Figure 4. Computational Fluid Dynamics of natural ventilation strategy through wind cones during the day. Copyrights: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
Figure 5. The roof canopy as a shading element and a solar collector. Copyrights: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
The concept of the shading canopy is arguably inspired by local and regional traditional buildings where screens and shading played a dominant role. And while the building’s super structure appears to be a novel design idea developed exclusively for the project (Figure 6), the ‘oasis-like’ interior courtyards at the base of each cone -which benefit from controlled daylighting through the opening at the top and serve as flexible outdoor assembly spaces- resonates with the role and comfort conditions provided by the traditional courtyards of the Middle East (Image 2).