Noor Abid_2016-02-19

7.11 Phase Eight- Design Development
7.11.1 Earth- Social zone exploration and development
This zone occupies the central part of the building with activities that
serve business workers, members, and the near-by community. It is
designed to offer an earth-like experience, through utilising certain aspects
such as: connecting with the natural landscape, opening to views where
they engage with nature the most, as well as using earthy materials,
colours and textures in order to deliver the desired atmosphere.
Figure 7.33
Sketch of the
exterior path
from Highbrook
Drive to social
zone
Access and outdoor connections: Internal access is allowed from
the main entry at the far east of the building next to carpark -1. In this
case, building users will experience a journey that starts with metal zone,
facing wood, and passing by water zone, then entering the social zone
(earth) using the public ramp.
Figure 7.36Entry paths to social zone
Figure 7.34 Sketch of walking track
wrapping around the social zone
Figure 7.35 Sketch of exterior path
and walking track close to
entrance
External access, on the other hand, is located on the southern side,
facing the proposed football field, linked to the existing walking/running
track from one end and the Highbrook Drive from the other end. The
intension of having this entrance on a low level was to make people aware
of the topographical movement once they are on site, as well as allowing
them to experience the river views. It was decided that having two
accesses is essential in order to invite more people in and engage them by
default with the health-related programmes. Moreover, a shortcut to
refreshment areas becomes necessary for the outdoor field’s users, and
also, for business workers during the morning rush. Walking track,
however, is connected visually and physically with this zone and the entire
site, as it wraps around the building, and takes its shelter from the roof
overhang on the southern end.
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