SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SYSTEM AND MODULAR LIVING UNITS Designing for a community and their living units, it is essential to provide ultimate simplicity in usage as well as construction. Yet achieving this simplicity itself is a complicated process. Convenience of assembly, logical spatial configuration in identifying spatial efficiency and patterns of the community, construction materials and systems inspired by the skills of the user and composition of the whole system as a self sustainable system provides basis for the development of the modular. The advantage of a system of modular units in housing incorporates the ability to survive and facilitate their units in emerging economies with affordable means and limited resources. The modular system also allows capability to customize and adapt with changing requirements, internal and external conditions.
RESEARCH – UTOPIA : DYSTOPIA
INSPIRED BY AND DESIGNED FOR UNCERTAINTY – A CONTINUAL CRY LEFT PERPETUALLY UNHEARD
Tale of a community elaborated and performed in the 1970s, Kelani Palama was one of the
modern theater pieces created out of a less heard urban issue at the time. Written and brought to life 50 years ago, the piece acted on stage the life of the community living along the edge of Kelani river in informal settlements, whenever the floods occur and sink their homes, the community was forced to find shelter on the highest ground accessible which was along the Kelani bridge pavements and road side.
A place to call home
Putting up temporary shelter, shifting all their belongings to them until the floods clear and they can go back to their initial settlements, the community is adapted to live lightly and face uncertainty in it’s extreme. For over 50 years, they have continued only increasing in complexity of modern day urban living. The design solution intends to grasp the characteristics of adaptability, community cohesion and ephemerality of their community settlement and life and use the essence of their dependable life style to produce a user specific sustainable housing system. The hardiness and resilience of the community inspires the design and complements the design solution in application.
Observing the fact that in most local low income housing solutions provided within the recent years, the community was generalized and the user requirements were interpreted in facts and figures as oppose to qualities and essence sustaining the life of a community, the design solution is inspired by the community itself and uses contextual design to adapt the system in to integrated urban scape.
Many people who were affected by the floods in the Kelaniya area are finding shelter in temporarily built huts alongside the New Kelani Bridge.
Pics from 2016 May flood
1970
2016
WHAT ARE OUR CURRENT SOLUTIONS TO SOCIAL HOUSING ? Present solutions given to fulfill the affordable housing need in SL are catered above all to restrictive budgets and facilitating as many units as possible within a scheme providing the basic requirements.
“The placing of the individual family within an environment which is ideal for their well being and to which they creatively respond.” Inadequacies of current solutions -Size limitations of a unit which does not facilitate the growth of the family -Uniformity of given units which limits the ability to customize -High density population paired with often inadequate infra structure -Lack of user adaptability within a unit and also in healthy neighborhood creation -Lack of social spaces enhancing interaction and engagement between communities -Complete relocation takes no use from the already existing user patterns and social capital which is a unique potential in under served settlements
The above are inadequacies observed considering the recent past and present day well being of the user. But today we no longer can afford to discard the environmental well being and effects of climate change. As we experience the warped new normalcy of a pandemic, we are forced to foresee the future and research solutions which can not only facilitate current needs but also adapts to the environmental catastrophes reaching us faster than we’d like. DESIGN OF A HOUSING UNIT THEN NEEDS TO BALANCE BETWEEN EXITING COMFORT PARAMETERS WHILE ALLOWING POSSIBILITY TO ADAPT TO FUTURE PREDICTIONS PREPARING THE USER TO ACHIEVE COMFORT WITHIN CHANGING PARAMETERS
PRESENT
EXPECTED FUTURE
CHANGING DIMENSIONS THE ‘’IDEAL HOME’’
OF
AFFORDABLE URBAN LIVING TAKES MANY SHAPES. FROM IDEAL SOLUTIONS TO ACTUAL SCENARIO TO IDEAL SOLUTIONS IN THE FUTURE, ARCHTYPE OF A HOUSE IS NOW CHANGING WITH THE CHANGING ENVIORNMENTAL, ECONOMICAL AND SOCIO CULTURAL DYNAMICS. AVAILABILITY OF LAND AND SUSTAINABILITY OF EFFICIENT LAND USE ARE IN BALANCE WITH HEALTHY URBAN LIVING. IDENTIFYING THESE DYNAMICS, THE DESIGN SOLUTIONS AIMS TO FIND IT’S POSITION AS A HOUSNG SOLUTION WHICH SUITS THE PRESENT WHILE CARRYING THE ADAPTABILITY TO CATER THE FUTURE. SUCH BASIS PROMOTES AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS A SOLUTION TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN THE NEW AGE.
‘’AN IDEAL HOME’’
ACTUAL INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
‘’VERTICAL LIVING AS A SUSTIANABLE MEASURE’’
THE RIGHT TO THE CITY The anthropologist and geographer David Harvey spoke about the concept of ‘’ Right to the city ‘’ which discussed a novel human right; ‘’ The right to the city is far more than the individual liberty to access urban resources: it is a right to change ourselves by changing the city. It is, moreover, a common rather than an individual right since this transformation inevitably depends upon the exercise of a collective power to reshape the processes of urbanization.’’ In addition to the need of architectural solutions to predicted dystopian scenarios, it was understood that in the specific case of providing housing, the above right is largely ignored mainly due to practical reasons such as economy and convenience. The design approach was based on the understanding that a housing solution which enables resilience and adaptation in the dystopian context also enables the idea of one’s home in it’s individuality. A housing solution which exercises the individual’s right to the city.
The design explores how the way of life in the particular community could be made sustainable via architectural solutions proposed towards the neighbourhood which would not compromise the quality of life during the dystopia created by floods. Further an attempt is made to propose an architectural prototype solution that could be later developed towards specific solutions to overcome the dystopia during floods.
MACRO CONTEXT Located in between the new and old Kelani bridges, the settlement is sandwiched within two main points upon the entry to the capital of Colombo. At a glance the settlement serves as an underserved edge which ideally needs to be relocated in order to maintain city beautification goals. Yet the formation of a community around the river and the market not only through physical means but social, cultural and economical means, the community garners potential to become a self sufficient cluster of urban living. Therefore the design is developed considering the typically ‘’ bad ‘’ and ‘’ugly ‘’ place in to a healthy communal settlement which thrives on it’s own self sufficiency.
MICRO CONTEXT
Within Kelaniya, the project is located in between the new and old Kelani bridges, and along the banks of the Kelani river and a canal – where high density underserved settlements are currently located. Flooding in the area is an annual occurrence; and one which the people have been struggling for decades.
