Project Brief

Department of Architecture Comsats University Islamabad | FA-2022
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, CUI,
(ISLAMABAD CAMPUS)
ARC401 – Architectural Studio V
(19th September – 31st December 2022,  Fall 2022)
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HIGH RISE COHERENT DEVELOPMENT (MIX USE) IN ISLAMABAD

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Duration: 16 Weeks
Class Instructors: Ar. Kifayat Hussain (Studio Lead)
Ar. Farrah Khurram (Co Studio Lead)
Ar. Lakhte Hyder (Co Studio Lead)
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1. PROJECT
A private development company, herein referred to as “The Company,” plans to undertake planning
and construction of a multi-story apartment building in Islamabad. This Company staffs a highly reputed
team of architects, engineers and construction crew that have taken on promoting green and
sustainable architecture and construction, not only to reduce the impact of a high-density development
on the environment, but also as a projection of the company’s green ethic. Being a development
company, as well as one that is financing the project through its bankers, it would be facing complex
challenges, which would have to balance producing a good quality apartment complex with making a
reasonable and viable return of investment profit.
In this course we have been made aware that there has been a paradigm shift in favor of promoting
sustainable design and construction, which have entered the mainstream thinking around the world,
particularly in the developed countries. To avoid the pitfalls of “green” construction of the past for an
insatiable appetite of energy, water and material resources, which resulted in destruction of the
environment, the developed and developing countries have taken a corrective course of action to build
environment friendly buildings. The Company recognizes these trends and have embarked on this
mission in constructing the multi-storey green apartment complex.
A multi-storey building as such as this proposed in Islamabad would negatively impact the environment
if built customarily without much regard to energy, water and other conservation measures, which would
impact the already bleak energy and water scarcity situation in Pakistan. Even though a considerable
area of Pakistan was recently inundated by the floods which ravaged many rural and urban areas, this
effect was seasonal and had a lot to do with improper water management also. Mostly, in other sectors
of Islamabad, there has been an acute water shortage and it rests with the designer to think now about
future water shortage in this complex. The Company as a developer would require that the building be
designed and built to minimize the carbon footprint and is heavily focusing on making this building a
model green and sustainable building, which would incorporate energy and water conserving measures,
and utilize appropriate materials and building systems; this would lessen the negative impact on the
environment and make a substantial difference when compared to a building of similar size that does
not take those green and sustainable ideas into consideration.
ARC401 FA2022 -Architectural Design V, Coherent Development (Mix Use) In High Rise In Islamabad in Islamabad
Handout is curtesy of Ar. M. Afzal Ebrahim, Ar. Kifayat Hussain, and studio team
One of the mainstays of sustainability and green buildings is the location of the building site. While a
site, which is located in the suburbs of a city or town is deemed to be unfavorable due to the impact of
transportation energy required to access it, this site is located near a busy location where there is ample
availability of public transportation, and is in proximity to a commercial area.
The type of apartments would be for middle to upper class type clientele with individual apartments to
be on rental basis. The Company, while wishing to maximize its profits, also recognizes that the
apartment complex should be distinctive and its environs should be spacious, airy, day lit, green, convey
an open feeling, be energy efficient and overall, contribute to good quality living. With the complex
offering these valuable amenities contributing to good living among other facilities, it could rent at a
higher rate than other normal apartment complexes.
Keeping in mind that family spaces vary according to family needs and other requirements, the
development of this apartment complex should have a mix of size of apartments. They could include
units of varying combinations such as one-bedroom two bedroom, three-bedroom, four bedroom, etc.
Also, you are required to incorporate within the apartment building for occupants’ use, one community
hall, one gym, swimming pool, maximum 3 shops for groceries, prayer rooms (separate male and
female), public male and female toilets and ablution rooms for these facilities including common open
outdoor spaces and an outside walking/running track.
A high-rise housing complex in most instances creates and coveys a very static urban feeling to
occupants. While Islamabad being a capital situated in an urban setting, it does offer a very rural
environment due to large pockets of green open spaces and generally a mix of green spaces with low
density buildings within its sectors. As designers, you need to recognize this and create a rural/urban
feeling within the individual housing units. Special attention needs to be paid to energy-efficient building
design with respect to climate of Islamabad.
Imagine with the complex to be designed that you are both, the architect/designer, intent on a creative
design, as well as the developer intent on maximizing profits. As architect/designer, you would need to
develop a building program to include functional spaces, facilities and amenities some of which are
described above. As developer, you would have to conduct a market feasibility study and ensure a good
rate of return on investment.
As architect/designer you would need to research the jurisdictional by-laws and also adopt building
codes as they pertain to International Building Code. Some highlight of Zoning By-Laws and other
requirements are outlined as follows for your benefit.
This semester  coherent development (mix use) high-rise building project that will encompass all the
anthropological and environmental aspects in the design & development of building project. Thus it
would require the project process to be divided into two-parts :  
Part A of this project will be, Case Studies, Maladies and Remedies: Education and Applications of
Safety, Sustainability and Accessibility in multi-story buildings in Pakistan. Part B of this project will be,
the actual design, social responsibility: Design of a Sustainable High-rise Hotel in Islamabad.
It is important to understand the link between the two parts. The first part, Part A, is to encourage self-
learning of the actual design of multistory buildings by examining existing multistory buildings built in
Pakistan. The
Second part, Part B, is to follow through and seamed with Part A, and apply those conditions,
as applicable, to the actual building you’ve to design. More detailed information follows as we proceed
to Part A and Part B of the project.
1.1 Design Objectives
• Design a high-rise building that contribute to views and vistas and enhance the character and
the image of the city and incorporates multiple activities within the boundaries.
• Address compatibility and the relationship between high-rise buildings and their existing
planned context.
• Create human-scaled, pedestrian-friendly streets, and attractive public spaces that contribute
to liveable, safe and healthy communities.
• Coordinate and integrate parking, services, utilities, and public transit into the design of the
building and the site.
• Promote development that responds to the physical environment and microclimate through
design.
• Understand the economic viability of high-rise in given context.
Students will learn simultaneously how to combine multiple perimeters: Accessible, aesthetics, cost-
effective, functional/operational, historic preservation/ context analysis, productive, secure/safe,
and sustainable. Their interrelationships must be understood, evaluated, and appropriately applied to a
project to create a high-performance building.
1.1.1 Accessible
Pertains to building elements, heights and clearances implemented to address the specific needs of
disabled people making it a universal accessible design
1.1.2 Aesthetics
Pertains to the physical appearance and image of building elements and spaces as well as the
integrated design process.
1.1.3 Cost-Effective
Pertains to selecting building elements on the basis of life-cycle costs (weighing options during
concepts, design development, and value engineering) as well as basic cost estimating & budget
control.
1.1.4 Functional / Operational

