Sultan Qaboos University
College of Engineering
Civil & Architectural Department
GRADUATION PROJECT
PORT HEADQUARTER
Done by: Maryam Ahmed Albalushi 133699
Supervision team: Mohammed Salah
Table of content
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Vision ........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Mission ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Objective .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Intended Stakeholders.............................................................................................................. 3
1.6 Reasons for Selecting This Project ............................................................................................... 3
1.7 Design Issues .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.8 References ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Analysis of Similar Projects ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Sohar Port Headquarters.............................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Port of Aarhus Headquarters ..................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Oman's ports play a transformative role in global maritime trade, serving as vital gateways for
international commerce. Strategically positioned along the Arabian Sea, these ports handle
millions of TEUs annually, acting as crucial links between East-West shipping routes and
contributing to Oman Vision 2040's economic diversification strategy.
A well-designed headquarters for Omani ports is essential for this ambitious development.
Research shows that thoughtful workplace design can increase employee productivity by up to
11% while reducing stress and enhancing collaboration. The headquarters will not only serve as
an administrative center but as an environment that nurtures innovation and efficiency. By
creating an optimal working environment with modern amenities, natural light, and
collaborative spaces, the project will attract top talent, boost employee satisfaction, and
ultimately contribute to the success of Oman's ports and economic growth.
As ports are the lifeblood of international trade, this headquarters will stand as a symbol of
Oman's maritime excellence, bridging its rich seafaring heritage with its ambitious future as a
global logistics hub. The project's impact extends beyond architecture – it will be a catalyst for
economic prosperity, job creation, and sustainable development in the region.
1.2 VISION
To create an iconic, sustainable headquarters that embodies operational excellence and
innovation, establishing Omani ports as premier maritime gateways in the Middle East while
fostering a world-class working environment that inspires success and drives Oman's economic
growth.
1.3 MISSION
Our mission is to design and deliver a state-of-the-art headquarters that enhances operational
efficiency through intelligent space planning and advanced technology integration. It will
create a human-centric workplace that fosters well-being, collaboration, and productivity while
reflecting Omani architectural heritage and embracing modern sustainable design principles.
Additionally, the headquarters will serve as a landmark, symbolizing Oman's commitment to
excellence and innovation.
1.4 OBJECTIVE
• Create a state-of-the-art headquarters that optimizes operational efficiency and workplace
productivity
• Design sustainable and innovative spaces that reflect Oman's maritime heritage and future
vision
• Develop a workplace environment that attracts and retains top talent
• Establish a landmark building that symbolizes the significance of Omani ports in the region
• Implement smart building solutions that enhance operational management and reduce
maintenance costs
1.5 INTENDED STAKEHOLDERS
Primary Stakeholders:
• Port Authority Management and Administrative Staff
• Port Operations Teams
• Customer Service Representatives
• Maritime Control and Safety Personnel
• IT and Technical Support Teams
Secondary Stakeholders:
• Port Visitors and Business Partners
• Government Officials
• Shipping Companies and Port Users
• Maintenance and Facility Management Teams
1.6 REASONS FOR SELECTING THIS PROJECT
• Strengthens Oman's economic diversification and maritime growth
• Supports increasing trade activities with an efficient administrative hub
• Contributes to job creation and regional economic development
• Promotes sustainability by integrating smart, energy-efficient solutions
• Showcases Omani architectural identity in a modern, functional design
• Enhances operational efficiency through streamlined port management
1.7 DESIGN ISSUES
Traditional port headquarters primarily function as administrative office spaces, accommodating
employees, management, and essential facilities such as conference rooms and auditoriums.
However, these spaces remain underutilized in fostering broader industry engagement and
business opportunities.
To maximize the potential of the headquarters, the ground and first floors should be transformed
into highly active, interactive hubs. By integrating spaces such as restaurants, cafés, retail shops,
and networking areas, the design will enhance engagement between port employees, traders,
and business stakeholders. This shift will create a dynamic business ecosystem, encouraging
stronger relationships, facilitating trade discussions, and fostering a thriving maritime community.
The goal is to move beyond a conventional office environment and establish a space that
actively contributes to the economic and social vibrancy of the port sector.
1.8 REFERENCES
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CHAPTER 2
ANALYSIS OF SIMILAR PROJECTS
2.1 Sohar Port Headquarters
2.2 Port of Aarhus Headquarters
2.3 Antwerp Port House / Zaha Hadid Architects
2.1 SOHAR PORT HEADQUARTERS
2.1.1 Selection Justification
2.1.2 Introduction
2.1.3 Site Analysis
2.1.4 Environmental Analysis
2.1.5 Functional Analysis
2.1.6 Architectural Analysis
2.1.1 SELECTION JUSTIFICATION
This case study was chosen because it is located in the same country and region as my Port
Headquarters project, providing valuable insights into local architectural design, functionality,
and administrative operations.
