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Bamiyan Cultural Centre of Afghanistan
Bamiyan Cultural Centre of Afghanistan
Yerevan, Armenia
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Bamiyan Cultural Centre of Afghanistan
Yerevan, Armenia
Overall concept
The concept of the Cultural Centre Bamyan proposed by us represents a delicate intervention into traditional way of life of the province. We have taken into consideration centuries-long architectural and cultural heritage of this region. Our task was to make maximum emphasis on the monastic complex Bamyan and Bamyan valley using very modest architectural techniques, at the same time creating most convenient conditions for vital activity of the Cultural Centre.
Limited budget for construction materials and difficult economic situation of Afghanistan prompted us to propose the paradoxical idea, namely:
Revival of the culture of Bamyan province may take place by means of restoration of not-yet-lost skills: folk-crafts, musical folklore, construction culture, studying and analysis of the architectural history, training and education of specialists, financial support and soft lending for small and medium businesses engaged in programs of the Centre, information support, tourism, exhibitions and seminars.
Isolatedness of Afghanistan from the outside world should be gradually overcome by means of improvement of contacts with other countries, through construction of the Cultural Centre, at the same time not losing uniqueness and identity of peoples of Afghanistan. Cultural Centre may become a venue for settlement of political disputes, and thus help the ordinary citizens of Afghanistan to live peaceful lives.
Master plan
We are proposing to organize a landscaped area in front of the entry to the central yard of the Cultural Centre with parking lots for 30 vehicles at the level 0.000 m, protected by solid 3 m high fence, check point for pedestrians and separate check point for cargo vehicles, bus-stop for public and tourist buses. For watering and irrigation of the areas we have designed the water tank with the pump station. For external lighting and power supply we have designed the transformer station adjacent to the check point for cargo vehicles. We have proposed to arrange a planted land and sidewalks using local stones in this area. We have designed an open yard with water reservoir in the area at the level -10.000 m. Descent to the yard is through external stairway, as well as exits from Northern side of the main building. Along the entire perimeter of the building of the Cultural Centre there will be reinforced concrete paving. The surface pattern is complex with slope to the north-east. We have made use of the considerable elevation differences in northern direction as a natural slope for the main hall with 200 seats. For the convenience of movement of cargo motor transport we are proposing to arrange a 6 m wide road to the storage of exhibition materials at the level –0.300 m. Observation sites of the Cultural Centre have a direct view to north-west side, where statues of Buddha and monastery are situated. The availability of the river and differences in elevation (30 m) from this very side allowed us to propose terraced areas with plantings for strengthening the soil in this area. The following have been designed as utilities for the entire building: the boiler house at the level –9.600 m, the transformer station at the level of 0.000 m, drinking water tanks at the level of 0.000 m, pump station at the level of 0.000 m. We are proposing to operate these in future for arrangement of gardens and with the possibility of downward journey for the pedestrians to the Bamyan river and Chanmiroud street.
Architectural-planning solution
Our proposal is based on traditional Oriental way of world perception and construction of public places in places of major concentration of people. The principle of aesthetics of the blind outside wall and complete opening of the inner yard, enabled us to distribute functional zones of the prospective Cultural Centre: exhibition space with total area of 443 m² has been placed by us in north-west part of the building with perfect view of the Bamyan valley and Buddhist monastery from windows of the building. In addition, apertures for light have been combined with sun-protecting decorative elements.
• This exhibition space is interconnected from southern side with collection storage, whereas in the north it leads to emergency stairs and separate stairs to the roofing.
• The opposite northern side of this exhibition space has exit to triple-flight stair, which descends us from the level of ±0.000 m to the level of -9.600 m.
• Also, retail store and tea house are situated in this side of the common building.
• Тea house will be operated both in winter and in summer. Connecting link between right and left wing of the building and specialized spaces (workshop study, scientific centre, etc.) will be the reception lobby (entrance vestibule, reception, lobby), public toilet is situated there too. In the centre of this arrangement there is the main hall with 200 seats for conducting various activities.
• In left and right wings of the building of the Centre there are 6 x 6 m covered inner yards providing for natural ventilation and aeration, as well as exit to flat roof at the level of +4.000 m, and insolation.
• Large inner yard, without roofing, at the level of -0.300 m leads also to the zone of administration and conference hall with 30 seats.
• In northern part of the building we are proposing educational part of the complex and it will also be at the level of 0.000 m, but with its own entry to the entrance lobby and external stair descending to the level of -9.600 m. Classrooms will be provided with toilets.