Pertains to functional programming—spatial needs and requirements, system performance as well as
durability and efficient maintenance of building elements.
1.1.5 Historic Preservation/Context Incorporation

Pertains to specific actions within a historic district or affecting a historic building whereby building
elements and strategies are classifiable into one of the four approaches: preservation, rehabilitation,
restoration, or reconstruction. Maintaining skyline.
1.1.6 Productive
Pertains to occupants' well-being—physical and psychological comfort—including building elements
such as air distribution, lighting, workspaces, systems, and technology i.e., Structures (column beam,
shear wall, core, structural/planning grid, HVAC system, safety systems, MEP related issues)
1.1.7 Secure / Safe

Pertains to the physical protection of occupants and assets from man-made and natural hazards (wind,
fire and seismic)
1.1.8 Sustainable
Pertains to environmental performance of building elements and strategies (orientation, green façade,
water recycle and water storage)
2. PART A
2.1 CASE STUDIES, MALADIES AND REMEDIES IN MULTISTOREY

BUILDINGS:
The Part A, which will prepare you to tackle Part B, where the decisions and real applications would
take place and at which time your learning curve would increase exponentially. This Part A will be a
group project and you shall be required to form 10 groups of 4 students each. You have to select a
multi-story building of at least 4 stories (Minimum ground floor + 3 stories) as a case
study to conduct a survey vis-à-vis building safety (particularly the egress system),
accessibility for the physically challenged and sustainability (with a focus on the building
envelope, shading devices and fenestration, natural light and cross ventilation, etc.) and
thereafter, incorporate remedies, which could enhance the building, where necessary, in terms of
safety, sustainability and accessibility. Your group may choose buildings on campus or any
other building off campus, which would be easy to have access into, to survey and obtain
drawings (or develop the drawings on your own). The following work schedule is to be followed:
PART I: Study of an Existing Multi-Storey Building (Group Project, 4 weeks, 25% of overall semester
grade)
2.1.1 Week 1:
Choose building, obtain drawings, survey building in terms of safety, accessibility and sustainability.
2.1.2 Week 2:
Propose preliminary solutions to buildings accordingly. (Identification of issues with respect to
Accessibility, Building Safety and Energy Conservation.)
2.1.3 Week 3:
Preliminary group presentations/discussions on multi-media on the first day of class. Continue work in
terms of revisions based upon group presentations/discussions, and critiques. (Resolution of identified
issues as above with respect to Accessibility, Building Safety and Energy)
2.1.4 Week 4:
Final group presentations on multi-media on the first day of class. Also, submission of hard copies of
presentations on A3 size paper; these hard copies should be clearly readable. So, make sure that the
drawing or other graphic material in the multi-media in your final presentation is also readable in hard
copy.
Initiation of Part B, lectures and presentations by teachers are to be included as and when required.
What are mixed use developments?
Mixed use developments combine two or more uses within a building, site or block. They can be
organized vertically, horizontally, or a combination of the two. Shops or other commercial premises at
ground floor with apartments or offices above are a common example of a vertical mixed use
development.
Why mixed use developments?
Mixed use developments have a number of benefits including:
 Opportunities for increased residential densities

