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tropicality; an eventful design semester 1 of year 2, whereby I took the chance to try and test out many ideas and iterations - something in which I have benefitted and will continue doing. i enjoyed creating more structural pieces in which we did not have a chance to do so in year 1 and also working with anders in the roof project which i have learnt many skills and techniques from. although challenging at times, i look forward to many other semesters where i will continue to further push myself even more then this semester in hopes of being a better architect in the near future
Lim Qian Ping Annabelle A0157481Y
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/summary/
1: A Big Tropical Roof - F L O A T 2: An Eco-lodge in Tropical Nature - L Ö S T
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1. Preamble/Issue
One may suggest that a sense of openness is intrinsic to architecture under the tropical conditions. In essence, the leitmotif of a tropical building is a large roof with deep overhang, whose primary functions are to quickly dispel excessive heat, avert direct sunlight and driving rain, whilst promoting good wind flow for comfort. Under this schema, the roof plays a crucial role in the envelope system and is highly prominent in traditional architecture of the equatorial regions. However, many designers do not fully appreciate the immense structural and constructional systems that undergird the tropical roof. The challenge of this programme is to acquaint students with the design of a large tropical roof as a structural, constructional and aesthetic investigation.
2. Programme/Project
Design a large tropical roof to enclose a floor area approximately 300 m2 to 400 m2 (footprint projected vertically from outermost edges of the roof) for ONE of these scenarios: a) A grid shell roof covering a column-free space of main span at least 15 metres wide b) A cantilever roof comprising overhanging cover of at least 8 metres deep c) A suspension roof covering a column-free space of main span at least 15 metres wide The aim of this exercise is to explore structure as programme by designing the elements, connections and support as an integral built-up system using wood, bamboo, cardboard tube, laminated sheet, steel, etc. (any combination) as primary structural materials. Although the focus is on structure as the design challenge, other aspects of the envelope could be developed. The design must consider how the roof covering (any material/construction) is integrated with the structural system. For the purpose of this exercise, monolithic (e.g. reinforced concrete shell) and skin (e.g. pneumatic or tensile membrane) constructions are not applicable. The space shall be naturally ventilated. Functionally, the building should accommodate usage that is typical of a large hall e.g. exhibition, performance, multipurpose events, etc. Whilst function should influence the design, students are not expected to develop this aspect in detail for this project. This design exercise provides the basis for integrating with AR2327 module on Architectural Structure and Construction. The expected outcome includes detailed design to illustrate the structural concept and its construction as well as the process in arriving at the final design.
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01. a big tropical roof; F L O A T, annabelle and anders
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precedent study; PATSCENTRE, USA, 1965, RICHARD ROGERS Site Area: 7500m2 Height: 19m Materials: Steel cables and frame, Teflon Pros: Enable wise column free spaces, Extendable modular system Cons: Flat roof accumulates heat, rain, snow, Long construction period (left: suspension system elevation, right: axonometric view of the modular structure)
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first iteration;
an exploration of material, bamboo, and its ability to perform in a suspension structure
(left: plan view, right: side elevation)
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second iteration;
an attempt at reducing the amount of materials to have a lighter roof, making the structure more relianton tensile forces for stability
(clockwise: plan view, force diagram, side elevation)
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third iteration;
using minimal bracing to create an efficient tensile structure that can suspend and create column free spaces
(left: plan view, right: force diagram)
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final roof;
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understanding bamboo as a concept; The BAMBOO BOW as a strong and flexible tool where force is linear (bend and return to the original shape) and also used since olden times. By translating the FLEXIBILITY of BAMBOO into our design, we are able to create a naturally occuring form which can support itself with only two columns suspending itself on each side of the roof, creating an open and column free space for human activity.
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the essence of tropicality; climate wise: Natural VENTILATION through the double roof and an open central atrium where natural elements such as rain, wind and sun are effectively SHIELDED to a certain extent. relationship between bamboo and humans: Creating opportunities for the natives to show their craft, using bamboo type, Dendrocalamus, native to southeast asia, which is not commonly used in first world countries due to the lack of building codes. (below: side elevation showing human circulation, ventilation, sun and rain)
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F L O A T; Suspension Roof Covered Floor Area: 15 x 21 = 294m2 Volume of Main Structural Materials = 28.964m3 V:A Ratio - 1:10 = 0.1m3/m2 (left: isometric view)
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plan view;
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side elevation;
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front elevation;
roof layers;
compression in circles;
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connection of bamboo extensions;
using a combination of diagonal and square lashing;
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bamboo column connection to ground; plan view;
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side elevation;
isometric view of steel framing with concrete;
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iterations 24
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iterations 27
float 28
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float 31
1. Preamble/Issue
Glamorous camping or ‘glamping’ mixes the wonder of connecting with nature whilst affording campers a degree of modern conveniences. The emergence of ‘glamping’ as a leisure activity for both locals and tourists is evident in many countries. Accommodation ranges from custom-built cabins to nomadic tents pandering to varying degree of indulgence. In Singapore the trend occurs ad hoc mostly at the coastal parks like East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and Pulau Ubin, whilst the Mandai zoological experience offers an organised but costlier treat. The phenomenon even spun-off new local enterprises exploiting the consumerist culture of this middle-income capitalist society. It fosters a broadening of the human-environment relationship. At its most basic, the act of dwelling invokes deep human experiences, activating the senses as exemplified by Thoreau’s solitary sojourn in a simple hut at the woods fringing Walden pond. The challenge of this programme lies in understanding the human-centred experiences of collective habitation under a transient condition.
