Zaha Hadid Architects selected to design Aljada’s Central Hub

ARADA has selected Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to design the Central Hub for the company’s master plan in Sharjah, UAE. The master plan was developed with environmental considerations meant to minimize the consumption of resources. Treated wastewater will be used for irrigation and the architecture will incorporate active and passive measures to lower the demand for indoor cooling.

The ZHA design is meant to mimic the moment a water droplet strikes the earth. However, the design’s elliptical buildings are not just meant to achieve the raindrop aesthetic, but also channel prevailing winds into civic spaces and courtyards to facilitate cooling during the summer months.

At the heart of the 1.9 million-sf hub is a central observation tower that is surrounded by vibrant public squares with water features that are irrigated by recovered and recycled water. Tensile canopies sustain a microclimate at the ground level for the gardens of native species.

The Central Hub’s first phase includes an adventure activity zone, a food market, and outdoor events space. The first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019 with the entire project expected to be completed by 2025. CH2M will handle the infrastructure design duties for the project.

Climate change is having a dramatic impact on urban design, in terms of planning, materials, occupant use, location, and the long-term effect of buildings on the environment. Joining BD+C's John Caulfield to discuss this topic are two experts from the Boston-based CBT Architects: Kishore Varanasi, a Principal and director of urban design; and Devanshi Purohit, an Associate Principal.

Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

Urban Planning | Apr 5, 2022

The art of master planning, with Mike Aziz of Cooper Robertson

Mike Aziz, AIA, LEED AP, Partner and Director of Urban Design with Cooper Robertson, discusses his firm's design for the redevelopment of a Connecticut town's riverfront.

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Here’s why the U.S. needs more ‘TOD’ housing

Transit-oriented developments help address the housing affordability issue that many cities and suburbs are facing.

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Stantec's John Bachmann offers proven tactic for retrofitting communities for success in the post-COVID era.

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6 ways to breathe life into mixed-use spaces

To activate mixed-use spaces and realize their fullest potential, project teams should aim to create a sense of community and pay homage to the local history.

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Retooling innovation districts for medium-sized cities

This type of development isn’t just about innovation or lab space; and it’s not just universities or research institutions that are driving this change.