informal Pattern Language© - A guide to Handmade Improvi-tecture© in Cairo

IN COLLABORATION WITH EVERYDAY URBAN IMPROVISORS

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© 2015 Nada Nafeh. All Rights Reserved.

This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including translation, photocopying, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, recording, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in other electronic or mechanical methods, and storage in data banks, without the prior written permission of the author.

For participation, collaboration and more information about the [in]formal Pattern Language© initiative, please visit: www.informalpatternlanguages.com A copy of the M.Arch thesis submitted to the University of Waterloo, in 2015, is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10012/9849 Extracts from the e-book are available at: https://issuu.com/nnafeh/docs/_in_formal_pattern_language_e-book More extracts from the [in]formal Pattern Language© manual can be requested

[in]FORMAL PATTERN LANGUAGE© - A GUIDE TO HANDMADE IMPROVI-TECTURE©

A pattern language with [in]formal communities and the improvised built environment

www.informalpatternlanguages.com

by Nada Nafeh in collaboration with everyday urban improvisors

MODELING | IMPROVI-TECTURE© TOOLS

IMPROVI-TECTURE© TOOLKIT Improvi-tecture© tools are actions to optimize and retrofit [in]formal patterns using the same inherent and intelligent [in]formal tactics that produced the patterns. Optimization occurs by infusing subtle aggregations, while providing general regulations that make patterns more sustainable. Like compiled patterns, Improvi-tecture© tools need to be constantly updated. Unlocking a positive [in]formal design vocabulary, such as [in]completeness, urban timeshare, hyperfunctionality, exchangeable skin, incrementalism, compactness, etc. the toolkit is designed to guide community members, designers, and planners during the whole process, from preparing for an intervention to design and operation. One of the most important aspects is the fact, that the toolkit was not imposed but self-generated by participants.

Every tool is inscribed with the name of its creator.

EXAMPLE FROM THE GUIDE

PIGEON BREEDING male dominated activity entry restricted to owners

pigeon droppings used as a fertilizer for flower boxes hanging herbs to dry

HYDROPONIC SYSTEM Used PVC pipes are attached to the pigeon tower structure. Plants absorb nutrition through their roots from constant flowing water. Water runs in

PULLEY SYSTEM facilitates harvest and delivery of tools

FLOWER BOX

a closed cycle

women educate their children on urban farming

WATER CULTURE Edible plants sit on a platform made of styrofoam and float on the nutrient solution. Water is filled manually with a hose to reduce costs and energy

WASTE COLLECTION

Edible plants are either consumed or sold in the market

organic waste recyclable waste

waste collected by toktok twice a week

SITTING AREA Figure 4.1 Operation of optimized pigeon tower during daytime

an extension for microeconomies + socializing (optional light weight space divider: fabric / wood)

SPACE FOR MICRO-ECONOMIES income generating opportunities for women in close proximity to their homes and children.

OPTIMIZED PIGEON TOWER DURING EVENINGS + NIGHT

OPERABLE NET Operable net at the 4 corners and on top to catch foreign incoming pigeons

FEMALE PIGEONS + SQUABS

MALE PIGEONS Every pigeon breeder trains his pigeons at a negotiated time every day. Making circular motions with a red flag, male pigeons are trained to navigate, circle the neighbourhood then come back. Part of the training is to keep male pigeons away from females until a certain age.

Breeding female pigeon is only for consumption and reproduction.

WATCH TOWER Hiding place for breeders to observe foreign incoming pigeons without scaring them.

The tower is provided with a small pulley system to control closing and opening of the nets.

Figure 4.2 Operation of optimized pigeon tower during evenings & night time

FEEDING AREA STRUCTURE top: reused door frames base: reused scaffolding and decking wood members

SITTING AREA

EVENING CLASSROOM

outdoor informal classroom or sitting area

young adults and co-op students help children with their school work or teach adults about urban farming and income generating skills.

For participation, collaboration and more information about the [in]formal Pattern Language initiative, please visit: www.informalpatternlanguages.com WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

informalpatternlanguages.com

informalpatternlanguage

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