International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp.

24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

Architectural Criticism as a Main Improvement strategy

In Contemporary Architecture

Dr. Mustafa G. Ramadan

Associate Professor, College of Architectural Engineering & digital design, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, KSA.
(Architecture department, Misr Institute of Engineering & Technology, Mansoura, Egypt)

Abstract highlight the absence of the creative and conscious

At the last period, the importance of the Architectural architectural criticism process in the Arabian architecture that
criticism has been increased as a main branch of the new refer to some problems whether on thinking level or the
Architectural Intellect. Also, the Architectural criticism is architectural practice. The criticism process aims to test
considered one of the most important ways that help to whether the building supports the objectives of the occupying
describe and evaluate any creative work. In fact, the organization, assess whether it is fit for purpose, and whether
Architectural criticism is considered a main approach to it achieves its primary purpose [1]. The research problem is
increase the creative values in the contemporary concluded as; despite of the variety in the architectural
Architecture. On the other hand, The Architectural Intellect criticism schools and directions, there appears to be no
needs a completely criticizable methodology that is able to well-established, coherent and systematic framework can be
improve the Architectural movement and change it from the used to analyze and judge the architectural work consciously.
stage of providing the quantitative criteria to the stage of Therefore, this study aims to reach an integrated
providing the qualitative criteria. That's to present designed methodological framework for the architectural criticism
building outcome with creative values. Therefore, this study practice, which can be used for the evaluation of the
comprises of two research papers, the first part focuses on the architectural works and issuing a criticism Judgments
theoretical background for the architectural criticism, the through presenting a full criticism opinion and a balanced
analytical framework application, and case study analysis. analyzing vision for the architectural works. The study
While the second part of the study focuses on measuring the introduces first the philosophy of the architectural criticism
users and publics satisfaction levels towards the same case and set the architectural criticism standard. In addition to
study presented in the study first part, to highlight the showing the multiple modern directions in the architectural
importance of the users’ satisfaction level in evaluating the criticism movement and identify their most important process
architectural work and the formation of the criticism process. and rules.
This paper presents the first part of the study and aims to
propose a comprehensive theoretical framework for the
Philosophy and role of Architectural Criticism
the criticism in general can be defined as the analysis process
Architectural criticism which can be used in presenting a
of the art work to find its pros and cons and to understand the
criticizable opinion for the architectural works. And to
artwork’s dimensions and goals. The critic performs an
achieve this goal the paper follows some stages. First, it
analyzing thinking process to understand the art work’s
discusses the concepts of the Architectural criticism and
components and elements. The criticism can be identified as
displays its criteria. Then, it introduces the new Architectural
(the art of judging the quality and value in the artistic work)
criticism trends and presents the principles and
[1,2]. The architectural criticism can be identified as a
differentiation for each. The main goal is to present a
presentation and analysis process for the architectural works
complete methodology model for the Architectural criticism
and compare it with similar works to issue a judge on it with
which consists of some criteria can be used in analyzing and
full explanation. Architectural criticism is focusing on the
evaluating the Architectural works. Meanwhile, to apply this
thinking communication process in society and it's reflects on
recommended methodology model on one of the
the products [3]. The architectural criticism process
contemporary Saudi case study to provide a complete
comprises of some consecutive tasks which present the
criticizable opinion for it. Finally, the study provides some
sequence of any criticism process, as it starts with the
recommendations which can help to improve and develop the
presentation of the architectural works, then explain it
Architectural movement in the Arabian region through
following by evaluating the architectural work and
activating the effective role of the architectural criticism.
comparing it with similar works, finally issuing the judge on
the architectural work [4]. The intimate concern of
Keywords: Evaluation, criticism criteria, Critic, Critical architectural criticism is with interpretation and judgment,'
thinking, assessment process, analysis, impressionistic though the critical process includes many tasks like
criticism, interpretive criticism. exposition, analysis, comparison, justification, evaluation,
Introduction and guidance. This wide scope of critical tasks makes it a
The architectural criticism is considered one of the most pivotal domain in architecture [5].
important entries to enhance the architectural movement and 1- Presentation: it's an explanation process through using
to increase the creativity in the modern architectural pictures that describes the dynamics and statistics sides in the
products. Most of the recent studies in this discipline architectural work for the receiver as the main tool in