 Reduced distances between residential and commercial uses
 Placing more people within easy walking distance of services
 Supporting pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environments
Location of mixed use developments
Mixed use developments can occur in a number of areas.
Mixed use developments are best located in or near town centers where they offer the following
benefits:
 reduce urban sprawl

 meet increased demand for accommodation close to services and amenities
 increase demand and support for local businesses
 reduce transport and commute distances and costs
 increase the activity and vibrancy of streets
 contribute to a safer environment by combining different uses used at different times of the day
Compatibility of uses
Developing a mixed use project can be more complex than a single use project. Compatibility of uses
is something that needs to be considered to ensure reverse sensitivity is prevented. For example, a
daycare center next to a bottle shop may not be compatible. It is important to consider:
 Hours of operation
 Different types of servicing (car parking, rubbish collection, etc.)
 Different effects that may need to be managed such as noise and traffic
However, such difficulties may be minimized at the outset of a project through good design and the
choice of compatible uses.
3. PART B
Now you have gone through several exercises pertaining to the International Building Code for safety,
recommendations for accessibility, designing for sustainability and have also conducted research on
mix use, it is necessary to move on to the next logical step of designing a mix use high rise.
As a build up to your coursework study, you have had an exposure to psychology of spaces which
contribute to the well-being of people as well other social responsibilities of incorporating energy
conservation, passive systems that contribute to heating and cooling, daylighting, rainwater harvesting,
solar energy, recycling of materials and all other aspects that could fall within the premise green building
design and over all in the sustainable building design. In addition, you also have to look into other
aspects of social responsibilities such as building safety, accessibility for the physically challenged
people, maximum planning efficiency,
As an architect you would be called upon to develop the building programming with the owners and
other consultants in the initial stage. Usually, the client has a fair idea as to what he wants in terms of
residential, commercial, hotel and the clients to be accommodated. However, as an architect, you have
to ensure that you converge the thoughts of you client’s wishes into an efficient and profitable design,
which would guarantee a fairly good returns of the investment. The programming phase, that is,
outlining a list of requirements starting from the site planning and of building functions, would serve be
the road map to give you a sense of direction of what needs to be done and how that is accomplished.
The more carefully and detailed this programming, or road map, is done the more will it be efficient and
likely to meet all the intended objectives. By the confluence of the client, architect, and other players it
was determined that following plan and course of action needs to be implemented:
3.1 SITE PLANNING AND PARKING
3.1.1 ZONING REQUIREMENTS

1. Building setbacks: Front 120’, Rear 60’, Sides 40’
2. Max. site coverage = 35%
3. Max. no. of floors = Not more than 30, excluding basement floors
4. Max building height = 450’-0” (plus 4’ for parapets or/and railing)
5. Max. mumty area = 4,000 sft (Maximum 10’ above Max Building Height)
6. Max. plinth height = 5’-0”
7. Only parking and/or services to be located in basements
Note: Building setbacks are to be left completely open to sky and features could be within these
setbacks such as, driveways, ramps, landscaping, projections and awnings less than 3’, full basement,
ramps, steps, septic tanks, soak pits, water reservoirs, sewage, water, electricity, gas, telephone,
substations, transformers, mechanical equipment and other such services. Only septic tanks soak pits,
sewage, water, electricity and gas and lines, and other utilities buried underground are allowed in the
Landscaping Setbacks stated below:
3.1.2 LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS

1. Landscaped area of minimum 15% of the site area (excluding outside landscaping)
2. Landscaping Setbacks: Minimum 25’ landscaping strip at front.
3. 15’ minimum at sides and 10’ minimum at rear (entrance/exit right angled entry/exit driveways to
site are exempted).
4. Landscaping Setbacks could be used for rainwater retention.
5. No parking allowed in landscaping setbacks. 6. Keeping in mind that Islamabad experiences
droughts and water shortages, watering of landscaping to be accomplished with
reclaimed/harvested rainfall water employing drip irrigation.
3.1.3 DRIVEWAY AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS

1. 9’x18’right-angled parking space with 24’ perpendicular back up space.
2. Angular parking and driveways according to established standards
3. 5’x 18’ Landscaping Island after every 6 parking spaces max. at grade parking areas
4. 6’x 2’6” motorcycle parking spaces.
5. Parking and Driveway: o Minimum 24’ ingress and egress driveway.
6. Driveways to be forward motion only
7. Number of Parking stalls = 1.5 parking stalls per suite (this includes for local attendees of events
at hotel)
8. Motorcycles: 150 spaces
3.1.4 ACCESSIBLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

1. (Refer to American Disabilities Act (2010) Guidelines, ADAG on internet)
2. Accessible ramp slopes not to exceed 1:12 (8.33% slope)
3. Each accessible parking shall be minimum of 12’ x 18’ with an adjacent space of 5’ X18’ for
wheelchairs loading/unloading (2 accessible spaces could share the one wheelchair
loading/unloading space)
4. The number of accessible parking spaces would be as per following table:
Total Parking in Lot Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces

1 to 25 1
26 to 50 2
51 to 75 3
76 to 100 4
101 to 150 5
151 to 200 6
201 to 300 7
301 to 400 8
401 to 500 9
501 to 1000 2 percent of total
1001 and over 20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1000
1. Accessible ramp slopes not to exceed 1:12 (8.33%) slope.

