SITE AND ZONING LOCATION: BAKU, AZERBAIJAN TOTAL SITE AREA: Approx. 57,519 sq.m Surrounding Land Use & Heights: Urban context with mixed-use development; mid-rise residential and institutional buildings. Setback/Zoning Restrictions: Flexible zoning due to its iconic status; located in a civic zone allowing cultural buildings. Approach & Right of Way: Direct vehicular and pedestrian access from the main road; gently sloping approach enhances grand entrance. Contour & Site Drainage: Designed on a moderately sloped site with integrated water drainage systems beneath the plaza. Natural Features: Man-made landscaping; no significant natural features. Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps and lifts integrated into design. CLIMATE ANALYSIS Solar Orientation Curved roof and facade designed to optimize solar exposure and shading. Temperature Range -1°C in winter to 30°C+ in summer. Humidity/Rainfall Variation Moderate rainfall; relative humidity ranges from 55–80%. Wind Direction Dominant wind from the north and northwest. Shadows & Air Flow Structure’s organic shape channels wind around the building, reducing drag and improving pedestrian comfort. 1
SPACE AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS Space Organization: Public plaza Exhibition galleries Museum Auditorium Library and conference spaces Proximity Relationship: Auditorium centrally located; gallery wings branch out. Seamless spatial transitions. Circulation: Fluid and intuitive paths through open lobbies and ramps; avoids rigid corridors. Travel Time: Approx. 3–5 minutes to walk between farthest zones. Exterior Areas: Open plaza, sculptural steps, water features, and seating nooks. Approach Grand and theatrical; structure appears to emerge from the ground. Cladding & Fenestration Glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels with custom glass strips. Style & Character Parametric, organic, fluid design language; no sharp angles. FORM ANALYSIS Storeys & Height Varies from 2–4 storeys in height; central dome peaks at ~74m. Structural System Space frame with steel trusses and concrete substructure. 2
USER ANALYSIS User Flowchart: Visitor – Entry – Auditorium/Gallery – Exit via plaza. Occupancy: Designed for flexible crowds, max capacity of over 1000+. Activity Pattern: Continuous public engagement—daytime exhibitions, evening performances. Temporal Variations: Peaks during cultural events, weekends, and tourist seasons. Psychological Impact: Evokes awe, curiosity, and a sense of flow; interior openness reduces spatial stress. MATERIAL ANALYSIS Construction Materials Steel space frame, GFRC panels, glass curtain walls. Partitioning Seamless curves; minimal internal walls. Lighting Indirect and natural lighting; LED strips enhance curvature. Interior Finishes White curved ceilings, wooden acoustic paneling, polished stone floors. Decorative Elements Embedded lighting strips, sculptural stairs. Special Finishes Acoustic materials in auditorium; waterproofing via layered façade. 3
LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS Open Spaces: Vast plaza for public events and gatherings. Vegetation: Minimal but curated landscaping; turf grass and native trees. Water Features/Sculptures: Reflecting pools and iconic sculpture installations. Shading Devices: Overhangs and building’s own mass provide shade. TRAFFIC AND PARKING ANALYSIS Traffic Patterns Steady visitor flow; designed to avoid congestion. Temporal Variation High visitor volume during cultural events. Parking Underground parking available for ~500 vehicles. Movement & Right Off Way Separate entry and exit routes; pedestrian safety prioritized. Public Transport Well-connected via bus and metro; walkable from nearest stops. Mechanical Advanced HVAC and Building Management System (BMS). Firefighting Sprinkler systems, hydrants at strategic points, fire exits. Electrical Underground cabling; transformer stations. Vertical Transport Lifts, ramps; no escalators due to spatial flow. Water Supply City grid connection; drinking water stations inside. Sanitation Modern restrooms on all floors; disabled-friendly. Waste Disposal Back-of-house service cores; concealed collection systems. SERVICE ANALYSIS 4