Heritage and Regional Modern Architecture in Khartoum (2)

Another example of modern regional architecture in Khartoum, which uses modern technology in combination with traditional methods of natural cooling, is Salam Centre (2007) (Fig.:5). Salam Centre is a specialized cardiac surgery unit located in Soba on the western bank of the Blue Nile 25 km south of Khartoum. It is designed by studio Tamassociati of Venice, Italy, and developed by Emergency, the Italian based international non-government organization.

                                

(Fig:5) General view

       The architects identified their goals to combine modern technology with traditional methods of climate control in order to achieve a high level of thermal efficiency without relying much on sophisticated energy consuming system. In-depth study of the climate conditions in Khartoum had lead to the use of a combined system of mechanical air-conditioning and natural cooling for maximum efficiency and economy. The design draws on the legacy of traditional environmental techniques including the use of a central green courtyard that acts as a thermal insulation of the interior spaces from the harsh climatic conditions. The design also incorporates the use of massive walls, shading screens, trees and planting to protect the building against excessive heat radiation (Fig.: 6).

                                         

                                                                     (Fig:6) Central courtyrd                                        
                                                                                                   

All three examples presented in this study adopt a dual policy which uses modern technology in combination with traditional methods of natural cooling, but Salam Centre is a head of the other two buildings in maintaining a higher level of green standards. In order to reduce energy consumption, the designers incorporated a solar energy unit as an alternative clean energy option. The advantage of passive cooling here is that it plays a dual role; it reduces the need to rely on energy consuming mechanical cooling, and allows the efficient use of solar energy. Solar cooling system was used in combination with a simple mechanical air-filtering technique designed to filter the large quantities of dust which is common in Khartoum without having to rely on costly and complicated devices. The air is designed to pass through a series of tunnels designed to filter the air, while a water spraying at the end of the tunnels further eliminate the finer dust and allow air to reach the conditioners at 9° C cooler than when it entered the system.

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Will be away for a couple of weeks to see Mamluk architecture in Cairo. Hope to resume posting on this blogg as normal on Friday, October 14th, 2011.