MICRO CONTEXT
MICRO CONTEXT
PSYCHO SOCIO PROFILE OF THE USER Having lived off the edge of the Kelani river for over decades, the majority of the community has been struggling with flooding as well as having to live off an urban edge. The occupations of the community are more or less intertwined with the market while further within the community, is a quiet platform for drugs and drug related activities. Low economy levels of the community facilitates such activities. These layers of the community reflect the lack of opportunities the community is exposed to as well as the need for a novel and wider exposure.
The community consists of 65% Sinhalese and 35% mixed with other minorities. Within this culturally diverse settlement, a number of religious places and institutions can be located in the present day. Identifying these as strengths, the design is developed to provide the lacking as oppose to a whole new solution. While the built density is higher, it was observed that the social spaces and open spaces are lacking.
TIME In the context study, time plays a major role when it comes to my design. While the design studies the current contextual conditions of a normal day and a disaster day, it further envisions a predicted apocalyptic future
CONCEPTUAL IMAGERY SPATIAL TRANSITION FROM PRESENT DAY SCENARIOS AND KNOWN STABILITY TO UNKNOWN PREDICTED FUTURE :
A HOUSING BLOCK ON GROUND TO A LIVING POD IN SPACE.
CONCEPTUAL IMAGERY SPATIAL TRANSITION FROM PRESENT DAY SCENARIOS AND KNOWN STABILITY TO UNKNOWN PREDICTED FUTURE :
A HOUSING BLOCK ON GROUND TO A LIVING POD IN SPACE.
The aim of the prototype is to facilitate each housing unit to be self sustainable in terms of waster, energy,water and food. A self sustaining unit composition creating a village, enables a self sustaining community which is facilitated by public commercial and retail market spaces, job opportunities within the community therefore enhancing the financial capability of the community. Developing the design enables research value and acts as an investment to the global housing crisis.
THE DEISGN PROBLEM HERE DEALS DIRECTLY WITH THE OCCURRENCE OF FLOOD. FLOOD BRINGS ABOUT A TEMPERORY LAYER OF WATER WHICH DESRTUCTS PROPERTY AND DISRUPTS REGUALR LIFE STYLE AND WITHIN A MATTER OF DAYS WATER LEVEL LOWERS.
THEREFORE THE DESIGN SOLUTION DOES NOT EQUIP ITSELF WITH PERMANENCE. INSTEAD IT AIMS TO ADAPT TO THE FLUCTUATING WATER LEVELS: SUSTAINING PROPERTY AND UNDISRUPTED LIFE STYLE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
THEREFORE THREE DESIGN TYPOLOGIES ARE GIVEN. FLOATING HOUSE: CATERS TO THE EXTREME RISE OF WATER LEVEL AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE: ADAPTS AND STRUCTURALLY CAPABLE OF RISING ABOVE THE WATER LEVEL AS REQUIRED HOUSE ON STILTS: A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION WHICH IS CAPABLE OF ENDURING A WATER LEVEL RISE WITH IT\S RAISED STRUCTURE. IT ALSO ALLOWS THE USE OF LAND WHILE LIVING IN HIGHER LEVELS.
THE THREE TYPOLOGIES STRATEGICALLY PERFORM UNDER NORMAL TO EXTREME CONDITIONS WITH THE SINGLE INTENTION OF SUSTAINING A COMMUNITY DESPITE EXTERNAL CONDITIONS. THEIR POSITIONING IN SITE, FORMATION OF EACH UNIT TYPOLOGY AND DESIGN STRUCTURE ENABLES THE FULFILMENT OF THA INTENTION AS A WHOLE.
AMPHIBIOUS UNIT: FUNCTIONS ON LAND AND WATER ADAPTING ITSELF HOUSE ON STILTS: FUNCTIONS ABOVE WATER FLOATING HOUSE: EXPLORES THE POSSIBILITY UNDER IRREVERSIBLE EXTREME CONDITIONS
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT
UNIT FORMULATION
DIVERSIFIED BUILT FORM: THE STRATEGIC DESIGN OF THE LIVING ARRANGEMENT IS AT THE CORE WHEN THE BUILT FORM CHANGES ADAPTING TO THE EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
TRANSITION BETWEEN CUBE TO A GEODESIC POD IS DONE STRUCTURALLY REPLACING THE PLUG IN UNIT KEEPING THE LIVING ARRANGEMENT INTACT. THE ROOF TOP IS STILL IN PLACE BUT THE SPAITIAL QUALITY IS TRANSFORMED IN TO A POD WITH HEXAGONAL SURFACE ARRANGEMENT. THE MULTI SURFACED GEODESIC POD ENABLES PLUGIN POSSIBILITIES TO MANY SURFACES OF THE EXISTING BLOCK. • EACH HOUSING UNIT CONSISTS OF THREE MAIN SPACES: LIVING/DINING, KITCHEN/TOILET (SERVICE), BEDROOM • HORIZONTAL FORMATION: THESE THREE SPACES CAN BE ARRANGED IN GIVEN CONFIGURATIONS TO FORM A HOUSING UNIT ACCORDING TO THE PREFERENCE OF THE USER. • VERTICAL FORMATION: COMBINED WITH AN OPEN GREEN SURFACE, THE HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATIONS CAN BE STACKED UNDER MAIN TWO GUIDELINES; GREEN OPEN SPACE CAN NOT BE COVERED. KITCHEN/TOILET SERVICE BLOCK NEEDS TO BE STACKED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. • THE TWO GUIDELINES MAKE SURE THAT THE UNIT IS VENTIALTED WITH AN UNDISTURBED OPEN SPACE AND THE SERVICE LINES ARE EFFICIENTLY PLACED FORMING THE WHOLE COMPOSITION. • THEREFORE, THE USER IS GIVEN CHOICE AND ABILITY TO CUSTOMIZE AT THE SAME TIME CONFICGURATION IS DETERMINED BY THE ARCHITECT TO FULFIL BASIC HUMAN COMFORT LEVELS AND STANDARDS.
THEREFORE TRANISITION OF THE HOUSING UNIT IS STRUCTURALLY ENABLED BY THE FACTORY AND THE INTERIOR SPATIAL QUAILITY IS GRADUADLLY REPLACED FOR THE USER GIVING THEM TIME AND UNDERSTANDING TO UTILIZE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE POD. - THE TESSELATION BASED FORM GENERATION OF THE POD PROVIDES COMPLEX ASSEMBLY POSSIBILITIES STILL MAINTANING PRECISION AND CALCULATION THERFORE HIGHER IN EFFICIENCY -ENABLES STANDARDIZEDD PRODUCTION OF UNITS BASED ON COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS AND VARIATIONS WHEREAS THE BLOCK FORM PROVIDES ONLY LIMITED POSSIBILITIES. --THE LAOD DISTRIBUTION OF THE STRUCTURE IS EFFICIENT AND HIGHER IN STRENGTH -ENDURING EXTREME EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, THE DAMAGES CAN BE CONTAINED TO A SINGLE OR FEW MODULARS WHICH WILL NOT AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF THE WHOLE UNIT. -PROVIDES ADAPTABILITY AND CUSTOMIZABLE STRUCTURAL POSSIBILITIES. THE GEOSDESIC POD EXPANDS THE LIVING SPACES AND INCREASES THE VARIATIONS WITHIN THE CLUSTER AND WITHIN A SINGLE UNIT.
