Aurum
An Adaptable Gold Souq
In today's world, the economy has played a huge role in creating spaces for new industries and residential areas. As we see the economy of a country increase, we simultaneously see construction increase throughout the country. However, we also saw the empty spaces when the economy decreased, leaving the constructed area uninhabitable and deserted. The gold market in Dubai is around 30% of the Global Gold Trade, bringing in around $75 billion every year. The Gold Souq in Dubai contributes plenty to the economy through trading and tourism. The problem with the current Gold Souq is that when the economy is high, shops can not expand due to the construction restrictions of fixed walls and, when the economy is low, shops are left empty and unused which are lost spaces and are visually unpleasing to the eye.
The aim of this project is to create an adaptable Gold Souq that is compromised of a module unit system. Each module is a hexagonal shape that is split into three spaces (each space ~42 sqm). The use of a hexagonal shape is optimum for a retail shop as it has more number of sides than a square, which means it has more interior perimeter to display goods. The module has removable walls that can be removed and added according to the need to the economy. One can rent out, either the entire hexagonal module unit or 2/3 of the unit or 1/3 of the unit; in this spectrum, businesses with different sizes can adapt to the economy. Also, big business can rent out 2 whole modules by removing one shared wall.
The ability to randomly change the blueprint of the site and its parameters allows the design to mimic the random and chaotic environment of Deira, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. Also the random placement of modules on the ground floor creates random pathways that mimic the circulation of the traditional Gold Souq.
As architects we are responsible for the spaces and buildings being constructed around the world. This project aims to inspire us to start designing spaces that can adapt to the future and economy.
Concept
Site Analysis
Project Design Diagrams
Adaptable Module Diagram
The act of adapting through removable walls is possible with the help of modular construction by using a steel structure system that allows bolting. A wall component can be removed by unbolting the screws to the main steel structure and bolted back again when required. Also, entire modules can be removed from the site due to its modular construction system, which allow spaces to be transformed into exterior functions. The site consists of fixed cores made of reinforced concrete that house important supplies of toilets and MEP to the rest of the modules. Also, the site is adaptable to the future economy as the space can be used for other functions. Today it can be a Gold Souq, however, in 50 years it can also be used for residential or exhibition purposes.
Visuals
Drawings
Site Plan
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Ground Floor Zoomed
Diagrammatic 3D Section
Section
Elevations
