Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING

ARCT 310 | Architectural Design Studio III – L51

Fall 2023

QU Culture Center
Project Brief

Instructor Information
Name : Hatem Ibrahim
Academic Title : Professor
Office : H07-326
Phone : 4403 4345
E-mail : hatem_ibrahim@qu.edu.qa
Office Hours : Sunday & Tuesday (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Name : Arch. Gaetano Pullara, and Arch. Ilaria La Manna.

Academic Title : Adjunct Lecturers (Part Timer Industry Expert)
Office : N/A
Phone : N/A
E-mail : gpullara.posta@gmail.com, ila.lamanna84@gmail.com
Office Hours : N/A
TA Information
Name :Arch. Jiin Baek
Office : H07-B365
Phone : 4403-4350
E-mail : jiin.baek@qu.edu.qa
Office Hours : Sunday & Tuesday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Class/Laboratory Schedule
Day & Time : Sunday (01:00 pm – 01:50 pm) : Lecture, and
Sunday (02:00 pm – 03:50 pm) : Studio
Tuesday (01:00 pm – 03:50 pm) : Studio
Thursday (08:00 am – 11:50 am) : Studio
Location : H07- B126

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

QU Cultural Center
Project Duration : 7 weeks
Issue Date : Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Client : QU administration.

1. BACKGROUND
Project Overview:
The Sustainable Cultural Center that close to Qatar University is aligned with Qatar’s goals of promoting
education, cultural diversity, and international collaboration. Its role can be described from different
aspects such as: a) promoting cultural exchange and diverse population, b) serving as a hub for
preserving Qatar’s cultural heritage through events, c) offering mentorship opportunities for youth
focused initiatives.
All these activities should be tailored to Qatar’s specific social, cultural, and educational context. The
cultural center can play a significant role in enhancing Qatar’s cultural landscape.
Cultural Exchange: The center serves as a hub for cultural exchange, providing a platform for local and
international artists, scholars, and performers to share their cultural heritage and ideas.
In essence, the Sustainable Cultural Center is a multifaceted project that enriches the cultural,
educational, and fostering connections between people and nations through the universal language of
art and culture.
Project Objectives:
- showcasing Qatar University to the public.
- Promoting cultural exchange.
- Creating a hub for preserving Qatar’s cultural heritage.
- Providing a healthy place for the Qatar University community and public.
- Enhancing the sense of belonging for all QU affiliated people by creating a meeting point.

Taichung City Cultural Center- Taiwan. Cultural Center in Sweden

Diné College campus- Turkey Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center- USA

Fig. 1: Examples of cultural centers Projects

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

2. SITE LOCATION
The cultural center location is near Qatar University Metro Station, Figure 2.

Fig. 2: The Site – QU Campus Bicycle Program: Total Area ≈ 1500.00 m²

3. LAND REGULATIONS
According to the site regulation, the following are for consideration:
a) The total area covered in GF must be not more than 60 % of the maximum total area ≈ of 900
m².
b) Setbacks from each side is 5.00 m minimum.
c) The maximum height of the building is 10.00 m (without any dome/ architectural features).
d) The building should be no more than two levels [G+1].
e) The adjacent parking area serves the project's user, and it's important to consider designated
parking spaces for individuals with special needs on site.
f) Codes and regulations must be considered while implementing the design.

4. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
The QU Cultural Center will serve as the hub which Qatar University becomes visible. A thoughtfully
designed center will have a substantial impact on enhancing the institution's reputation, nurturing
cross-cultural awareness, and actively contributing to the continued growth and global prominence of
Qatar University.
The main project elements are as follows:
1.1. Entrance and Lobby:
Provides a dedicated entrance space that welcomes users and a spacious lobby area where users can
gather, receive information about the center activities. It includes information desk, administration
office, flyers stand, cafeteria & refreshment area, shop, toilets…etc.