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT
CONTEMPORARY SITUATION
A SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT – AMPHIBIOUS QUALITY IN STRATEGICAL DESIGN
NORMAL DAY
THE UNIT FORMATION IN A NORMAL DAY TAKES USE OF THE LAND SPACE, COMPILING WITH OPEN ROOF TOPS FOR RECREATIONAL USE AND SERVICE USE. THE VERTICAL FARMING STACKS ON WALLS, BAY WINDOWS OPENING TO GARDEN SPACES, A UNIT COMBINATION IS VARIED IN THE BUILT FABRIC, WINDOW AND DOOR PLACEMENT, THEIR CHOICE OF GARDEN AND VEGETATION PLOTS.
THE AMPHIBIOUS UNIT UNFOLDS THE RAISING STRUCTURE TO RISE ABOVE THE WATER, STILL KEEPING THE UNIT INTACT.
(1) DISASTER SITUATION
THE AMPHIBIOUS FUNCTION CONVERTS THE LIVING SPACE IN TO A GRADUAL POD FORM, PREPARING THE UNIT TO TURN IN TO A FLOATING STRUCTURE.
(2) DISASTER SITUATION
A SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT
DESIGN SCENARIOS
NORMAL DAY
DISASTER DAY
Addressing the current housing need the project equips a single housing unit with the essential spaces for living, rest and interaction.
These housing units adapt to a disaster day in 2 methods.
Additionally, functions encouraging a selfsufficiency through urban farming, poultry etc..
PREDICTED FUTURE
In the predicted apocalyptic scenario; the housing unit elaborates in to pods in 1) By transforming in to an amphibious house different stages depending on the that rises with the magnitude of the water level. catastrophe. 2) Gradually converting The ultimate form being the house in to pod a fully enclosed housing spaces. pod that can take flight After the disaster, the until the situation settles. unit transforms back to its normal state.
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT LIVING DINING
KITCHEN TOILET
THE INNER VARIATIONS OF THE LIVING SPACE IS DONE WITHIN THE 12’ X 12’ BLOCK. THE WINDOW TYPOLOGY AND PLACEMENT, COMBINED SPACE BETWEEN LIVING AND DINING. EXTENDED PANTRY TO PROVIDE DINING COUNTERS, SUCH INTERIOR ARRANGEMENT VARIATIONS CAN BE TAKEN PLACE ACCORDING TO THE USER’S PREFERENCE.
THE SERVICE BLOCK WHICH CONSISTS OF THE KITCHEN AND TOILET CAN BE PLACED ACCORDING TO THE USER PREFERNCE. THE SERVICE YARD CAN BE EXTENDED CONNECTING BOTH KITCHEN AND TOILET FOR CLOTH DRYING, WASHING AND SUCH ACTIVITIES.
MULFUNCTIONAL GARDEN SPACE
BEDROOM
THE OPEN GARDEN SPACE CREATES A PRIVATE YARD, A BUFFERING BETWEEN THE HOUSING UNIT PRIVACY AND THE SCHEME, VEGETATION PLOTS, VERTICAL FARMING, LIVE STOCK PLOTS.
THE MAIN BED ROOM IS A 12’ X 12’ UNIT WITH CUSTOMIZABLE PALLETS, UPCYCLED PLANKS, FABRIC PARTITIONS, SMALL STUDY AREAS FORMED WITH RAISED ATTIC SPACES. THE BAY WINDOWS, LOUVER PANELS, BLINDS AND EAKLE TACTS ARE USED TO VARIATE PRIVACY CONDITIONS WITHIN.
IT PROVIDES GROUND LEVEL BENEFIT TO A USER LIIVNG IN A HIGHER LEVEL.
A SINGLE UNIT IS DESIGNED CONSIDERING THE PRIVACY AND ACCESIBILITY ASPECT IN PLACE AS A COMPONENT OF A CLUSTER. THE UNITIS DESIGNED TO BE PLACED WITHIN A LARGER SCHEME AT THE SAME TIME TO FUNCTION ON IT’S OWN. HEREFORE THE WINDOWS ARE OF LOUVERED PANELS, RECESSED IN A BAY AND THEREBY PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OF THE OCCUPANTS. THE PLACEMNT AND TYPOLOGY OF TOILET WINDOWS ARE DETERMINED AND DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECT TO RESTRICT VISUAL ACCESSIBILITY.
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT LIVING DINING
KITCHEN TOILET THE SERVICE BLOCK WHICH CONSISTS OF THE KITCHEN AND TOILET CAN BE PLACED ACCORDING TO THE USER PREFERNCE. THE SERVICE YARD CAN BE EXTENDED CONNECTING BOTH KITCHEN AND TOILET FOR CLOTH DRYING, WASHING AND SUCH ACTIVITIES.
THE INNER VARIATIONS OF THE LIVING SPACE IS DONE WITHIN THE 12’ X 12’ BLOCK. THE WINDOW TYPOLOGY AND PLACEMENT, COMBINED SPACE BETWEEN LIVING AND DINING. EXTENDED PANTRY TO PROVIDE DINING COUNTERS, SUCH INTERIOR ARRANGEMENT VARIATIONS CAN BE TAKEN PLACE ACCORDING TO THE USER’S PREFERENCE.
MULFUNCTIONAL GARDEN SPACE THE OPEN GARDEN SPACE CREATES A PRIVATE YARD, A BUFFERING BETWEEN THE HOUSING UNIT PRIVACY AND THE SCHEME, VEGETATION PLOTS, VERTICAL FARMING, LIVE STOCK PLOTS.
BEDROOM THE MAIN BED ROOM IS A 12’ X 12’ UNIT WITH CUSTOMIZABLE PALLETS, UPCYCLED PLANKS, FABRIC PARTITIONS, SMALL STUDY AREAS FORMED WITH RAISED ATTIC SPACES. THE BAY WINDOWS, LOUVER PANELS, BLINDS AND EAKLE TACTS ARE USED TO VARIATE PRIVACY CONDITIONS WITHIN.
IT PROVIDES GROUND LEVEL BENEFIT TO A USER LIIVNG IN A HIGHER LEVEL.
