VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGH-RISE …
74
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGH-RISE DEVELOPMENT IN QATAR By ANJALA SALIM A MASTERS RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECURAL STUDIES WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2018
Transcript of VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGH-RISE …
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGH-RISE DEVELOPMENT
IN QATAR
By
ANJALA SALIM
A MASTERS RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECURAL STUDIES WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
2018
@ 2018 Anjala Salim
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents for their love and endless
support throughout the intense program. I would like to extend much gratitude to my
committee members, Dr. Nawari Nawari and Professor William L. Tilson for their
insightful input, direction, guidance and inspiration. A special thanks to Dr. Michael
Kung for his continuous support throughout the program.
Lastly, I extend my appreciation to all my fellow classmates and friends specially
Abdalla and Jeffrey for their help, support and encouragement that was a constant
source of inspiration.
4
Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 3
Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 6
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 7
Background and Significance of the Study................................................................... 7
Research Question and Objectives .............................................................................. 8
LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................. 10
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 10
Vernacular Architecture ............................................................................................. 13
Regional Urban Development .................................................................................... 14
Transformation of Old Doha ....................................................................................... 16
Vernacular High Rise ................................................................................................. 17
High-rise Green Building ............................................................................................ 18
Thermal Comfort ........................................................................................................ 19
Energy Modeling Software ......................................................................................... 20
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 21
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... 22
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF QATAR ............................................................. 26
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 26
Vernacular Elements .................................................................................................. 27
Compact Planning ...................................................................................................... 27
House Design ............................................................................................................ 28
Courtyard ................................................................................................................... 29
Wind Tower ................................................................................................................ 31
Material ...................................................................................................................... 32
Ventilation Screens .................................................................................................... 34
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 35
CASE STUDIES ............................................................................................................ 36
Case Study 01-Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ................................. 36
Concept, Design and Objectives ................................................................................ 37
Neighborhood Design ................................................................................................ 38
Special Features ........................................................................................................ 42
Practical Challenges .................................................................................................. 43
5
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 44
Case Study 02- Doha Tower, Qatar ........................................................................... 45
Site and Surroundings ............................................................................................... 46
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 49
ENERGY MODELING DISCUSSION ............................................................................ 50
COMPARE AND CONTRAST ....................................................................................... 50
Location, Site and overall dimension ......................................................................... 50
Materials and Services ............................................................................................... 52
Base Model ................................................................................................................ 53
Study Model 01: Orientation – A ................................................................................ 54
Study Model 01: Orientation – B ................................................................................ 55
Study Model 02: Façade Treatment – A .................................................................... 56
Study Model 03: Shading – A ..................................................................................... 59
Study Model 03: Shading – C .................................................................................... 61
Study Model 04: Effect of Courtyard .......................................................................... 62
Study Model 05: Effect of Wind Tower ....................................................................... 63
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 64
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY .................................................................................... 67
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK .......................................................................... 68
6
Abstract of the Master’s Research Project Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Architectural Studies
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGH-RISE DEVELOPMENT IN QATAR
By
Anjala Salim
August 2018
Chair: William L. Tilson Cochair: Nawari Nawari
Major: Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a Concentration in Sustainable Design
The sudden rise in building, infrastructure development and the corresponding
energy consumption in Qatar, with its extreme climatic conditions, provides an
opportunity to study and better our efforts to reduce impact on the environment.
Vernacular architecture of the region that developed over years on culture, climate and
available material becomes the perfect fundamentals to incorporate in modern high-rise
development. With a detailed study of the origin, evolution and involvement in building
efficiency, basic vernacular architecture elements and strategies are developed and
modeled into a theoretical conceptual design using Autodesk Revit™ in a systematic
manner to study the variation in energy consumption.
Case studies of relevant projects such as Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and Doha
Tower in Qatar is presented to strengthen the case. While it should be noted that the
study is done on a basic conceptual model, hence the exact numbers cannot be
considered, overall the energy model study shows significant saving in energy
consumption between the base model and models with vernacular principles.
7
CHAPTER 01
INTRODUCTION
Background and Significance of the Study
Our world has limited resources. Let that be water, oil or coal. With a large
number of populations of the developing counties still relying on non- renewable,
pollution generating energy source, we are at the verge of exhausting them along with
poisoning the world. Qatar, the small middle eastern country that rose to fame instantly
with the discovery of natural gas remains on the list of United Nations developing
counties despite a whopping Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of US$129,726.
(Qatar GDP- trading economics, 2018) The high-speed development and economic
growth made Qatar also top the world on carbon emission per capita among others.
Vernacular architecture of Qatar was developed over centuries based on
location, topography, climate and social factors such as religion, tradition and privacy.
From the tightly packed group of houses with courtyards and shaded verandah,
globalization of the 20th century brought western architectural principles, materials and
technology changing the basic urban fabric of its capital. Ali & Al-Kodmany (2012)
states how high-rise buildings or skyscrapers thats were first conceived in the United
States, soon became an icon of globalism and contemporary cities around the world.
Qatar, as any other emerging country embraced this development without much thought
into traditional or vernacular settlements. Hence densely packed, thick wall, naturally
ventilated, pedestrian oriented community transformed to imposing futuristic green
houses. Now that towers have become a fashion statement for cities and individuals
have become comfortable with technology at their fingertips, the question remains if
8
there is a way to revolutionize the age old vernacular architecture techniques in to the
present form of development style.
According to world data, energy consumption of Qatar is 36.53 billion kilowatt-
hours, 99.5% of which is generated from fossil fuels (Energy consumption in Qatar-
world data, 2018). Between 2000 and 2010, Qatar's electricity consumption grew from
approximately 8.0 billion kilowatt-hours to 20.5 billion kilowatt-hours (U.S Energy
Information Administration, 2014). While buildings account for 40% of all energy
consumed in United states (US EIA, 2014 ), buildings consume a whopping 58% of the
total electricity consumption of Qatar (Kahramaa, 2017). The high temperature and
humidity leads to about 65% of electricity to be consumed by cooling systems in all
types of buildings (Kahramaa, 2017).
Research Question and Objectives
Before technology hit, generations lived with passive design strategies in the
small country that cover an area of 11,586 km² or 4,473 sq mi (Nations Online, 2018)
with a subtropical dry climate accompanied by hot and humid summer. This research
project identifies and investigates major key elements of vernacular architecture of the
region that can be incorporated into modern high rise development. High-rise
development provides for the density needed on a smaller footprint. If vernacular
knowledge can be inverted from being spread out to being vertical, it will become
solution to both urban sprawl and sustainable development. In this study, the hypothesis
is that effect of usage of vernacular principles on high-rise building is more energy
efficient than without and energy modeling by Autodesk Insight is used to model,
evaluate and compare the results. Since cooling is major concern of the region, the total
9
energy consumption and the peak cooling load is used for the comparative study. With
this information it is determined that with simple integration of vernacular architecture
principles with current design practice, one can reduce the dependency on active
systems which in turn reduces energy consumption keeping in mind the comfort and
practicality issues with regard to the region.
In the following chapter, a detailed review of literature including current scenarios
with respect to region, climate, comfort levels and various vernacular elements,
methods and techniques are explained in depth. The literature review also includes
modeling techniques and software used for the study and analysis. This is followed by
methodology of study, case studies and energy modeling findings.
10
CHAPTER 02
LITRATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Every country in the world today is trying to reduce their carbon emissions that
has augmented over the past decade at an alarming rate. China has committed to
reducing its carbon intensity 60 to 65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 (The road from
Paris: China’s Progress towards its climate change, November 2017). Similarly, Qatar
National Vision 2030 aims to direct Qatar towards a balance between developmental
needs and the protection for its natural environment, whether land, sea or air (Qatar
National Vision 2030, July 2008). Qatar has seen rapid development with the discovery
of natural gas, placing it on the top on the list of counties with the highest carbon dioxide
emission per capita. The extreme climatic condition of the region puts a pressure on the
air conditioning (HVAC) systems along with abundant energy reserves have made the
architecture of the region a prime consumer of energy. Buildings account for 40% of
global energy consumption and contributes over 40% of the world carbon dioxide
emissions (Jomehzadeh, Nejat, Calautit, Yusof, Zaki, Hughes and Yazid, 2017). In
order to move forward, we need to examine the past. Sudden development with the
slightest respect to regional and cultural elements has put Qatar in a tight spot with
regard to sustainability. This study focuses on the forgotten vernacular architecture
components and how incorporating those principles in modern high rise development
can reduce dependency on non-renewable resources.
Sustainable development being a prominent topic of discussion today, studies
has been done on various vernacular elements of the region with convincing results.
Architect Ralph L. Knowles in his book ‘Energy and Form: An Ecological Approach to
11
Urban Growth’ and in practice designed and planned to take advantage of the sun’s free
source of energy to minimize the need for active system. The main question on
everyone’s mind is whether vernacular architecture principles can compete with modern
technology with regards to comfort levels and practicality. A detail review of every
aspect of the study as discussed below, takes us closer to the desired result.
Geographical and Climatic Condition
Qatar is a peninsula located within the world desert belt, the MENA (Middle East
and North Africa) region at the
eastern coast of Arabian Peninsula.
Country is surrounded by the Persian
Gulf on all three sides and the only
land connection is with Saudi Arabia
to the south as shown in Figure 2.1.
With a total land area of 11,437 km2
(4,416 mi2), Qatar is about eleven
Figure 2-1, Location of Qatar (Political location map of Qatar- Maphill, 2013)
Figure 2-2, Arid regions in MENA region
(Sustainapedia, 2015)
12
times smaller than New York city. The Region is predominantly characterized by hyper-
arid climate as shown in Figure 2-2.
Seasonal change between summer and winter brings about low intensity, erratic
rainfall. The UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) aridity index which is based
on average annual precipitation puts Qatar at less than 0.03. With no surface water,
ground water is the only natural source of water which is recharged by the rainwater.
Temperature, humidity and average solar
radiation follows the characteristics of arid
lands with maximum temperature well above
40°C and minimum temperature just around
14°C (Figure 2.3). Similarly, humidity level
goes above 60% (Figure 2.4) in most areas
with the exception of coastal zones.
The factor that can cut across such
high temperature and humidity is wind. Qatar
Figure 2-4, Qatar- Average Cloud and
Humidity (World weather online)
Figure 2-4, Qatar- Average Cloud and
Humidity (World weather online)
Figure 2-3, Qatar- Maximum, minimum
and average temperature (World
weather online)
Figure 2-3, Qatar- Maximum, minimum
and average temperature (World
weather online)
Figure 2-5, Qatar- wind rose (Climate
doha-Meteoblue, 2018)
Figure Error! Use the Home tab to
apply 0 to the text that you want to
13
has a predominant Northwesterly wind as shown in Figure 2-5. It should also be noted
that wind speed increases at high altitudes, so in a high-rise building when wind load is
considered for structural stability, they can also be used to reduce energy load. Severe
climatic settings have always been one of the major challenges that needs to be
mastered in order to follow a sustainable path to development. To address this issue,
the next section advances vernacular architecture principles of the region in detail.