24
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

showing the architectural work. These pictures can be set and when the architectural practical it`s in front to solve the
chosen by the designer himself or by the critic. reality problems and criticism is in front for the practical
efficiency in solving the reality problems.
2- Explanation: it's an analyzing process targeting to reach
the basics of the architectural work through analyzing the Architectural Criticism role in realizing the
architectural language and its meaning and proves that helps Architectural Works
to understand the architectural shape and what it holds of The effective architectural criticism must make the aesthetic
meanings. taste better through opening the way in front of architectural
3- Evaluation: it's an assessment process for the architectural work realization to make the opportunity to see and discover
work and its values upon criteria that stems from the thinking what can`t be discovered before, and then it can be figured to
direction that the judged work follows it or the theories and what the architectural work include from meanings and
rules of designing this building type. This evaluation process symbols and different expressions. An effective criticism
is performed through using the chosen evaluation and process has to direct the realization, thinking and feeling to
measurement tools for comparing the building with other understand the architectural work [9]. The architectural critic
buildings following the same direction, to measure the must be conscious enough to teach a whole generation how to
building’s efficiency in expressing the direction that it`s be able to taste the architectural formation, besides having the
adapted from or comparing the building with the quality of a ability to explain, analyze and extract aesthetics values and
similar buildings typology on achieving users’ needs [6]. make it understandable.
The architectural critic should enhance the connection
4- Judgment: It is the stage that decides the quality of the between the creative architect and the receiving audience and
work and how it fits with society and the judgments standards introducing information about the architectural work for the
differs according to the different criticism directions. The receiver through his explanations for the architectural design
main judging criteria is taken from the guidance standards for process and show its sources, dimensions and relation with
the society and its value plus the standards that come out of society. The critic also have to discover the hidden sides in
the architectural work nature and finally the standards that the work and explain it for the receiver, analyze and evaluate
come from the theories of design that the critic depend on. it clearly through explaining the symbols and shapes and
5- Guidance and recommendations: This stage includes the techniques based on a regular basis to discover the value of
guiding process which is expressing the criticism process the work and its ideas and its connection to the structure
proposal, suggestions and findings that involves a practical environment [10]. Criticism and determination are tasks of
guide to follow the global thinking sights and the local self-reflection and evidence of the desire for social change
community needs. Studying the historical theories and the that can be described as critical as critical forms of practice
contemporary architectural various schools considers one of here rather than critical theory [11]. Relationship with
the most important tools for the specialize critic in practice, criticism always comes after practice, where the
recommending solutions and guidance. opposite theory comes before practice to give the architect a
set of principles, rules, standards, etc [12].
Architectural Criticism and Creativity Relation So the architectural criticism can be considered as a
Contemporary debates in architectural criticism often turn on guide to the receiver for tasting and evaluating the
the identification of a building’s proper function. Thus a key architectural work which leads to develop the sense of feeling
step in resolving such debates would be to understand how the aesthetic values at architectural products, that control the
buildings come to have their proper functions [7]. There`s a human behavior that is called the criticism behavior and so
really strong relationship between the criticism and the criticism rule turn from terrorism to being a massive force
creativity, as the criticism process is following the for the special creative movement. The comprehensive
architectural creativity process. One of the most important critical process should go through two main steps, first; the
tools of the criticism process is analyzing and interpreting the critic analyse the building so as to examine the ability of the
architectural work dimensions and goals as a part of the building to express the theoretical base intended by the
critical thinking phases to discover the pros and cons of the architect and the acceptance of that building by people,
architectural final product. The creative architectural Where the second step is concerned with analysing the theory
designer must be the first critic for his own work and that`s to examine the appropriateness of that theoretical base to both
before and during the design process, through a full revision place, time, and subject. These two steps are essential to get
for the work and adjusting, adding or deleting for developing an objective judgment, because in many cases the failure of
his own work towards better. theory leads to the refusal of the building product, this is as in
The critic must have a base of historical knowledge of the modern thoughts and its applications, where buildings were
cultural aspect and the previous architectural legendry for the expression of inappropriate and invalid theories [5].
evaluated architectural work, that`s why when evaluating the
creativity it should be reflecting the value of the product. In The Architectural Criticism Criteria
general the architectural criticism is a serial of tools in its The architectural critic judges are usually between depending
shape it gets involved in a deeper goal which is achieving on his mind or his emotions, therefore his judgments emerges
reasonable solutions for the reality problems [8]. The from two sources: the efficiency of the building performance
effective criticism must discover the efficiency of the and the efficiency of the building aesthetic values. The
practical in achieving its goal in solving the reality problems criteria that the criticism judgment depending on is like
evidences to guarantee it`s subjective opinion, and the more

25
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

the criticism criteria was suitable for major, the more the
criticism was subjective. The following part is showing the
different criticism standards, as shown in Figure 1.

