Facades and Roofs at Zak World of Façades, Middle East

Her presentation was entitled Facades and Roofs and she had the opportunity to talk about the different ways in which AGi architects understand them conceptually.

In addition, different case studies from our design firm’s portfolio were shared showing how facades can be more than simply an elevation:

• Façade as source of information was illustrated with our GDIS proposal, a government project based on three principles: representativeness, security and functionality; a strong civil icon representing Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior Affairs.
• Ali Mohammed T. Al-Ghanim Clinic was the project selected to discuss about the façade as source of security. It stands as a pioneer in the healthcare sector, where challenging issues such as privacy and security are addressed using a new model, where courtyards attached to the façade are the driving element behind this unique typology.
• The creation of inner façades was also an important part of Aisha’s conference being
• Secret House the AGi architects’ chosen project to show it. The buildings’ exterior is contrary to its interior; where the facade is subtle and designed to blend in with its surroundings evoking minimal attention, whilst the focus is on the interior, completely stripping down private barriers and revealing the inner confines of the house.

• One of our best examples of façade as roof is “La Ascensión del Señor” Church, in Seville, Spain. The shape of the roof, which unfolds freely to cover the assembly space by joining various inclined planes, allows the introduction of natural light inside, to achieve a clear qualification of the different areas needed to comply with liturgy requirements.
• Finally, roof as landscape finds a clear model in Seed House. AGi architects found as the best sustainable strategy that the whole house should be embedded on the terrain, so the roof will be treated as semiarid landscape and only the sunken gardens, near the water table will be irrigated. The house is covered by a landscaped roof that provides sun and wind protection. Below this roof, facing to the private courtyards, family life is developed into separated but always linked activities, as a natural biological structure would do.

Zak World of Façades Middle East is the region’s largest conference series on façade design & engineering. Now in its 19th edition globally and 4th edition in the Middle East, the conference has become a specialized forum in region to discuss the latest innovations and challenges in the construction industry pertaining to the building envelope and showcases the latest technological solutions.

For further information:

• Zak World of Façades Middle East
• AGi architects’ projects