Vernacular Architecture
When the world is busy trying to move towards a sustainable future, the past is
forgotten. The past where there was a natural harmony between development, climate
and culture. The period before modern technology took over. Vernacular architecture is
the simplest form that brings together a community’s social, cultural and environmental
aspects. Architect Bernard Rudofsky, described it as spontaneous, indigenous and
rural. Following his argument, one has to agree that vernacular form was developed
purely by ancient repeated trial and error process by regular people. There were no
architects, there were master builders, vernacular architecture was developed by
common people in order to survive nature while making the best use of available
resource around them with culture and traditions in mind. They display years of
embodied experience built on the relationship between building and climate, implying a
logical analysis, the consideration of appropriate principles, and a rational use of
resources (Kamal, 2012).
As Foruzanmehr and Vellinga (2011) state lately one can see a peak in the
interest in vernacular architecture especially because of its thermal properties, energy
consumption and resources use due to the possible withdrawal from non-renewable
14
energy source. The continuing accusation of climate change accelerated by the burning
of fossil fuels, has caused many minds to think of alternatives. Buildings and
construction, being at the center of this urgency, has triggered a growing conscious to
understand climatic responsive architecture. This is where vernacular architecture plays
a central role, by setting a good example for climatic design. Learning from traditional
wisdom can establish valuable lessons to wisely managing the world’s increasing
development needs.
Regional Urban Development
Qatar has the third largest natural gas reserve in the world. Presently on top of
the list of worlds net exporters of energy sources which is being extracted at a much
higher rate than been created. The overnight wealth created a development pattern
completely dependent on the now available fossil fuel. To many developing countries,
globalization meant becoming international service centers in order to enter the global
network. For the new players like Qatar, this meant infrastructure development to attract
international business. With one of the highest energy demands per capita in the world,
Qatar is expected to encounter energy supply problems in the near future, due to rapid
modernization plans (Meir, Peeters, Pearlmutter, Halasah, Garb & Davis, 2012). Due to
the immense competition for international recognition and since the major share of
income of the country comes from non-renewable energy sources. Qatar took up
tourism as the marketing tool. Both globalization and tourism required advanced
transport network, cultural, entertainment facilities and modern amenities and services.
15
Figure 2.6 and 2.7 provides a comparison to understand the extent of
development that happened after the oil boom in 1971. All these developments have
successfully led Qatar to gain an international attention and hosting the 2022 FIFA
World Cup. an international sports event which means more development.
Globally, more people live in urban areas than in rural areas, with 55 % of the world’s
population residing in urban areas in 2018. In 1950, 30 % of the world’s population was
urban, and by 2050, 68 % of the world’s population is projected to be urban (United
Nations, 2018). More than 90% of the population of Qatar lives in the urban city center.
This has caused an unplanned decentralization where the city has grown exponentially
outwards without much guidance. Lack of public transport network added to the misery.
In general, it can be observed that the lack of public transport and extensive social
segregation between income groups has created an urban structure of sprawling
peripheries served by shopping malls and a high density mixed use downtown for low
income group (Wiedmann, Salama, 2013).
Figure 2-6, Historic settlement of Doha
1947 (Salama, Wiedmann, Thierstein &
Ghatam, 2016)
Figure 2-6, Historic settlement of Doha
1947 (Salama, Wiedmann, Thierstein &
Ghatam, 2016)
Figure 2-7 Urban Growth after 1971
(Salama, Wiedmann, Thierstein,
Ghatam, 2016)
Figure 2-7 Urban Growth after 1971
(Salama, Wiedmann, Thierstein,
Ghatam, 2016)
16
Transformation of Old Doha
The 19th century settlement of Doha that survived on fishing and pearl diving is
the richest country today. The discovery of oil led to new economic strategies and rapid
modern urbanization towards the second half of 20th century. The development of any
city revolves around various factors and circumstances including social, economic and
environment. Most cities in the world went through a gradual transition stretched over
an extensive period of time. However, in Qatar this transformation was fast tracked and
generally uncoordinated at the beginning leading to emergence of a new city with
extensive road grids, low density and cement block structures.
Figure 2.8 shows an environment that was sculptured over climate and culture
creating a functional society and Figure 2.9 shows a bird eye view of the same area with
Doha’s Skyline with sea behind. While in pre-industrial times space was the direct result
of simple interactions geared towards sustaining life, the more technologies were
invented the more centralized and planned urban structures became (Urban Evolution
of the City of Doha, 2012).
Figure 2-8, Photograph of old Doha
(Urban Evolution Of The City Of
Doha, 2012)
Figure 2-8, Photograph of old Doha
(Msheireb Properties, 2013)
Figure 2-9, Musheireb Urban development
(Msheireb Properties, 2013)
Figure 2-9, Musheireb Urban development
(Msheireb Properties, 2013)
17
Vernacular High Rise
The term high rise is relative to context, as a six floor structure can be considered
high rise in an urban setting of average double floor buildings. For example, the Mumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposed any building with a height of 30m to be
categorized as a high rise, Qatar follows the United States classification of 23m, or
about 7 stories.
High-rise developments create a challenging environment, with both benefits and
impacts, as compared to other types of horizontal constructions (Ali, M.M, Al-Kodmany,
2012). Middle East has always obsessed over high-rise structures. More than 70% of
high rise developments in the world are located in Asia and Middle East (CTBUH, 2017)
including the current tallest building in the world located in United Arab Emirates. Qatar
is ranked #2 after the United Arab Emirates in Middle East by number of 150m+
completed buildings and #18 in the world (CTBUH, 2017).
High rise building is a mass of built up spaces on a small footprint (Jokhadar,
Jabi, 2017). The relatively flat land of Qatar is mostly sand desert, which makes the
small area of the envelope not just benefitting as a compact high density development
but also become the key to reducing development foot prints in an already limited
space. When high rise has many benefits as reduction in heat loss or gain, cost,
material among other, many scholars have highlighted the isolated, lifeless existence
with limited external contact. While dense high-rise development maybe perceived as
the greenest modern human settlement of freer land for agriculture and natural
reserves, it is vital to consider critically the regional constraints such as climate and
culture which have shaped vernacular architecture.
18
Vernacular Architecture around the world is low rise development with few
exceptions like the City of Shibam in Yemen. Although high rise buildings have their
benefits as discussed, the following study on architecture elements are also applicable
to low rise development.
High-rise Green Building
Given the popularity of various rating systems like Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED), Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and
Green Star among others, owners, developers and designers are inclined towards these
certifications for not only energy efficiency, cost reduction and environment protection
but also for increasing market value.
While many modern cities being developed as high-rise are featureless, high
energy consuming projects, countries like Singapore has been integrating green
building principles in high-rise development successfully. The tropical country
incorporated passive ventilation with shading, lush greenery at multiple level and
facades to alleviate solar heat gain. The
Singapore National Library designed by Architect
Ken Yeang has an open courtyard dividing the
public and private block, to facilitate ventilation
and day lighting. While the southwest side of the
building are solid wall to reduce solar gain, various
shading blades and light shelves has been used
on façade cleverly to let the light in minimizing
solar glare as shown in Figure 2-10. The 16
Figure 2-10, Singapore National Library designed by Architect Ken Yeang. (Mutuli, 2018)
19
storied building has 14 landscaped gardens at various levels. Together the building
achieved 31% energy reduction compared to conventional buildings.
Kodmany (2018) states how numerous scholars has criticized high-rise
development for lack of community development, social relations and nature
interactions. Understanding the vernacular behaviors of the city, careful zoning and
incorporation of landscape into the development can eliminate it. Benefits of high-rise
development being low footprints with high density, if combined with green architecture
can pave a more sustainable path for the future.
Thermal Comfort
Thermal comfort is a subjective assessment by a person expressing their
satisfaction with their local thermal environment (Felix M, Elsamahy E, 2017). The
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Figure 2-11, Psychrometric chart with superimposed comfort zones for 0.5 and 1.0
clo, 1.1 met, air speed below 40 fpm, provided by ASHRAE Standard 55-2013.
20
is a global society that provides a set of standards that are widely accepted
internationally, including Qatar, with the focus on building systems, energy efficiency,
indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry through research,
standards writing, publishing and continuing education (“About ASHRAE.” ASHRAE
Climate Data Center, www.ashrae.org/about).
ASHRAE defines thermal comfort as a condition of mind which expresses
satisfaction with the thermal environment. Although air temperature is most commonly
used gauge for thermal comfort, ASHRAE also considers other factors such as radiant
temperature, air velocity, humidity and personal factors such as clothing, activity and
metabolic heat. Figure 2.10 illustrates the graphical method to determine comfort zone
by interpolation between the limits shown. The graphical method of calculation has
restrictions over the model method for thermal comfort calculation with regard to
metabolic activity, clothing insulation and maximum humidity constrains. Consequently,
for this study a model based calculation based on ASHRAE standard 55-2013 with PMV
(Predicted Mean Vote) method will be used.
The thermal comfort levels and the availability and unavailability of mechanical
alternatives vary widely. Active cooling has become integral part of design although
there is always room for improvement.
Energy Modeling Software
Building Information Model (BIM) and building energy modeling is not new to the
industry and has developed over time. From bottom-up modeling system to top-down
systems that extrapolate data based on building function and area, we have dynamic
energy models that monitors weather stations and calculates energy demands
21
accordingly. With the demand for sustainable design, green buildings and net zero
developments are on the rise, these applications help designers have better control of
energy consumption right from the concept design stage. The popularity of the use of
these softwares for the analysis of existing building to streamline their energy usage is
also increasing.
There is a large variety of software’s in the market like EnergyPlus, EQuest,
REM/Rate or the Autodesk Insight among others, each of which have benefits and
drawbacks. Choosing the appropriate program depending on the needs of the project is
important. For this study Autodesk Insight 360 for Revit is being used for its global
acceptance as a broad all-inclusive building analysis label.
Conclusion
While development is important to a country’s progress, making sure it is
sustainable is important for its financial, ecological and cultural stability. The biggest
obstacle to sustainable development in Qatar is the climate. This is where vernacular
architecture plays an important role since it has successfully operated for centuries
weathering the extreme conditions the region has to offer. Although vernacular
architecture has largely become a mere concept, the correct application of principles
can save large amounts of energy which is predominantly generated through burning of
fossil fuel.
This chapter is followed by a detailed study on the various vernacular elements
of the region, its principles and evolution to be tested with the energy analysis model for
the study.