Architectural Criticism Criteria

Subjective Contextual Impressionistic Self-criteria

criteria criteria criteria

Geometric Environmental Symbolic Emotional

relations features reflection formation

Functional Heritage External Visual

efficiency features formation relations

Social Cultural Social Visual

context features directions perception
s
Figure 1. Architectural Criticism Criteria
First: Subjective criteria
The critic who believes in the subjective values, that realizing main receiver to realize the architectural beauty. So this type
the beauty values in the architectural work is inspiring from represents the emotional formation and the following
the strong relationships between the architectural work experiences in the eye of the critic that form a connection
success and the efficiency of the work performance. and the bond between him and the architectural work [13].
critic tend to build his opinion to reflect the fitting of internal
and external shape for the architectural work to its The new directions in the architectural criticism
surrounding physical environment and socio cultural aspect. The architectural criticism in the different schools differs
In general the subjective standards have a positive effect in between depending on the mind and sense or depending on
criticism when it reflects the parts of the architectural work emotions. Since the beginning of the second half of twentieth
and the detail of its structure [13]. the architectural critic rules expanded and a lot of criticism
writings and a lot of directions at the criticism movement
Second: Contextual criteria appeared. Most famous architectural criticism directions and
It`s a standards that come from context and environment that schools are shown in Figure 2, and as followings:
the architectural work is found in which include it from
environmental sights, historical and culture [13]. The critic First: Normative criticism
who believes in this standards realizing the beauty values at This kind of criticism is depending on the existing of a rule
work come from the work connection with legend and that might be doctrine or specific criteria. This model is used
historical values for the environment, and therefore it goes to major the value and quality and how success the
with the ground environmental tools. architectural work is in the criticism process [14]. The
normative criticism is focusing on the main directions that
Third: Impressionistic criteria form the criticism models and went under the classification of
The critic who follows these criteria believes that realizing the normative criticism, as following:
the beauty values at work comes from the architectural work
efficiency and its items in explaining it as a whole about an - The criticism by rules: this kind depends on the existence
idea or a symbol. The explanatory values might be an of one rule or a group of rules that form a whole organization
expression about the empty job or structuring or building that the designer depends on during the design process
tools or the thinking believes. therefore it forms the main criterion to evaluate work. the
criticism thinking depends on that there`s one entry and a
Fourth: Self-criteria specific measurement tool to evaluate this architectural
The critic reflects his personal and emotionally reactions at works.
the architectural work and these reactions representing the

26
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

- The standard criticism: using the numbers or the specific (shape-material - texture- color) and the dynamically aspects
scales to evaluate the work levels. And this levels may (usage of the building- users' movement through spaces),
represent a minimum condition or terms that turns into goals which is collected through photographs and diagrams [15].
that is supposed to be achieved in the art work. This kind of
-Biographic criticism: this criticism school focuses on
criticism depends on some ways of measuring tools like
understanding the conditions of the designer's life and
personal interviews and observations.
exploring his architectural vision and school that he belongs
The normative criticism negatives to, and study how these biographic aspects affect his designs,
One of the most important problems of this approach is that this type of data that is closely relevant to the architect give
the critic finds himself motive to the negative judge on the the chance to understand his works and evaluate it [15].
architectural work just because it doesn`t fit with the group of
-Contextual criticism: This school focuses on all the
criteria and rules that control the criticism process. Although
interrelationships between the work and the surrounding
this rules and standards may be settled by people that made
effects as it study the effects of all the events and conditions
themselves legit and some architects follow them. The
that surrounds the the building and related to the work,
problem may not be in the criteria and rules, but the real issue
specially focusing on the social, political, economical and
is how this rules is applied in a systematic way which blocks
cultural contexts for the surrounding environment.
the critic and user form enjoying the work.
Negativities of the descriptive criticism:
Second: Interpretive criticism
One of the most important negativities in this criticism school
This kind of criticism is subjective as the critic do the
is that it converted the criticism process into a scientific
explanatory role for the architectural work without following
process away from the aesthetic and formative characteristics
any doctrine or objective evaluation and tries to see the
and properties. Hence, it judges the design process logically
viewer`s point of view when it`s picture it and watch what he
and it puts it in models and templates that limits the
sees at work. This criticism school has two types [14]:
architectural work spirit and does not care of the Aesthetic
-Emotional criticism: the critic tries to make an emotional and formation characteristic and expressive values.
responds in the meaning of that he know the experience that
Fourth: Modern criticism
he went through during his first meeting with the
It is considered as one of the most important criticism
architectural work and tries in every way to transfer to the
movement in the twentieth century as it focuses on the hidden
viewer the same emotions, trying to make an appreciation
nature of the work without any other external considerations.
for work from the viewer by convincing him of this
Which means it neglects any effects from all the previous
evaluation.
criticism schools; it does not consider any surrounding
-Impressionistic criticism: this basically depending on the aspects but only the work in abstract way [16]. Therefore the
critic’s impressions that form description and emotions that critics in this school only focus on the explanatory criticism
the architectural work brings in himself first. therefore the more than the evaluating criticism, which is logical with this
critic will be able to transfer his emotions to users. therefore style of extensive search and decoding like when translating
the judge on the work whether it`s good or not refers to the from an unknowing language to an understandable language
critic’s spiritual condition. by the people. In this school, the evaluation is left to be
understood and stemmed from the explanation, interpretation
The interpretive criticism negatives
and analysis process for the work. The modern criticism
One of the most important negativities is that most of the time respects the individuality of the architectural work and does
it focuses on the critic itself not the constrictive work because not refer it to a specific rule or doctrine, which means that the
it does not express anything but the personal feeling of evaluation criteria should be compatible and suitable for each
himself and his reflections, therefore the critic judgment for single work. Contemporary debates in architectural criticism
the architectural work will be constructive if the critic himself often lead to an appropriate function of the building, which
did enjoy the work and interacted with it. because the leads to an understanding of how the buildings reach their
selfishness and the absence of the clear objectives does not go proper functions [17].
well with the desire of many people of that the criticism being
Negativities of the modern criticism:
a part of a validating process to devolving the constructive
The critics who follow this school assumed that the value is
environment.
in the architectural work itself, which is seen wrong by
Third: Descriptive criticism
others, as this value supposed to be judged by the aesthetical
Descriptive criticism puts a rule to understand the work
reaction that we feel towards the work, which does not
through a multiple explanative systems and dose not put a
happen unless we give more chance for the effectiveness of
validating rule, and it's considered the approach that helps to
work so it has more than one explanation that considers the
see the real vision of the architectural work, it contains three
variation of cultures. Therefore, we can’t describe a work to
criticism schools within it :- visual Criticism , Biographic
have values unless with how it connects to the viewer, thus
criticism , and contextual criticism .
the value be able for change as it depends on the culture and
-Visual criticism: it considers as the observation of the environment and controlled by the relative criteria [18, 19].
creative process, which produced the architectural work, also
considers observing the statically aspects of the work