• Right wing of the main hall will be occupied by workshop-studios, provided with toilets, scientific-research centre, meeting room, classrooms, library. At the level of +6.300 m we have designed the stage for the main hall with exit to the off stage area and toilets for the staff. Two apertures to the north side at the level of +9.300 m will serve as exit from the main hall.
Building area analysis
Our proposal for usable floor area of all rooms under the assignment is 1,856 m², of which 303 m² are corridors, stairs, partition walls, loading areas, mechanical, electrical, plumbing service lines (including areas of partitions). Meanwhile, relationship of the area of development, including external walls comprised 2,331 m², whereas 2,159 m² (inner area), i.e. walls and partitions take up 172 m², which is 7.4% of the overall assigned area. Additional 1,000 m² of reserve territories are proposed by us for increasing exhibition rooms with 6 m spacing towards Buddha statues along the entire length of the building (90 m) = 540 m², and under educational building in two levels - 42 х 6 m = 252 m2 х 2 = 504 m². Total of 1,000 m².
Analysis of power consumption
Power consumption for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electric power supply of the proposed building.
Power supply of the building is intended through using of solar energy. Solar panels will be situated on the flat surface of roofing. Heating system, due to shortage of energy resources in Afghanistan is proposed to be installed also in the lower part of the complex, and various types of fuel (gas, coal, fuel oil) could be used for that. In order to attain high ratio of heat protection we propose to use the local material (straw brick), with insulant inside the building (5-6 cm air-space insulation and gypsum board lining). To use flat roofing for planting.
We are proposing to place water supply system near entrance gates for pedestrians as a stand-alone premise. As the result, additional premise for gas supply, electric power supply and water supply will take up about 50 m².
Structural layout
We are proposing a mixed structural layout: relying on traditions of construction of buildings in Afghanistan, we are proposing to use local materials (well-dried hand-formed bricks, preliminarily hard burned under direct sunlight) as the filling material for external walls of the building of the Cultural Centre. Due to main disadvantage of hand-formed bricks - hygroscopicity, i.e. property to absorb moisture, we are proposing to construct foundations from reinforced concrete structures: supporting columns and girders. The structure will be thoroughly protected against contact with moisture (reliable moisture proofing), and following that the walls will be carefully plastered and lined with natural stone or decorative brick. Along the perimeter we are proposing to arrange upto 6 m wide pavings.
In turn, the roofing will be covered by hand-formed clay brick on wooden planking and protected by contemporary waterproofing materials. Also, in arranging covering of the roof we assume using stems of the cane treated by fire retardants – special agents, which lower the possibility of easy inflammation, used for arrangement of roofing and other structural elements of the building.
The above structures necessitated our choice of the grid of columns, with span not exceeding 6 meters. However, dimensions of the performance hall assume using metal structures (overlap girders) with span of 12 meters.
Due to 10 m vertical difference and 90 m length of the building in axles, we could not use conventional timber framing (we mean that foundations of the structures proposed by us are located in two different levels vertically with 10 m difference, which given the seismicity of the area, makes safe performance of construction activities difficult).
The main difficulty of the structure of the Performance Hall lies in the fact that it assumes slope of 24º, therefore floors in this hall and 8 m high non-bearing walls will be from monolith reinforced concrete.
All framing belts, flights of stairs, columns will be also from reinforced concrete using high-strength grades of concrete.
Apertures for light are proposed to be made from traditional timber materials with insulating glass unit filling.
Partitions in all rooms, except special ones (such as quiet study rooms, musician performance room) are also proposed to be made from hand-formed brick in combination with timber framing and plastering with lining from local materials (wide use of lime mortars of chalk and polyvinyl-acetate adhesive additives or lining with gypsum boards for interior works).
Due to absence of geological conditions of survey of the area, design of foundations proposed by us will be carefully protected, if we opt for foundation bearer in the entire territory of the development. Taking into consideration proximity of the Bamyan river and looseness of soils the above solution will not be cheap, but sufficiently reliable for long-term operation.
Floors at the level of ±0.000 m will be covered by reinforced concrete depending on designated function of rooms.
The main issue of our structural solution are non-bearing walls from hand-formed brick. Proposed measures on increasing their warmth-keeping are air gaps and insulants inside rooms. Obligatory condition of the linkage of the face brick and hand-formed brick is metal clamps and mesh reinforcement to be placed every three rows.
Stability of brickwork will depend on the quality of the applied mortar (usually, clay with medium richness and sieved mountain (but not river) sand is used). Finely cut straw should be added to it.