22
CHAPTER 03
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The purpose of the research is to determine the benefits of integrating principles
of vernacular architecture with current architecture design in terms of energy
consumption to affirm the need to design with respect to the local traditions, culture and
most importantly the climate, while acknowledging practicality and accustomed comfort
levels. Vernacular architecture is native to specific regions levitating the significant of
the study populations. The study is based in Qatar but can be related to neighboring
countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain among other countries
that follow a similar cultural and climatic history.
The study uses a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative analysis starting
with a detailed analysis on the regions economy, climate, history, current development
style and its effects on the environment followed by a comprehensive analysis on
various vernacular elements of the region; history, evolution and effects, illustrating
examples of the region. Subsequently twoi case studies are completed on development
projects of the region that follow the concept of vernacular architecture and incorporated
them in to contemporary architecture. This is followed by energy stimulations of building
models with various vernacular element combinations using Autodesk Insight and
comparing each of the results to a base model. The projected result from this research
is to promote local architecture as models for energy efficiency.
In the process of investigation, detail studies are performed on the history and
development of various vernacular architecture elements of the study population and its
effects as a hybrid design principle based on the collection of secondary data through
23
peer reviewed journals, articles and other research papers. In order to make rational
comparison of energy model against comfort levels, values from internationally
accepted standards such as ASHRAE are used. Through participant and non-
participant observation and information from previous studies on the same development
will be collected for analysis of the case studies. The following are the chosen case
studies for the research study.
1. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
2. Doha Tower, Doha, Qatar
The energy stimulation of the theoretical models using Autodesk Insight is based
geographically in Qatar in order to get accurate results for analysis. The program
Insight, developed by Autodesk was chosen as it is an established and widely used
program among the building efficiency professionals for its reliability. Nine energy
models segregated in to 5 vernacular element categories are compared against a base
model, all of which have certain constant component so as to compare the overall
energy consumption and peak cooling load value against each other. Description of
every model and the fixed components are as follows:
Fixed Conditions: Location, Site, Site Components, Overall Dimensions and
Height, Materials and Services. Details of each condition are explained further in the
following chapters.
Base Model: Completely glazed building mass oriented with longer sides facing the
east-west direction.
24
Model 01: Orientation A - Completely glazed building mass oriented with longer
sides facing the North-South direction.
Model 01: Orientation B - Completely glazed building mass oriented with longer
sides facing the North-South direction with a high-rise building structure shading
the East facade.
Model 02: Façade Treatment A – External façade of the building developed to be
75% blockwork and 25% fixed glazing.
Model 02: Façade Treatment B – External façade of the building developed to be
75% blockwork and 25% glazing with openable window.
Model 03: Shading A – Strategical shading using perforated aluminum panel
double skin to make 50% shading on the North and South façade and 80% on
the East and West.
Model 03: Shading B – Strategical shading using perforated aluminum panel
double skin to make 70% shading on all sides.
Model 03: Shading C – Strategical shading using precast concrete horizontal box
shading.
Model 04: Effect of Courtyard - Building mass with a courtyard of arbitrary size
oriented in the direction of prevailing wind.
Model 05: Effect of Wind Tower - Building mass with a modern wind tower
designed at a height of 460ft (140m)
25
Each model will be individually evaluated and compared with the base model. The
nine study models are developed on the same base model following a pattern as shown
in the flow chart below.
The flow chart in Figure 3-1 shows the order for development of elements over the
base model following the lower energy consumption values between them. Both the
orientation study models were developed over the base model. Following, the study
models 02 was developed over the orientation B model since it had the lower of the
energy consumption value. Next, study models 03 was advanced over façade treatment
A. Subsequently, study model 04 and 05 follows shading A model consecutively. The
study is concluded with a total comparison between all models and limitations of the
study.
Figure 3-1: Study model development chart
26
CHAPTER 04
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF QATAR
Introduction
When modern contemporary transformation is at full speed, traditional
architecture cease to exist. Vernacular architecture has become a tourist attraction
where existing vernacular buildings are being looked down upon, neglected or
demolished. Traditional buildings are being abandoned as it is perceived that they
reflect underdevelopment and poverty (Sayigh, Marafia, 1998). Figure 4.1 shows the
popular Barzan Tower towering at 14m that
was built back in the 1900s, now renovated
to be a popular tourist spot. The Middle
Eastern architectural elements were
designed to withstand the extreme climatic
condition the region has to offer. Despite
scorching heat with temperature as high as
45°C, vernacular architecture allowed for
the achievement of human comfort passively. With low or no energy consumption,
vernacular elements have found a way to achieve thermal comfort. From the economic
and environmental approaches, vernacular architecture enjoys a comfortable indoor
climate, without requiring initial investments in equipments or expenditure over the life of
the building in electricity consumption, and most importantly: without cause damage to
the environment (Elborombaly, Prieto, 2015). Many of the Middle Eastern vernacular
strategies such as the courtyard, mashrabiya screens, wind-catchers among others
have been abandoned for active systems reliant on fossil fuels.
Figure 4-1, Barzan Towers build in
1900 (Cultural sights to visit in Qatar,
Time out Doha)
Figure 4.1 Barzan Towers build in
1900 (Cultural sights to visit in Qatar,
Time out Doha)
27
The study ‘A review on wind catcher for passive cooling and natural ventilation in
buildings, Part 1 in 2016 (Jomehzadeh et al., 2017) came to the conclusion that
satisfactory occupant comfort levels were achieved using wind catcher system and
various cooling techniques such as evaporation cooling, earth to air heat exchanges
could enhance its performance further. Similarly, a study based in United Arab Emirates
done by Calautit, J, Hughes,B and Nasir, D. reports a 35-73% energy saving for high
rise buildings when mixed mode of ventilation strategies is employed.
Vernacular Elements
The rich vernacular architecture of Qatar has evolved ingenious passive
elements and principles that help achieve interior comfort level. In order to apply the
vernacular elements in to modern architecture, a detail study of the principles and
evolution is essential. Prominent vernacular features in Qatar are discussed below.
Compact Planning
High density compact cities are what designers are trying to achieve today to get
ahead of the uncontrolled urban sprawl that is taking over majority of the cities.
Sustainable development starts at large urban scale and proceeded to smaller building
level. Dense, joined houses with narrow streets were common feature of vernacular
architecture in Qatar. With no shaded trees to provide shelter from the sun, buildings
are strategically planned to shade one another as well as the street. Compact planning
and shared walls also helped to minimize surface exposure to the sun reducing heat
gain.
28
Being an Islamic country,
vernacular architecture followed the
Islamic codes and conventions related
to one’s privacy and socializing. At the
urban form this created clear distinction
between public, semi public and private
areas. The social system requires both
segregation of domestic life and
participation in the economic and religious life of the community (Filippi,2018). One of
the renowned examples was set by the city of Shibam in Yemen (Figure 4.2), known as
the “Manhattan of the desert”, estimated to be nearly 1700 years old is a protected
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 (World Heritage List, UNESCO).
Although compact planning helps to increase walkability, high humidity in Qatar
has always restricted this possibility. Natural cooling and planned ventilation systems
has always been in partnership with hot and dry climate. To achieve this vernacular
planning of Qatar also considered orientation into their compact cities. The streets are
aligned to the prevailing wind through and in to living spaces. Simple convection is set
up by orienting the wider streets in the east - west direction with narrow intersecting
streets making the intersections work mutually as a community focal point as well as the
microclimatic element.
House Design
The Qatari house is not a simple structure: it is a place where relationships
between immediate family members, extended family members, neighbors and society
Figure 4-2, City of Shibam, Yemen.
Source: Nations online- History of Yemen.
FIGURE 3-2 CITY OF SHIBAM, YEMEN. SOURCE: KÄSTLE, K. (N.D.). HISTORY OF
YEMEN. RETRIEVED FROM
HTTP://WWW.NATIONSONLINE.ORG/ONEWORLD
/HISTORY/YEMEN-HISTORY.HTM
29
takes place (Mahgoub, 2013). Extended
families had houses close together,
connected by the courtyards while the
opening to the community was separate and
more secluded. Figure 4.3 shows a
traditional Qatari house with a central
courtyard with a well and private entrance to
living space from the courtyard. Each part of
a house was designed for a specific function, that happens at a specific time of the day.
The orientation, wind direction, privacy and segregation between men and women were
taken in to consideration in designing and assigning specific usage to spaces. Similar to
neighborhood planning, building were also oriented north-south for minimum solar heat
gain and maximum cross ventilation. Typically, most houses used the ground floor for
services such as storage, cooking and washing facilities and the upper floor as living
space. The terrace was also used as sleeping area during hot summer nights.
Although, over the years the concept of neighborhood and housing has changed
drastically, the vernacular model provides a platform for learning the relationship
between space, function and climate.
Courtyard
Courtyards are not exclusive to the vernacular architecture of Qatar or the Middle
East. They have become an eminent part of architecture for centuries in hot, arid and
tropical climatic zones. Although the courtyard element and principle it follows is
common, traditional courtyards of Qatar is governed by the high wall narrow rooms
Figure 4-3, Qatar Traditional House
(Architecture – Modern vs Traditional.
(2012)
FIGURE 3.3 QATAR TRADITIONAL HOUSE. SOURCE: ARCHITECTURE – MODERN V'S
TRADITIONAL. (2012, JANUARY 22). RETRIEVED FROM
HTTPS://DJCADTEAM9.WORDPRESS.COM/2012/01/22/ARCHITECTURE-MODERN-VS-TRADITIONAL/
30
surrounding it with windows facing to the interior. They can be completely open, partially
shaded with canopies, completely indoor or open to another courtyard or street.
Architect Hassan Fathy describes the function of a courtyard as a reservoir of
coolness (Taylor, Nikolopoulou, Mahdjoubi & Cullen, 2009). Among all the benefits of a
courtyard, cross ventilation leading
to improved microclimate providing
a comfortable outdoor space to
enjoy is the most instrumental. As
illustrated with Figure 4.4, the tall
surrounding walls keep the cool
summer night air that decent in to
the courtyard and the surrounding rooms, keeping it cool up until the afternoon. When
the direct sun rays hit the courtyard, the air heats up and rises pulling out the warm air
from the surrounding rooms along with it inducing a comfortable convective current.
Being a desert country, Qatar has a large diurnal temperature variance making the
courtyard concept even more viable.
Figure 4-4, Courtyard effect over a day (Talib, 1984)
FIGURE 3.4. COURTYARD EFFECT OVER A DAY. SOURCE: MISHRA, S. (2016, JANUARY 11). UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGE IN CHARACTER OF COURTYARDS. RETRIEVED FROM
HTTPS://SHUCHIMISHRA.WORDPRESS.COM/2016/01/09/UNDERSTANDING-THE-CHANGE-IN-CHARACTER-OF-COURTYARDS/
Figure 4-5, Restored traditional courtyard
house, Qatar (Msheireb Museums Tour, 2016)
FIGURE 3.5 RESTORED TRADITIONAL COURTYARD
HOUSE, QATAR. SOURCE: MSHEIREB MUSEUMS
TOUR. (N.D.). RETRIEVED FROM
HTTP://WWW.QM.ORG.QA/EN/MSHEIREB-MUSEUMS-TOUR
31
Figure 4.5 shows a recently restored traditional courtyard house in Qatar. Apart
from cross ventilation, courtyards also provide daylight in to the surrounding rooms and
emerge as an exterior patio that is quite and private than the streets. However, the
effects greatly depend on various factors such as size and treatments. When large
courtyards promote ventilation, small interior patios protect against dusty winds which
are common in Qatar. Also presence of vegetation and a water body also provides
shade and evaporative cooling respectively.
