— Since 2024
“Beach Bloom” is a lifeguard stand design project that draws deep inspiration from Arabic cultural motifs, including flowers, feathers, boats (like the Dhow–a historical Arabic trading vessel), and traditional Arabic architecture. The structure features two layers of semi-overlapping curved panels that wrap the occupant in shelter from the Sun. The panels’ overall forms reference sails and feathers, signalling strength and protection, and the movement of air to cool its inhabitants. The panels’ composition evokes themes of layering and blooming, expressed by the Tribulus Omanense (Dubai sunflower), U.A.E.’s national flower. The interior space also pays homage to ‘Muqarnas’, a traditional Arabic architectural element, by forming a half domed canopy. Arabesque patterns are mapped on the panels, their openings informed by varied Solar exposure per orientation.
Project Credit:
Mengyu Zhao (Architecture), Quoc Dang (Sustainability), Solomon Oh (Architecture), Shen Tao (Architecture)
Within it’s distinctive appearance, the project expresses sensitivity toward sustainable design. The two-layered panels provide optimal year-round Sun protection and each panel’s perforated patterning supports natural ventilation. The tall curved panel profile captures seasonal northwesterly winds, offering natural cooling and contributing to the lifeguard’s comfort.The layout of the stand supports a lifeguard’s needs by ensuring an unobstructed view of the beach and waters. A sliding pole and a stairway enable lifeguards two ways to quickly activate in emergencies.
The project utilizes fiberglass-derived products (such as fiber-reinforced plastic) for the primary panels, which offer numerous advantages. Fiberglass is highly durable and provides resilient support against the environment, while being lightweight, and facilitating easy assembly. FRP’s moldability allows us to realize intricate Arabesque perforation patterns on the panels. From a sustainability perspective, fiberglass is highly resilient, being unaffected by corrosion from saltwater, can be treated to resist UV degradation, and withstands the extreme temperatures of Abu Dhabi. The fiberglass panels will be prefabricated, allowing precise factory tolerances. The primary structure of the stand will consist of a steel framed floor & post. Finish flooring may include mycelium products. This innovative, sustainable, and biodegradable material is created by combining mycelium–the root-like structure of fungi–with organic waste. Mycelium-based flooring not only supports environmental sustainability but also provides an inviting, unique, and natural aesthetic to the lifeguard stand.
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