TYPICAL UNIT PLAN
GROUND FLOOR UNIT PLAN
A SINGLE UNIT IS DESIGNED CONSIDERING THE PRIVACY AND ACCESIBILITY ASPECT IN PLACE AS A COMPONENT OF A CLUSTER. THE UNITIS DESIGNED TO BE PLACED WITHIN A LARGER SCHEME AT THE SAME TIME TO FUNCTION ON IT’S OWN. HEREFORE THE WINDOWS ARE OF LOUVERED PANELS, RECESSED IN A BAY AND THEREBY PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OF THE OCCUPANTS. GROUND FLOOR UNIT PLAN
THE PLACEMNT AND TYPOLOGY OF TOILET WINDOWS ARE DETERMINED AND DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECT TO RESTRICT VISUAL ACCESSIBILITY.
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT ROOF GARDEN ABOVE UPPER FLOOR UNIT LIVING AND BEDRROM SPACES ENERGY GENERATION & FOR VEGETAION THE ROOF ABOVE THE BEDROOM AND LIVING BECOMES A TERAACE SPACE MAINLY USED FOR SOLAR PANLES, VEEGETATION AND GARDENING.
ROOF GARDEN ABOVE LIVING (GF) – ACCESS FROM KITCHEN(UF)
WATER HARVESTING AND SERVICES ABOVE UPPER FLOOR UNIT TOILET/KICTHEN BLOCK THE ROOF ABOVE THE SERVICE CORE FORMS ABOVE THE KITCHEN AND TOILET. THE ACTIVITIES ARE CATRED BY THE SERVICE INFRA STRUCTURE THEREFORE, LIVE STOCK FARMING, FERTILIZER PRODUCTION, USED TO PRODUCE BIO GAS, INFRA STRUCTURE BASED OUTDOOR ACTIVITES ARE TAKEN PLACE.
THE ROOF TOP ABOVE LIIVNG SPACE WHICH IS ACCESSED FROM A STAIRCASE IN DINING BECOMES RECREATIONAL AND GARDEN SPACE .
TYPICAL UNIT PLAN
UPPER FLOOR UNIT PLAN
ROOF SERVICE GARDEN ABOVE BEDRROM (GF) – ACCESS FROM KITCHEN(UF) THE ROOF TOP ABOVE BED ROOM WHICH IS ACCESIBLE FROM THE TOP LEVEL KITCHEN, BECOMES A SERVICE YARD USED FOR CLOTHES DRYING AND WASHING ACTIVITIES.
WHEN UNITS ARE STACKED ON TOP AND FORMING A VERTICAL MINI CLUSTER, THE SIMULTANEOUS FORMATION OF ROOF TOPS AND TERRACES ARE STRATEGIZED ACCORDING TO REQUIREMENTS AND INFRA STRUCTURE EFFICIENCE. IT WAS RECOGNIZED THAT THE BEENFITO OF GROUND LEVEL ACCESS IS LACKING FOR THE UPPER LEVEL USERS ALSO THE VARIOATION OF ACTIVITIES AND USES IN OUT DOOR SPACES FOR A UNIT. THEREFORE DIFFERENT USES AND POSSIBILITIES ARE ENABLED AND PLACED VARIATING THE ROOF TOP FUNCTIONS.
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT
RESEARCH SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT –
SELF-SUSTAINED HOUSING UNIT
DIVERSIFIED BUILT FORM: THE STRATEGIC DESIGN OF THE LIVING ARRANGEMENT IS AT THE CORE WHEN THE BUILT FORM CHANGES ADAPTING TO THE EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES. TRANSITION BETWEEN CUBE TO A GEODESIC POD IS DONE STRUCTURALLY REPLACING THE PLUG IN UNIT KEEPING THE LIVING ARRANGEMENT INTACT. THE ROOF TOP IS STILL IN PLACE BUT THE SPAITIAL QUALITY IS TRANSFORMED IN TO A POD WITH HEXAGONAL SURFACE ARRANGEMENT. THE MULTI SURFACED GEODESIC POD ENABLES PLUGIN POSSIBILITIES TO MANY SURFACES OF THE EXISTING BLOCK. THEREFORE TRANISITION OF THE HOUSING UNIT IS STRUCTURALLY ENABLED BY THE FACTORY AND THE INTERIOR SPATIAL QUAILITY IS GRADUADLLY REPLACED FOR THE USER GIVING THEM TIME AND UNDERSTANDING TO UTILIZE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE POD. • THE TESSELATION BASED FORM GENERATION OF THE POD PROVIDES COMPLEX ASSEMBLY POSSIBILITIES STILL MAINTANING PRECISION AND CALCULATION THERFORE HIGHER IN EFFICIENCY • ENABLES STANDARDIZEDD PRODUCTION OF UNITS BASED ON COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS AND VARIATIONS WHEREAS THE BLOCK FORM PROVIDES ONLY LIMITED POSSIBILITIES. • THE LAOD DISTRIBUTION OF THE STRUCTURE IS EFFICIENT AND HIGHER IN STRENGTH • ENDURING EXTREME EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, THE DAMAGES CAN BE CONTAINED TO A SINGLE OR FEW MODULARS WHICH WILL NOT AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF THE WHOLE UNIT. • PROVIDES ADAPTABILITY AND CUSTOMIZABLE STRUCTURAL POSSIBILITIES. THE GEOSDESIC POD EXPANDS THE LIVING SPACES AND INCREASES THE VARIATIONS WITHIN THE CLUSTER AND WITHIN A SINGLE UNIT.
GROUND FLOOR UNIT PLAN
UPPER FLOOR UNIT PLAN
TESSELLATIONS AND MODULAR ARCHITECTURE
THREE-DIMENSIONAL TESSELLATION
Architectural geometry design is an important aspect of architectural design from ancient times to the present. Tessellation, or, Tilling, has been widely used in the field of architectural geometry design, which mostly deals with topological and fractals. A tessellation of a flat surface is the tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes (tiles), with no overlaps and no gaps. Also, tessellations can be generalized to higher dimensions and a variety of geometries. There are many types of tessellations, among which the most basic and common ones are grid, hexagon tessellation, triangle tessellation, Penrose tessellation, Kelvin tessellation and so on.
Three-dimensional tessellation, also called spatial tessellation, has more dimensional variations than two dimensional ones, thus generating more types of geometries.
It has many advantages: •figures in tessellations seem simple, •but it can be shaped into extremely complex graphics; •tessellation generates according to precise rules and orders, •conducive to the standardization of production components; •with spatial tessellation design, load distribution can be more reasonable in structure, •the damage of single component will not lead to the collapse of the whole structure; •tessellation gets strong adaptability to be connected into various irregular shapes.