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

1.2. Main Flexible Multipurpose Hall:

It can accommodate different events such as: Exhibition, public seminars, workshops, public
celebrations…etc.
1.3. Two study rooms: for student’s support and collaborative work
1.4. Facilities: Such as Kitchen to support events organization.
General Technical Specification for consideration:
§ Easy Access: In the context of circulation within the cultural center's design, the focus is on
creating an environment that allows for the smooth and unobstructed movement of people
throughout the facility. This involves pathways, corridors, and public spaces to ensure that
visitors can navigate the center comfortably and with ease. A well-planned circulation system
enhances the overall user experience, making the center more accessible and user-friendly, and
ensuring that visitors can fully engage with the diverse cultural and educational offerings within
the facility.
§ Landscaping Integration: Integrate greenery and aesthetic landscape elements around the
built area. Landscaping enhances the overall environment and can be use as part of the
activities during the thermally comfortable season (from December to March).
§ Accessibility and Inclusivity: The project should be designed to be accessible to all users,
including those with wheelchair. ramps, pathways, and spaces must accommodate diverse
needs.
§ Navigating codes and Regulations: Compliance with local standards, such as the Qatar
Construction Specifications (QCS), ensures inclusive design.
§ Building Materials and Assemblies: Building materials and assemblies details is essential for
ensuring functionality, durability, and aesthetics.

5. DESIGN GUIDELINES & DELIVERABLES

Students are expected to consider the following:
ü FREEHAND SKETCHES to refine and improve the design must be emphasized during the different
design phases.
ü To show evidence and introduce the assigned SPCs for ARCT 310 as mentioned in the Course
Syllabus.
ü Emphasis on addressing the relationship between concept and context, in addition to idea
generation.
ü Considerations of behavioral and cultural aspects, user requirements, building functions, and
activities.
ü Construction materials and structure systems.
ü Environmental constraints.
ü Positive atmosphere and ambiance that foster learning.
ü Appropriate acoustics and natural/artificial lighting.

6. NAAB SPCs
A.2 Design Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret
information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative
outcomes against relevant criteria and standards.
A.4. Architectural Design Skills Ability to effectively use basic formal, organizational and environmental
principles and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design.
A.5. Ordering Systems Ability to apply the fundamentals of both natural and formal ordering systems
and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design.
B.1. Pre-Design Ability to prepare a comprehensive program for an architecture project that includes
an assessment of client and user needs; an inventory of spaces and their requirements; an analysis of

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

site conditions (including existing buildings); a review of the relevant building codes and standards,
including relevant sustainability requirements, and an assessment of their implications for the project;
and a definition of site selection and design assessment criteria.
B.2. Site Design Ability to respond to site characteristics, including urban context and developmental
patterning, historical fabric, soil, topography, ecology, climate, and building orientation, in the
development of a project design.
B.3. Codes and Regulations Ability to design sites, facilities, and systems that are responsive to relevant
codes and regulations, and include the principles of local life-safety and accessibility standards.
B.5. Structural Systems Ability to demonstrate the basic principles of structural systems and their ability
to withstand gravitational, seismic, and lateral forces, as well as the selection and application of the
appropriate structural system.
B.8. Building Materials and Assemblies Understanding of the basic principles used in the appropriate
selection of interior and exterior construction materials, finishes, products, components, and
assemblies based on their inherent performance, including environmental impact and reuse.

7. SUBMISSION STAGES
It is required to proceed with the different phases of the design process and accordingly submit the
following:
Phase I: Pre-Design Stage – Data References & Standard, Precedents, and Site Analysis: - GROUP
WORK
This stage initiates defining different elements of the project in addition to the site analysis. The
submission package includes the following:
§ Each group is to submit: A3 Portfolio (Landscape Orientation)
a. Data References & Standard: Include accurate and up-to-date sources of information, such
as relevant codes, regulations, and standard guidelines to ensure the project adheres to
established best practices and legal requirements.
b. Precedent Analysis (minimum 2 precedents/ group): Involves studying and evaluating
relevant existing projects and case studies to extract design insights, best practices, and
lessons learned that can inform the development of the project.
c. Site Analysis: Encompasses the location's site description, climate considerations,
accessibility and connectivity, environmental factors, existing infrastructure, surrounding
land use, user demographics, safety and security assessment, sustainability integration,
regulatory analysis, identified opportunities and constraints, and concludes with
recommendations for optimal design strategies.