Wind Tower
The wind tower or the wind-catcher is an iconic vernacular element of hot arid
regions. As the name suggests, it is a tower with openings directed towards the
prevailing wind. The wind-catcher is a great example as a vernacular element that can
not only reduce energy consumption by creating passive cooling techniques, but also
reduces operational costs and improves the indoor air quality and comfort. From an
economic and environmental approach, this feature creates an architecture that enjoys
a comfortable indoor climate, without requiring initial investment in equipment or
Figure 4-6, Wind tower functions.
(Jomehzadeh, Nejat, Calautit, Yusof,
Zaki, Hughes, & Yazid 2017)
FIGURE 3.6 WIND TOWER FUNCTIONS. (JOMEHZADEH, NEJAT, CALAUTIT, YUSOF, ZAKI, HUGHES, & YAZID 2017)
Figure 4-7, Wind Tower on burj al
hawwa,Qatar (Paramo, A. (n.d.). A
Building with Natural AC)
Figure 3.7 Wind Tower on burj al
hawwa,Qatar.
Source: Paramo, A. (n.d.). A Building
with Natural AC. Retrieved from
https://www.afar.com/places/wind-
tower-doha
32
expenditure over the life of the building in electricity consumption, and most importantly:
without causing damage to the environment (Elborombaly, H. 2015).
The wind tower, also called as ‘Baudgeers’ in Persian and “Malqaf” in Egypt have
been used all around the Middle Eastern region from very early times. Figure 4.7 shows
the only working wind tower in Qatar. As figure 4.6 shows, the tall structures capture
wind at high altitudes because of greater wind velocity and lets it flow in the space
below. During this process the air is passed over clay conduit, water or wetted cloth
among others to cool the air. The source of coolant is referred to as Salasabil. During
night time or when the air is still, the tower will act as a chimney, reversing the process
by pushing the warm air out. When the shape and number of openings can vary as per
style, region and site condition, the height of the wind catcher is normally between 5 and
34m. The higher the opening, the faster and cleaner the air becomes that flows in.
Architect Hassan Fathy refers to the wind catcher as product of climate to control
temperature (Al Sayyed, 2012). They work on simple principles of wind driven air flow
and buoyancy effects which makes it easy to replicate even today as per site conditions.
Material
As form plays a very important role in vernacular architecture, so does material.
Qatar does not have the luxury of using wood or bamboo. Mud is the only locally
available material that is stable with sufficient cohesion strength to make walls. They are
often mixed with materials like straw and wool to achieve the required strength. With
respect to materials, a combination of high thermal resistance and high heat capacity of
the envelope elements is advantageous to hot dry desert climates to minimize
33
conductive heat flow into the building and reduce indoor peak temperatures respectively
(Givoni, 1998). Table 1 below shows the thermal properties of common materials used
in the region. Thick mud walls of over 60cm, with the thermal storage capacity act as an
insulation barrier curbing the large temperature swings that is common to arid regions.
During the day, the wall restricts the heat flow in to the interior and slowly releases it in
the night delaying temperature extremes.
Other materials used in construction were coral stones as reinforcements of mud
walls, lime for interior painting and timber for doors, windows and roof. Timber was not
locally available and imported from countries like India and the Continent of Africa. The
frame work of roof was made of timber poles covered by woven palm mats reinforced
by a mixture of mud and straw.
Experimental tests conducted by Hassan Fathy in Egypt showed a minor
fluctuation of 2°C inside a mud brick structure with 50cm thick roof, when the indoor
temperature swayed between 21-23°C. Where as the concrete structure reached a
temperature of 36°C, the mud structure temperature remained in comfort zone over a
24-hour period.
Table 1 Comparison of thermal and physical properties of commonly used
materials (Gallo, Sala, Sayigh, 1998)
arafia, 1998)
TABLE 2 COMPARISON OF THERMAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COMMONLY USED
MATERIALS (SAYIGH, MARAFIA, 1998)
34
Ventilation Screens
The emphasis on the importance of cross ventilation in hot arid climate is never
enough. The bay window was developed not for decorative purposes alone, but also for
air movement. The ventilation system called as ‘Rowshans”, originated from the Arabic
word “sharbah” which means ‘drink’ and referred to ‘a drinking place’ (Kamal, 2012).
Cooling was also improved by placing water jars near the opening to increase the
evaporative effect of the passing air.
The ornamental, cantilevered space is a perfect example of how vernacular
architecture brings together climate and culture. The rowshans are closed by perforated
or louvered screens called ‘mashrabiyas’ that
provides privacy by not being visible from the
outside while allowing one to see from inside,
with adequate ventilation at the same time as
shown in Figure 4-8. The mashrabiyas may
be described as a complete assembly of
rowshans on a façade, one above the other
(Kamal,2012). The mahrabiyas are almost
entirely made of timber which is kept exposed
or painted. Windows using mashrabiyas provide excellent solution in order to let the
breeze and shade the interior space from the suns glare and provide privacy. When
mashrabiya is an architecture feature of the Middle Eastern region, similar elements
have been used around the world for related purpose like “jali work” in India.
Figure 4-8, Mashrabiya, Cairo, Egypt
(Light Matters: Mashrabiyas
- ArchDaily, 29 May 2014)
FIGURE 3.8 MASHRABIYA, CAIRO, EGYPT. SOURCE: “LIGHT MATTERS: MASHRABIYAS - TRANSLATING
35
Conclusion
Vernacular architecture is the reflection of a communities build form that requires
documentation and preservation. Modern development should be designed with a firm
understanding of the past and the uniqueness of a society. The intimate relationship
between society and its physical environment in vernacular settlement are self-evident
but it is no less significant in those aspects which are frequently the concern of the
architect in studying such settings-the situation of buildings, the resources from which
they are constructed, the technology employed in their fabrication and their function in
meeting the condition of climate or use (Abu-Ghazzeh,1997).
36
CHAPTER 05
CASE STUDY
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Masdar City located in Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates is a perfect
example to demonstrate harmonious
contemporary development with minimal
environmental impact in a hot- arid
region. Besides the climatic similarity,
both Qatar and United Arab Emirates
prospers on the abundance of oil and gas. Abu Dhabi is one of the seven Emirates that
form United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula as
shown in Figure 5.1. Similar to Qatar, Abu Dhabi’s GDP per capital has been on the rise
owing to the large oil reserves that helped the city grow into a global economy. When
80% of the world is still powered on fossil fuels (World bank, 2015), these energy
sources are neither unlimited nor environmentally friendly. As per the study done by
Lee, Braithwaite, Leach and Rogers (2016), United Arab Emirates consumes 7.3 tons of
fossil fuels per capita compared to United Kingdom (UK) citizens consumption of 3.0
tons. Sustainability creates solution that solves the economic, social and environmental
challenges (Ibrahim, 2016). In 2006, with growing population, decreasing natural
resources and climate change uncertainties on the rise, Abu Dhabi decided to
incorporate the ideologies of sustainability in their Vision 2030 agenda. The sudden rise
of green consciousness and western ideology of eco-city fueled the development of
Masdar City. The Masdar Initiative, right after its birth, announced its flagship project:
Figure 5-1, Location of Abu Dhabi with
respect to Doha- Qatar (Retrieved from
Google map)
FIGURE 4 -ERROR! USE THE HOME TAB TO
APPLY 0 TO THE TEXT THAT YOU WANT TO
APPEAR HERE.-4 LOCATION OF ABU DHABI
WITH RESPECT TO DOHA- QATAR. SOURCE: GOOGLE MAP.
37
Masdar City, a new master-planned urban development purpose to become the model
of sustainability and blueprint for the city of the future (Masdar, 2010). While there are
many eco-cities in the world like the Dongtan City in China, Vauban in Germany and
Logroo Montecorvo in Spain, Masdar City, whose master plan is developed by Foster
and Partners, has taken a new holistic approach to address the future energy and
environment in an innovative manner.
Concept, Design and Objectives
The ambitious Masdar City that claimed to be a carbon neutral, zero-waste and
fossil fuel free city was Abu Dhabi’s giant leap from a carbon economy in to a
sustainable economy without downsizing aesthetics. Unlike democratic countries,
decisions on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are solely taken by a concerned emirates
ruler. The driving force behind Masdar
City was Abu Dhabi Future Energy
Company (ADFEC) which is owned and
ran entirely by the Abu Dhabi government.
Due to the sudden economic downfall, the
completion date of 2016 was shifted to
2025.
The objective of the city is to become home to a population of 90,000 made up of
40,000 residents and 50,000 daily commuters (Reiche, 2010). The aim of Masdar is to
prove that a high standard of living is also possible with clean energy and, in addition, to
turn Abu Dhabi into a precursor of renewable energy (Ibrahim, 2016). The eco-city of
the desert of 6 km2 (600 hectares) in area is designed by integrating vernacular
Figure 5-2 Masdar City- project Vision
(Ibrahim, 2015)
FIGURE 4 -ERROR! USE THE HOME TAB TO
APPLY 0 TO THE TEXT THAT YOU WANT TO
APPEAR HERE.-5 MASDAR VISION. SOURCE: IBRAHIM, 2015.
38
architecture elements with ultramodern technology which led to a reduction of 70% in
energy and water requirements than a conventional city. The needed energy is derived
entirely from renewable energy sources: 80% on solar and the rest through wind and
waste materials. Transportation within the development is through a combination of
pedestrian movement, bicycle network, electric vehicles and a light railway that will be
linked to the public transport network making the city a car free zone. Apart from being
energy efficient, the Masdar vision as shown in figure 5-2, was to house the regions first
research institute in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of technology (MIT) to
attract companies, investments and to maintain Abu Dhabi’s position as global energy
leader.
Although it may not be the first such city in the world, the importance of the
project is that Masdar City sets an example for the region and to the possibility of
developing a hybrid design combining passive and renewable energy with the regions
large energy consumption pattern and climatic conditions.
Neighborhood Design
While Abu Dhabi was developed as a modern, energy driven metropolitan city,
Masdar City design sets a perfect example to modern vernacular city planning. The
design is developed with regional vernacular practice in mind, encouraging walkability
for a healthy lifestyle with improved microclimate and compact planning
The neighborhood master plan shows a clear indication of tradition city planning
concept as Figure 5-3 illustrates the master plan render of Masdar City showing group
of building clustered together with major transportation route running cross-sectional,
39
diving them into zones with a maximum of 350m walk to nearest public transport link.