27
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

New directions in Architectural criticism

Interpretive criticism Normative criticism

Emotional Viewer Criticism by Measurabl

criticism emotions rules e rules
Criteria Criteria
Impressionist Critic Standard Numbers
ic criticism impression criticism -scales

Descriptive criticism
Criteria
Visual Dynamics
Focus on the work itself criticism -statics
without any external effects
Criteria
Biographic Designer
criticism life
Interpret symbols
Criteria
Contextual Context
Individual evaluation criteria criticism reflections

Figure 2. Comparison for the new directions in Architectural criticism.

evaluation of the architectural work is based.

The proposed theoretical framework for the process
of Architectural Criticism First: Evaluation in terms of environmental standards
After the previous presentation of the different modern This includes studying the pros and cons of the relationship
critical schools and trends, and After examining the pros and between the building and the surrounding environment, for
cons of each one, it is possible to arrive at the important fact example, the consistency of the building and its compatibility
that it is possible to create an integrated balanced opinion of with the environment or the dissonance between the building
architectural works by applying the ideas of one of these and the environment. It also includes studying the extent of
schools without taking into account the other ideas and trends achieving the climatic and physiological comfort within the
advocated by the other critical school, Therefore, it is spaces of the building, Its interaction with the general
necessary to try to reach a unified framework integrated planning of the road networks and the general nature of urban
between the positive aspects of these critical schools and planning in the city where the project is located, where the
avoid the negatives and shortcomings in them, so that the factors and environmental influences are the set of material
critical opinion is integrated and effective and constructive conditions at the site of the architecture, which is not part of
must be discussed and exposed to all the determinants and the full visual image of this work, which is undoubtedly
characteristics of architectural work and the effects reflected and tarnished These factors to climate and natural
surrounding it and not miss one of these aspects, In order for features of the site and built. The integration of the building
architectural criticism to be built and on a conscious level, with the surrounding environment is one of the factors of
architectural work must be assessed on several levels and environmental compatibility. This integration stems from
through a set of key criteria that together form the overall respect for the site configurations in the structure of the
picture of architectural work. For this reason, the research building.
study has reached a comprehensive theoretical framework for Second: Evaluation in terms of social/ cultural standards
the process of architectural criticism. It consists of a series of This includes measuring the appropriateness of the building
successive steps that reflect the set of criteria on which the and its compatibility with the cultural heritage of the region