2.1.2 GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Sohar, Oman.
Date: 2019
Site area: 18000 m²
Foot print area: 2825 m²
Built area: 6400 m²
Building Purpose: Administrative Headquarters.
Facilities: Offices, Meeting Rooms, Event Spaces.
Key Functions: Port Operations Management, Logistics Coordination, Official Events.
Main Objective: Oversee and manage Sohar Port & Freezone operations.
2.1.3 SITE ANALYSIS
A. Location
B. Accessibility
Micro Scale: Not only authorized
personnel are allowed to enter
the site. Vehicles and pedestrian
movement are permitted, with
parking available for employees.
Macro Scale: The location is
strategically placed with
access to both the main road
network and the port
C. Entries
Emergency
Exits
Main Entrance
Drop Off Area
D. Context
The context analysis reveals Sohar Airport's location within a highly industrialized district, where
surrounding empty lands result from uninhabitable conditions due to industrial pollution.
Residents have relocated beyond the highway to escape these toxic areas. The region's intense
logistical activity is evident through the presence of multiple airports, while the concentration of
factories near the port underscores the area's significant industrial and economic activity,
making it one of the most logistically active zones in the region.
Macro:
Empty Land
Residential
Majan Industrial Area
Sohar Airport
Micro:
Terminals and Logistics
area
Utilities
area
Metals and Minerals
area Hydrocarbons
area
Administrati
on
D. Site plan
Ratio
Green
Spaces
22% Site Area
Parkings
53%
16%
Foot Print
Area
9%
Site Area Foot Print Area
Parkings Green Spaces
Space Area m²
Foot Print Area 2800
Green Area 7500
Car Parking 5700
Built Area 6400
Total Site Area 16000
2.1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
A. Orientation (sun, wind)
Prevailing Wind Direction: East-North-East (ENE)
Strongest Wind Speeds: West-North-West
(WNW)
Main façade is towards the main
street.
Greenery positioned in the opposite
side of prevailing wind.
The courtyard is
receiving the
breeze and
cool the
spaces.
B. Design Respond
D. Lighting
Reception:
Currently: Recessed Ceiling Lights & Natural Light
• The lighting looks cold and uninviting.
• The dark ceiling with spotlights creates harsh contrasts.
In my opinion, the best type of
lightening in these places
according the site conditions:
• Sky lighting in the reception
Offices
Currently: Grid Ceiling Fluorescent or LED Panels
• The lighting is too uniform and flat.
• Harsh, bright overhead lights cause glare and eye strain.
• In my opinion, Suspended
Linear LED Lighting in
offices
Exhibition
Currently: dark ceiling with exposed spotlights
• creates a harsh and overly dramatic look.
In my opinion, the best type of lightening in
these places according the site conditions:
• Track Lighting in the exhibitions
Auditorium
Currently: Recessed Ceiling Downlights
Shading devices and screens
reduce heat intake, lowering
cooling demand and decreasing
energy consumption.
They positioned large windows in
the west with external shading and
additional cover from the upper
floor to maximize natural light while
minimizing heat gain.
2.1.5 FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
Ground Floor Plan
Observations
Showcase spaces, like
exhibition and auditorium, feel
disconnected / hidden away
from visitors.
Each Wing misses a
welcome / drop-
by hub, where staff
breaks away.
Existing meeting
room provision is not
sufficient, it is less
than their needs
Each wind is
provided with
toilets, pantry
Each desk has
Stores
a visitor chair.
always near
toilets
• I would dedicate areas (relaxation, majlis, meeting) to visitors, while now visitors have to
be shown around by staff, invited into their office rooms for meetings (beyond security
line).
First Floor Plan
Observations
Auditorium room needs
high storage along all the
floors.
Second Floor Plan
Observations
All MEP rooms are
dedicated in second floor
as a part from the roof.
