eLYSIUM : AGRO-INDUSTRIAL & TOURISM CENTER
TO A BLISSFUL BIODIVERSITY
Project Name: eLYSIUM
Location: Al Qudra, Dubai, UAE
Function/Activity: Agro-Industrial & Tourism Center
Plot: 113,260 sqm
UNDERLYING ISSUES
The UAE has faced environmental challenges such as climate change and desertification. Known for being visionaries, it is one of the countries that are taking part in the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030. His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment is driven to act and raise environmental awareness for the SDG's 2030; by establishing policies, programs, and projects, in line with UAE's Vision 2021 of achieving economic progress while protecting the environment.
However, the crisis caused by the pandemic of COVID-19 threw off the commitment to the 2030 vision, disrupted global supply chains, and caused a decline in tourism. According to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai, it has prompted the government to prioritize its food and water security plan, while aiming to be the first in the Global Security Index 2051. This will be done through achieving a better biodiversity through projects that aim to maintain habitats, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance local agriculture.
PLAN OF ACTION
THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTES TO THE UAE'S 2051 VISION THROUGH AGRITOURISM
PROJECT THEME AND DESIGN
This project aims to act as a stepping stone between desertification and reaching the goal of being the first in the Global Security Index 2051. Through selecting a location that serves as the epitome of desertification in the heart of the desert, the goal is the transformation of this once dry and empty land into eLYSIUM. eLYSIUM will stand as a multipurpose agricultural hub that serves as a farming center, market, school, exhibition, community, distribution center and as a tourist attraction. The functions of the project will aid in restoring local supply chains and domestic tourism.
The Layout of eLYSIUM came into fruition when analyzing the method of harmonizing the two key elements of the site; Agriculture and Tourism. In order to preserve the cultural identity of agriculture of the UAE, the method of irrigation implemented is the Falaj system, this system has been used historically in the UAE and has proven to be efficient and sustainable. The system is the focal point of the project where it is centered and branches out into different agricultural plots while also serving as the backbone that separates different areas. Elysium will also contain housing for visitors, camping area, educational hub (to target the goal of the UAE which is educating our present and future generation about the importance of agriculture), food hub and market which are key elements of a touristic attraction. Nevertheless, the pedestrian network will ultimately create a link between all functions into a agritouristic composition.
SITE LOCATION AND CHARACTERISTIC
DUBAI- AL QUDRA ROAD
BESIDE EXPO LAKE 2020
The desert covers 80% of the UAE's landmass, creating so much empty land which can be used to unlock green potential.
THROUGH AGRITOURISM AND THE EXISTING CHARACTERISTIC OF THE SITE, THIS PROJECT AIMS TO CREATE A LIVELY ENVIRONMENT WHERE BOTH NATURE AND PEOPLE UNITE.
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
"HARMONY between NATURE and HUMANITY is more important than good relations between PEOPLE." -Taoism
THE PROJECT AIMS TO CREATE THAT HARMONY, WHERE NATURE TAKES A MAJOR PART OF THIS CONCEPT; PARTICIPATING IN EVERY JOURNEY OR PATH AN INDIVIDUAL MIGHT EXPERIENCE.
SITE PLAN
SUN AND WIND DIAGRAM
THE SUN AND WIND DIRECTION IS IMPORTANT FACTOR TO CONSIDER IN THE CASE OF THIS PROJECT. THE PLACEMENT OF ELEMENTS SUCH AS TREES, GLASS, AND OUTDOOR SPACES, IN THIS PROJECT, WORKS IN cooperation with THE OUTCOME OF THE SUN AND WIND ANALYSIS.
DESIGN PROCESS
STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE
PROJECT LAYERS
EXPLODED AXON
LAYERS ARRANGEMENT AND FUNCTIONS
LAND PLOTS FUNCTIONS
STREET LAYERS
CIRCULATION DIAGRAMS
THERE IS A CERTAIN DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SPACES AND CIRCULATION, WHERE CIRCULATION IS DESIGNED TO BE A FLOW IN BETWEEN FUNCTIONS.
MARKET
FLOOR PLANS
MARKET'S INTERIOR VIEW OF CENTRAL SHOPS
MARKET'S MEZZANINE FLOOR
DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM
PROGRAM: PRODUCING, LOADING, AND DELIVERING LOCAL PRODUCE AROUND THE UAE
DEPICTION OF THE DISTRIBUTION AREA
FOOD HUB
FLOOR PLANS
EXTERIOR VIEW OF THE FOOD HUB FROM THE EDUCATIONAL HUB'S ROOF
INTERIOR VIEW OF THE FOOD HUB
EDUCATIONAL HUB
FLOOR PLANS
THE CENTER OF THE EDUCATIONAL HUB
OTHER PLANS
CANOPE SIDE VIEW
BANGALOWS SIDE VIEW
PARKING BELOW THE MARKET AND PRODUCTION BUILDINGS
TENTS AREA
ELEVATIONS
SECTIONS
STRUCTURAL DIAGRAMS
EVERY BUILDING HAS ITS UNIQUE STRUCTURE, IN WHICH IT COMPLIMENTS THE THEME AND FUNCTION OF THE SPACE.
" THEY USED TO SAY THAT AGRICULTURE HAS NO FUTURE [IN THE UAE] BUT WITH GOD'S BLESSING AND OUR DETERMINATION, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN TRANSFORMING THIS DESERT INTO A GREEN LAND." -SHEIKH ZAYED
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOPIC, PLEASE CHECK OUT MY THESIS BOOK LINKED BELOW:
https://issuu.com/elysium-toablissfulbiodiversity/docs/eliana