28
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

and the social characteristics of the region of cultures, related to the degree of validity of this architectural form in
customs and traditions, as well as the extent to which society terms of its engineering, physical and visual properties and as
accepts the work of the civilized and the extent of its the content of a particular human activity. The architectural
interaction with it. Where the conceptual system of society is project requirements are the first determinant of the use, And
the basis of reference on which the process of cultural thus sets the first step of the architectural form and
production, especially those concepts and values of the determines the amount of simplicity or complexity of its
pivotal to reach the community to the status of certainty or language in accordance with the simplicity or complexity of
self-confidence and include the conditions of the community functional requirements and use.
situation that is in terms of ideological, social, political and
Fifth: Evaluation in terms of aesthetic and plastic
cultural The circumstances have an important role to play in
standards
shaping the character of this community and thus
The assessment of the architectural work in terms of
determining the first options for the architectural designer
aesthetics, the nature of the architectural formations and the
when choosing between the architectural formations. The
engineering relations that connect the secondary formations
plastic language is a successful architectural character that
of the integrated architectural work, is the measurement and
responds to the objective data of the social environment,
development of the set of values achieved in the architectural
Religious beliefs and legislation.
work, including (the concept of unity and diversity - the
Third: Evaluation in terms of intellectual standards concept of balance - And proportionality - the concept of
This includes the development of ideas and concepts harmony and contrast) and also follow the study of the
governing the following influenced the formulation of the language of architectural formation as an integrated system
architectural work and follow the methodology followed by of the whole to renew its features and characteristics and
the architect until the production of this work, which determinants through the identification of its plastic and basic
represented the sequence of the design and construction components and secondary composition and the development
process that produced the architectural work, each of relationships and rules Fine for engineering and linking the
architectural formation has a special content and a set of vocabulary of plastic and determine the nature of the
meanings that The architectural designer tries to achieve it relationship between the secondary components of the
through this design to gain the architectural form its essential formation of access to the configuration and final
features in the mind of its designer. The architectural configuration integrated.
designer may express this content through his formations in a
Sixth: Evaluation in terms of construction standards
direct form or in an indirect symbolic form containing a set of
The study includes the construction methods and
meanings and concepts which the designer wants to express
technological techniques used and their suitability for the site
through its building. The initial idea of any architectural
built by the building. Integrated architecture lies in the ability
design is related to one of the central concepts of the
of the architect to absorb the function of the building and its
conceptual system to which the designer belongs. This type
ability to express this function by various means, including
of standard works to develop the architectural work on the
construction to make it distinct, it is the characteristics of
level of ideas and philosophies, which in turn enhances the
construction and style and the organization of parts The
architectural profession and its products as a whole. Attention
structure and its components are determined by the plan and
to substance is represented in ideas and concepts and not only
the plastic language that governs the horizontally, so the
the external form.
construction is the constitutive system or the configuration
Fourth: Evaluation in terms of functional standards that governs the formation. Construction is the means to
It includes the measurement of the extent of the building's define or release the architectural spaces according to the
responsiveness to the functional aspects, the utility of the human needs. The architect's intention is to deal with the
design and the adequacy of the resulting architectural structural unit not only from the point of view of structural
formations of the function of the building and its purpose. efficiency, but also to work as a conduit and conductor of
The internal and external spatial relations are analyzed and architectural language. Proper construction acquires the
the functional relationships between different uses within the language of architectural design as a unit, where the parts are
building are examined, whether positive or negative, integrated into the whole, and forming units become a feature
Elements of horizontal and vertical communication and other of continuity and thus the construction becomes a content of
functional aspects. The expression of the useful and the contents of architecture and aesthetics
functional truth of the building and its emphasis is the
Seventh: Evaluation in terms of economic standards
shortest way to reach the corresponding expression of the
The economic plan is an important period for the completion
building itself and its various components, The architectural
of any architectural work. The economic determinant may
forms come as a result of the quest to find the way to meet the
stand before the architect in his choice of certain structures
required functions, and Christopher Alexander said about the
for his building, which requires the implementation of high
relationship of architectural and utility by saying (the design
techniques and Expensive or expensive materials time has to
problem known As a set of requirements and the architectural
choose other configurations commensurate with the available
solution to this problem is the architectural configuration that
possibilities and resources, and therefore the economic
meets the success and availability of all these speakers).
influences have a significant impact in the formulation of the
Finally, it is possible to say that the concept of the use of
language of architectural architecture of each architectural
architecture as a determinant of architectural formation is
work.