Careful orientation of the city grid helps to reduce solar penetration, while channeling
wind through the streets. Narrow passage with canopies for shading in addition to being
naturally shaded by buildings as shown in figure 5-4, that are allowed to be of maximum
five stories in height creates amiable environment against the harsh climate for short
inner city commutes. These canopies and shading devises are aesthetically
incorporated with solar panels generating guiltless energy to uphold the living standard
and comfort. Streetscape is further shaded with landscape for increase cooling effect.
The beautifully reflected traditional Arab high density, mixed use development has
statistically distributed public spaces, utilities and services that are well incorporated into
the transport corridors.
Figure 5-3, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi-
Master plan render (Masdar City
Masterplan,2013)
FIGURE 4 -3 MASDAR CITY, ABU DHABI- MASTER PLAN RENDER. SOURCE: MASDAR
CITY MASTERPLAN
Figure 5-4, Masdar City- Narrow
Streets (Eco-City in the Desert: A
Visit to Masdar, UAE, 2017)
FIGURE 4-4 MASDAR CITY- NARROW
STREETS. SOURCE: ECO-CITY IN THE
DESERT: A VISIT TO MASDAR, UAE. (2017)
40
Building Design
A walk across Masdar City reveals that,
the character of the buildings is unlike the rest of
Abu Dhabi. The Architects took special care in
incorporating vernacular elements with a modern
edge, giving it a little neighborhood charm. The
marriage of traditional Arabic building practice
and modern technologies satisfy demands for
style, adaptation and flexibility while keeping a
sustainable footprint (Buletti, 2011). Although the development is still under
construction, one of the completed projects is the Masdar Institute of science and
technology, including residential buildings, sports facilities, laboratory building and retail
outlets. Figure 5-5 shows the institutions residential quarters as one sees from the
shaded courtyard. The courtyard provides access along with natural ventilation and
daylight. The university campus is conceptualized around a hierarchy of streets and
squares that form the backdrop to an environment of integration, communication and
co-operations; a place active day or night (Joss
S., 2010). Due to large temperature difference in
Abu Dhabi, internal and external courtyards that
are associated with stack ventilation is ideal.
Siemen headquarters designed by Architect
Sheppard Robson located in Masdar City,
consumes 45% less energy than a conventional
Figure 5-5, Masdar Institute,
Masdar City ( Foster + Partner)
FIGURE 4-5 MASDAR INSTITUTE, MASDAR CITY. SOURCE: FOSTER +
PARTNER
Figure 5-6, Facade Treatment-
Siemen headquarters, Masdar
City. Source: Paul McMullin
(Photographer). (2014, August)
41
office building, incorporates vernacular desert architecture to reduce internal
temperature and increase natural light by integrating nine courtyards in to its form.
The striking feature is the building façade, which is distinct from the regular glass
facades of the region that increase dependency on mechanical cooling systems. The
regular double glazed windows are equipped with a contemporary execution of the
vernacular architecture element of mashrabiya. With the right orientation, the webbed
windows provide adequate daylight and ventilation, while ensuring privacy and security
due to the closeness of the buildings. The Siemen headquarters designed by Architect
Sheppard Robson shown in Figure 5-6, is another façade treatment example that
follows Le Corbusier’s brise soleil feature, double façade of lightweight aluminum
shading device to control the incident light. Cooling energy load is reduced by
minimizing direct solar heat gain with the help of these shading techniques.
Designing architecture with an understanding of the importance of precedents,
and regional vernacular expression is highlighted by Masdar’s buildings that do not
replicate the ideas of Le Corbusier or Hasan Fathy, rather revisit them to create
buildings with facades that are designed so that daylight is distributed adequately in
each room and used as the main light source for a greater portion of the year, and
thereby reduce the demand for artificial lighting (El Amrousi, 2017).
A Wide range of material has been used throughout the project for thermal
insulation ranging from terracotta tiles, recycled aluminum panels, clay tiles, glass fiber
reinforced concrete (GRC), certified timber, low carbon concrete and cement
replacement. Prefabrication of key elements was used to reduce wastage and in-site
waste segregation and recycling helped in minimizing landfills.
42
Special Features
Experimentation and innovation often
requires talent and fund. With complete support
from the Emirate, Masdar City turned into an
experimental lab with participation from many
international talents. Method of energy generation
and carbon dioxide emission of the country being
on top of the cause for international scrutiny,
Masdar City developed various methods to outrun this problem with experimental
alternative energy models and cooling systems. Some of the systems are discussed
below.
Along with featuring the regions vernacular architecture in master plan and
building level, Masdar City also developed a take on traditional wind tower. Wind energy
stands at mature technology to offset large proportion of power worldwide utilizing
different wind turbine configuration and sizes (Janajreh, Su and Alan, 2013). United
Arab Emirates, as part of their 2030 vision has been exploring the possibilities of
harvesting wind energy. This comes as no surprise as wind tower called Barjeel in
Arabic was a stunning feature in the regions vernacular architecture. Masdar institute
developed a modern wind tower, rising 45m above ground to capture the cooler air at
high altitude and reroute it at ground level, image of which is shown in Figure 5-7. The
hybrid design element works on the same principle as a tradition wind tower. However,
smart alterations such as adjustable sensor controlled louvers to catch any prevailing
winds and mist jets on the inside can reduce the temperature by around 5°C. The iconic
Figure 5-7 Masdar City- Wind
Tower. (Foster + Partner, 2013)
FIGURE 4-7 MASDAR CITY WIND
TOWER. SOURCE: FOSTER +
PARTNER
43
symbol at the center of Masdar City shows how vernacular solutions need not stay in
the past.
The first thought of a renewable energy resource in a desert country is always
solar. Masdar City’s power infrastructure features a range of renewable energy
technologies; including a range of photovoltaic plants (PV), a concentrating solar
thermal power plant (CSP), evacuated thermal tube collectors, and a waste-to-energy
plant (Nader, 2009). Recycled water and treated sewage was also planned to be used
as dry renewable fuel.
Practical Challenges
Low and zero carbon renewable energy technologies are typically applied on a
small scale and have, as yet, made only a marginal contribution to overall global energy
production (Nader, 2009). Masdar City is one of the largest of such initiatives and many
of the goals are still on paper. While the project’s initial completion date got extended
from 2010 to 2025, due to the economic downfall with the drop in oil price, it also
caused numerous changes to financial and project goals like zero carbon became
carbon neutral.
Solar radiation can be called zero-waste only if directly used as an energy source
as storing photovoltaic power is inefficient. As for the solar panels, the frequent dust
storms in summer cover the panel and reduces the efficiency tremendously.
Premalatha, Tauseef, T. Abbasi and S.A Abbasi (2013) states how zero carbon is
unachievable as per the Second law of Thermodynamics; it is impossible to have 100%
efficiency for any organism or machine.
44
A Fundamental lifestyle trait of the United Arab Emirates promotes the use of
private vehicles with low petrol price making car free neighborhoods unattractive to
residents. The energy economical cooling system would bring the indoor temperature
down to 25°C, which is culturally acceptable comfortable temperature but may not be
acceptable as citizens are used to a much lower ambient temperature.
Conclusion
For a city known to grow vertically with glass facade skyscrapers powered by
fossil fuel, Masdar City as a model of Abu Dhabi’s new vision was an enormous
challenge that received worldwide attention. While there is an ambitious, innovative and
futuristic Masdar City on one side, there are energy driven projects on the other, makes
one wonder if it was all a publicity stunt. The piece de resistance of Masdar City is its
fusion of the concept of traditional Arab architecture and town planning with the post-
modern concept of intelligent buildings that seeks to minimize energy and material use
(Premalatha, Tauseef, Abbasi, 2013). Sustainable design cannot only rely only on
environmental criteria but also needs to be a catalyst for good quality of life and good
services for all including local culture and traditions (McDonald, Malys, and Malienė,
2009). With all the flaws, Masdar City created a platform for reforms. The project was
ready to accept its downfalls, record, study and develop them better as they opened a
possibility for improvement for the entire region.
45
Case Study 02- Doha Tower, Qatar
Cities around the world have come a long way, over the years, some have
successfully retained history aesthetically while others gave way to pressure to be
modern frontrunners. Urban development of a city and building design depends on
several factors like socio-culture factors, climatic conditions, political, among other. This
is why some design element that works in certain cities do not succeed in others. It is
also where vernacular architecture plays a role in educating the designers to develop
respecting the regional environment. With urbanization came mobility of people, causing
the rise of metropolitans and mega cities. The local build environment became a sign for
modernism and advancement across the globe, spectacular architecture became the
cover for marketing and branding brochures for the "Bilbao Effect". When development
began in Qatar, the western style was already in play; making them a blind follower.
Architects developed projects to match this requirement with little concern for regional
styles. Doha Tower, named the Best Tall Building in the World by Chicago-based
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in 2012 and shortlisted for Aga
Khan award for architecture became an exceptional example incorporating regional
elements to reduce energy consumption.
Doha Tower, designed by French Architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel, 6th tallest
building in Qatar, 79th in the Middle East is a 46-storey office building located at the
business center of Doha, West Bay along the Cornish Road. The iconic tower that forms
a part of the city’s skyline was commissioned by Sheikh Saud bin Mohammad al-Thani,
who was then Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage. His strategy was to develop the
area with iconic structures keeping others cities like New York and Hong Kong as a
46
baseline to achieve international recognition. The Doha Tower was initiated as a
supreme part of this initiative, to give the city a distinct identity. He was also responsible
for commissioning other developments like the National Islamic Museum by I.M. Pei and
the National Museum of Qatar by Jean Nouvel. His vision for Qatar and Doha, and the
significant decisions regarding these national Qatari investments he personally made,
made him a pioneer in the long-term political and economic strategy for the Emirate of
Qatar (Karakus, 2016).
Site and Surroundings
West Bay business district was developed as an extension of the main Doha city
due to the sudden population surge. Developed over a period of time with multiple
consultants, involvement of government organizations and the varying tide of oil prices
led to an inconsistent development with a decidedly western perspective. The area is
connected through wide multi-lane road that are intersected by smaller roads, diving
them in to zones and plots. The district is dominated by towers with the Doha Tower
being one of them. There is no proper provision for pedestrian or bicycle network,
making each tower separated and isolated
with own private parking. Vehicular
transport becomes the only viable mode of
transportation in this area. Efforts are being
taken all across the city to promote
pedestrian and bicycle activities to reduce
dependency on private vehicles.
Figure 5-8, Doha Tower Entrance.