Design of the structure of the roofing is ventilated with air pockets.
The concept of the Cultural Centre Bamyan proposed by us represents a delicate intervention into traditional way of life of the province. We have taken into consideration centuries-long architectural and cultural heritage of this region. Our task was to make maximum emphasis on the monastic complex Bamyan and Bamyan valley using very modest architectural techniques, at the same time creating most convenient conditions for vital activity of the Cultural Centre.
Limited budget for construction materials and difficult economic situation of Afghanistan prompted us to propose the paradoxical idea, namely:
Revival of the culture of Bamyan province may take place by means of restoration of not-yet-lost skills: folk-crafts, musical folklore, construction culture, studying and analysis of the architectural history, training and education of specialists, financial support and soft lending for small and medium businesses engaged in programs of the Centre, information support, tourism, exhibitions and seminars.
Isolatedness of Afghanistan from the outside world should be gradually overcome by means of improvement of contacts with other countries, through construction of the Cultural Centre, at the same time not losing uniqueness and identity of peoples of Afghanistan. Cultural Centre may become a venue for settlement of political disputes, and thus help the ordinary citizens of Afghanistan to live peaceful lives.
Master plan
We are proposing to organize a landscaped area in front of the entry to the central yard of the Cultural Centre with parking lots for 30 vehicles at the level 0.000 m, protected by solid 3 m high fence, check point for pedestrians and separate check point for cargo vehicles, bus-stop for public and tourist buses. For watering and irrigation of the areas we have designed the water tank with the pump station. For external lighting and power supply we have designed the transformer station adjacent to the check point for cargo vehicles. We have proposed to arrange a planted land and sidewalks using local stones in this area. We have designed an open yard with water reservoir in the area at the level -10.000 m. Descent to the yard is through external stairway, as well as exits from Northern side of the main building. Along the entire perimeter of the building of the Cultural Centre there will be reinforced concrete paving. The surface pattern is complex with slope to the north-east. We have made use of the considerable elevation differences in northern direction as a natural slope for the main hall with 200 seats. For the convenience of movement of cargo motor transport we are proposing to arrange a 6 m wide road to the storage of exhibition materials at the level –0.300 m. Observation sites of the Cultural Centre have a direct view to north-west side, where statues of Buddha and monastery are situated. The availability of the river and differences in elevation (30 m) from this very side allowed us to propose terraced areas with plantings for strengthening the soil in this area. The following have been designed as utilities for the entire building: the boiler house at the level –9.600 m, the transformer station at the level of 0.000 m, drinking water tanks at the level of 0.000 m, pump station at the level of 0.000 m. We are proposing to operate these in future for arrangement of gardens and with the possibility of downward journey for the pedestrians to the Bamyan river and Chanmiroud street.
Architectural-planning solution
Our proposal is based on traditional Oriental way of world perception and construction of public places in places of major concentration of people. The principle of aesthetics of the blind outside wall and complete opening of the inner yard, enabled us to distribute functional zones of the prospective Cultural Centre: exhibition space with total area of 443 m² has been placed by us in north-west part of the building with perfect view of the Bamyan valley and Buddhist monastery from windows of the building. In addition, apertures for light have been combined with sun-protecting decorative elements.
• This exhibition space is interconnected from southern side with collection storage, whereas in the north it leads to emergency stairs and separate stairs to the roofing.
• The opposite northern side of this exhibition space has exit to triple-flight stair, which descends us from the level of ±0.000 m to the level of -9.600 m.
• Also, retail store and tea house are situated in this side of the common building.
• Тea house will be operated both in winter and in summer. Connecting link between right and left wing of the building and specialized spaces (workshop study, scientific centre, etc.) will be the reception lobby (entrance vestibule, reception, lobby), public toilet is situated there too. In the centre of this arrangement there is the main hall with 200 seats for conducting various activities.
• In left and right wings of the building of the Centre there are 6 x 6 m covered inner yards providing for natural ventilation and aeration, as well as exit to flat roof at the level of +4.000 m, and insolation.
• Large inner yard, without roofing, at the level of -0.300 m leads also to the zone of administration and conference hall with 30 seats.
• In northern part of the building we are proposing educational part of the complex and it will also be at the level of 0.000 m, but with its own entry to the entrance lobby and external stair descending to the level of -9.600 m. Classrooms will be provided with toilets.