2. Ramp Gradient: 1: 8 for cars and 1: 8.5 for motorbikes
3. Cars straight turning outer radius 24’-0”
4. A 20’-0” wide fire truck access lane with a minimum inside turning radius of 30’-0”.
5. Fire truck movement to be in forward motion only or a cul-de-sac turnaround radius of minimum
30’-0.”
6. The fire truck access lane to be not more than 100’-0” from the hotel building perimeter wall.
7. Loading dock at the hotel back-of-the-house
8. Garbage truck access to site in forward motion only or with adequate turn-around space.
9. Garbage disposal at hotel back-of–the house
3.1.5 RAINWATER RETENTION BASIN REQUIREMENT

1. Runoff water to the streets, when this site is developed with paving and building, negatively
impacts the underground water wells to be replenished. It is required that all rainwater be
retained on site and directed to rainwater retention areas to slowly percolate into the soil to
recharge the natural underground water wells.
2. Rainwater retention volume of 100,000 cft on site. (Example: a space of 100’ wide x 200’ length
x 5’ deep = 100,000 cft. Or the volume could be located at different areas on the site of different
sizes and add up 100,000 cft)
3. The landscaping setbacks could also be incorporated as rainwater retention basins.
3.1.6 MINIMUM APARTMENTS REQUIREMENTS

(All areas are net areas)
1. Apartments A: 1 Bed / 1Bath
a. Living/Dining Room  280 sft
b. Bedroom,  & with walk-in closet and attached bath 180 sft 
c. Powder Room  30 sft
d. Kitchen and Pantry  100 sft
e. Laundry Room/Storage to accommodate washer, dryer, ironing board 60 sft
2. Apartments B: 2 Bed / 2 Bath
a. Living/Dining Room  320 sft
b. Master Bedroom, 200 sft with walk-in closet 80 sft & Attached bath 280 sft
c. Bedroom 150 sft
Semi- attached bath, also accessible from Dining Room.
d. Family Room 200 sft
e. Powder Room  30 sft
f. Kitchen and Pantry  100 sft
g. Servant Quarter with bathroom  150 sft
h. Laundry Room to accommodate washer, dryer, ironing board and closet 70 sft
i. Storage Room 50 sft 50 sft
3. Apartments C: 3 Bed / 3 Bath
a. Living/Dining Room 350 sft

b. Master Bedroom, 200 sft with walk-in closet 80 sft & 280
c. Attached bath
d. Bedroom 2 150 sft
Semi- attached bath, also accessible from Dining Room.
e. Bedroom 3, 150 sft
f. Attached bath
g. Family Room 280 sft
h. Powder Room 30 sft
i. Kitchen, Pantry and store 170 sft
j. Servant Quarter with bathroom 150 sft
k. Laundry Room to accommodate washer, dryer, ironing board and 120 sft
closet
l. Storage Room 100 sft
4. Apartments D: 4 Bed / 4 Bath
a. Living/Dining Room 350 sft

b. Powder Room 50 sft
c. Master Bedroom, 200 sft with walk-in closet 80 sft & 280
d. Attached bath
e. Bedroom 2, 150 sft
Semi- attached bath, also accessible from Dining Room.
f. -Bedroom 3 & 4 150 sft
g. Attached bath
h. -Family Room: 280 sft
i. -Powder Room 30 sft
j. -Kitchen, Pantry and store 170 sft
k. -Servant Quarter with bathroom 150 sft
l. Laundry Room to accommodate washer, dryer, ironing board and 120 sft
closet
m. Storage Room 100 sft
3.2 GENERAL POINTS OF CONSIDERATION
In addition to the above mentioned building spaces, provisions should also be made for:
1. Elevator lobby at each floor,

2. Passenger and freight elevators,
3. Common lobby, security/information counter at ground/entry floor,
4. Centralized air conditioning for all common areas; Split type heat pumps for individual
apartments
5. Rental office room and maintenance/storage room
6. Mechanical rooms
7. In-house self-power generators
8. Fire alarms and fire suppression system
9. Fire stairs and strategically located fire exits (according to IBC)
10. Fire hose cabinets at each floor
11. Janitorial service spaces
12. Water storage spaces and provisions for a 3-day water storage capacity
13. Separate dedicated water storage for fire sprinkler systems
14. Garbage chutes in building and garbage pickup area(s) on site
15. Designated outside smoking areas
16. Mechanical units to be not visible or should be screened from outsides
17. Special provisions for making the building accessible to physically challenged people from the
street to apartments and public area spaces (shops, community hall, etc.) building and public
toilets
Minimum height of rooms to be as follows:
a. Habitable Rooms 9’-0”

b. Kitchens 8’-0”
c. Bathrooms 8’-0”
d. Garages and Car porch 8’-0”
e. Passages, galleries & corridors 7’-6”
3.2.1 Staircases:
Risers = not more than 7”
Treads= not less than 11”
Each flight of stairs not be more than 12’-0”
Note: Staircases to lofts and spiral staircases to non-public access are excluded from these
requirements.
3.2.2 Building Code:

Provisions of International Building Code (IBC), International Congress of Building Officials (ICBO).
4. PROPOSED PROJECT SITES
4.1 Site 2: Adjacent to Centaurus Mall
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Centaurus+Mall+Islamabad/@33.7076566,73.0478687,652m/data=!3
m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x38dfbfb0f4f77
Front Roadside 1368’, Left side 430’ , Right side 430’, Rear side 1368’
The exact site dimension will be verified on the development of CAD drawing.
AREA: 5, 88,240 sq.ft
5. DESIGN PROCESS
This design exercise will incorporate art in architecture and the six stages of design as envisaged in
Academic Plan and Program (APP), March 2008. They are:
1. Conception.
2. Written Statement of Concept Development.
3. Project Design.
4. Structural Systems and Materials Use.
5. Design Journal.
6. Written Report.
6. STUDIO CULTURE
The following points are to be part of our studio culture:
1. The studio method of teaching is to rely on interaction of students with faculty and experienced
professionals on individual or group bases. All the design developments stages, discussions, and
reviews are to be documented by the student for his/her own record and being part of
development process.
2. It is observed that students are reluctant to participate in discussions being afraid that their ideas
may be considered as naive. The application of brainstorming in design studio would be one of
the tools as this technique is considered to be useful in generating of multiple design
ideas/solutions as well as to stimulate constructive discussions/deliberation and reflections on
the proposed solutions.
3. Students would be engaged in group discussions to facilitate in exchanging their ideas which
could be helpful in design development and to think beyond their own work.
4. Freehand sketching is the primary conceptual tool in the early stages of the design process1.
Students are also being encouraged to use conceptual/study models and simulations along with
in developing the thought process and critical analysis while working on their (part of) project.
7. SKILL REQUIREMENTS
The basic skill requirements for the students to take this class would be the ones acquired mostly in
their previous design classes. However, in this course the students are expected to have matured in
their thought process, critical analysis, design and presentation skills (with different design media) to
the next level. They would be expected to visualize interchangeably from 2D to 3D from conceptual,
schematic, and development of design both with freehand sketching and CAD applications.
8. COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING SYSTEM
Studio Work/Class Participation / Weekly 25 of 100 Semester Grades

Progress
Preliminary Jury 10 of 100 Semester Grades
Pre-Final Jury 15 of 100 Semester Grades
Final Project Jury / Display 50 of 100 Semester Grades
9. KEY DATES WITH DETAILED SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AND SUBMITTAL

