PA3- VIEWS (The architects from their works)

STEP 1: ANALIZE THE WORK OF THE ARCHITECT CHOSEN IN PA2

1. PRESENTATION:

In the PA2 i chose to talk about Zaha Hadid, as i admire her unique and original works, in parallel to her specific vision of architecture. In today’s task i have to pick one her works to study, but each one of her projects is worth talking about from Heydar Aliyev Center, to Nuragic and Contemporary Art museum, to Wangjing Soho, or even Leeza Soho, Dongdaemoon Design Plaza, and MAXXI museum. But i chose to talk about Hotel ME Dubai at the Opus.

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THE OPUS DUBAI:

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The Hotel Me at the Opus designed by Zaha Hadid is one the most impressive architectural projectof the 21st century, perhaps the most prominent feature is the contrast.

The perfect equilibrium between the solid and the hollow, the transparency and opacity.

Home to the new ME Dubai hotel, the Opus is located in the Burj Khalifa district. The design was presented by Zaha Hadid in 2007 and is the only hotel in which she created both the exterior and interior architecture.

As noted in the images shown above the Opus was designed as two separate towers that coalesce into a singular whole—taking the form of a cube. The cube has been ‘eroded’ in its centre. The two halves of the building on either side of the void are linked.

“The precise orthogonal geometries of the Opus’ elemental glass cube contrast dramatically with the fluidity of the eight-storey void at its centre,” explained Christos Passas, project director at Zaha Hadid Architects

This curved façade was designed using digital 3D modelling that also identified specific zones which required tempered glass.

During the day, the cube’s façade reflects the sky, which gives it a vey singular color each day and each time of the day. While at night, the void is illuminated by a dynamic light especially in the centre which increases the contrast between the straight walls and the hole’s dynamic.

The entire furniture was designed by Zaha Hadid, including the ‘Petalinas’ sofas and ‘Ottomans’ pods in the lobby. The hotel’s bedrooms also incorporate the ‘Vitae’ bathroom collection, designed by Hadid in 2015 for Noken Porcelanosa, continuing her fluid architectural language throughout the hotel’s interiors..

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2. ANALISIS:

Aspect 1: THE CENTRAL VOID

Perhaps the most important feature of The Opus is the central void. It was designed and conceived in a way that defies gravity.

The void’s geometry is a smooth compound of freeform curved surfaces that was analysed with parametric software, by checking panel sizes ….

“It expresses a sculptural sensibility that reinvents the balance between solid and void, opaque and transparent, interior and exterior”

ZAHA HADID

“The idea was to create curves and open ings with a view to the city and landmark buildings that are adjacent. I wanted it to be a very large window to the city, this is where the idea of the void became a critical factor.”

ZAHA HADID

Taking into account that the project was presented in 2007, i can’t be but admirative to the idea. In fact the construction of the hole and the general structure of the building must have been one of the most challenging. I think that the result is worth all efforts. 😉

Aspect 2: THE GLASS COVERING

The entire building is covered in glass -as you may have noticed- therefore each part has it’s specific type of glass to assure safety and good isolation. For instance the glass used when covering the void part is distint than the one used to cover the front facade.

The external facade that appears flat is in fact covered by a glass with quite an interesting pattern: dots of changing diameters, arranged in stripes for an overall pulsating effect.

The final product was obtained through a similar process to ceramic fritting. A mirror ink was applied on the glass through silk screening and dried in a furnace prior to deposition of the low-e coat. The glass was then assembled to Insulating Glass Units which gives the best performance in hot climates.

Aspect 3: THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHT

“Intrinsic to the design of The Opus is its spectacular lighting system.”

In addition to the contrast between the solid and the void, the opaque and the transparent, or the straight and the curved… one characteristic of The Opus is the lights.

To ensure this game of lights a sophisticated lighting system was integrated into the void area façade. A matrix of lights was fitted inside the joints between panels allowing the void to glow and pulsate at night while remaining invisible during daytime.

To conclude the inicial idea of the Opus is certainly uncommon and rare which describes Zaha Hadid’s work, but her proficiency lead to the “UNIQUE” becoming “USUAL”. An effortless perfection ! 🙂

“This is a building that challenges traditional concepts of office space. Not only will it be visually stunning, it will also be a workable space, and a place that allows every occupant to experience a better quality working environment, using the very latest technological advances.”

ZAHA HADID

BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.avontuura.com/zaha-hadid-architects-completes-the-me-dubai-hotel-at-the-opus/

https://www.admagazine.com/arquitectura/conoce-el-unico-edificio-en-el-que-zaha-hadid-diseno-el-interiorismo-20200701-7061-articulos

https://www.arquitecturaydiseno.es/arquitectura/me-dubai-nuevo-hotel-zaha-hadid-oriente-medio_3531

The Opus At Business Bay, Dubai

https://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/opus-dubai/