Spatial Relationships
Space Program
Zone Quantity Area m² Total Total Zone Percentage %
Area m² Area
Administration Offices 71 29.1 2130 2319 36.28
Meeting Room 7 27.84 189
Services Toilets 16 27.6 441.6 1176.78 18.41
Ablution 1 28.2 28.2
Store 8 4..4 35.2
Printer / Plotter 4 5.04 20.16
Janitor Room 4 2.8 11.2
Server Room 7 27.6 193.2
Prayer Room 2 27 54
Pantry 9 12.32 110.88
Dining 1 126.54 126.54
MEP 5 31.2 155.8
Exhibition Conference 1 28.18 28.18 268.54 4.2
Room
Exhibition 1 196.8 196.8
Auditorium 1 43.56 43.56
Circulation Horizontal Corridor - 1363 2533.4 39.64
Lobby - 244
Vertical Staircase 292 876
Elevator 16.8 50.4
Courtyard - 1 93 93 93 1.45
Total =
6390.72
Program Chart:
RATIO
Administration Services Exhibition Circulation Courtyard
2%
36%
40%
4%
18%
Indoor Circulation
Circulation Others
Section
2.1.6 ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS
A. Elevations
B. Form Development
C. Structure Analysis
The integration of ribbed slabs (ribbes slan) in this administration building is a strategic design
choice, providing both structural efficiency and aesthetic value. These slabs, with their ribbed
pattern, reduce the overall weight of the building while maintaining strength and rigidity. This
makes them ideal for large, open spaces commonly found in administrative offices. Additionally,
the ribbed structure allows for greater flexibility in ceiling design, offering space for lighting,
HVAC systems, and other utilities. The choice highlights a balance between functionality and the
modern, clean lines often favored in public and corporate spaces.
2.2 PORT OF AARHUS HEADQUARTERS
2.2.1 Selection Justification
2.2.2 Introduction
2.2.3 Site Analysis
2.2.4 Environmental Analysis
2.2.5 Functional Analysis
2.2.6 Architectural Analysis
2.2.1 SELECTION JUSTIFICATION
The Port of Aarhus Headquarters was chosen for its iconic and sustainable design, serving as a
benchmark for innovation and operational excellence in port administration. It integrates
advanced architecture, cutting-edge technology, and environmentally responsible practices,
making it a model for future port headquarters worldwide.
2.2.2 GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Architects: C.F. Møller
Area: 13000 m²
Year: 2015
Landscape: C.F. Møller Architects
2.2.3 SITE ANALYSIS
A. Location ✓ Its position at the intersection of
Scandinavian and European shipping
lanes makes it a vital hub for
international trade and logistics. ✓ Its location provides direct access to both
the Baltic Sea and North Sea shipping routes,
making it a crucial link in Northern European
maritime trade.
✓ The port's integration with Aarhus city provides
excellent connections to inland transportation
networks and urban infrastructure.
B. Accessibility
C. Context
Container terminal
Storage Tanks
Commercial buildings
Navitas Park
Navitas Park is a new center
with no less than 35 000 m 2 for
energy, innovation and
training on Aarhus Waterfront.
D. Site Plan
Ratio
Space Area m²
Foot Print Area 5000
Green Area 100
Car Parking 8500
Built Area 13000
Total Site Area 26600
Foot Print Area Green Area Car Parking Built Area
2.2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
A. Orientation (sun, wind)
SUN ANALYSIS After my own observations and estimations, the intervention site is
aside from the dense urban city in a vast open area on the edge of the waterfront
meeting the water. Therefore, the location of intervention site has the benefit to
provide the public spaces indoors and outdoors with an excellent sun light and heat
from all directions. Therefore, the design proposal needs to take in consideration and
use the most of this sun light benefit.
WIND ANALYSIS The wind roses for Aarhus area in presents the dominate winds that
blow from West during the whole year. The intensity of the winds changes from a
month to another one as seen in the diagrams. As known, the intervention site is in
the proximity of a vast sea water, therefore winds from the sea can be expected
here. They took in consideration this wind analysis for the benefit of the project to
provide shelter for winds where it is needed.
B. Design Responds
The design features a central atrium that allows natural light to enter and
creates a focal point for circulation.
The building has multiple access points, making it easily accessible from
different directions.
The stepped form of the structure creates a visual and spatial hierarchy,
enhancing connectivity.
The design integrates with the surrounding environment, promoting openness
and interaction.
There is a clear separation between public and private spaces, ensuring
functionality.
The central void, highlighted in blue, suggests the use of skylights or open
spaces for natural light and ventilation.
The fragmented and layered structure allows for flexibility and adaptability in
the design.
C. Lighting
2.2.5 FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
A.
B. Ground Floor Plan
C. First floor plan
D. Second Floor Plan
E. Third Floor Plan
F. Fourth Floor Plan
G. Program Ratio
H. Space Program
Zone Quantity Area m² Total Total Zone Percentage %
Area m² Area
Administration Offices
Meeting Room
Services Toilets
Store
Printer / Plotter
Janitor Room
Server Room
Pantry
MEP
Exhibition Conference
Room
Exhibition
Auditorium
Circulation Horizontal
Vertical
Courtyard -
I. Circulation Ratio
J. Section
K. Form Developments
M. Elevations
Structural System