REQUIREMENTS
(Subject to change whenever it is necessary)
Week Online Course Contents
1. Project Introduction
2. Project Handout with Discussion
3. Groups formation for Initial Research
4. Initial (In case of Lockdown, online) Research to the Project-I (at least to include
the following (Design) Parameters):
4.1 Precedent Studies
4.2 High-rise Standards
4.3 Vertical Circulation Systems and use of Elevators etc.
4.4 Block and Detailed Floor Layouts
4.5 Spatial Characteristics
4.6 Application of Green and Sustainability Measures
4.7 Provisions of shading devices with insulated building envelope
4.8 Provisions for the outdoor sitting spaces keeping in view the extreme weather
conditions.
4.9 Provisions for how the variation in temperature from 0 to 45 degrees Celsius
is going to be addressed in facility design.
4.10 Use of Passive Elements and Environmental studies,
Week 1 4.11 Orientation and Placement in Context (the immediate physical context to
(Part A) examine the impact of overall design intervention) to the existing built and natural
environment.
4.12 Site Zoning and its proper Utilization
4.13 Use of Hard and soft landscape (landscape design)
4.14 Parking Provisions and arrangements (on Site and Floors)
4.15 Provision of Visual Relationships, Views and Vistas etc.
4.16 Structural Systems
4.17 Construction Techniques/Methodology and use of Materials
4.18 MEP (Services System)
4.19 Use of Active System (Provisions of HVAC)
4.20 Accessibility and Emergency Egress System
4.21 Occupancy Load Analysis
4.22 Fire Escape and Firefighting System,
4.23 Emergency Evacuation Systems, and
4.24 Additional Occupants’ Safety Measures etc.
4.25 Provisions of Social Distancing
4.26 .Any additional Feature(s)
(Weekly (virtual) Studio Progress Marking – I)
5. Group Research Presentations/Discussions and with individual grading, based 
Week 2 work contribution.
(Part A)
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – II)
(Part A)
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – III)
(Part A)
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – IV)
8. (In case of Lockdown, virtual) Site visits, site study and documentation,
9. (In case of Lockdown, online through satellite imaginary) Neighborhood
studies, and Privacy of the neighborhood residents in their open areas (lawns etc.)
needs to be ensured.
10. (In case of Lockdown, online) Contextual studies and influences (social,
cultural, economic and historic etc.)
11. (In case of Lockdown, online through satellite imaginary) Detailed site analysis
including:
11.1 Environmental studies,
11.2 Analysis of passive influences,
Week 5
(Part B) 11.3 Visual Relationships, views and vistas,
11.4 Site zoning and block planning
11.5 Site circulation and site utilization etc.
11.6 Development Authority (CDA) By-laws (Part I)
11.7 Detailed site planning and landscape design,
11.8 Site entrance(s), site approach, vehicular and pedestrian circulation  patterns
11.9 Hard and soft landscape (landscape design)
11.10 Anticipated architectural responses
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – V)
12. Development of the design program,
13. Project details and key functional requirements,
Week 6 14. Building program development,
(Part B) 15. Detailed areas calculations with user analysis
16. Occupancy Load Calculation etc.
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – VI)
17. Development of building form(s) with anticipated functions in relation to the site 
and context, with the help of:
17.1  Relationship Diagrams, Freehand Sketches, Use of Digital Tools
17.2 2D, 3D sketches, and Physical study models,
Week 7 17.3 Development and analysis of relationship diagrams
(Part B)
17.4 Block and detailed floors planning,
17.5 Developing (Structural) Grid System
17.6 Detailed Parking Plans
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – VII)
18. Preliminary Submittals, Display (Virtual, In case of Lockdown),
Week 8
Juries/Critiques and Grading
19. Detail Design Development (Part I, with detailed description of):
19.1 Detailed Floor (Plans) Layouts
19.2 Vertical Circulation Systems and use of Elevators etc.
19.3 Provisions of Social Distancing,
Week 9 19.4 Spatial Characteristics
19.5 Application of Green and Sustainability Measures
19.6 Provisions of shading devices with insulated building envelope etc.
19.7 Provisions for the outdoor sitting spaces keeping in view the extreme weather 
conditions.
19.8 Provisions for how the variation in temperature from 0 to 45 degrees Celsius is
 going to be addressed in design.
19.9 Use of Passive Elements and Environmental Studies,
19.10 Orientation and Placement in Context,
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – VIII)
20. Detail Design Development (Part II, with detailed description of):
20.1 Development Authority (CDA) By-laws (Part II),
20.2 Application of International Building Codes (IBC),
20.3 Structural Systems,
20.4 Construction Techniques/Methodologies and use of Materials,
20.5 Mechanical,
20.6 Electrical,
20.7 Plumbing,
Week 10
20.8 Use of Active System (Provisions of HVAC),
20.9 Accessibility and Egress System,
20.10 Fire Escape and Firefighting System,
20.11 Emergency Egress/Evacuation Systems, and
20.12 Additional Occupants’ Safety Measures etc.
20.13 Provisions of Social Distancing,
20.14 Any additional Feature(s)
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – IX)
21. Mid Term Submittals, Display (Virtual, In case of Lockdown), Juries/Critiques an
Week 11
d Grading
22. Detail Design Development (Part III):
22.1 Detailed Development of plans, sections, elevations,
22.2 Detailed Enlarged views of important details,
Week 12
22.3 Detailed development of orthographic views, and or,
22.4 3D Modeling and Rendered Perspectives Views (Interior and Exterior both),
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – X)
23.  Detail Design Development (Part IV):
Week 13 23.3 Detailed development of orthographic views, and or,
23.5 Finished Physical Model of the Project (Optional with credit)
(Weekly Studio Progress Marking – X)
24. Pre - Final Submittals, Display (Virtual, In case of Lockdown)
Week 14
, Juries/Critiques and Grading
25. Detail Design Development (Part IV):
Week 15
25.3 Detailed development of orthographic views, and or,
25.5 Finished Physical Model of the Project (Optional with credit)
Week 16 26. Final Submittals, Display (Virtual, in case of Lockdown),
10. DELIVERABLES & PRESENTATION
10.1 Building Code:
Provisions of International Building Code (IBC) Preliminary submittal requirements:
1. Concept sketches, about your ideas regarding the site, context and form for the project.
2. Your concept and green applications. Identify sustainable materials, systems (water harvesting,
grey water reclamation, onsite rainwater retention, energy efficiency, alternate energy use,
recycled/recyclable materials, etc.).
3. Site plan, landscape plan (could be on site plan).
4. Parking plan (parking spaces on site could be shown on site plan, basement parking to be shown
separately).
5. Floor plans (identical floor plans need not be repeated), 2 elevations, and 2 section.
6. Basic structural, mechanical, plumbing and conveying systems (Elevators, escalators.)
7. Study model.
8. Solar study in terms of shading of fenestrations, greenhouse, solar heat gain, etc. and natural
light within building interiors. (3D CAD generated or on study model).
9. Calculations of occupant loads, Fire exits locations and number. Parking calculations, exit
requirement calculations, firewalls based upon occupancies and types of construction. 10.
Facilities for the physically challenged based upon ADAG
Notes: -
1. Drawings to be CAD generated or manual in scale.

