Curving science center takes low-tech approach to keeping cool
With its upcoming scientific research center in Uzbekistan, Zaha Hadid Architects has taken a low-tech approach to maintaining a comfortable temperature. The eye-catching building will feature an ingenious passive cooling system inspired by traditional local architecture.
Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre: A Masterpiece of Sustainable Design and Cultural Heritage
In the heart of Central Asia, a new architectural marvel is taking shape, paying homage to the region's rich cultural heritage and innovative design. The Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre, named after the renowned 15th-century poet, author, linguist, and statesman, is a testament to the fusion of traditional and modern architecture. This magnificent structure, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, draws inspiration from the traditional wind-catching towers of Central Asia and the Middle East, which have been used for centuries to combat the scorching desert heat.
The building's curvaceous supporting arches, constructed from local brick, are designed to capture the wind and channel air into the building. During the hottest summer months, this system will be supported by electric fans and water misting to cool the air before it circulates within the structure. When the wind is not blowing, the hollow arched structures will naturally create a chimney effect, allowing warmer air to escape through the openings at the tOP of each arch. This clever design principle, known as the stack effect, promotes ventilation throughout the building and reduces the need for artificial cooling. The arches will also provide a unique visual feature, adding to the building's aesthetic appeal.
The interior of the research center will be a marvel of passive design, requiring very little energy to cool. The building's high thermal mass, combined with the day-night cycle, will extract warmer air while trapping cooler air below, maintaining optimal conditions of comfort with minimal energy consumption. The interior will feature courtyards and skylights, bringing natural light into the heart of the center, while deep roof overhangs will provide effective solar shading in summer and permit winter sun to warm the interiors. This thoughtful design ensures that the building will be comfortable and energy-efficient, minimizing its carbon footprint.
The Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre will be a hub for literary education, research, and the performing arts, incorporating 13 permanent exhibition halls around a central courtyard. The interior will measure 23,000 square meters (almost 250,000 square feet) and include the Navoi State museum of literature, research areas, a workshop, and a repository housing a collection of 3,500 historical books and manuscripts. The museum will showcase the life and works of Alisher Navoi, as well as the literary and cultural heritage of Central Asia.
This magnificent structure is a testament to the power of sustainable design and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre will not only be a hub for learning and innovation but also a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. As the project nears completion, it is clear that this masterpiece of architecture will inspire generations to come, serving as a beacon for sustainable design and cultural preservation.
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