Modular Tower, MArch II

MArch II, Design Thesis, Cardiff University

Design Unit: Rigorous creativity at Cardiff University gave me the opportunity to explore a creative parametric system in Grasshopper that represents my design intent and language.

The premise of the thesis proposal revolves around two main strategies. One is to improve the social networking and community that are often lost in high-rise structures. Two, a modular timber high- rise building that aims to improve sustainability and contribute to the ecosystem

The brief aims to improve affordable housing standards in London. The first national lockdown from COVID-19 revealed studies highlighting the importance of green space and its benefits. My thesis takes this into consideration in the design process and aims to achieve communal ‘sky gardens’ that will form breakout spaces derived from the ‘solid-void’ computer generated models.

The typical high rise building does not promote wellbeing or mental health. Some features of these buildings include small windows that do not penetrate enough daylight, deep floor plans that also prevent daylight from reaching all spaces, and no access to open spaces and nature.

People living in high-rise buildings do not have the luxury of walking out the front door and meeting people.

My proposal aims to bridge this gap by creating multiple common spaces, public grounds, and green terraces in a high-rise setting whereby dwellers can come out within footsteps of their own to intermingle, socialise, and take a break from the enclaved ‘four walls of prison’.

The residential module layouts were planned very carefully. In our day-to-day lives, we become accustomed to the fixed parameters of indoor living space. The green spaces and “nature in the sky” promote healthy mental and psychological well-being. In busy city life, more than 80% of people spend more time inside a building than outdoors.

So, often, as human beings, we become bored and feel like we are trapped in a system. It is ideal for a building to have numerous variations of environments. This should include higher ceilings, broken spaces, open spaces, differing interiors, and so on. The design scheme incorporates this principle throughout the building. Since it is also modular, it can easily be altered in the future according to client, tenant, and landlord requirements.

The design algorithm used via optimisation also takes into consideration privacy between neighbouring apartments and internal living spaces. The residential units also have breakout spaces that allow socialising.

The co-working space has multiple facilities, such as meeting rooms, private desks, and lounge areas. Sky gardens and pop-up spaces allow for socialising and taking a break from work or daily routines.

The images show different versions of the residential modules. The process was repeated for each zone, from top to bottom. The scheme uses optimisation to dictate where each modular structure needs to be set according to the sunlight it receives and demands. These parameters ensure there is enough daylight in the interior of the building.The windows are also positioned to allow the best views and exposures to the surroundings of the building.