Name: Salosagcol, Joseph M.

Homework #1

Course: Evaluation of Architecture Design Class Schedule: TTHS/10:30AM – 1:30PM

Choose one building and define the 7 influencing factors

A. Geographical – Burj Khalifa is 2.1 miles away from the sea.
The address of Burj Khalifa is 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the tower is located in
Downtown Dubai, an area along Sheikh Zayed Road, it's one of several
districts in the city that filled with lots of high-rises buildings, another
district with significant amount of skyscrapers is Dubai Marina, the two
districts is approximately 11 miles apart.
B. Geological – Materials (glass, steel, aluminum and reinforced
concrete) structural steel with a diagonally braced lateral system for the
spire. The addition of flat plate floor construction and perimeter
columns, the entire structural system of the Burj Khalifa acts like a
single unit creating a tower that acts as one giant concrete beam
cantilevering from the ground. Located on the Arabian Gulf (marine
sediments). Low-lying land where sea level has changed throughout the
periods. Located on the edge of the Arabian plate and close to Iranian
Fold Belt (seismic area). Cathodic Protection System that creates a
barrier to keep “eroding chemical” from the ground affecting the
concrete.
C. Climatic – The line of the Tropic of Cancer crosses through
the UAE, making the weather in Dubai hot and sunny. Nights are
relatively cooler and areas near the coasts experience an average of
50% to 60% humidity. In the summer, weather in Dubai is very hot and
humid, with temperature touching mid 40’s. Even the temperature of the
Burj Khalifa sea can reach 37 degrees Celsius with humidity averaging over 90%.
Rainfall in Dubai is infrequent and does not last for more than a few
days. It mostly rains during the winter, with short gushes and the
occasional thunderstorm. On average, Dubai experience only five days
of rainfall a year.
D. Religion – Muslims build mosques. Religion is a very important component of UAE society. It is the basis of their
culture, their political system and their way of life. Islam is the basis of their culture and their society, and it shows in
their political system, their way to dress, their culture and their lifestyle. Islam dominates all aspects of life. Most Emiratis
are members of the Sunni sect. Matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, economics, politics, and personal
conduct are affected by Sharia (Islamic) law.
E. Historical – Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space - Before 1960, the only settlements were small towns and
villages. Oil resources have enabled massive modernization. Towns have been transformed from mud-walled
communities into commercial capitals integrated in the global economy. Because of the small population and harsh
desert interior, 80 percent of the population lives in the coastal capital cities, leading social scientists to describe them
as city-states. Urbanization has been characterized by unparalleled growth. Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities
in the world. UAE cities have been heavily influenced by the global city type. Dominant urban features include
skyscrapers in the commercial city centers, multistory residential buildings, large shopping malls, wide boulevards, an
extensive network of highways, and sprawling new suburbs.
F. Social and Political
➢ Political Life - The UAE has a federal government that is made up of several organs: the president and his deputy, the
Supreme Council, the cabinet, the Federal National Council, and an independent judiciary with a federal supreme court.
➢ Social - Classes and Castes. Emirati society is divided into two social categories: the nationals ( Al-Muwateneen ) and the
foreign immigrants, referred to as the incomers ( Al-Wafedeen ). Citizens are subdivided into four main social classes: (1) the
ruling sheikhly families, whose members hold the highest political positions and power and have immense wealth and
prestige, (2) the merchant class, known as al-tujjar , traditionally pearling merchants who now sell international consumer
goods, (3) the new middle class, represented by increasing numbers of professionals who have benefitted from free state
education, and (4) the low-income groups, represented by newly settled Bedouin nomads and former pearl divers and oasis
farmers.