BECOMING BIOSALINE : RAS-AL-KHAIMAH RESEARCH AND RECREATION DEVELOPMENT

Canadian University of Dubai, College of Architecture Dubai

Project idea

In response to the escalating salinity levels in the UAE and the imperative to address climate change, the goal is to cultivate and advocate for a biosaline approach. The initiative, known as Becoming Biosaline, seeks to leverage salt-tolerant plants through research, recreation and interaction. The primary objective is to align with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's objectives related to agricultural sustainability and food safety. By tackling the critical challenges of water stress and salinity, the initiative aims to fortify and make more sustainable the agricultural sector. This, in turn, contributes to ensuring the UAE's food security and overall environmental health.

Project description

The building represents the co-existence of natural and man-made environments. It extends natures experience while existing in a city nature sequence. It establishes a connection between a public space of significance that is currently isolated from the city's framework, enabling pathways to cross. Consequently, it establishes movement by emphasizing user experience.

Technical information

The concrete columns and beams are laid on an 8m by 8m structure grid. There are a total of 5 cores within the building. These include the elevators and system for egress. Concrete is the material of choice due to its wide availability and durability in the UAE. The external walls are made of metal chrome and are divided by openings and curtain walls made of glass. There are also aluminum louvres on the external walls on the south side as well as the roof.
The building is cooled passively through openings along its linear length which catch the primary north-west winds. Moreover, the building is also cooled through pumping saline water through heat exchangers which transport it to a freshwater network. After being chilled, the water is returned where it is diluted.
The halophytes are planted in the agriculture and demonstration plots that run the length of the site. These provide visual and thermal comfort and also improve the air quality. This also helps in reducing the heat island effect. The climate controlled greenhouses are tested with saline water. Saline water passes at one end through a porous wall while fans suck air on the other end through a cold wall creating a cooling effect inside.