Industrial Building in Kuwait

Abstract

Kuwait as had a considerable increase both in income and in population over the past few years. Its climate is hot and dry and it has a very low rainfall. Hence it is particularly important for this country to have a steady supply of water and electricity. To meet this need, large power stations have been built. Power station A is one of the various sources which provide Kuwait with electric power. It has four turboalternator units. Inside the building, a system of airconditioning has been developed, at such pressure and air speed that it will counteract outer climatic conditions and prevent the entry of sand particles into the power station during the frequent sandstorms. The external appearance of the power station has been carefully studied in order to bring it as much as possible into harmony with the surrounding buildings. The outline is audacious and irregular, seeking to obtain a variety of profiles and light and shade effects. It creates an impression that is reminiscent of the local mud structures, of simple and primitive shape, broken and rounded by the prolonged action of weather. Inside, the colour schemes are cool and relaxing whilst on the outside only those parts have been painted which are not likely to suffer the full effect of the sun. The overall effect of this building is pleasing, well in accordance with its strictly industrial function, and it is not lacking in many design refinement to cater for the sensibility of the staff that is to work in it for many hours every day, such at the balcony overlooking the sea, the pond and the garden zone round the entrance.