Similar with two-dimensional tessellations, translational symmetry is still the basis criterion of periodicity for three-dimensional tessellations. Much attention has been focused on the field of crystal morphology in the study of three-dimensional periodic tessellation since crystals have internal structures arranged according to certain geometric rules, while internal structures of noncrystals are arranged without regular rules or even randomly. Therefore, the internal structure of crystal can be regarded as a periodic spatial tessellation, which can fill the space closely by convex polyhedrons of the same shape and size in ideal conditions.
Modular architecture is any building system in which a few standardized components are used to build a structure on a scale much larger than the components. Ideally the parts should be easy to duplicate and simple to assemble by one person. As significant influential factor of architecture, tessellation runs through the whole architecture history of the East and the West. At present, it is also the basis of graphic technologies in the development of digital technology. It acts as a link between architectural design and digital technology, widely used in contemporary architectural design, especially architectural geometry design. Since tessellation geometry is usually a combination of homogeneous units, it has outstanding advantages in building skin, construction ability, structure property and so on. In addition, standing at the source position in the computer surface technology, tessellation contributes to the easy set-up and control of surface design in architectural geometry. With the application of tessellation, architectural geometry can be more flexible and contains various forms of different compositions, being more adopted in dealing with different problems. Therefore, such application in architectural geometry design will be of great benefit and potential with thoughtful consideration.
In a disaster relief driven architecture modularity and tessellation can be beneficial in many ways. Modular tessellation can help achieve a lighter structure, minimum build cost, consistency in building parameters, ease of transportation and many more. There for using a modular tessellation method for the pods were the most suitable option.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SYSTEM AND MODULAR LIVING UNITS Designing for a community and their living units, it is essential to provide ultimate simplicity in usage as well as construction. Yet achieving this simplicity itself is a complicated process. Convenience of assembly, logical spatial configuration in identifying spatial efficiency and patterns of the community, construction materials and systems inspired by the skills of the user and composition of the whole system as a self sustainable system provides basis for the development of the modular. The advantage of a system of modular units in housing incorporates the ability to survive and facilitate their units in emerging economies with affordable means and limited resources. The modular system also allows capability to customize and adapt with changing requirements, internal and external conditions.
SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION:
STRATEGIC REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK FORM WITH POD STRUCTURE DIVERSIFIED BUILT FORM: THE STRATEGIC DESIGN OF THE LIVING ARRANGEMENT IS AT THE CORE WHEN THE BUILT FORM CHANGES ADAPTING TO THE EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES. TRANSITION BETWEEN CUBE TO A GEODESIC POD IS DONE STRUCTURALLY REPLACING THE PLUG IN UNIT KEEPING THE LIVING ARRANGEMENT INTACT. THE ROOF TOP IS STILL IN PLACE BUT THE SPAITIAL QUALITY IS TRANSFORMED IN TO A POD WITH HEXAGONAL SURFACE ARRANGEMENT. THE MULTI SURFACED GEODESIC POD ENABLES PLUGIN POSSIBILITIES TO MANY SURFACES OF THE EXISTING BLOCK. THEREFORE TRANISITION OF THE HOUSING UNIT IS STRUCTURALLY ENABLED BY THE FACTORY AND THE INTERIOR SPATIAL QUAILITY IS GRADUADLLY REPLACED FOR THE USER GIVING THEM TIME AND UNDERSTANDING TO UTILIZE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE POD. • THE TESSELATION BASED FORM GENERATION OF THE POD PROVIDES COMPLEX ASSEMBLY POSSIBILITIES STILL MAINTANING PRECISION AND CALCULATION THERFORE HIGHER IN EFFICIENCY • ENABLES STANDARDIZEDD PRODUCTION OF UNITS BASED ON COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS AND VARIATIONS WHEREAS THE BLOCK FORM PROVIDES ONLY LIMITED POSSIBILITIES. • THE LAOD DISTRIBUTION OF THE STRUCTURE IS EFFICIENT AND HIGHER IN STRENGTH • ENDURING EXTREME EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, THE DAMAGES CAN BE CONTAINED TO A SINGLE OR FEW MODULARS WHICH WILL NOT AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF THE WHOLE UNIT. • PROVIDES ADAPTABILITY AND CUSTOMIZABLE STRUCTURAL POSSIBILITIES. THE GEOSDESIC POD EXPANDS THE LIVING SPACES AND INCREASES THE VARIATIONS WITHIN THE CLUSTER AND WITHIN A SINGLE UNIT.
SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION:
STRATEGIC REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK FORM WITH POD STRUCTURE
ELEVATION 01
SPATIAL FORMATION BASED ON THE BLOCK STRUCTURE. THE VARIATIONS ARE AS SHOWN, HORIZONTAL LAYOUT VARIATES AS PER THE PLACEMENT OF BLOCK UNITS AND VERTICAL FORMATION IS BASED ON THE SERVICE CORE PLACEMENT. AS THE BLOCK FORM CONSISTS OF ONLY 6 SURFACES, THE VARIATIONS ARE LIMITED ADDITIONALLY. THE INITIAL STEP OF POD FORMATION IS TO REPLACE THE LIVING SPACE. LIVING SPACE AS A MORE SOCIALLY INTERACTIVE AND LESS PRIVATE SPACE, THE CONTRASTING SPATIAL QUALITY ADDS VARIETY AND ACTIVITY. THE CLUSTERS BEGIN TO REFELCT THE VARIED SPATIAL QUALITY OF THE POD AS THEY COMBINE WITH SURFACES.
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COMBINATION OF THE BLOCK FORM, POD STRUCTURE AND POD CONFIGURATIONS GRADUALLY ADDS COMPLEX FORM, ALLOWING MORE SURFACES, STRCUTURALLY STABLE AND WITH INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH.
KEEPING THE ORIGINAL BLOCK, THE PODS GRADUALLY REPLACE THE SPACES, INCREASING IN DENSITY, STRUCTURAL STABILITY AND GROWTH. PODS ARE CAPABLE OF CREATING A COMPLEX GROWING STRUCTURE WHICH KEEPS ON GENERATING AS REQUIRED.
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ELEVATION 02
ELEVATION 03
ELEVATION 04
TOP VIEW
ISOMETRIC VIEW
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
CONTEMPORARY SITUATION NORMAL DAY
DISASTER DAY
Following the principle; the housing units are placed to form a self-sufficient cluster.
During a disaster; the housing units transform, creating clusters of convertible spaces.
The main objective is to accomplish self-sustainable community living promoting health and wellbeing via active social interaction, income generation, utilizing user preference and adaptation in the housing model.
The system is developed to respond, adapt and benefit from flooding conditions assuring the needs of the community are met and the self-sustainable life style is remained intact on a disaster day.
