The project aims to provide a multi-purpose exhibition area
to serve Ramallah and the West Bank region.
The site is a 10000 M2 lot adjacent to Ramallah Cultural Center. The lot
has a steep topographical nature ( around 13.5 meters). Three surrounding roads
will serve the complex, which was used to allow for parking and services at
various points. The lower road will provide access to the main entrance.
Two main factors helped define the main concept:
First, provide parking for around 400 cars, which was
located along the upper and lower roads in 2 levels each, one underground and
the second exposed. The upper exposed parking level serves also as entrance and
back court, and could be utilized in part or full for external exhibition area.
200 Parking spaces at the upper street adjacent to the cultural center will
also serve the cultural center which currently has no parking what-so-ever.
The other defining factor was allowing for an exhibition
area of around 4000 Msq, 18 meters high with minimum structural components.
This led to the concept of tent structure. Tents are contingent of nomadic
structures. Exhibitions are nomadic; i.e. they move seasonally from place to
place, making a retro relationship.
A central cable anchored to two main concrete post
structures at the edges support the tent fabric which enclose to exhibition
area. The two concrete posts endorse the
main stair cores, and panoramic elevators overlooking the exhibition area.
Glazed facades provide natural lighting during daytime, and most other
functions, including media center, cafeteria, offices, etc. surround the
exhibition hall.
The 4000 Msq exhibition area can be used as one major hall,
or can be subdivided into several smaller halls as required.
