Zaha Hadid Advanced Studio
with Prof. Patrik Schumacher
YSOA // Spring 2013
with Instr. Lasha Brown + Simon Kim
Starting with physical and digital modelling studies to analyse material properties, a parametrized structural concept is developed using interdependent tensile and compressive member. This concept is the driver behind spatial and formal explorations.
The singular unit is comprised of a hybridised system of compression and tensile members. The tensile members are centrally located resolving into multiple inner rings under which key program is positioned. At the perimeter, the compression shells perform as the outer ring for the tensile member while preserving a formal continuity between the two parts.
The ground system shares formal and conceptual similarities with the tensile members overhead. Local site tangencies are extrapolated into initial guide lines and alignments. These vectors are repeated through offsets controlled by potential programatic and structural span capacities. The number and repetition of these offsets on site correspond to the anticipated usage and pedestrian traffic in a particular direction. Next, circular elements representing the location of major program are introduced onto the ground system. These circles play a disruptive role within the system stretching the initial guide lines around them and breaking up the linear traffic patterns with nodes of activity. This arrangement references a number of previous material studies.
The project site was located in Istanbul for the Olympic Park development and the large waterfront property was divided into lots for each student. Each student’s individual system and program was resolved throughout the semester into one masterplan proposal.
The transition between the perimeter compression shells and the central tensile members was developed through a number of articulation studies, taking methods of bundling and structural paths active on the shells into account.
The tennis stadia is located at the south tip of the overall cultural park site. The main entry is located to the north where majority of the traffic is expected. West of the main entry, the ground system stretches towards the waterfront from the internal cafe.
A roof panelling system is utilised to blur the transition between the shells and tensile members, while providing shelter for the programmed seating below. The vaulted shape of the transparent
ETFE panels provide structural rigidity while adding a visceral and material quality to the transition between the compression and tensile parts of the system. Together the tensile members in concert the compression shells read as a single parametrized surface that correspond to the programmatic and structural requirements of the building on site.
In plan view, the two largest internal tension rings correspond to the two olympic tennis courts below. One of these courts holds the main event, while the other court hosts secondary events.
The third tension ring in the roof marks the main public space located at the entry. One can access both courts as well as other closed practice spaces from the public gathering plaza. The public cafe, located under one of the perimeter shells, has viewstowards this main public space as well as towards building’s waterfront extension.
From certain vantage points in the seating area, the tension rings frame views out to the city and the water, establishing a connection between the interior and the exterior. Given the location of the site, views towards Bosphorus reinforces the urban significance of water in Istanbul.