Phase II: Schematic Design Stage – Conceptual Design, and Evaluation (FREEHAND): - INDIVIDUAL
WORK
This stage is to develop the project concept, presented in the form of freehand sketches showing the
concept development. The concept must meet your aesthetic preferences, budget requirements
(clients’ budgets must be considered, continually striving to provide accurate estimates throughout the
early stages of design), and energy efficiency/sustainability requirements.
§ Each student is to submit: A3 Portfolio (Landscape Orientation)
a. Concept process, development, and composition. This should include 3D/Schematic Bubble
Diagram, 3D exteriors to show the design idea. Addressing intelligent energy saving,
sustainable sourcing of energy, renewable and eco-friendly energy.
b. Concept Evaluation (based on relevant criteria).
c. Study Models to be integrated during developing the concept.
d. Site plan 1:500, floor plan/s 1:200, Elevations 1:200, Sections 1:200

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

Phase III: Design Development Stage (Rendering): - INDIVIDUAL WORK

This includes detailed designing and design finalization of the project. The following submitted materials
are required.
§ Each student is to submit: (1) A3 Portfolio (Landscape Orientation): well-presented and in
continuation of the previous phases including all the Activity Logs of the project; (2) A0 Posters
(Portrait Orientation), and (3) Physical Model.
a. Schematic design including design integration, analysis, and cost estimate.
b. Site Plan - 1:500
c. Ground Floor Plan - 1:200 (showing the immediate surroundings)
d. First Floor Plan - 1:200
e. Site Elevations/ Sections - 1:200
f. Two Elevations - 1:200
g. Two Sections - 1:200
h. Building Envelop Systems - 1:20
i. Perspectives - Interiors & Exteriors
j. Structure Analysis
k. Codes and Regulations Analysis (including site design, accessibility, and life safety)
l. Physical Model - 1:200

8. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
ü All digital submissions must be in PDF format via the Blackboard link following the specified
filename format (as announced in the BB link).
ü It is solely the responsibility of the group to ensure your submission on BB is the correct file.
ü All submissions should include the student’s name and QU ID clearly mentioning the project
title with its submission stage; in addition to the QU Logo, Qatar University, College Name,
Department Name, B Arch Program, and the related course information (course code, the
course title, semester, instructor/s name, TA name, etc)
ü Portfolio submitted at each stage including the progress reviews should include a cover page
with all necessary information.
ü Poster must include all the necessary information mentioned above.
ü Physical models must have the student’s name tags/labels including all the related information.
ü Late submission rules/ policy is applied 10% off the assignment grade per day and must be
submitted during the same week of submission due.

9. GRADE WEIGHTAGE DISTRIBUTION

Stages of Submissions Grade Date Contents of Evidenced Submission Type
Deadline Submission SPCs
Phase I - Pre-Design Stage 29 Oct 23 Review 01 :5% A2, A4, A3 (L) Portfolio: Soft copy
[Group work] 12.5 05 Nov 23 B1, B2
Jury I : 7.5 % A3 (L) Portfolio: Soft copy

Phase II - Schematic Design 9 Nov 23 Review 02 :5% All A3 (L) Portfolio: Soft copy
[Individual] assigned
12.5 19 Nov 23 SPCs
Jury II : 7.5 % A3 (L) Portfolio: Soft copy +
Study Models
Phase III - Design Development 24 Nov 23 Review 03 :5% All A3 (L) Portfolio: Soft copy
[Individual] assigned
31 Nov 23 SPCs
27.5

7 Dec 23

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

Pre-Final Jury : 7.5 % A3 (L) Portfolio: Soft copy

Final Jury : 15 % A0 (P) Poster: Soft copy,

Post-Final Enhancement
Participation
A3 (L) Portfolio : Soft + Hard
copy, and Physical Model
5 14 Dec 23 - All A0 (P) Poster: Soft + Hard
assigned copy
SPCs
2.5 - In-class activities - N/A

TOTAL 60

10. PROJECT TIMELINE

Duration
Studio Activity Submission Grade NAAB SPCs
in Weeks

W#8 Introduction - -
Oct 19 Research
Data References and Standard A2, A4, B1, B2
Site Visit

