SEEING THE UNSEEN
WHAT IS B.O.H (BACK OF HOUSE)?
WHAT IF THE BACK OF THE HOUSE BECOMES FRONT OF THE HOUSE?

The project suggests an atypical condition of a hotel in the organization of service programs, addressing an alternative for Doha’s social and climatic situation. Typical hotels conceal the service programs; the service programs and hotel staff are hidden in the “back of the house,”, whereas the hotel rooms are exposed at the perimeter for the views. This condition has inverted making an “inside-out” due to the following three reasons.            

First, the service program is the essence of the hotel. The hotel has unique circulation and metabolism that are well organized, with value to showcase. Uncovered service facilities not only provide an unforeseen spectacle to the hotel guest but also improve the environment in which hotel staffs work. Second, as Doha has an extremely hot climate, the room set back could benefit from the inverted condition. Third, Doha has had a drastic rise in the hotel industry due to upcoming international events and successive tourism boom, which made numerous local residents engaged in the hotel industry as hotel staff. They spend more time than the hotel guests do. Who are the main occupants of the building? Why should they be hidden on the dark side?


Back of house becomes front of house

Spaces and infrastructure for hotel service are disposed of the perimeter to reveal the fundamental aspect of the hotel as such the inner organs become skin, conducting the whole metabolism of the body. By doing so, the backstage becomes the main stage that shows the system which is the heart and soul of the hotel.
    Since spaces for service program have the potential to be vertically deep space due to their physical requirements, they became “Service Atrium.” The service atrium are visible and palpable. Each service atrium has different features. For instance, with regard to the structural demand, as the mechanical room is filled with heavy machines, it necessitates more rigid supporting structural members such as trusses than the others do.
    The infrastructures of circulation, as well as structure, are also situated in the outermost layer of the building; there are four vertical cores and outer belt trusses so that the tower bears lateral forces in effect, vividly showing the operation of the structural system at the same time.
structural consulting by Robert Silman