ALEVELATE - A Community Hub
A center focused on enriching the lives of the residents in the neighborhood.
Project Name: ALEVELATE- A Community Hub
Location: Al Tawuun, Sharjah, UAE
Function: Retail/ Education/ Sports/ Exhibition
Plot: 30,000 sqm
Project Theme
Sharjah is home to a very diverse community with multiple neighborhoods and residential areas. A community that, for the most part, live comfortably within the confines of their residences. When analyzing the overall urban planning of Sharjah, there are three main features that make up the residential areas; apartment buildings, multiple parking lots, and small community parks. While these three features are utilized well by the overall residents in the area, they require more stimulus and features nearby to improve their overall well- being and communication with their surroundings. There is a scarcity of more public spaces for entertainment and leisurely activities within most of these residential areas.
Site Potential
Situated in Al Tawuun, a popular residential neighbourhood in Sharjah. A desirable location amongst commuters and residents due to its accessibility to Al Ittihad road and Expo Centre Sharjah. The site is a focal point in the emirate as thousands of residents pass the area daily on their regular commute. As the site is parallel to the main road, it has a clear visibility.
Project Design
My proposal is to create a public plaza for a neighborhood in Sharjah to improve its relationship with the area and amongst themselves. These plazas would be situated within the residential neighborhood above the open sandy lots in order to utilize the space efficiently. These unplanned parking lots are very accessible as they are surrounded by apartment buildings. Hence designing a project above these high traffic points can create a favored community gathering space for the people around.
This plaza aims to be a multipurpose space with different features that would interest all age groups. The project would be both indoor and outdoor, and consist of a communal gathering center, a weekly market place, leisurely activities, a children play area, etc. This proposal would use the multiple unplanned sandy parking lots while creating something for the community to enjoy.
Site Map
Site Analysis
There are many qualities of this site that are beneficial to my project. When looking at the circulation diagram, I noticed a lack of pedestrian accessibility in the area. The landscaping diagram shows a scarcity for parks and other leisurely amenities for the residents to make use of. The amenities diagram shows that all main necessities from clinics to groceries are covered and exist already within the developed neighborhood. The bus stops in the area confirmed that the project has many means of access by the public. The area of Al Tawuun is prominent due to the proximity of the Expo Centre and the main road that transports commuters from Sharjah to Dubai and vice versa. There is also a school nearby which makes the need for more educational focused facilities such as a library and workshops.
Birds Eye View
Bird Eye view showing the functional roofs and the ramps
The most prominent feature in my project is the bridge, and the way it branches into ramps that travel along the exterior of the buildings. These ramps wrap around the building to allow for views of the interior at different levels, as well as create access into different floors. The bridge that flows along my building allows for an easy circulation and includes shading devices to allow for a comfortable experience. The bridge can host cyclists, walkers, and is also pet friendly.
Concept Process
The guidelines I had created before developing my concept were as follows. To utilize the open spaces seen in Sharjah better without adding to the issue of a lack of parking, I would propose an elevated structure which would allow residents to park their cars without any issues. By placing functions above, I would make the space above useful to the residents and other visitors. The bridge is designed in order to connect the individual blocks and to create an easy and direct pedestrian access from Ittihad Road to the Expo Centre. I also propose to add green spaces that oppose the current dry land. Creating a large park where residents can come with their families to enjoy was an important part of my design.
Design Process
Ramp Experience
Bridge leading to Sports Facility
Ramp of Community Services Building, overlooking courtyard and bridge
Project Functions
The functions and programs selected in the building are heavily focused on the residents within the area and what would benefit them the most.
Interior Views
Sports Facility - Basketball and Tennis Court
Educational Facility- Library
Site Plan
Floor Plans
Sections
In these sections I've created a difference graphically between the floors used for parking and which floors would be used by the public for other functions. In section DD, which is the sport facility, you can see the overhead trusses that support the building and the stepped seating arrangement.
Detail Section
The details section provided highlights the roof, the ramp and the bridge. Attached on the walls you can the see the perforated Corten steel panels of my facade.
Elevations
Park View
For more information about my project and the concept formation, click on the link to access my thesis book "Reinventing the Neglected"
