Through a precident study of the envelope system of the King Abudulaziz Center for World Culture, our team identifies three layers of hierarchy: the main structure system, the weather cladding system and the steel tube veiling system. Each layer coresponds to the ontology of each other, forming a systematic whole with compelling visual effect when seeing from the distance. Nonetheless the difficulties for pre-fabricating, assembling and maintenance are tremendous. The massive number of tubes also jeopardize visual clarity.

We propose to redesign the tubing facade envelope with the panel system by employing the new low-cost material: FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), which is a thin, flexible plastic panel made of strong polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. Compared to stainless steel, FRP creates a continuous durable, scratch-resistant surface that is stain-resistant and easy to clean or mold.

Introducing Parametric Paneling System

The paneling system provides more flexibility in prefabrication and installation, therefore reducing the cost and environmental pollution. Besides, the modular system also offers more opportunities for fenestration by increasing the area of glazing units in order to improve the interior lighting and vision. For better performance in the desert climate, we keep the weather paneling system and the main structure untouched, with the new FRP panels provide thermal and vapor insulation, which is more energy efficient.

The utilization of the panel system reduces the number of the original tube module meanwhile keep matching the geometry of the inner tectonic layers. By improving the visual clarity of the envelope system, we create a concise aesthetics embedded with the consistency of the overall tectonic configuration.