02/10/2020
Nature as Architecture
Sitting at the edge of the Great An Nafud Desert, the Library mimics the great sand dunes of the desert.
The sloping design allows the usable space to be situating in a ‘semi-subterranean’ condition, creating a comfortable environment that consumes less energy.
The arch and vault ceiling mimicking the caves with in the desert rock formations allows hot air to rise to its peak and letting the cooler air stay in the lower part of the space.
The sloping ‘desert green roof’ act as an insulation layer preventing heat from the sun from entering the building.
The narrow courtyard in the heart of the building allows the light to enter the space without casting the direct sunlight.
The Mathematic Ideas of Islamic Architecture
The design embedded the ideologies of mathematic of traditional Islamic Architecture.
The layout of the library comes from our contemporary reinterpretation adapts the ‘quadrature’ geometry and deforms the pattern according to the existing context within the site. The shape also allows that functions to be groups into four groups, but still allows the uninterrupted transition between each group of programs.
The ideology of the number three is also imbedded in the creation of the vertical proportions of the architecture where the geometry is interpreted as the root of nine proportions which conform to the shape of the building section and the sectional proportions of the natural sand dunes.
The traditional arch of Islamic architecture is also adapted in the design of the interior of the structure. The reinterpretations of the shapes, sizes and varieties of the arch create contemporary feeling of spaces and allowing seamless transitions between spaces.
Site-Specifically Reverence
Master planning conception for the Dar Al Uloom Al-Jouf Library comes from reverence and respect to the existing neighboring buildings and the memory of the current library.
The shape of the building is a distorted quadrature geometry where the lines of distortion are the axis of Al Rahmaniyah Mosque and the edge of the neighboring school.
The sloping shape allows the building to rest to the ground towards Al Rahmaniyah Mosque respecting its presence and its importance to the Sakaka community while still maintaining its great presence at the King Fahd Ibn Abdulaziz Road.
The sloping ‘desert green roof’ is a new type urban space for the community that is elevated for a higher vista of yet easily accessible. You will be able to see the great sand dunes of An Nafud Desert from the roof.
Materiality
The material inspiration for the Al-Jouf Library comes from the desert.
The Library will be constructed out of sand stones mimicking the surface of the rock formations of An Nafud Desert. The textured surface plays with light throughout the daytime, and with the deeply recessed arch openings, the building will have different charisma in morning, noon and evening.
The desert green roof will be consisting of multiple layers of planting materials with sand as the top surface. The plant selections are from the local and adapted desert plants.
The interior of the library is of slightly tinted plaster surface throughout, creating a warm, comfortable and bright spaces for reading and learning.