(Doha Tower-arch2o, 2015)
47
In order to not break the façade for the entrance, a hidden entrance at basement
level serves the purpose. Along with the design purpose the careful location shaded the
entrance from unwanted solar glare. While the vehicular ramp slopes down as shown in
figure 5-8, pedestrian access through staircase is also provided, all of which is covered
by a semi translucent pergola. When the project
has an approximate 60% coverage, the remaining
land is beautifully landscaped creating a contract to
the urban settling surrounding it.
Building Design
A cylindrical building of 45m diameter
topped by a circular dome, the Doha Tower
generates a prominent visual impact. The circular
interior space is kept column free with extensive
reinforced concrete grid running behind the exterior
façade which becomes a major visual element for
the interior and the rectangular core at the center that house the elevators and utilities.
Without a robust requirement from the client, whose foremost intension was to have an
iconic building to complete the city’s skyline, now occupies office space with a
penthouse at the top with private entrance. Although being circular in shape, there is no
dominant side for visual element, but tall buildings to the north and west obstructs view
over the city.
The most noticeable feature of the building is the façade cladding. Like most of
the other towers in the region, glass façade makes a layer. Unlike other towers, the
Figure 5-9 Doha Tower, Qatar.
(Doha Tower-arch2o, 2015)
48
design team recognized the local architecture practice,
climate, energy load of buildings in the region and
responded appropriately with the use of screens.
Nouvel’s design for the Doha Tower is based on a
round-tower typology covered with a facade in
aluminum as an adaptation of the Islamic mashrabiya
screen with an abstract, geometric pattern at different
scales producing a sculptural aesthetic (Karakus,
2016). As wooden screens called mashrabiya were a
big part of the vernacular architecture of the region,
aluminum screens resembling the classic mashrabiya
pattern was used to shield the interior from solar rays. By doing so not only did they
respond to the regions climate responsibly, but also made a connection to the local
culture. Adequate shading is a basic principle in sustainable development which was
made as an attractive concept by the design team. With respect to the suns movement,
60% opacity is achieved on the east and west side, whereas south is shaded 40% and
north by 25%. Again the integrity of the ancient pattern was not compromised here,
instead multiple layers of varying scale that follow a pattern were used to increase
denseness where required. This change in pattern is not visible from a distance giving
the tower a even façade. The all too familiar glass façade in a desert climate requires
frequent cleaning due to duct storms which is both time and money laden. Doha tower
façade has a double skin of glass and panels with a service walkway in between making
the glass less susceptible to dust and much easier to clean. Careful orientation and
Figure 5-10, Facade Density
(Doha Tower-arch2o, 2015)
FIGURE 4-10- FACADE
DENSITY. SOURCE: HBK, 2015
49
skillful shading design helps in reducing the energy consumption by 20%. For a tower
with a built-up area of approximately 110,000 m2, this is a large savings.
Conclusion
With a scorching climate and a high standard of living, introducing energy saving
techniques, sustainable development or passive design has its risks and criticism. “Why
should I spend on such development when electricity is cheap?” Or “Would I get the
same interior comfort temperature?” These are some of the common questions faced by
developers and designers in Qatar. Brand architecture and an owner with a vision made
Doha Tower possible. While the building is not a huge hit with the real estate market
due to high rent, Doha tower has found its place on every brochure for marketing the
advancement and development of the country. Building does not have to look
vernacular to be vernacular. Doha tower is a perfect example that portrayed vernacular
on an outright modern building. The strategic selection of façade to showcase the
element makes the tower standout and set an example for hybrid development.
50
CHAPTER 06
ENERGY MODELING DISCUSSION:
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
In order to do a compare and contrast study of energy consumption of various
models, a base model is developed and studied to represent current practice. All the
variations are developed over the base model keeping the site, overall dimensions,
materials and services constant. By keeping these values constant, the models can be
compared against energy consumption and peak cooling load alone. Each of these
fixed conditions are explained below in detail followed by each model description. The
chapter concludes with a comparative study between all the models to the base model.
Location, Site and overall dimension
The conceptual model of study is in the newly developed West Bay district with
close proximity to the case study, Doha tower. Figure 6-1 illustrates the site location for
the study model and Doha tower marked in red and blue respectively. West bay is the
Figure 6-1, Site location showing conceptual model plot marked in red, proximity of Doha Tower (Case Study) marked in blue (Retrieved from Google map)
Figure 6-2 - Sun Path diagram on the chosen site between September and June (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
51
business hub of Qatar that has shaped the skyline with numerous high-rise
developments making it the ideal location for the study. The selected site is modeled in
Autodesk Revit together with the surrounding buildings and features as shown in Figure
6-2 and Figure 6-3. While there are existing high-rise office buildings to the north, north-
east and south-west, the site is open to the east. Shadows of the surrounding features,
buildings and distance between them effects energy analysis, so the site conditions are
kept constant throughout the study. An arbitrary dimension of 100m x 60m was chosen
for the conceptual mass model as illustrated in the site plan in Figure 6-3. A height of
Figure 6 -3, Site plan showing the proposed building and surrounding
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Existing Building
Existing
Building
Existing
Building
Existing
Building
Site Proposed
Building
52
590ft or 180m was chosen as an average of the high-rise buildings around the area as
shown in Figure 6-4.
Materials and Services
Building materials and techniques have advanced over time and Vernacular
architecture materials have their limitations for structural stability in high-rise
developments. Over the years similar material properties are achievable with less
maintenance materials. Below the list of materials used in this study with their properties
are given.
Table 2- Materials used in the study model with properties (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit
Material Thickness Inch
Thermal Conductivity btu/(hr·ft·°F)
Specific Heat btu/(lb·°F)
Density Lb/ft3
Emissivity R-Value
Exterior Wall-Concrete Blockwork
8 inch 0.1284 0.2006 112 0.95 1.11
Figure 6-4, Site elevation from the East showing the surrounding buildings
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
53
Exterior Wall-Glazing Material
Double Glazed 1/4 inch
0.5245 0.2006 155 0.4 3.13
Roof- Concrete
12 inch with insulation board
0.1201 0.1569 144 0.95 1.65
Floor Slabs Concrete with R-2 insulation board
0.2460 0.1569 144 0.95 1.65
Shading Material
Perforated Aluminum sheet
132.8915 0.2142 168 0.20 1.80
Building cooling top the list for energy consumption in buildings in Qatar, making
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems important in energy modeling.
Along with it is building occupancy, lighting, building operational schedule among
others. Below are the building data input into Autodesk Insight for this study.
Table 3- Building data used for the energy analysis (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Building Data Description
Occupancy Office
Operational Schedule 12/7
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning Package Unit
Base Model
A comparable model that depicts the current practice in Qatar. The base model is
a multi-storied concrete structure with the measurements as discussed. The model is
oriented with the longer side along the North-South, exposing the larger facades to the
sun. The building envelope is developed to have 95% glazing. Under the defined
54
conditions, Autodesk Insight analyzed the base model to consume 45 kBtu per square
feet of area per year or 142 kWh per square meter per year.
Figure 6-3 illustrates the cooling load model for the base model. The orientation
and non-shaded glass façade creates the need for high cooling load as shown in red.
Autodesk Insight calculated the resulting peak cooling load to be 51kBtu/h in the
summer month of August. The total energy consumed and the cooling load values will
be used for the further comparative model study. Since the study is done on a primitive
conceptual mode, the numbers calculated in the study is not accurate for designs with a
specific functional, program and client, but can be used in a comparable level.
Study Model 01: Orientation – A
Careful building orientation as per site condition is the primary key to reducing
solar heat gain. While the base model discussed before was oriented with its longer
side along the North-South axis, for study model 01, the model is rotated along the
central axis to align in the East-West axis. By doing so the shorter side gets exposed to
the sun, but reduces the overall building energy consumption by decreasing the total
Figure 6-5, Base Model- Cooling
load model (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-6, Base Model- Peak cooling
load (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
FIGURE -ERROR! USE THE HOME TAB TO
APPLY 0 TO THE TEXT THAT YOU WANT TO
APPEAR HERE.-6
55
façade exposure. In this setting Autodesk Insight analyzed the model to consume 43.5
kBtu per square feet of area per year or 137 kWh per square meter per year.
The energy consumption
comparison to the base model is shown in
figure 6-7, with a 3.33% reduction in energy
consumption per square feet of area.
Similarly, the cooling load shown in Figure 6-5
shows a significant difference from the base
model. The area showing high need for
cooling load is reduced substantially.
Study Model 01: Orientation – B
Density in vernacular architecture was about developing a close cluster that
reduced walking distance providing better proximity to services and provide shades in
between buildings. The same can be applied in high-rise development. The Autodesk
Figure - 6-7, Orientation A-
Cooling load model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-8, Orientation A- Peak cooling load
model (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-9, Orientation A with Base
model comparison on total energy
consumption (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
56
Insight model has an open space towards the East side. A high-rise mass model is
placed on the East side of the building analysis model to study the effect of shadows of
surrounding developments. With this development, Autodesk Insight calculated the
energy consumption to be 42.9 kBtu per square
feet per year or 135kWh per square meter per
year.The cooling load model shown in Figure 6-8
confirms the effect of shading surrounding
developments can create. The shorter side facing
the East direction shows a reduction in cooling
requirements. At the same time, when compared
with the base model as shown in Figure 6-10,
there is a 4.6% energy reduction.
Study Model 02: Façade Treatment – A
While most high-rise towers of the region are glass cladded increasing the
cooling load due to high solar heat gain, daylighting requires glass facades. This makes
Figure 6-10, Orientation B- Cooling
load model (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-11: Orientation B- Peak cooling
load (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-12: Comparison of Base
model with orientation B on basis
of total energy consumption
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
57
the need to know the right percentage of glazing against solid wall. In Study model 02-
façade treatment A, the facades are developed with 75% of exposed area to be 200mm
blockwork and keeping the remaining area of
25% as fixed glazing. Autodesk Insight
analyzed the model in current setting to utilize
41.7kBtu per square feet per year or 132kWh
per square meter per year. The calculated
peak cooling load provided in Figure 6-12
shows a substantial reduction of a difference
of approximately 40kBtu per hour. This
variance is also clearly evident in Figure 6-11
were the region showing red is not only reduced but the value of high range of the color
code is also very low compared to the base model. Similarly Figure 6-13 compares the
current model to the base model with a 7.3% reduction in total energy consumption.
Figure - 6-13: Façade treatment A-
Cooling load model (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-14: Façade treatment a- Peak
cooling load (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-15: Comparison between
façade treatment A and base model
on total energy consumption
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
58
Study Model 02: Façade Treatment – B
Similar to façade treatment A, the façade of the building is modeled with 75% of
exposed area to be of 200mm solid blockwork and remaining 25% to be glazing. While
in the previous model the glazing
area was designed to be fixed, façade
treatment B is developed with openable
windows to analyze the effect of possible
ventilation. By doing so Autodesk Insight
evaluated the model to consume an energy of
43.3kBtu per square feet per year or 137kWh
per square meter per year. Although the total
energy value is slightly higher than the façade
treatment A model, Figure 6-14 and Figure 6-15 shows a decrease in the cooling load
value. Also in the comparative graph in Figure 6-16 with the base model shows the
possibility of a much lower energy consumption with other alternative design.