PREDICTED FUTURE
In the apocalyptic situation these floating housing pods could cluster and serve towards ensuring the longer survival of the community.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
HOUSING SYSTEM IN APPLICATION ON A REGULAR DAY It Should Be Noted That When Developing The Design Proposal As A Sustainable Innovative Solution, Understanding , That The Likeliness Of Occurring A Disaster Situation Is Seasonal And Infrequent, Is Factored In. The Scheme Is Developed Primarily To Achieve Sustainable Means As A Community Under Every Day Conditions And Practical Restraints Of Living In A River Bank.
ON A REGULAR DAY
The Main Objective Is To Accomplish Self Sustainable Community Living Promoting Health And Well Being Via Active Social Interaction, Income Generation, Utilizing User Preference And Adaptation In The Housing Model.
Design Of The Spatial Quality, Diversity Of Private And Public Spaces And Social Interaction Is Kept At The Core Of Design Intent Starting From The Living Unit To The Scale Of The Village As A Whole.
HOUSING SYSTEM IN APPLICATION ON A DISASTER SITUATION The Underlying Technology And Advancement Of The System Development Aims To Achieve Continuation Of Above Mentioned Self Sustained Livng Conditions Even Under Extreme Conditions Assuring The External Environment Does Not Disrupt The Community Life Style.
ON A DISASTER SITUATION
The System Is Developed To Respond, Adapt And Benefit From Extreme Conditions Assuring The Needs Of The Community Are Met And The Self Sustainable Life Style Is Remained Intact On A Disaster Day.
DESIGN SOLUTION – EVOLUTION OF THE POD The evolution of the pod and the formation of the cluster is based on the intensity of the exterior condition and the varied requirement of the user. While the main formation is guided by the manual and forms a self sufficient cluster, the living space of the module takes an organic form, in contrast to the linearity of the other modules. The organic form diverges when faced flooding and increased intensity forming a floating pod and then evolves in to an air born structure. Once the water overtakes the settlement base, the cluster of organic elements together will form an airborne settlement which is equipped with living conditions, material and technological support to relocate in a new base of favorable conditions.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
UNIT/CLUSTER ARRANGEMENT
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
COMPONENTS OF THE CLUSTER
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER 10,11,12 HOUSING UNITS There are main two housing typologies. 1.Amphibious housing unit 2.Stilted housing unit Both of the units are designed to endure extreme flood conditions and remain undisturbed. Amphibious unit is capable of adapting to the rising water level by raising itself up with the water level rise. Stilted unit is designed with open space below which can be used as a parking space or a rentable space according to the choice of the user. The raised living units are equipped with connecting bridges, roof top gardens, edible plantation units and recreational spaces in the upper level to make sure the lack of ground level access does not create a lack in the life style.
17 MULTI PURPOSE ACTIVITY AREA This open public space is specifically placed to cater the inner community activities. The positioning facing the open spaces below stilted units and rentable areas it creates a breather between the open lower level spaces and main central open spaces. If there are public activities, performances, gatherings and such community social interactions are taking place, the community can take part from their units as it is visually accessible while keeping limited access to housing units.
18,19,20 MIDDLE COURTYARD, MULTI PURPOSE TRANSFORMABLE STUDIOS, PLAY AREAS These spaces are allocated for public interaction, creating a healthy and lively neighborhood for the occupants while promoting community surveillance to ensure community safety. They also allow provision for community gardening and indoor farming according to the user preference. These implementations help maintain the variation and diversity of community public spaces and provides user with choice in customizing their own space thus increasing the sense of belonging and social capital of the community.
1,2,3,4,5 SERVICE BLOCK The generic service block consists of a water unit, electricity generating and distribution unit, sewer disposal unit and energy production unit along with the circulation core. Both structural typologies of service blocks: amphibious and stilted, are designed to function under extreme conditions adapting to rising water levels. The surfaces of the service blocks are used for gardening and recreational purposes for the community. The concentrated service lines support the gardening activities.
D
D
D
D
ON A REGULAR DAY
ON A DISASTER SITUATION
DETAILED SECTION D-D
SERVICES
SERVICE BLOCK The generic service block consists of a water unit, electricity generating and distribution unit, sewer disposal unit and energy production unit along with the circulation core. Both structural typologies of service blocks: amphibious and stilted, are designed to function under extreme conditions adapting to rising water levels. The surfaces of the service blocks are used for gardening and recreational purposes for the community. The concentrated service lines support the gardening activities.
The outer ring of the cluster is formed with a commercial strip mainly designed for the use of community members who are retailers and engaging in business for their main income generation. They are also rented by outsiders targeting the community as customers. There are three structural typologies proposed. 1.Amphibious structure which will adapt to the raising water level and maintain the function 2.Shop unit on stilts which is designed raised with usable open space below 3.Temperory kiosk which can be dismantled as required with minimum wastage and impact Each and every unit is consisting of a shop space, storage space and a living space. Under extreme conditions, amphibious units and stilted unit will continue to cater the community using their storage stock and livestock units which are placed in the inner layer of the outer ring. The placement of livestock units and vegetation units are configured according to the selling product of the shop. Therefore using minimum circulation and even under limited access, the shops can continue to sell goods to the community. The two layers: shops and livestock/vegetation units, are placed interconnected to ensure high and undisturbed performance.