2 Pre-Design Stage
§ Data References
Group work -
W#9 A2, A4, B1, B2
Oct 22-27 § Precedent Analysis
§ Site Analysis

Oct 29 Review 01 Digital Presentation 5% A2, A4, B1, B2

W#10 Jury I Digital Presentation 7.5% A2, A4, B1, B2

Nov 2

Schematic Design Individual work - A2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3

2 § Concept Process
W#3/4
Oct 31-nov 5 § Concept Evaluation
§ Study Models

W#11 Review 02 Digital Presentation 5% -

Nov 7

W#12 Jury II Digital Presentation + Study 7.5%

Nov 12 All assigned SPCs
Models

2 Design Development
§ Site Plan
Individual work -
W#12/13
Nov 14-Nov 23 § Floor Plans All assigned SPCs
§ Site Elevation/ Section
§ Building Envelop Systems

Nov 26 Review 03 Digital Presentation 5% -

2 Design Development Individual work - All assigned SPCs

W#14 § Perspectives
Nov 28 § Physical Model

W#14 Pre-Final Jury Poster Presentation 7.5% All assigned SPCs

Nov 30

Design Finalization Individual work - All assigned SPCs

W#14 § Architectural Drawings

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

Nov 30-Dec 5 § Project Package

W#15 Final Jury Poster Presentation, 15% All assigned SPCs

Dec 7 Portfolio, and Physical
Model
W#16 Post-Final Enhancement Enhanced Poster 5% All assigned SPCs
Dec 10 Presentation, Portfolio, and
Physical Model

11. SUBMISSION FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

BANNER TITLE BLOCK [A0 Poster]

PORTFOLIO CONTENTS [A3 Portfolio]

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 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning I ARCT 310 I Fall 2023

PROJECT OVERVIEW
§ Project Introduction

Pre-Design
SITE ANALYSIS [Schemes + Maps]

Schematic Design Stage

§ Location and Environmental criteria [Orientation, Climate, etc.]
§ Physical criteria [Density, Diversity, Accessibility/Mobility, Circulation, etc.]

Stage
PRECEDENT ANALYSIS [Composition + Arch Form]
§ 1 Precedent [International]
§ 2 Precedents [Regional/Local]
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN [Sketches/Drawings]
§ The Philosophical Approach (Sketches)
§ The overall design process [Architectural Form/Composition/Design] (Sketches)
§ Spatial Analysis/ Spatial Distribution/3D/Schematic Bubble Diagram (Sketches)
§ Site Plan [1:500] (Sketches)
§ Plans, Elevations, Sections [1:200] (Sketches)
§ Roof Plan [1:200]
§ 3Ds Exterior + Interior [Various scales] (Sketches)
§ Study Model [1:200_ 50*70cm]
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT [Technical/CAD/Architectural drawings]
§ Site Plan [1:200]

Design Finalization
Design Development
§ Plans, Elevations, Sections, 3Ds [1:100]
§ Roof Plan [1:200]
§ Envelope system - Façade & Curtain Wall Systems [1:20] [Wall Section]
§ Renderings/3Ds [Various scales] [Urban Context, Exterior, Interior]
ADVANCED DESIGN DEVELOPMENT [INTEGRATED SYSTEMS]
[Technical/CAD/Architectural drawings]

Stage
- Environmental Systems [Passive Design]
§ Building location, building layout, and orientation on the site
§ Acoustics, Controlling Noise
§ Thermal mass, Insulation
§ Shading, Natural/Artificial lighting
§ Fenestrations
§ Ventilation, Controlling Indoor Air Quality
§ Life safety considerations [firefighting & fire protection]
- Structural Systems
§ Type of Construction/Structure and Building Materials
§ Type of foundations
§ Elements of Construction
§ Roofing System
- Building Services Systems
§ Mechanical Services
§ Electrical Services
§ Plumbing Systems
PHYSICAL MODEL
§ Architectural Model [1:200_ 50*70cm]
FREEHAND SKETCHES

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