L S S
M F I 1
S 9
R C O A
H A C C
Built in:
2007-2012
Roof Height:
74m
Length:
10,092 m
Floors: 9
Built-up Area:
57,519 m2
Location:
Baku, Azerbaijan
Ref: archdaily.com, researchgate.in, en.wikiarquitectura.com
The design of the Heydar Aliyev Center establishes a continuous, uid relation-
ship between its surrounding plaza and the building’s interior. This was achieved
by using an ingenious and elegant structure system, which has two collaborating
systems: a concrete structure combined with a space frame system. Because
vertical structural elements are absorbed by the envelope and curtain wall
system, the large scale column free spaces can allow the visitor to experience the
uidity of the interior.
Another important issue is the building’s skin. To make the surface so continuous
that it appears homogenous, a broad range of different functions, construction
logics and technical systems were brought together and integrated into the
building’s envelope. It makes the building appear homogenous since different
parts were covered and connected.
From this case, by analyzing the structural system and its relation with the
exterior skin, we have seen how the structure design can better help the design
concept come true.
Structural System and Materials
Heydar Aliyev center consists of mainly of two structural systems that work
together:
• One constructed by Reinforced Concrete material that forms the boundaries
(interior walls) of the three buildings
•Other one is Space Frame structure constructed by steel material
The cladding and ceiling materials have been used are Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete (GFRC) with Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), while GFRC and GFRP
act together and each beating the de cits of the other.
Steel columns & beams Steel & RC material used in the structural system
GFRC& GFRP cladding matertials used Space frame structure
The convention center could be used for both convention and music
performance with 1200 auditorium seats. The auditorium is 18 m of height and
span approximately 28 m supported by concrete shear wall around the space. To
reach a large span, the ceiling is constructed by two way system and adopt steel
space frame. As for the interior surface of ceiling, it is created by gypsum board
supported by cables to meet acoustical and lighting requirements. The rst oor
and second oor have a continuous large space and transfer the self-weight to
narrow reinforced concrete beams and columns at the base. Later, the loads are
transferred to the pile foundation. Different sizes of cross bracing according to
the height of seats are used to resist lateral force and stiffen structure.
Section A
The multifunction hall is near the convention center which is divided into three
smaller ones toward north in the garden. The hall spans about 27 m with a height
of 10.5 m. The ceiling of hall is constructed by steel open web trusses which
Ref: archdaily.com, researchgate.in, en.wikiarquitectura.com
have height of 2.2 m, which is effective and could be used to resist de ections in
a given size. There are three meeting rooms with a concrete rigid system above
the hall, which transfer gravity loads to the concrete oors lab that is approx-
imately 0.8 m and trusses by columns and shear wall. Then the hall transfers
loads to slab, beams and columns at the basement which has a grid and patterns
system through shear walls in the east, west and south.
Section B
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