Figure - 6-16: Façade treatment B-
Cooling load model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-17: Façade treatment B- Peak
cooling load (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-18: Total energy
consumption comparison between
façade treatment B and base model
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
59
Study Model 03: Shading – A
Vernacular architecture of the region shows various shading techniques, the
most fashionable and modernized being the mashrabiya. There are numerous
approaches to shading in high-rise development including kinetic devices that update
the benefits of the mashrabiya. For
study model 02 a double skin of perforated
aluminum panels is fixed at a distance of 3ft
(approx. 1000m) away from the building
structure. Such a shading system can bring
in indirect sunlight while minimizing the heat
gain. For shading model- A, the perforations
on the aluminum panel are designed to make
50% shading on the North and South façade
and 80% on the East and West. Autodesk Insight analysis of the model showed an
annual consumption of 40.7kBtu per square feet per year or 129kWh per square meter
per year. With a 9.5% reduction in overall energy analysis from the base model the
Figure - 6-19: Shading A- Cooling
load model (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-20: Shading A-Peak cooling load
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-21: Total energy
consumption comparison between
shading A and base model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
60
comparative graph is shown in Figure 6-19. The cooling load model illustrated in Figure
6-17 shows a low cooling load for the east and west but variant load level for the longer
side due to the pattern perforations.
Study Model 03: Shading – B
Shading B model uses similar
shading design as the previously discussed
study. In this instance, the percentage of
perforations on the aluminum panel was
changed to cover 70% on all sides. The
model analysis by Autodesk Insight resulted
in overall energy consumption of 41.9kBtu
per square feet per year or 132kWh per
square meter per year. Despite a slight
increase in the total energy consumption from the shading-A model, the cooling load
model shows an improved load requirement. With a 6.9% reduction in total energy
Figure - 6-22, Shading B-
Cooling load model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-23, Shading B- Peak cooling load
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-24, Total energy
consumption comparison between
shading A and base model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
61
consumption compared to the base model as shown in Figure 6-22, shading models A
and B shows how the energy analysis can change at the slight change of exposure
ratios.
Study Model 03: Shading – C
In the shading C model scenario,
a regular 15inch (40cm) precast concrete
box shading is designed. The resulting
model analysis by Autodesk Insight
calculated an overall building energy
consumption to be 42.7kBtu per square
feet per year or 129kWh per square
meter per year. The shading model
analysis show the need to find the right proportion, material and angle of shading or a
combination to reduce cooling load along with energy consumption. The energy
Figure 6-25, Shading C-
Cooling load model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-26, Shading C- Peak cooling load
(Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-27, Total energy consumption
comparison between shading C and base
model (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
62
consumption is the highest among the shading devices, with a 5% reduction from base
model as shown in Figure 6-25. However, the peak cooling load is one of the least and
lowest among the three study model 03 as shown in Figure 6-24 and illustrated in
Figure 6-23.
Study Model 04: The Courtyard Effect
Courtyards have been part of vernacular architecture of the region, around the
world and they remain an element popular with current practices for its connectivity,
daylighting, ventilation or as a social
gathering zone. However, courtyards are
common in low and midrise development
and will not serve the purpose with regards
to daylighting and ventilation on a high-rise
building. As a result, study model 04 is
developed with a courtyard of arbitrary size
of width 50ft (15m) to cut across the mass
model creating a semi open courtyard. The
Figure 6-28, Effect of courtyard- Cooling
load model (Retrieved from Autodesk
Revit)
Figure 6-29, Effect of courtyard- Peak
cooling load (Retrieved from Autodesk
Revit)
Figure 6-30, Total energy consumption
comparison between courtyard model
and base model (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
63
courtyard is oriented in the prevailing wind direction of Northwest. The resulting
Autodesk Insight model estimated an energy consumption of 40.2kBtu per square feet
per year or 129kWh per square meter per year.
Aside from a 10.6% reduction in overall energy consumption as illustrated in
Figure 6-25, the peak cooling load has a drastic 76% reduction from the base model.
Figure 6-25 also shows lower possible consumption values with alternatives analyzed
by Autodesk Insight.
Study Model 05: Effect of Wind Tower
The raised wind tower or wind catcher is a striking feature of passive vernacular
architecture in the region. The reason to raise the wind tower over a low rise
development is to catch the wind as the speed of wind is higher at higher ground. The
same reason can be used to our benefit on a high-rise building. For the study, a wind
catcher was designed at an arbitrary height of 460ft (140m) on the windward side on the
North side of the building with openings facing the North and Northwest. The tower that
runs along the north façade has been provided with opening on each floor creating
Figure 6-31, Effect of wind tower-
Cooling load model (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
Figure 6-32, Effect of wind tower- Peak
cooling load (Retrieved from Autodesk Revit)
64
stack effect. With this development,
Autodesk Insight calculated the energy
model to consume 39.7kBtu per square
feet per year or 129kWh per square
meter per year.
With 11.7% reduction in energy
consumption from the base model,
study model 05 has not only shown the
lowest energy consumption but also the lowest peak cooling load as shown in Figure 6-
27 and the possibility to reduce the load further down to 36kBtu with alternative design
updates. Over the year’s wind towers have been used sparsely across the globe. Most
of them have deviated from the tradition style by installing water sprays and fans to
improve and better the design. Such modifications can further reduce the cooling load
and overall energy consumption.
Conclusion
Understanding the vernacular architecture of a region is the beginning to
respecting the region and site. The study methodologically analyzed various models
using vernacular architecture elements and concepts to compare a base model
designed using common practice for high-rise buildings in the region with regards to its
overall energy consumption and cooling load. The results as discussed earlier in this
Figure 6-33: Figure 6-30, Total energy
consumption comparison between wind
tower model and base model (Retrieved
from Autodesk Revit)
65
chapter shows significant difference in values proving the study statement of how
vernacular design elements can help reduce energy consumption.
Each of the nine models segregated in to five study group has been discussed in
detail previously and compared with the base model on both the energy consumption
and the peak cooling load.
Figure 6-29 illustrated the graph combining all energy consumption values in
order to get a broader picture to connect all the study models together. While the black
spot on each bar shows the calculated energy consumption for each model, the extend
of the colored bar shows the possible alterations that can change the value and its
limits. Every modeled studied has shown a lower energy consumption value. Although
Figure 6-34, Overall energy comparison between all models (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
66
the numbers and percentages may seem small, when calculated over the total area of
the building they create significant energy savings.
In the case of shading model A and shading model B, the energy consumption of
Model B is higher than that of shading model A, the cooling load of A is higher. It can be
assumed that this increase is caused due to the effected reduction in daylighting and
the need for artificial lighting.
Figure 6-35, Peak cooling load comparison for all the study models (Retrieved from
Autodesk Revit)
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
BaseModel
StudyModel 01:
OrientationA
StudyModel 01:
OrientationB
StudyModel 02:
FaçadeTreatment
A
StudyModel 02:
FaçadeTreatment
B
StudyModel 03:Shading A
StudyModel 03:Shading B
StudyModel 03:Shading C
StudyModel 04:Courtyard
StudyModel 05:
WindTower
Peak Cooling Load
Peak Cooling Total Load (kBtu/h) Peak Cooling Sensible Load (kBtu/h) Peak Cooling Latent Load (kBtu/h)
67
CHAPTER 07
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study revealed the benefits of using vernacular elements as a hybrid design
strategy for current architecture practice. For a comparative study purely based on the
total energy consumption and peak cooling load, variables such as site, building mass,
cooling system among others were kept constant. Some of the constant value taken
such as overall dimensions and height are arbitrary values based on the average
around the area. The energy analysis model developed for this study is not perfect, the
study merely suggests the benefits of using and designing around vernacular principles.
In the comparative study, certain models showed some unpredictable variance in
the analyzed total energy consumption values, for example; one may assume that in
study model 03- shading B should have a better energy consumption while comparing
between shading A since shading B has a higher percentage of shaded region. Yet
there is a slight increase in total energy consumption but reduction in peak cooling load.
While this could have happened due to various reasons, one of them could be the
increase in the lighting load due to over shading in B.
Energy modeling softwares are also evolving. The values received are exclusive
and depends on various factors. The study itself proves that the numbers change
considerably with minor developments. A completely developed project of similar
variables could attain considerably different number on energy hypothesis. Hence the
study is developed using the numbers achieved through Autodesk Insight but analyzed
and discussed through percentage change achieved.
68
CHAPTER 07
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
The current rate of building and infrastructure development that is completely
reliant on non-renewable energy causing environmental issues, makes the need for
sustainable development long overdue. Cities like Qatar is evolving, cities are growing
outwards and upwards and will continue to do so. Sustainability is the only way going
forward. Vernacular architecture principles have been knowingly or unknowingly used
and developed over time. Understanding the regions culture and tradition is the key to
achieving a real sustainable future. Many of the sustainable design and green building
principles and techniques are evolved from vernacular architecture.
Many people still question the lessons vernacular architecture can teach us.
Passive design and vernacular architecture always raise the question of comfort and the
realism of execution. With the advancement in technology and thoughtful design, this
perception can be changed. Future study can emphasis these techniques and the
passive nature of contemporary architecture The quality of these vernacular strategies
have been proved in cited case studies: exemplary built projects in the region such as
Masdar City and Doha tower in the region. The degree of challenge Masdar City took up
is commendable and inspirational. Doha Tower aesthetically showed sustainable design
with a take on vernacular architecture concept on high-rise development and
subsequently reducing energy consumption.
The study proved the hypothesis with an overall reduction of 3.33% to 11.7% in
energy consumption and 77% in peak cooling load over the study models. With
additional time and resources, the study can be extended to perform a more
69
comprehensive analysis using detailed building models, different variations or different
energy analysis software.
Vernacular architecture no longer needs to look vernacular. Many architects
around the world have embraced vernacular design principles in high-rise projects
successfully. High-rise development can be the way to beat urban sprawl and proper
integration with vernacular architecture might just be the solution to a sustainable future.
70
REFERENCE
• Abu-Ghazzeh, T. M. (1997). Vernacular architecture education in the Islamic society of Saudi Arabia: Towards the development of an authentic contemporary built environment. Habitat International, 21(2), 229-253. doi:10.1016/s0197-3975(96)00056-2
• Ali, M. M., & Al-Kodmany, K. (2012). Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat of the 21st Century: A Global Perspective. Buildings, 2(4), 384-423. doi:10.3390/buildings2040384
• Al Sayyed, W. (2012). Vernacular Architecture Seeking an Approach. Lonaard Magazine, 2(8), 2045 - 8150.
