The Industrial Helix: Industrial Revival

The Industrial Helix

REDEFINING THE WAY INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OPERATE

LOCATION: AL QUOZ INDUSTRIAL AREA 1

FUNCTION: WAREHOUSING/OFFICES/MIX-USE

PLOT SIZE: 22,500sqm

PROJECT SIZE: 20,000sqm

by Natal Dia

Project Theme

Amidst the busy city of Dubai, industrial zones operate daily within the realm of heavy, medium, and light industrial functions. Often, these levels overlap each other and chaos seems to occur, causing blurred lines between functions and low productivity of labor workers. The recent changes in the economy with the decreased reliance on oil and increased reliance on industrial activities have risen the need for a new typology where industrial functions can operate more sustainably, organized, and integrated within the city. Lighter industrial functions would therefore benefit from a hub that allows not only working, but also interacting, resting, learning, and living. This project aims to connect a diverse program of industrial activities and other functions with its surrounding, becoming a central space that accommodates the goals of turning industrial zones into industrial villages.

Site Potential and Location

Among many industrial zones in the city, Al Quoz Industrial Zone is currently shown to be the most central and active one. Chosen as a plot, the site was picked to be within Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 and is surrounded by warehouses with a wide range of sizes but no organized layout, making it have a high potential of accommodating the new typology proposed by the project. The site lies between two major roads, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, meaning it also has great accessibility. The plot would have a high impact on its surrounding, allowing for an organized program that is visible in Al Quoz and to the rest of the city.

Project Design

The concept of the project is based on forming a community of industrial activity that is also connected to programs that encourage learning, resting, co-working, and commercial use. The aim is to enhance the productivity of labor workers and industrial zones while also making it interactive and inviting to its surroundings. The shape first started by creating a loop that engulfs the plot, then opening up largely on one side to remain private yet inviting. Then, a layout of warehousing were added to allow for industrial functions and were embedded in the loop to maintain that connection and also have visibility throughout the entire project. On one side of the project, an automated warehouse is placed to store unused material and allow them to circulate between the warehouses and not be thrown away. The final layer is the residential floor, where accommodation for labor workers is on site which eases their accessibility to work and allows them to have a place to rest during their breaks. Within this entire program, the visitors and employees are able to work, rest, communicate, and co-exist sustainably, even beyond the plot boundaries.

Thesis Findings

Site Location and Analysis

Site Analysis

Plot Images

The images around the plot show the current situation, and what parts need to be enhanced or focused on by the proposed concept and program. The potential is shown through the views.

Design Concept Proposal

Opening - Creating Privacy - Dividing Program

Project Approach

The approach to the project includes landscaping that starts before entering the plot itself, near the retail part of the program, allowing for visitors to choose where would like to stay and explore depending on their needs.

Form Development Process

Cores and Zoning of the Loop

The zoning of the loop is divided between retail, F&B, and co-working spaces on the Ground Floor, offices, gym, a library, and multipurpose halls on the First Floor, and the residential units on the partial second floor with accessibility to a shared open space.

Interior view between the warehouse and the loop program.

Vertical Circulation and Warehousing Division

The center of the project features five main manufacturing warehouses with a standard size of 468sqm, and a larger automated warehouse for storing unused materials and reusing them in a circular way. The mezzanine level of the warehousing units is placed at the same level of the residential floor to maintain connectivity and visibility within the project.

Interior warehouse view.

Central View

Project Elements

Roof Molding

Materiality

Automated Warehouse

Residential Units View

Site Plan

Floor Plans

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Residential Floor Plan

Sections

The two sections chosen show the long part of the loop and the cut where the warehouse is embedded into the loop. The details portray how the two meet and work as a system.