29
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

Case study analysis from the north, cooling each courtyard. Furthermore, its
The chosen case study to apply the theoretical proposed white, crystalline-like form contributes to softening the
framework is one of Zaha Hadid’s designs in Riyadh, Saudi strong sunlight and heat of the Riyadh plateau. Internally,
Arabia, which is King Abdullah Petroleum and Research specific hexagonal cells strategically located within each
Center (KAPSARC). As known, Zaha Hadid follows the building are left open to create a series of sheltered day-lit
contemporary approach in her designs. KAPSARC design is courtyards.
different, unique, and irregular forming a case that is highly
controversial. It was opened in 2017 with total area
70000sqm. The building was awarded LEED platinum
certification by the US Green Building Council. KAPSARC
is a non-profit institution for independent research into
policies that contribute to the most effective use of energy to
provide social being across the globe. In this part the case
study will be analysed by the theoretical framework, and
then some positive and negative critical reviews will be
presented. In addition some users’ reviews will be
displayed.
First: Evaluation in terms of environmental standards Figure 4. Form orientations to minimizing the energy
This project is LEED-platinum certified building. The form consumption of the buildings
of the building was designed in a way optimized the
percentage of glazing to minimize gaining the solar heat as
shown in figure 3, through opening the building to north and
west and turning its back to the sun, which also played an
important role in inherently minimizing the energy
consumption of the buildings as shown in figure 4. The
design was adapted to enclose a series of sheltered shaded
courtyards cooled by the prevailing desert winds from north
and shaded from the sun as shown in figure 5, besides
bringing softly-controlled daylight into the interior. A
central area covered in tensile fabric creates a shaded shared
courtyard between all of the individual buildings that is
protected from harsh sunlight & provides shading to the
people moving through the external spaces. A reflective
light color was selected for the GRC facades and roofs. the
crystalline forms of the prismatic architectural cells gain in Figure 5. The building is enclosing a series of sheltered
height towards the south, west, and east to shield internal shaded courtyards.
spaces from direct sunlight, while the courtyards within are
oriented to the north and northwest to bring indirect sunlight
into the spaces below. Second: Evaluation in terms of social and cultural
standards
The building design mimics the nature in the surroundings
as the honeycomb grid is compressed towards its central
axis as an extension of the natural valley that runs to the
west. the outdoor arena lies among the basic buildings to
encourage research and action. The public courtyard
connected to all buildings, provides gathering space, and
shaded area while moving between the buildings. The
building is out of context and against locality, as it
contradicts completely with the adjacent building (Princess
Noura Bint Abdelrahman University) which express the
Islamic style. Besides encourages an active exchange
between researchers and visitors. KAPSARC’s
architecture promotes transparency and encourages an active
exchange between researchers and visitors.

Figure 3. optimized the percentage of glazing to minimize Third: Evaluation in terms of intellectual standards
gaining the solar heat. The entire project can be seen as an evolving organism. The
main form is a gathering of different sized cells that are
Wind-catchers’ integrated within the roof profiles on the raising towards the sky as shown in figure 6. The design
southern sides of each courtyard catch the prevailing winds allows future possible expansions to be easy to integrate. the

30
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

modular structure is a living, organic scheme where The building was designed as a modular structure that grows
expansions to the building are allowed to grow and multiply and multiplies like a living, organic cell. The result is a
like cells – without compromising the visual integrity of the series of seemingly crystalline-like structures that emerge
project The complex has mixed functions, and alongside from the desert landscape, as shown in figure8. Hexagonal
special places that are dedicated entirely to studying or to prismatic honeycomb shapes connect each of the five
research, there is a lot of open-space that can be used as buildings. the structure’s modularity ensures consistent
needed. The volume has an airy aesthetic feeling, while organizational, spatial and structural strategies as the site
being organically integrated into the site. By strategically expands with more buildings.
off-setting floor plates, spatial layering effects are created
throughout the center to provide views to the floors above
and below; offering transparency between floors in public
areas designed as collective zones for researchers to meet
informally and exchange ideas. Secure areas and rooms
requiring privacy are located within areas of each building
where floor plates overlap.

Figure 7. Monumental
scale for the building.

Figure 6. form is a gathering of different sized cells that are

rising towards the sky.
Fourth: Evaluation in terms of functional standards
The complex includes five main parts: research centre,
library, conferencing facility, small mosque, data center.
‘KAPSARC’s five buildings differ in size and organization
to best suit their use. The six sides of the hexagonal cells Figure 8. A central area covered in tensile fabric creates a
also offer greater opportunities for increasing connectivity shaded shared courtyard between all buildings.
when compared to rectangular cells with only four sides. Seventh: Evaluation in terms of economic standards
Design the interior spaces as a network interconnected to The building budget was extremely high and has more spaces
facilitate access to all sections. Each building is divided into than the required. Only to have this huge form and expensive
its component functions and can be adapted to respond to space, many of the interior spaces are out of proportions. For
changes in requirements or working methods. Additional example, the height of the corridors is about 8 meters which
cells can readily be introduced by extending KAPSARC’s is about 2 times the normal human scale height. These
honeycomb grid for future expansion of the research campus additional spaces cause waste in the material and cost. Ask
Fifth: Evaluation in terms of aesthetic standards for the cells proportions, each cell is different from the other
The modular design generates consistent organizational, in dimensions and there is no cell similar in proportions to the
spatial and structural strategies that drive all elements of the other. The smallest cell area is 100 m2 and the biggest one is
plan. KAPSARC shows the huge scale of the building, and 3700 m2. These differences cause more difficulties in the
how the proportion is considered huge compared to the construction and needs experts labours to be constructed
human scale as shown in figure 7. The approach of correctly which lead also to increasing in the cost.
monumentality creates the feeling of greatness, and KAPSARC building: Critical Views
appreciation, sense this approach. The use of white building Many critics wrote about KAPSARC, some of them support
material with openings that allows the external and internal the project and others attacked it and disagreed for the idea.
connection to occur.
-Positive critical views
Sixth: Evaluation in terms of construction standards  “Our architectural vision and design for the King
Hexagonal prismatic honeycomb structures use the least Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center
material to create a lattice of cells within a given volume. (KAPSARC) acknowledges its technical and environmental