There are two housing unit options; housing on stilts and amphibious housing. Amphibious housing units raise themselves when the water level rises while housing on stilts are designed to remain above water level. Due to this structural difference, in order to cater both types effectively and efficiently, there are two types of service blocks. Each service block consists of a circulation core, electricity, waste management and energy core. Each block is connected to the relevant housing units using bridges. In amphibious housing service core, the service blocks are raised when the water level rises to maintain undisturbed infra structure facilities to housing unit. This way infra structure failure during time of disaster is prevented.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER COMBINED COMPONENTS: SHOP HOUSES AND AMPHIBIOUS HOUSES IN THE CLUSTER
BENEATH A COMMON GATHERING SPACE WHICH MULTI FUNCTIONS AS A COMMUNITY GARDEN WITH FRUIT BEARING TREES USED FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF THE COMMUNITY. THE COMMON GARDEN IS CONNECTED TO THE OPEN SPACES BELOW SHOP HOUSES CREATING INFORMAL PATHWAYS AND INTER CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE INNER RING OF AMPHIBIOUS HOUSING. DURING FLOODING, THE AMPHIBIOUS UNITS ARE DESIGNED TO RISE ABOVE THE WATER LEVEL.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
ENTRANCE TO THE COMMUNITY CLUSTER
THE OUTER RING OF THE CLUSTER CONSISTS OF TEMPERRORY MARKETS, SHOP HOUSES ON STILTS AND OPEN SPACES BELOW THE HOUSING UNITS. THIS MARKET RING CREATES A BUFFER BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE COMMUNITY CATERING TO THE OUTSIDERS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY. WHEN FLOODING, THE SHOP HOUSES ON STILTS REMAIN AS IT IS WHILE THE TEMPEROROY MARKET IS DISCONTINUED.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER THE MARKET SPACES, LIVE STOCK AND VEGETATION PLOTS WITH HOUSING UNITS ABOVE
THE INNER LAYER OF THE SHOP HOUSE AND MARKET LAYER CONSISTS OF VEGETATION AND LIVE STOCK FARMING PLOTS WHICH SUSTAINS THE PRODUTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDES GARDENING AND GROUND LEVEL ACTIVITIES TO THE COMMUNITY LIVING IN HIGHER LEVELS. THE FERTILIZER AND BY PRODUCTS FROM LIVE STOCK FARMING UNITS ARE USED IN VEGETATION PLOTS AND THE EXRA PRODUCTION CAN BE SOLD TO OUTSIDERS.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
THE CENTRAL COURTYARD
THE WHOLE CLUSTER IS CENTRALIZED IN AN OPEN COURTYARD IN THE CENTER. THIS CENTRAL SPCAE COMBINES THE UNITS IN VISUAL CONNECTIONS, CENTRAL VENTILATION AND BRIDGES CONNECTING UNITS FORM AROUND. CENTRAL COURTYARD BECOMES A PLAY GROUND, A GATHERING SPACE INTER CONNECTED WTH SPACES BELOW THE RAISED HOUSING UNITS.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
MULTI FUNCTIONAL OPEN SPACE
THE COMMON SPACE CREATED CONNECTING THE CLUSTER TO THE OUTER RING AND THE CENTRAL COURT YARD, THIS SPACE ACTS AS A SECONDARY PUBLIC ARENA WHICH IS ACCESIBLE VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY FROM THE HOUSES ON STILTS AND RENTABLE OPEN SPACES BELOW. THIS SPACE IS A MULTI FUNCTIONAL AREA MAINLY UTILIZED FOR SOCIAL INERACTION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
THE CENTRAL INFORMAL MARKETS BELOW THE HOUSE ON STILL UNITS COURTYARD
THE RENTABLE SPACES BELOW THE STILTED HOUSING UNITS ALLOW THE COMMUNITY TO CARRY OUT THEIR MARKET FUNCTIONS, PUT UP KIOSKS AND RETAIL SHOPS. ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY GARDEN THROUGH INTER LINKED PATHWAYS, THE MARKET FUNCTION INTERWINES WITH THE COMMUNITY FARMING ACTIVITIES CREATING A SUSTAINING ORGANIC CONSUMPTION WITHIN THE VILLAGE. CONNECTED TO THE LARGER URBAN SCAPE, OUTSIDERS ARE PROVIDED ACCESS AS WELL.
SELF-SUSTAINED CLUSTER
MIDDLE COURTYARD, MULTI THE CENTRAL PURPOSE TRANSFORMABLE COURTYARD MOBILE HOUSING UNIT
FOUR OF SUCH UNITS ARE PLACED IN THE MIDDLE COURT YARD OF EACH CLUSTER AS DESIGNATED PLUG IN POSITION. THEREFORE, EACH MOBILE UNIT IS CAPABLE OF PLUGGING IN TO FUNCTION AT A MIDDLE COURT YARD/ DESIGNATED POSITION IN OUTER SHOP RING OF A DIFFERENT CLUSTER. THIS TYPOLOGY ADDS VERSATILITY TO THE CHOICE AND AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE LIVING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENT WHERE NEEDED TO THE OCCUPANT. THE DESIGN IS BASED ON THEIR EXISTING ACTIVITY PATTERNS AND REQUIREMENTS ONLY TO ENHANCING THE BENEFITS PRESERVING THEIR LIFE STYLE.
The mobile unit consists of two 12’ x 12’ units which can be either connected and functioned as a double unit or disconnected and functioned on their own. Both units are designed to function either as a shop space or a living space. It can be plugged in to a three wheeler as shown, and transported and placed in desired place. This design typology is catered to the mobile vendors and locomotive life style of community members whose income generation depends on their retail route across the city as mobile vendors. The unit can be parked in the ground slot of amphibious housing unit. There, it can be combined with the amphibious structure which is capable of rising above water levels at a time of increasing water levels.
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE – MASTER PLAN
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE - MASTERPLAN
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE – MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE – MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE – MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL MULTI PURPOSE COMMUNITY HALL OPEN PLAY AREA NEXT GEN HOUSING CLUSTER ENERGY GENERATING CLUSTERS COMMUNITY GARDENS
INNER RING
OUTTER RING (SHOPS/SHOP HOUSES)
TEMPORARY MARKETS TEMPORARY KIOSKS ACCESS PATHWAYS INDOOR MARKET LARGE OUTDOOR MARKET AREA OUTDOOR MARKET AREA TEMPLE WATER SPORTS AREA SUSTAINABLE FLOATING MARKET
A – ZERO ENERGY
PROMOTION AND ENERGY CONVERSION LABS
B – WASTE DISPOSAL AND ZERO WASTE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT LAB
C1- SAMPLE POD FACTORY AND CLUSTER
C2-
TRAINING PLATFORM
D – PLANT BASED
FOOD PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION METHODOLOGY LAB
E – WATER
PURIFICATION, EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION LAB
F -DEMONSTRATION AND AWARENESS PLATFORM
3.WATERFRONT & CANAL FRONT ACTIVITIES 4.TEMPORARY MARKETS/SHOPS/KIOSKS 5.ACCESS PATHWAYS INTO THE CLUSTERS/EMERGENCY ACCESS FOR THE RESCUE TEAMS 6.OUTTER RING 7.SHOPS
Since the proposed housing model is funded by NASA and intended primarily as a continuation of the experiment and prototype development beyond controlled environment to actual context, the research center fulfils the role of developing and enhancing the prototype fit for human use and survival whilst bridging the gap between user preference/familiarity and developed prototype. While the housing scheme promotes sustainable living beyond known means the research center promotes and develops technology and skill required by the user to utilize the prototype for it’s ultimate function.
Research center constitutes of following. 1.Experimental labs / A B D E A – Zero energy promotion and energy conversion labs B – Waste disposal and zero waste strategic development lab D – Plant based food production, processing and preservation methodology lab E – Water purification, efficient management and distribution lab – testing and developing the procedures/ strategies of technical advancement and survival techniques based on the community - Developing the physical prototype to continuously enhance in safety, living conditions, climate response, user comfort, disaster response systems, waste disposal and energy production means, construction materials and durability, adaptability to suit practical constraints of the site conditions 2. Sample pod factory and cluster / C1 – construction and fabrication of the unit for actual use 3.Training platform / C2 – consisting of a sample cluster, the space enables user to gain experience for a given time period in living in the housing system and utilize it on their own thus familiarizing the system 4.Demonstration and awareness platform / F – enables access of knowledge, strategy development, technical unit production, sustainable adaptations of living units to the community and public in general. This platform connects the knowledge and research core of the system to the user who is new to the idea of systematic sustainable urban living.
