationwww.class.uidaho.edu

  • 47

    Well-designed working spaces have a motivational effect that is highly needed in a project such as a Technopark; this is due to the fact that a main goal Technoparks aim to achieve is reaching beyond the limits by increasing productivity and innovation, which in turn needs a lot of motivation, and mind stimulation. The Design considerations play a tremendous role in achieving such environment; these considerations follow general number of guiding principles which include:

    The attributes of the businesss mission statement should be

    communicated to the employees and visitors alike when they enter the offices. Clarity of the information and available services is

    needed to create a supportive relationship between the business and its customers, (Workplace Design Guidelines, 2006)

    Spaces should demonstrate respect for the individual and work he/she needs to accomplish. It should be believed that every member contributes to the overall performance, (Workplace Design Guidelines, 2006)

    The work spaces should be safe, healthy and secure for everyone who works in them and visits them, through appropriate security measures and strict adherence to safety precautions, (Workplace Design Guidelines, 2006)

    7.4 Educational Design Considerations

    Following two decades of rapid technological change and growth in the number of Technology users, flexibility in the design of learning

    spaces has become essential. The technological trend towards as much mobile and wireless devices as possible will support a wider variety of pedagogic approaches, and make those spaces more easily re-purposed. However, the required flexibility achieved by having large

    open-plan centers where both learning and teaching take place is still considered a challenge regarding sound management, heat and student activity and even spatially. Up till now a mix of formal and informal learning spaces is still more frequently chosen. Nowadays many new approaches are being introduced by academics and Universities to

    Figure 7.6 - Designing Spaces for Effective Learning Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011

  • 48

    increase students productivity through well-designed environments

    that motivate innovation and creativity, (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011).

    Embedding technology into learning and teaching spaces has recently become a need rather than an option, thus considering technological requirements at the early stages of planning will ensure maximum benefit.

    7.4.1 Motivating Spaces

    In recent decades, a great transformation in the way educational institutions perceive the effect of space on the learning process took place; more awareness has risen towards considering design: a crucial component in motivating students and teachers way of thinking, and

    in creating an environment that stimulates interaction, (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011). Applying the concept of Motivating Spaces in a Technopark, and especially in the educational

    section, plays a huge role in achieving one of the main objectives of Technoparks which is increasing innovation and productivity

    The Creativity Zone

    The joint Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning CETL

    initiative between the University of Sussex and Brighton University

    (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011) was one of the first to

    believe that truly flexible, creative, and adaptable minds can be fostered

    by looking more critically to the extent to which learning space designs promote innovative ways of thinking, having a major aim of achieving this, CETL has worked on developing an experimental new teaching

    and learning space called the Creativity Zone, the idea was brought

    to reality with the help of experts in engineering, cognitive science, pedagogy and design from both universities, (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011).

    The Creativity Zone, despite its relatively small area for a first trial,

    could revolutionize teaching and learning by blurring the boundaries between disciplines, between formal and informal learning, and between learning and creative practice. Ingenious partitions, screens and items of furniture were fitted into the fabric of the space. A

    well per-designed technological infrastructure including multiple

    Figure 7.7 - The Creativity Zone Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011

  • 49

    projectors, wireless connectivity and location-aware technology was installed. The main idea from enabling technologies in such space was to offer a progression of opportunities for thought and interaction, both with objects and other participants, (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011).

    In this space practitioners act like set designers supported by learning technologists and facilitators, they can simulate real-world practices in microcosm by deploying light, sound and objects to create an immersive, cross-disciplinary experience. Sessions in the zone will support learners in working towards new understandings, for example bringing individuals from different disciplines together in one collaborative exercise.

    (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011)

    In a Technopark that hosts Learning, Research and Development centers, and mind motivating spaces, the database of activities and learning journeys that were implemented in the creativity zone of the

    CETL can be also carried out. This helps to widen the understanding

    of how physical space design can have a great impact on the learning outcome, as well as to create a prototype for taking this understanding forward in a way that can constitutes learning of the 21st century in other educational institutions: schools, universities, etc.

    The idea of the Creativity Zone can be one of the most powerful

    design considerations in the creation of any educational space inside the Technopark, the concept is beyond the literality of what to install in space, and how to equip it, but is rather about being innovative in creating a spatial solution that both simulates the technological needs of the new generations and ensures virtual-physical integration that leads to creativity through mind stimulating and collaboration with others.

    7.4.2 Vocational Spaces

    In order to bridge the gap between the educational world of theories and equations, and practice, a vocational experience is very essential. One of the most challenges the modern world faces, is the rapidly changing industries and technologies, and the invention of new high-tech devices very often, a fact that requires students with relevant studies to stay updated; however, being up to date is not confined to being informed

    about what is new in the global market, but rather includes the need to be enough skilled so as to deal with the new requirements, (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011).

    Out of the emerging need for hands-on experience with the latest technologies and equipment, vocational training spaces should be provided in Technoparks, the work of which can be even more effective, if created to meet partnerships with local companies and businesses. The activities, operations, experiments and knowledge students get

  • 50

    in vocational spaces improve their access to the current industry technologies and consequently enhance educational outcomes.

    7.4.3 Social Learning Spaces

    Learning is a remarkably social process. In truth, it occurs not as a response to teaching, but rather as a result of a social framework that fosters learning. (Brown, 2009)

    The modern trend in teaching methods simulates students need for

    informal environments that achieve greater comfort and thus increases their productivity; well-designed social spaces are likely to increase students motivation and may even have an impact on their ability to

    learn. For these reasons, social spaces of high quality that also offer a

    good learning environment are given a high priority in new designs, (Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, 2011).

    The Learning Caf

    The Learning Caf at Glasgow Caledonian University was an early experime