31
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

objectives, but simultaneously endeavours to move beyond succeeded in responding to the local climate conditions
functional limitations to create a living, organic structure. through many complicated and well implemented
The center is inherently forward-looking; its architecture also sustainable strategies. These include the small openings,
looks to the future, embracing a formal language capable of courtyards approach, skylights, and orientation of the masses.
continual expansions or transformation with no compromise The building also emphasises the importance of users’
in visual integrity” [20]. experiences and comfort inside the building. This is done
 “KAPSARC has been named Saudi Arabia’s ‘smartest’ through the courtyards integrated through many interior
building in the Honeywell Smart Building Awards spaces that penetrate natural light and cool breezes into the
programme. Based on criteria that include environmental space. Overall, although the building is complex, Zaha
sustainability, safety and productivity, KAPSARC received Hadid succeeded in turning such a complicated cellular
outstanding scores across all three categories” [21]. structure into a liveable and comfortable facility that satisfy
both researchers and viewers of the building.
-Negative Critical views
 Design critic Stephen Bayley has attacked architect Zaha Conclusion
Hadid, describing her as aggressive, intractable and bitter.  There is a set of qualified criteria and characteristics that
"Her latest buildings always win approval from supine should be available in the architectural critic to contribute
architecture and design media, so work very well as to the development of the critical context:
salvation-via-design for repressive regimes, and conceived
- Objectivity, one of the most important conditions that must
with neither respect nor reference to its locality; That, of
be available in the critic since it is difficult to separate the
course, was almost certainly her intention," Bayley wrote
mind of the human feelings, the critic must go beyond his
[22].
believes and ideas and be aware of his intellectual prejudices
 Bayley said. "'Global Architects' like Hadid do not want
so that he can control it and see the impact on his judgments.
to respect their client or his site, but to venerate themselves".
"Critics mumbled that she had no sense of context or locality, - Including all criticism aspects, whether in the knowledge
preferring to crash land photogenic concepts whose of the foundations of design or planning or the absorption of
function was not to serve her client's needs, but to advertise different intellectual theories and knowledge of the cultural,
her own status as a 'global architect'," he continued [22]. historical and environmental aspects surrounding the
 "Her fabulous, zoomorphic forms were always architectural works, as the critic who recognizes the future
eye-catching, but often difficult to build. And almost always, dimension in his critical evaluation became more valuable
so neglectful was she of tectonic practicalities, that her and influential than his colleague who limited his role in
buildings went deliriously over-budget" [22]. criticizing old existing buildings.
KAPSARC building: users’ views - Flexibility of criticism and development possibility,
 “When I first looked at the pictures, I immediately where it is difficult to achieve constant critical values does
recognized that it’s one of Zaha Hadid’s buildings. Her not change, so the critic must have a huge information base to
designs are repeated everywhere and she continuously know every new in architecture and blames all cultures,
follows the same style without any change or renewal”. experiences and the parties to all critical disputes to derive
 “The building is ugly and has nothing to do with art from them.
or architecture”. - Criticism universality, taking into account all the criteria
 “Unjustified financial losses! Governmental buildings associated with the architectural work, where most of critics
have to be functional and built with reasonable and minimal agree on the weakness of the single-minded view of
budgets. It’s not the right place to show off and exhibit architecture and the importance of not focusing on one factor
sculptures and pieces of art!” such as form or construction or function and neglecting of the
 “Me, as an architect, always take Zaha Hadid as a other factors and standards, The critic should not be
reference and follow up with her latest designs. But hypocritical to a certain rule to build his interpretation and
honestly the building of KAPSARC doesn’t suit its judgment.
functional purpose”.
- Development of the public culture level, through the
Results analysis of architectural works using a simplified and clear
method and the interpretation of symbols, shapes and
Despite the case study KAPSARC is a LEED-platinum
indications to reflect the value of architectural work.
certified building and extremely successful from the
environmental point of view, but it faced a lot of problems - Combining knowledge streams, the critic must combine
from the functional point of view and did not succeed to win psychology, history, and sociology to make them collectively
the critics and users satisfaction in regards the contextual a means of aesthetic taste. When he understands the origin of
fitting, as the project is out of context not fitting the locality the work, he can understand it and put it within its limits.
concept and Saudi Arabia architectural features and styles.
Economically the project was unsuccessful as the building  The architectural critic must understand what art,
went deliriously over-budget. The building is a repeated architecture and creative activity are and understand the
version of Zaha Hadid’s projects with the same style without critical directions and schools.
considering surrounding context or functional aspects. it has  The importance of striving to build a knowledge