• Right wing of the main hall will be occupied by workshop-studios, provided with toilets, scientific-research centre, meeting room, classrooms, library. At the level of +6.300 m we have designed the stage for the main hall with exit to the off stage area and toilets for the staff. Two apertures to the north side at the level of +9.300 m will serve as exit from the main hall.
Building area analysis
Our proposal for usable floor area of all rooms under the assignment is 1,856 m², of which 303 m² are corridors, stairs, partition walls, loading areas, mechanical, electrical, plumbing service lines (including areas of partitions). Meanwhile, relationship of the area of development, including external walls comprised 2,331 m², whereas 2,159 m² (inner area), i.e. walls and partitions take up 172 m², which is 7.4% of the overall assigned area. Additional 1,000 m² of reserve territories are proposed by us for increasing exhibition rooms with 6 m spacing towards Buddha statues along the entire length of the building (90 m) = 540 m², and under educational building in two levels - 42 х 6 m = 252 m2 х 2 = 504 m². Total of 1,000 m².
Analysis of power consumption
Power consumption for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electric power supply of the proposed building.
Power supply of the building is intended through using of solar energy. Solar panels will be situated on the flat surface of roofing. Heating system, due to shortage of energy resources in Afghanistan is proposed to be installed also in the lower part of the complex, and various types of fuel (gas, coal, fuel oil) could be used for that. In order to attain high ratio of heat protection we propose to use the local material (straw brick), with insulant inside the building (5-6 cm air-space insulation and gypsum board lining). To use flat roofing for planting.
We are proposing to place water supply system near entrance gates for pedestrians as a stand-alone premise. As the result, additional premise for gas supply, electric power supply and water supply will take up about 50 m².
Structural layout
We are proposing a mixed structural layout: relying on traditions of construction of buildings in Afghanistan, we are proposing to use local materials (well-dried hand-formed bricks, preliminarily hard burned under direct sunlight) as the filling material for external walls of the building of the Cultural Centre. Due to main disadvantage of hand-formed bricks - hygroscopicity, i.e. property to absorb moisture, we are proposing to construct foundations from reinforced concrete structures: supporting columns and girders. The structure will be thoroughly protected against contact with moisture (reliable moisture proofing), and following that the walls will be carefully plastered and lined with natural stone or decorative brick. Along the perimeter we are proposing to arrange upto 6 m wide pavings.
In turn, the roofing will be covered by hand-formed clay brick on wooden planking and protected by contemporary waterproofing materials. Also, in arranging covering of the roof we assume using stems of the cane treated by fire retardants – special agents, which lower the possibility of easy inflammation, used for arrangement of roofing and other structural elements of the building.
The above structures necessitated our choice of the grid of columns, with span not exceeding 6 meters. However, dimensions of the performance hall assume using metal structures (overlap girders) with span of 12 meters.
Due to 10 m vertical difference and 90 m length of the building in axles, we could not use conventional timber framing (we mean that foundations of the structures proposed by us are located in two different levels vertically with 10 m difference, which given the seismicity of the area, makes safe performance of construction activities difficult).
The main difficulty of the structure of the Performance Hall lies in the fact that it assumes slope of 24º, therefore floors in this hall and 8 m high non-bearing walls will be from monolith reinforced concrete.
All framing belts, flights of stairs, columns will be also from reinforced concrete using high-strength grades of concrete.
Apertures for light are proposed to be made from traditional timber materials with insulating glass unit filling.
Partitions in all rooms, except special ones (such as quiet study rooms, musician performance room) are also proposed to be made from hand-formed brick in combination with timber framing and plastering with lining from local materials (wide use of lime mortars of chalk and polyvinyl-acetate adhesive additives or lining with gypsum boards for interior works).
Due to absence of geological conditions of survey of the area, design of foundations proposed by us will be carefully protected, if we opt for foundation bearer in the entire territory of the development. Taking into consideration proximity of the Bamyan river and looseness of soils the above solution will not be cheap, but sufficiently reliable for long-term operation.
Floors at the level of ±0.000 m will be covered by reinforced concrete depending on designated function of rooms.
The main issue of our structural solution are non-bearing walls from hand-formed brick. Proposed measures on increasing their warmth-keeping are air gaps and insulants inside rooms. Obligatory condition of the linkage of the face brick and hand-formed brick is metal clamps and mesh reinforcement to be placed every three rows.
Stability of brickwork will depend on the quality of the applied mortar (usually, clay with medium richness and sieved mountain (but not river) sand is used). Finely cut straw should be added to it.
Design of the structure of the roofing is ventilated with air pockets.
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