2. Scale of the drawings to be determined in consultation with the faculty. -Solar studies conducted
on model to be depicted on drawings through photographs.
3. Solar study days/times to be simulated on Mar/Sep 21, June 21 and Dec 21 at 12 pm for each
of the days.
Note:
Drawings to be in scale and of uniform size and to be determined later. All working documents being
worked upon, such as sketches, text, etc. have to print on regular size paper, the size of which is to be
determined.
10.2 Mid-Term Design submittals requirements:
1 Final Write-up on Design Philosophy and Description, and design evolution.

1. Site Plan, Landscape Plan (could be on Site Plan), All Building Plans, Longitudinal and
Transverse Sections, 4 Elevations. Identical floor plans may not be repeated but identified.
separately).
3. Parking calculations
4. Green applications as it applies to your design: Identify sustainable materials, systems (water
harvesting, grey water reclamation, onsite rainwater retention, energy efficiency, alternate energy
use, etc.).
5. 3D of Building and Rendered Perspectives Views,
6. Salient Features Details (min. of two details).
7. Finished Model showing entire site, adjoining roads and dirt/side roads with building and
landscaping.
8. Details of energy-efficient and/or passive design (min. of two details)
9. Calculations of occupant loads, no. of fire exits, sizes of fire exits,
light within building interiors. (3D CAD generated or on study model)
Notes:

of the days.
(Note: All above Preliminary Design items have to be presented with revisions according to preliminary
juries and ensuing critiques thereafter.)
10.3 Pre-Final Design submittals requirements:
1. Final Write-up on Design Philosophy and Description, and design evolution.

2. Site Plan, Landscape Plan (could be on Site Plan), All Building Plans, Longitudinal and
Transverse Sections, 4 Elevations. Identical floor plans may not be repeated but identified.
3. Parking plan (parking spaces on site could be shown on site plan, basement parking to be
shown separately).
4. Parking calculations
5. Green applications as it applies to your design:
a. Identify sustainable materials, systems (water harvesting, grey water reclamation, onsite
rainwater retention, energy efficiency, alternate energy use, etc.)
6. 3D of Building and Rendered Perspectives Views,
8. Finished Model showing entire site, adjoining roads and dirt/side roads with building and
landscaping.
Notes:

of the days.
(Note: All above Preliminary Design items have to be presented with revisions according to preliminary
juries and ensuing critiques thereafter.)
10.4 Final Design submittals requirements:
1. Final Write-up on Design Philosophy and Description, and design evolution.

2. Site Plan, Landscape Plan (could be on Site Plan) Building Plans, Longitudinal and Transverse
Sections,
3. Elevations. Identical floor plans may not be repeated but identified.
separately). 4- Parking calculations
5. Green applications as it applies to your design: Identify sustainable materials, systems (water
harvesting, grey water reclamation, onsite rainwater retention, energy efficiency, alternate energy
use, etc.).
6. Complete Interior and Exterior 3Ds of Building (Rendered Perspectives Views)
8. Finished Model showing entire site, adjoining roads and side roads with building and
landscaping.
Notes:

of the days.
(Note: All above Final Design items have to be presented with revisions according to preliminary, Pre-
Final juries and ensuing critiques thereafter.)
Final Design due date, Display, Juries date and time to be determined later according to schedule of
Terminal Exams
11. REFERENCES / RECOMMENDED READINGS
1. Brown, G. Z., and M. Dekay. Sun, Wind and Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition.
2. Chiang, Francis D. K. Architecture, Form Space and Order, John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
3. De Chiara, Joseph and Michael J. Crosbie. Time Saver Standards for Building Types, 4th Edition.
Mc Graw Hill International Edition.
4. Givoni, B. Climatic Considerations in Buildings and Urban Design.
5. Krishan, Arvind, Nick Baker, Simon Yannas, S. V. Szokolay. Climate Responsive Architecture.
6. Krier, R., & Vorreiter, G. (1988). Architectural composition (Vol. 10). New York: Rizzoli.
7. Unwin, S. (2013). Analysing architecture. Routledge.
8. Rasmussen, S. E. (1964). Experiencing architecture (Vol. 2). MIT press.
9. Coupland, A. (Ed.). (1997). Reclaiming the city: Mixed use development. Taylor & Francis.
10. Rowley, A. (1996). Mixed-use development: ambiguous concept, simplistic analysis and wishful
thinking? Planning Practice & Research, 11(1), 85-98.
11. American Planning Association. (2006). Planning and urban design standards. John Wiley &
Sons.
12. Paul D. Spreiregen, 1965. Urban Design: The Architecture of Towns and Cities, American
Institute of Architects.
13. Moughtin, J.C., Cuesta, R. and Sarris, C., 1999. Urban Design: Method and Technique. Elsevier.
14. Edward T. White, Site Analysis: Diagramming Information for Architectural Design, Architectural
Media Ltd, 1983
15. Givoni, B. (1998). Climate considerations in building and urban design. John Wiley & Sons.
16. Bentley, I. (Ed.). (1985). Responsive environments: A manual for designers. Routledge.
17. Anderson, B., ed. Solar Building Architecture.
18. Barnett, D. L., with W. D. Browning. A Primer on Sustainable Building.
19. 19. rown, G. Z., and M. Dekay. Sun, Wind and Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition.
20. Buchanan, Peter. Ten Shades of Green. The Architecture League of New York, 2005.
21. Cook, Jeffrey, ed. Passive Cooling.
22. Crowther, R. L., ed. Ecological Architecture.
23. Lechner, Norbert. Heating, Cooling, Lighting,1991.
24. Wilson, David. 100 Sunrooms. Rockport Publishers, Inc., 2004.
25. PRP Architects. Place and Home. Black Dog Publishing Ltd., 2007.
26. Walker, Peter and Partners. Landscape Architecture. Thames and Hudson, Ltd., 2005.
27. Ross, Donald E. HVAC design guide for tall commercial buildings. American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 2004.
28. Pevsner, Nikolaus. Pioneers of modern design: from William Morris to Walter Gropius. Yale
University Press, 2005.
11.1 REFERENCES PAPERS
1. Al-Kodmany, Kheir. "Guidelines for tall buildings development." International Journal of High-
Rise Buildings 1, no. 4 (2012): 255-269.
2. Oldfield, Philip Francis. "Tall buildings and sustainability." PhD diss., University of Nottingham,
2012.
3. Al-Kodmany, Kheir. "Sustainable tall buildings: toward a comprehensive design approach."
International Journal of Sustainable Design 2, no. 1 (2012): 1-23.
4. Al-Kodmany, Kheir. (2012). Sustainable tall buildings: toward a comprehensive design approach.
International Journal of Sustainable Design. 2. 10.1504/IJSDES.2012.051470.
5. P, Ioan & St, Betea & Pascu, Radu & Degeratu, Mircea & Liviu Valer, Hasegan & Georgescu,
Andrei-Mugur. (2006). Advanced techniques in tall building design. Proceedings of the
International Conference in Metal Structures - Steel - A New and Traditional Material for Building.

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Department of Architecture Comsats University Islamabad | FA-2022

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, CUI,

HIGH RISE COHERENT DEVELOPMENT (MIX USE) IN ISLAMABAD

Class Instructors: Ar. Kifayat Hussain (Studio Lead)

Ar. Farrah Khurram (Co Studio Lead)

Ar. Lakhte Hyder (Co Studio Lead)

1.1 Design Objectives

1.1.4 Functional / Operational

1.1.5 Historic Preservation/Context Incorporation

1.1.7 Secure / Safe

2.1 CASE STUDIES, MALADIES AND REMEDIES IN MULTISTOREY

What are mixed use developments?

Why mixed use developments?

Mixed use developments have a number of benefits including:

 Opportunities for increased residential densities

Location of mixed use developments

Mixed use developments can occur in a number of areas.

 reduce urban sprawl

3.1 SITE PLANNING AND PARKING

3.1.1 ZONING REQUIREMENTS

3.1.2 LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS

3.1.3 DRIVEWAY AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS

3.1.4 ACCESSIBLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

Total Parking in Lot Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces

1. Accessible ramp slopes not to exceed 1:12 (8.33%) slope.

3.1.5 RAINWATER RETENTION BASIN REQUIREMENT

3.1.6 MINIMUM APARTMENTS REQUIREMENTS

1. Apartments A: 1 Bed / 1Bath

2. Apartments B: 2 Bed / 2 Bath

3. Apartments C: 3 Bed / 3 Bath

a. Living/Dining Room 350 sft

4. Apartments D: 4 Bed / 4 Bath

a. Living/Dining Room 350 sft

3.2 GENERAL POINTS OF CONSIDERATION

1. Elevator lobby at each floor,

Minimum height of rooms to be as follows:

a. Habitable Rooms 9’-0”

Treads= not less than 11”

Each flight of stairs not be more than 12’-0”

3.2.2 Building Code:

4. PROPOSED PROJECT SITES

4.1 Site 2: Adjacent to Centaurus Mall

AREA: 5, 88,240 sq.ft

8. COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING SYSTEM

Studio Work/Class Participation / Weekly 25 of 100 Semester Grades

9. KEY DATES WITH DETAILED SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AND SUBMITTAL

(Subject to change whenever it is necessary)

10. DELIVERABLES & PRESENTATION

10.1 Building Code:

Provisions of International Building Code (IBC) Preliminary submittal requirements:

1. Drawings to be CAD generated or manual in scale.

10.2 Mid-Term Design submittals requirements:

1 Final Write-up on Design Philosophy and Description, and design evolution.

1. Drawings to be CAD generated or manual in scale.

10.3 Pre-Final Design submittals requirements:

1. Final Write-up on Design Philosophy and Description, and design evolution.

1. Drawings to be CAD generated or manual in scale.

10.4 Final Design submittals requirements:

1. Final Write-up on Design Philosophy and Description, and design evolution.