Page 23 - Designing Ways 242
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could be transformed in ways that would   amplifies the sensorial experience of   at transforming the existing linear
           maximize the value of the building’s   visitors  transitioning  from  its  pure   path of discovery into a more dynamic
           architectural heritage. The carving of a   neutrality to the multi-sensorial discovery   experience, where visitors take charge
           new core, combined with the demolition   of its adjacent ecosystems.  of their own journeys through the
           of the particularly low ceiling at the   “It’s a very powerful tool, half a   Biodome’s five ecosystems, housing more
           entrance of the building, allows visitors   kilometer in length and rising nearly   than 250,000 animals and 500 plant
           to appreciate the impressive scale of the   four storeys,” explains Rami Bebawi. “It’s   species. Conceptually aiming for a more
           existing space. In gutting the existing   extremely emblematic of the space, and   immersive experience, KANVA focused
           ceiling, KANVA opened the space    the white purity beautifully highlights and   its attention on soliciting senses, relegating
           skyward to the building’s extraordinary   contrasts the original structural concrete.”  sight to the end of the line behind sound,
           roof, composed of massive skylight panels                            smell, and touch. From the calming lobby
           that infuse an abundance of natural light.  Sensorial design         hall, the undulating living skin funnels
                                               KANVA  then  focused  on  the  journey   visitors into a 10-metre tunnel leading to
           A calming nucleus                  itself,  designing new passages  aimed   the central core, where their exploration
             With a massive open space now
           forming the core between the ecosystems,
           KANVA parametrically designed a
           living skin that they could wrap around
           the  ecosystems,  and  which  would
           serve as a guiding accompaniment to
           visitors. With exceptionally complicated
           structural engineering, the installation
           of the prefabricated pure white, biophilic
           skin was a monumental task. With no
           room for error, the skin was curved and
           stretched around  a  bowed  aluminum
           structure, using tension, cantilevering,
           and  triangular  beams for  suspension,
           and was itself anchored to a primary steel
           structure. Mechanical junctions were also
           incorporated in order to accommodate a
           variety of movements and allow for on-
           site adjustments.
             The translucent skin harmoniously
           interacts with the skylights above, with
           bevelled horizons  that elicit a  sense  of
           calm and infinity. The new core also




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