Demonstration and awareness platform / F
E – Water purification, efficient management and distribution lab
D – Plant based food production, processing and preservation methodology lab
Training platform / C2
2.TWO PARTS 1.LABORATORY STRETCH 2.SUSTAINABLE VILLAGE
Proposed research center is an integral element of the housing scheme as it functions hand in hand with the design, contextualization, experimentation and implementation of the system.
Sample pod factory and cluster / C1
1.WATER AND CANAL BASED ACTIVITIES
LABORATORY STRETCH AND RESEARCH CENTER
B – Waste disposal and zero waste strategic development lab
MASTERPLAN LAYERING
A – Zero energy promotion and energy conversion labs
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE – MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL
SELF-SUSTAINED VILLAGE – MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL MASTERPLAN LAYERING 1.WATER AND CANAL BASED ACTIVITIES
2.TWO PARTS 1.LABORATORY STRETCH 2.SUSTAINABLE VILLAGE 3.WATERFRONT & CANAL FRONT ACTIVITIES 4.TEMPORARY MARKETS/SHOPS/KIOSKS 5.ACCESS PATHWAYS INTO THE CLUSTERS/EMERGENCY ACCESS FOR THE RESCUE TEAMS 6.OUTTER RING 7.SHOPS
WATER FRONT AND CANAL FRONT ACTIVITIES Having lived at the Kelani river edge for years, relocating in to temporary settlements whenever threatened with flood, the relationship between the Kelani river edge and the community is of adverse and beneficial complications. While the river edge connects the community in to the larger context and provides a unique character to the community life style, it was recognized that using soft landscaping, public activity stretch and sustainable plantations the river edge can be utilized for the benefit of the user while the same proposal helps keep the ecological aspect intact. Therefore lightweight temporary built form is only allowed along the edge. Plants that are suitable to reduce soil erosion and endure flooding: Groundcovers will help with erosion issues and fill in around plants to help prevent weeds and create a seamless, lush garden. Public activities mixed with landscape usage and recreational activities promote a healthy social interaction as well.
TEMPERORY MARKETS AND KIOSKS The positioning of edge allowed for temporary market spaces is facing the main entry road to Colombo across Kelaniya. The implementation of regulated lightweight built form inspires the community to work under specific guidelines, height restrictions and avoid solid built structures which results in visual permeability, accessibility and porous built fabric creating a public ribbon to protect the privacy of the community as well. This implementation contributes to act against the stigma of low income housing being ‘’ ugly built spaces in city ‘’. At the same time utilization of the stretch allows income generation and open public space formation. This principle is used at different stages of the housing model: Using space and design implementation to bear benefit for the community while contributing to the larger good of the city. It was important for the student to maintain an unbiased position as the architect between the community who had been living under inadequate infra structure and living conditions while understanding the larger urban scale development requirements. Then only the architect is able to produce solutions which sustains the right of an individual regardless of class and economy and the right of the city as a whole.
OUTTER RING/SHOPS The outer ring of the cluster is formed with a commercial strip mainly designed for the use of community members who are retailers and engaging in business for their main income generation. They are also rented by outsiders targeting the community as customers. There are three structural typologies proposed. 1.Amphibious structure which will adapt to the raising water level and maintain the function 2.Shop unit on stilts which is designed raised with usable open space below 3.Temperory kiosk which can be dismantled as required with minimum wastage and impact Each and every unit is consisting of a shop space, storage space and a living space. Under extreme conditions, amphibious units and stilted unit will continue to cater the community using their storage stock and livestock units which are placed in the inner layer of the outer ring. The placement of livestock units and vegetation units are configured according to the selling product of the shop. Therefore using minimum circulation and even under limited access, the shops can continue to sell goods to the community. The two layers: shops and livestock/vegetation units, are placed interconnected to ensure high and undisturbed performance.
FEASIBILITY Investor – NASA NASA carries out intensive experiments and research procedures in actual contexts as oppose to controlled environments to calculate the impact of actual constraints and practical real conditions to develop their solutions to suit applicability in the highest possible measures. This concept provides basis the for the development of the housing prototype based on the actual context of kelani river edge. The experimental stretch is recognized in the actual setting, allowing for user specific and context specific design for the maximum benefit of the user as well as the design solution. Therefore the initial cost of the project becomes an investment for the prototype which will gain profit in the long run by creating a self sustaining community.
ASPIRATION
The potential in my design & beyond
THE GLOBAL CONTEXT
Although the project was designed with the context of Kelani River edge and Sri Lanka in mind; the same design principles could be incorporated to different contexts, with different climatic conditions Different Contexts - or hazards. Different Disasters This shows that the project has a global reach where all of humanity can benefit. In realizing this, the project chose NASA as one of the clients.
DESIGN TYPOLOGY
PRIOR ANTICIPATION
New Design Typology
Beyond Natural Disasters
Furthermore, the project instigates a design typology that prompts the study of Architecture to counter natural disasters.
This prior anticipation and innovative thinking; helps the current and future generations to battle not only the natural disasters – but also the mental, physical, environmental and economic catastrophes that affect the globe.
SANDEEPA VITHANAGE
CSA / 787/2013
PROJECT INSIGHT / SUMMARY
Until the recent past, the concept of dystopia remained a fantasy, a fuel for imaginative visualization and an inspiration for technological advancement. But today, the current events of the world indicate that the dystopian future is now a presumed possibility. This observation drives the architect to a position of crucial responsibility in contributing to the health of the earth while consciously advocating by action against the adverse possibilities. This design solution is an attempt particularly to propose an utopian future solution for the dystopia created by rising water level, a major form of ultimate apocalypse; an environmental catastrophe. Academic interest of looking at hypothetical future events from an architectural point of view has been utilized towards looking at in advance possibilities of addressing two common unattended urban issues in a Sri Lankan urban fringe. ; Undeserved informal settlements and effect of riverbank flooding in the same. The low income community housing at lower riverbanks of “KelanI River”, Sri Lanka which undergoes annual scenario of flooding has been the focus to propose adaptive residential pods that would sustain the basic way of life in the event of flood. The design explores how the way of life in the particular community could be made sustainable via architectural solutions proposed towards the neighborhood which would not compromise the quality of life during the dystopia created by floods. Further an attempt is made to propose an architectural prototype solution that could be later developed towards specific solutions to overcome the dystopia during floods. The design builds on the philosophical attempt of realizing “paradise in the catastrophe” as oppose to escaping it.