New Chancery And Residence

Client
Consulate General of India Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Year
2017
Program
Architecture
Status
Competition Entry

The design collaborates the Indo-Arab connection by celebrating elements that are intrinsically Indian and Arabian. The Mughal Architecture and Indian symbols bring out the Indo-centricity, while calligraphy,mosaic tiling, Arabian native plants and local materials give it the Arab touch.

The Indo-Arab connection revealed through the design of the structure

The central form for the Multi Purpose Hall is imposing and is inspired by theĀ Royal PeacockĀ ā€“ The National Bird of India. The circular building sits like a sparkling eye.

Based on sun studies, the placement and orientation of building blocks ensures well shaded plazas on site, while also completing an abstract peacock feather in plan.

The plume of a peacock forms the basis of the design element which is translated into aĀ modern jaali patternĀ and is used as a trellis and characteristic element through out the Chancery Building.

 

The Central Form for the Multipurpose Hall

 

The Multipurpose Hall outdoors with fibonnaci paving and jaali prints
The Multipurpose Hall outdoors with fibonnaci paving and jaali prints

 

The Fibonacci numbers,an element in Indian Mathematics, can be used to make a golden rectangle (ratio of length to its width is approximately equal to 1.618). This Ā principle is used in the creation of paving patterns which form the flooring in the exhibition areas and lobbies of the chancery.

Inspired by local passive architectural techniques &Ā Mughal MinaretsĀ (in form, shape & ornamentation), the design strategically places wind towers on site. Since Jeddah is a sea port, these wind towers maximize the wind movement facilitate ventilation and provide relief against the humid weather.The wind tunnels have still water bodies which will help in cooling these spaces further.

The Wind Tower designed like a minaret

Sustainability Features

The angle of the Chancery aligns to 15O degree North bringing in maximum daylight into the building. The glazing is inset and designed with BLANK Western Facades to avoid heat gain. The skylight above the Jungle Atrium is provided with shaded glass due to overhangs bringing in clear north light to the space. An additional layer of operable louvers can help further restrict sunlight in the harsh summer months, while allowing more light during the winter season.

 

View of the Restricted Access Chancery Offices and Consular Reception through the Jungle Atrium.

Light and Shade dynamics of the design

SOLAR ENERGY

A total of 113kVA of solar power is expected to be harnessed from the rooftop of the Multi Purpose Hall. This accounts for approximately 17% of the total electricity required daily. The residences also have the capability of harnessing 135kVA of electricity through the solar Photovoltaics on the rooftop. This could be connected to the day time usage of appliances and motors within the Residences. The total possible solar energy from both these sources can contribute upto 37% of the total required electrical load.

ON SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

The planting and sewage treatment plant formĀ a closed loop on site. The STP will produce an estimated treated greywater of 60m3 per day and it is possible to use the treated water on site for all the landscape requirements, making it a zero waste discharge site.

On Site Waste Management

All Solid Waste is segregated from source using two streams for dry wastes and wet waste (non- organic and organic). At the building level spaces for recycling bin and collection rooms are provided. Organic waste is treated on site through a biogas plant, the type of system proposed is an anaerobic digester which is located in the setback and under ground. 1 ton of waste produces about 300m3 of bio-gas. This could be considered as a supplemental fuel source. Alternately a compost plant could be planned in order to create manure from the organic waste. The plan aims to divert all waste from the landfills.

Sustainability elements of the design

The National Symbol of India, the Ashoka Lion sits at the entrance of the Main Entry – strengthening the cultural relevance of this building within the Diplomatic setting of the neighborhood. The Chakra is also located prominently upon entry through the ceremonial gates.

A complex number of interactionsĀ are expected within this development and it is imperative to balance security and efficiency in planning to ensure that there is a clean flow of people and traffic on a daily basis. Careful planning for security at entry points and managing people flow has been done. A strengthened perimeter boundary safeguards the site with only one pointat the perimeter for an Entrance Pavilion which manages all the entries – Vehicular and pedestrian into the compound.

The residences have a total of four habitable floors and comply with the maximum permissible height of 16M.

residential complex design
Residential Complex design

 

A view of the residential complex with the swimming pool, jogging track and yoga terrace
A view of the residential complex with the swimming pool, jogging track and yoga terrace

 

Ā 

The view of the plaza

Below is a video showcasing a walkthrough of the project

This project was designed in collaboration with the Engineering Consultants Group (ECG)

Overview of the building design representing a peacock feather