• Al-Jokhadar, A., & Jabi, W. (2017). Applying The Vernacular Model To High-Rise Residential Development In The Middle East And North Africa. International Journal of Architectural Research: ArchNet-IJAR, 11(2), 175. doi:10.26687/archnet-ijar.v11i2.1254
• Al-Kodmany, K. (2018). The Sustainability of Tall Building Developments: A Conceptual Framework. Buildings, 8(1), 7. doi:10.3390/buildings8010007
• Architecture – Modern v's Traditional. (2012, January 22). Retrieved from https://djcadteam9.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/architecture-modern-vs-traditional/
• A. (2013). Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. Retrieved from https://www.ashrae.org/File Library/Technical Resources/Standards and Guidelines/Standards Addenda/55_2013_b_20141209.pdf
• Buletti, N., (2011). An analysis of Masdar City’s communication strategy Using speech act theory to go beyond the corporate façade. University of Friburg, Faculty of Science, Geosciences Department.
• Calautit, J. K., Hughes, B. R., & Nasir, D. S. (2017). Climatic analysis of a passive cooling technology for the built environment in hot countries. Applied Energy, 186, 321-335. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.05.096
• Climate Doha. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/forecast/modelclimate/doha_qatar_290030
• De Filippi, Francesca. (2018). Traditional architecture in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt: space, form and building systems.
• Doha Tower | Jean Nouvel. (2015, June 24). Retrieved from https://www.arch2o.com/doha-tower-jean-nouvel/
• Eco-City in the Desert: A Visit to Masdar, UAE. (2017, May 31). Retrieved from https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/eco-city-in-desert-visit-to-masdar-uae.html
• Eddisford, D., & Carter, R. (2017). The vernacular architecture of Doha, Qatar. Post-Medieval Archaeology, 51(1), 81-107. doi:10.1080/00794236.2017.1320918
• Elborombaly Hossam Hassan, Luis Fernando Molina Prieto. (2015) Adaptation of Vernacular Designs for Contemporary Sustainable Architecture in Middle East and Neotropical region. Asian Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology.
71
• Electric power consumption (kWh per capita). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC
• El Amrousi, M., "Masdar City: As an Example of Sustainable Facades and Building Skins," International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 40-44, February 2017. doi: 10.18178/ijscer.6.1.40-44
• Energy consumption in Qatar. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.worlddata.info/asia/qatar/energy-consumption.php
• Felix, M., & Elsamahy, E. (2017). The Efficiency of Using Different Outer Wall Construction Materials to Achieve Thermal Comfort in Various Climatic Zones. Energy Procedia, 115, 321-331. doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2017.05.029
• Foruzanmehr, A., & Vellinga, M. (2011). Vernacular architecture: Questions of comfort and practicability. Building Research & Information, 39(3), 274-285. doi:10.1080/09613218.2011.562368
• Foster + Partners website. (2012). http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Data/Sustainability, Accessed on 2018
• Gallo, C., Sala, M., & Sayigh, A. A. (1998). Architecture: Comfort and energy. New York: Elsevier Science.
• Givoni, B., 1998. Climate Considerations in Building and Urban Design, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
• G. (2008, July). Qatar National Vision 2030. Retrieved July 10, 2018, from https://www.mdps.gov.qa/en/knowledge/HomePagePublications/QNV2030_English_v2.pdf
• Ibrahim, H. G. (2016). Regeneration of Sustainability in Contemporary Architecture: Approach Based on Native Function and Activities to Strengthen Identity. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 216, 800-809. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.12.077
• Ibrahim, I. (2016). Livable Eco-Architecture Masdar City, Arabian Sustainable City. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 216, 46-55. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.12.070
• Increasing aridity will disrupt soil nutrient cycles in global drylands. (2015, February 27). Retrieved from http://www.sustainapedia.com/increasing-aridity-will-disrupt-soil-nutrient-cycles-global-drylands/
• Janajreh, I., Su, L., & Alan, F. (2013). Wind energy assessment: Masdar City case study. Renewable Energy, 52, 8-15. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2012.09.025
• Jomehzadeh, F., Nejat, P., Calautit, J. K., Yusof, M. B., Zaki, S. A., Hughes, B. R., & Muhammad Noor Afiq Witri Muhammad Yazid. (2017). A review on windcatcher for passive cooling and natural ventilation in buildings, Part 1: Indoor air quality and
72
thermal comfort assessment. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 70, 736-756. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.254
• Joss S. (2010). Eco-Cities—A Global Survey 2009. WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment.
• KAHRAMAA Annual Statistics Report (Rep.). (2017, November). Retrieved June 15, 2018, from KAHRAMAA website: file:///C:/Users/Anjala Salim/Downloads/Landscape A4 Size-English.pdf
• Kamal, M. A. (2012). A Study of Traditional Built Form of Jeddah with Reference to its Climatic Design. Lonaard Magazine, 2(10), 2045 - 8150. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
• Karakuş, G. (2012). 2016 On Site Review Report (Rep.). Retrieved June 20, 2018, from https://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/10762/original/DTP103147.pdf?1476108725
• Karakus, G. (n.d.). 2016 On Site Review Report- Doha Tower Architect (Rep.).
• Kastle, K. (n.d.). ___ History of Yemen. Retrieved from http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Yemen-history.htm
• Leasing Opportunities. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.msheireb.com/#welcome
• Lee, S. E., Braithwaite, P., Leach, J. M., & Rogers, C. D. (2016). A comparison of energy systems in Birmingham, UK, with Masdar City, an embryonic city in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 65, 1299-1309. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2016.07.019
• Light Matters: Mashrabiyas - Translating Tradition into Dynamic Facades. (2014, May 29). Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/510226/light-matters-mashrabiyas-translating-tradition-into-dynamic-facades
• Mahgoub, Y. (2013). An interdisciplinary approach to study Qatari traditional architecture. Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Proceedings, (2013). doi:10.5339/qfarf.2013.sshp-022
• McDonald, Sally & Malys, Naglis & Maliene, Vida. (2009). Urban regeneration for sustainable communities: A case study. Technological and Economic Development. 15. 49-59.
• Meir, Isaac & Peeters, Aviva & Pearlmutter, D & Halasah, Suleiman & Garb, Yaakov & Davis, John-Michael. (2012). Green Building Standards in MENA: An Assessment of Regional Constraints, Needs and Trends. Advances in Building Energy Research. 10.1080/17512549.2012.740209.
• Mutuli, I. (2016, January 02). National Library in Singapore by Ken Yeang, an Effort Towards Sustainability in the Tropics. Retrieved from https://www.archute.com/2016/01/02/national-library-in-singapore-by-ken-yeang-an-effort-towards-sustainability-in-the-tropics/
73
• M. (2010). Masdar City, The city of possibilities (Rep.).
• M. (2013). Masdar City Masterplan (Rep.)
• Nader, S. (2009). Paths to a low-carbon economy—The Masdar example. Energy Procedia, 1(1), 3951-3958. doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2009.02.199
• Nationsonline.org, K. K. (n.d.). ___ Qatar. Retrieved from https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/qatar.htm
• Paramo, A. (n.d.). A Building with Natural AC. Retrieved from https://www.afar.com/places/wind-tower-doha
• Ponzini, D., & Arosio, P. M. (2016). Urban effects of the transnational circulation of branded buildings: Comparing two skyscrapers and their context in Barcelona and Doha. URBAN DESIGN International, 22(1), 28-46. doi:10.1057/udi.2016.11
• Premalatha, M., Tauseef, S., Abbasi, T., & Abbasi, S. (2013). The promise and the performance of the worlds first two zero carbon eco-cities. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 25, 660-669. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2013.05.011
• P. (2018). 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects (Publication). United Nations.
• Qatar - Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://regions.ctbuh.org/qatar
• Qatar GDP | 1970-2018 | Data | Chart | Calendar | Forecast | News. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/qatar/gdp
• Reeves, T., Olbina, S., & Issa, R. (2015). Guidelines for Using Building Information Modeling for Energy Analysis of Buildings. Buildings, 5(4), 1361-1388. doi:10.3390/buildings5041361
• Reiche, D. (2010). Renewable Energy Policies in the Gulf countries: A case study of the carbon-neutral “Masdar City” in Abu Dhabi. Energy Policy, 38(1), 378-382. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2009.09.028
• Salama, A. M., Wiedmann, F., Thierstein, A., & Ghatam, W. A. (2016). Knowledge Economy As An Initiator Of Sustainable Urbanism In Emerging Metropolises: The Case Of Doha, Qatar. International Journal of Architectural Research: ArchNet-IJAR, 10(1), 274. doi:10.26687/archnet-ijar.v10i1.927
• Salama, A. M., & Wiedmann, F. (2013). Demystifying Doha: On architecture and urbanism in an emerging city. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate Publishing Company.
• Sayigh, A., & Marafia, A. (1998). Chapter 2—Vernacular and contemporary buildings in Qatar. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2(1-2), 25-37. doi:10.1016/s1364-0321(98)00010-0
74
• Siemens HQ in Masdar City / Sheppard Robson. (2014, August 25). Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/539213/siemens-hq-in-masdar-city-sheppard-robson
• Sozer, H., Clark, R. J., & Elnimeiri, M. (2011). Applying traditional architectural rules for energy efficiency and lateral structural stiffness to an 80 story tower. Energy, 36(8), 4761-4768. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2011.05.010
• Talib K. Shelter in Saudi Arabia. New York: St. Martin’s Press,1984
• Taylor, T., Nikolopoulou, M., Mahdjoubi, L. and Cullen, N. (2009) Vernacular architecture and contemporary design in Oman: Challenges in a changing climate. In: Detail Design in Architecture, Translating sustainable design into sustainable construction, Cardiff, 8-4 September 2009. Available from: http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk/12723• Team, M. (n.d.). Political Location Map of Qatar, highlighted continent. Retrieved from http://www.maphill.com/qatar/location-maps/political-map/highlighted-continent/
• THE ROAD FROM PARIS: CHINA’S PROGRESS TOWARD ITS CLIMATE PLEDGE (Rep.). (2007, November). Retrieved July 10, 2018, from NRDC website: https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/paris-climate-conference-China-IB.pdf
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Old Walled City of Shibam. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/192/
• Urban Evolution Of The City Of Doha: An Investigation Into The Impact Of Economic Transformations On Urban Structures. (2012). Metu Journal Of The Faculty Of Architecture. doi:10.4305/metu.jfa.2012.2.2
• U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/
• World Weather Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.worldweatheronline.com/
• (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/ashrae-climate-data-center
![60966709 Buddhism and the Rise of the Written Vernacular in East Asia Mair 1994[1]](https://static.fdocuments.in/doc/165x107/577d1f811a28ab4e1e90bdbf/60966709-buddhism-and-the-rise-of-the-written-vernacular-in-east-asia-mair.jpg)
