Green Prophet

Green Prophet

 

Student Proposes Iraq Embassy Design for Oslo a la Zaha but Greener
by Tafline Laylin, 06/30/13 

 

Zaha Hadid’s flowing architecture instantly sprung to mind when we came across Zaid Bin Talib’s design proposal for an Iraqi embassy in Oslo. Daring, futuristic, and swooping, the design appears to be influenced by Iraq’s most famous architect’s style, except the Oslo School of Architecture and Design student’s work is so much greener.

So many people rave about Zaha Hadid’s work, and with good reason. She’s a genius who constantly reinvents herself, an original.

But we can’t bring ourselves to support an Iraqi who refuses to do more for the environment through her deeply influential work, unless you count the LEED Silver SOHO Gallery Complex.

But Zaid Bin Talib? Now there’s a designer we can get behind.

The proposal for a new embassy in Norway demonstrates an environmental ethos that puts the Iraqi elder to shame, yet the budding student hasn’t compromised one inch of innovation to achieve his eco-ambitions.

One quarter of the punctured facade is covered with photovoltaic panels and 30 percent with greenery that unfurls among the undulating openings.

The energy-generating skin is complemented with high-performance glazing covering the openings, which help to ensure the building’s interior in both well-lit and ventilated.

Oriented towards the west entrance to protect against high winds and comprised of two polarized “swirls” that create a continuous, long structure, the embassy’s northern facade is closed to block out traffic noise.

Other sustainability initiatives include energy efficient lighting and passive solar design, all of which help to reduce this impressive structure’s impact on the earth. Mind you, it’s not dirt, and it’s not affordable, but it is a step in a greener direction.

Maybe this particular design won’t be realized, but it’s refreshing to know that the next generation of designers from the Middle East and North Africa are incorporating real-world issues into their work.

Now, how do we teach the old schoolers (ahem, Zaha) a few new, green tricks?

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inhabitat

inhabitat

Zaid Bin Talib Unveils Plans for Solar-Powered Rainwater-Harvesting Embassy of Iraq in Oslo

by Lidija Grozdanic, 06/28/13

Oslo School of Architecture and Design student Zaid Bin Talib recently unveiled plans for a new Embassy of Iraq in Oslo that is covered in solar panels and rainwater harvesting mechanisms. The swirling structure features an energy generating skin, and it's wrapped with vegetation that intertwines throughout its openings and undulating surfaces.

The intersecting swirls of Zaid Bin Talib‘s Embassy of Iraq in Oslo create an interesting play of animated forms. The skin provides gradual and discrete connections between different parts of the building. The two polarized swirls create a continuous and, at times elongated circulation path.

Serving as an urban sculpture, the overall shape of the building gestures towards the open spaces on the west side of the site. The north façade is mostly closed and functions as a buffer against traffic noise. Access, openings and views are oriented towards the east and shielded from winter winds.

The undulating roof is covered with photovoltaics and it harvests rainwater to irrigate the surrounding vegetation. The openings are glazed with high-performance glass that reduces glare and provides views and shading.

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Embassy of Iraq - Oslo, Norway

A new embassy with ambassador’s residence in Oslo, Norway

Extract:

An embassy is a reflection of its country and its silent messenger that complements as well as completes the Ambassador’s mission.

The name of Iraq has become a strong reminder of war, atrocities, and suffering not soon forgotten, as it fought to carve its identity. Iraq seeks much needed support to overcome the painful years of civil war and looks to friendly nations that understand its pain and its strive to build a better future. Iraq is viewed as a rich and influential country, their heritage and traditions reflected by the fastest expanding civilization in the world. A world where traditions are being lost, easily discarded, and abandoned.

Iraq almost lost everything including their beliefs and faith in humanity, in face of a horrific and devastating war not seen in Europe since World War II, a gleam of hope ended the fight and life rose again from the ashes of pain and suffering.

Today, only the present and future matter and need be strengthened. We find strength not only in ourselves, but also in family and friends in life. Thus, the message of the hope coming from the warm desert of Arabia is bold and strong and has to be shown in the architectural representation of the embassy.

This research seeks to shed light on what an Iraqi embassy in Norway capital is. It discusses to what extent an embassy can showcase the ideals and the cultural values of the country it represents, what its role is, and to what extent it is a building that should try to conform to the local setting. 

The House of Iraq in Norway fulfills the role of embassy purely as a representative of goodwill. I want to focus on developing a national symbol for the new spirit of Iraq. The new building should be a symbol of the Iraqi’s role in the development of Iraq and a reflection of the determination to rebuild the country.

More detail about the project you can find it on my website:

http://zaidbintalib.wix.com/zaid-bin-talib