32
 International Journal of Applied Engineering Research ISSN 0973-4562 Volume 15, Number 1 (2020) pp. 24-33
© Research India Publications. http://www.ripublication.com

framework for an architectural school that cares about [9] Aaron T. Davis, W. F., “architectural criticism in
practice within its contemporary local perspective, not practice: from affective to effective experience”,
isolated from other creative fields. Archnet international journal, 2012.
[10] Dodds, G., “Editorial: On Criticism in Architecture: An
 It is a must to develop a critical plan to be used in the Invitation to Practice”. Journal of architectural
analysis of the architectural works that includes: education, 2009.
humanitarian, social, economic and political criteria, as [11] Rendell, J., “Critical Architecture: between criticism
well as architectural and urban criteria such as: and design”, 2005.
Formative, schematic, environmental, construction and [12] Mohammad, R. M., “The interrelation between Theory
design sides. This is the critical approach that has been and Criticism in Architecture: Theoretical and
applied in this search. analytical study”, 2000.
 The need to access non-biased architectural criticism, [13] Rendell J., Hill J., Fraser M. and Dorrian M. , “Critical
which depends on the balance of criticism of the critic to Architecture”. London and New York :Routledge,
his mind and emotions together. 2007.
[14] Gado Y. , “Modern Thought and Architecture, Research
 Encourage the monetary climate between architectural in Architectural Criticism”. Beirut : Dar El Taliah Press
students and pioneers through the presentation of , 1993.
monetary seminars dealing with the contemporary [15] Attoe, W., “Architecture and Critical Imagination”,
arabian architectural works and perpetuating the objective John Wiley, New York, 1978.
criticism of these works. [16] Parsons, G., “Fact and Function in Architectural
 Increasing the space of criticism and architectural Criticism”. Academia, 2011.
writings that address the non-specialized reader as a [17] Peter Collins, “The Philosophy of Architectural
means of raising the cultural awareness of the architecture Criticism”, AIA Journal, 1977.
for publics and thus realizing the value of architectural [18] Powell Robert, “Criticism in Architecture, Proceedings
and creative work. of the regional seminar in the series exploring
Architecture in Islamic Cultures”, Aga Khan Award for
References
Architecture, Singapore, 1989.
[1] Preiser, Wolfgang F.E., Aaron T. Davis, Ashraf M.
[19] Simonson, H., “Strategies in Criticism”, Winston, New
Salama, and Andrea Hardy, “Architecture Beyond
York, 1971.
Criticism: Expert Judgment and Performance
[20] https://archello.com/project/king-abdullah-petroleum-s
Evaluation”. New York: Routledge. 2015.
tudie-and-research-centre.
[2] Kian, Po S., Henry Feriadi, Wiliana Sulistio, and Kong
C. Seng, “A Case Study on Total Building Performance [21] https://www.archdaily.com/882341/king-abdullah-petr
oleum-studies-and-research-centre-zaha-hadid-architec
Evaluation of an Intelligent Office Building in
ts.
Singapore.” Dimensi Teknik Sipil 3(1): 9–15, 2001.
[22] https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/05/zaha-hadid-resent
[3] Pultar, Mustafa, “A conceptual framework for values in
ful-and-wronged-says-stephen-bayley/
the built environment.” in: Evolving Environmental
Ideals: Changing Ways of Life, Values and Design
Practices. Stockholm: Royal Institute of Technology,
pp:204–211, 1997.
https://iaps.architexturez.net/documents/series/IAPS%
2014
[4] Pattabi G. Raman and Richard Coyne, “The Production
of Architectural Criticism” Architectural Theory
Review 16(2), pp83-103, 2000.
[5] Raghad Mofeed Mohamed “The Interrelation between
Theory and Criticism in Architecture: Theoretical and
analytical study”, in proceeding for Edinburgh
Architecture Research Journal (EAR) vol 28, 2002.
[6] Attoe,W., “Methods of Criticism JAE”, John Wiley,
New York, 1976.
[7] Glenn Parsons, “Fact and Function in Architectural
Criticism”, Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism (69)
pp. 21‐ 29, 2011. DOI: 10.1111/j.1540‐
6245.2010.01443.x.
[8] Michael Benedikt, “On the Role of Architectural
Criticism Today”, Journal of Architectural
Education 62(3) pp: 6-7, 2009.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1531-314X.20080253.x

33