Performing Arts Centre for Abu Dhabi by Zaha Hadid Architects

The Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre design, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is just revealed. This elongated hybrid-shaped building generated by branching algorithms is the resultant of combination of mathematics — branching algorithms — and natural elements — the building's surrounding. The Performing Arts Centre is due to be completed within the five years.

Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Center, render © Zaha Hadid Architects

I, firstly, would like to research upon how Zaha Hadid and design partner Patrik Schumacher incorporates algorithm in their design (this will surely be a fascinating yet long research). I cannot confirm if they both are interested in evolutionary biology, but, needless to say that biology, natural elements (plants, species, etc.) seem to have an important influence on Zaha Hadid's design. This new project is an example. For the Performing Arts Centre, it seems that  Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher have examined the emergence and the evolution of the building within its environment.
Since the 1990s, architects have been used evolutionary biology research to address or depict the increased complexity of environment. Evolutionary biology, briefly, examines the origin, the evolution, the behavior and the multiplication of species over time. As Eleftheria Fasoulaki points out, "the enormous set of possibilities of prospective genetic sequences, and the desired 'solutions' are the results of highly fit organisms that are able to survive and reproduce within their environments". This explains why this field inspires — and will keep on inspiring — architecture and engineering for studying complex computational problems.

Render © Zaha Hadid Architects

As Evolutionary Biology is linked to Genetic Algorithms, Genetic Algorithms are used in architecture and engineering as optimization tools or as form-generation tools (Eleftheria Fasoulaki). Genetic Algorithms enables to solve optimization and search problems particularly information and level of complexity which involve in building projects. As optimization tools and as form-generation tools, Genetic Algorithms, mostly, can be used: 1. to address building constraints, such as structural, mechanical, and thermal and lighting performance; 2. to obtain the highest reliability and the lowest cost. Genetic Algorithms permit to generate criteria related to the environmental performance of a building. An example: Genetic Algorithm, precisely, can search for the highest, if not the optimal material for the envelop or the shape of the building which allows the reduction of solar gains and glare or maximization of penetration of natural light and ventilation. Moreover, Genetic Algorithms can help calculate the best energy saving for existing as well as building. There are many examples that Algorithms and Architecture can provide for building process.

Model © Zaha Hadid Architects, model photography © David Grandorge

In the case of the curvilinear Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre, algorithms, precisely branching algorithms, have been applied to generate this complex shape as well as to develop the energy building system. Branching algorithms consist of reduction rules and branching rules. A reduction rule simplifies instance without branching while a branching calls subproblems of the instance. Branching algorithms result in the correctness of all its reduction and branching rules.

Render © Zaha Hadid Architects

Biology appears to have inspired the building design since organizational systems and growth in the natural world were the basis of the Performing Art Centre. As mentioned previously, biology and Algorithms, then, serve for the calculation of the building energy systems.  Therefore the EBS of the elongated Performing Arts Centre emerges from a numerous site analysis data-sets such as the predominant movements in the urban fabric along the pedestrian corridor and the Cultural Centre's seafront promenade. As the building, the green space seems to be the outcome of two processes:  definition and re-writing rules based on site conditions. The smooth and fluid surface is perforated with windows that allow diffusion of natural light and ventilation within the building.

Render © Zaha Hadid Architects

The interior spaces treatment is similar to the complex curved shape of the Performing Arts Centre: fluid and smooth. The building contains, on ten levels, five theatres: A dedicated music hall, opera house, concert hall, drama theatre, and multi-use theatre with a capacity of 6,300 seats.

Render © Zaha Hadid Architects

Building facts
Project: Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Center
Program: five theatres — a music all, concert hall, opera house, drama theatre and a flexible theatre and flexible theatre with a combined seating capacity for 6,300, and Academy of Performing Arts.
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Client: The Tourism Development and Investment Company of Abu Dhabi (TDUC)
Height: 62 m
Width: 135 m
Length: 490 m (including bridge)
Total Floor Area: 62,770 sqm
Footprint: 25,800 sqm (excluding Bridge)
Levels: 10 above, 4 underground
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Credits
Rendering, model © Zaha Hadid Architects
Model photography © David Grandorge