2. Programme/Project
Design an Eco-Lodge for glamping at one of the identified sites for outdoors enthusiasts. Users may include individuals, families, interest groups for bird/animal watching, cross-country hiking/cycling, special retreat (corporate, organisation, meditation), school activities, etc. for a broad age range. The facility may be operated as a commercial or social enterprise. Typically, the occupancy is 1 to 2 nights (mostly weekend), although slightly longer stays may be expected during the school holidays. The facility must accommodate the essential functions of sleeping, resting, social gathering, bathing, toileting, cooking, dining, clothes washing/drying, etc. that are typical of any dwelling arrangement. Additionally, it should offer outdoor experiences characteristic of such project and unique to the selected sites. These include collective activities like dining, campfire, BBQ, fitness and adventure play, as well as offering moments of passivity in solitude and hides for bird or animal watching. Students are encouraged to include open and semi-open spaces to complement the above sheltered spaces in support of the activities expected of this programme. Accommodation for 16 to 20 persons at any one-time, which may comprise dwellings catering to single, double and group (4 to 6 pax) occupancy. The quantum and mix of each type of living arrangement shall be decided by your design intention but all the 3 types must be provided as a minimum. The decision for en-suite or communal bathrooms shall be at your discretion, supported by sound justification. A small hut/room is needed for a caretaker, who will administer and maintain the facility. The design of dwellings i.e. sleeping areas, should include both permanent and deployable/semi-permanent structures. Common amenities shall be provided as necessary. 32
02. an eco-lodge in tropical nature;
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iteration รถne
(anti-clockwise: right elevation, left elevation, front elevation) Deriving massing and layering of different hierachy of places - communal, individual, family etc. Also, exploring the different forest layers (forest floor, understorey, canopy and emergent) and trying to play with the depressions of the undulating terrain
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(left: understanding of hierachy of spaces in correlation with the forest fauna and flora, right: possible programming of the eco-lodge)
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iteration twรถ
(left to right: section of terrain, site plan with trees, site plan with eco-lodge, front and side elevations) Expanding on the different forest layers, it was more accentuated by lifting up the different parts of the lodge up into the canopy. The idea of having many pathways to bring out the idea of wayfinding was also developed in this iteration.
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development of cömmunal spaces; iteration öne undulating “ribbon” type of architectural language experimented in this first iteration
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development of cรถmmunal spaces; iteration twรถ development of architectural language into terrain
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staff spaces; development of architectural language into different semi-private spaces
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family spaces; development of architectural language into different semi-private spaces
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individual spaces; development of architectural language into different private spaces
one plane, lowest height, forest floor, most sheltered
two planes, understorey
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three planes, canopy
four planes, emergent, highest height, least sheltered
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iteration three
(left to right: site plan with trees and eco-lodge, communal space development) To have a more immersive experience where everyone can get to understand and “feel� the different layers of the forest. Not limiting one to a certain layer of forest.
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cรถmmunal space; incorporating the further development of terrain into the idea of a communal space
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semi-private spaces; creating seamless transitions to family semi-private spaces from a communal area
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lรถst
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genius lรถci; atmosphere in the casuarina forest: the timeless surroundings, the density of the forest layers, the filtered light through the leaves, the fog and mist of the canopy, the meditative aura
being lรถst; ... in atmosphere ... in rejuvanation ... in excitement to the environment ... in time
programme - why lรถst?; away from the four walls of the concrete jungle, as a meditative experience to rejuvanate the soul, hiking as a procession whereby a repetitive action in which one does without thinking would allow one to further understand and appreiciate the environment around
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site analysis;
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architectural language; natural ventilation and screening: the casuarina tree and coney island area is very windy and having the dwellings being propped up in the canopy, this would allow efficient natural ventilation through these screens that are not cladded by glass. Also, these screens provide privacy to the dwellings.
carbรถnized wood; using this olden japanese technique to treat wood, we are able to combat the damage from the sea (which surrounds coney island) and minimise attacks from fungi and insects. This also provides a contrast from the organic form of the forest and allows the eco-lodge to differentiate itself from the dense casuarina canopy.
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Using similar architectural language, I constructed a welcome area with a private office and staff bed and bath. Also, there is a communal dining hall situated at 5m which can be used by all the residents of the lodge and may even provide some sort of F&B service for people whom visit coney island as well.
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Concentrating more on the “bonding” element, communal spaces are introduced in this 2 family dwelling. Still following the hierachy of having an entrance, toliet, kitchenette and then the bedroom, a communal indoor and outdoor kitchen and dining area is situated on at 7m. The family dwelling is not as tall as the individual one as both encompass different programs and hence families would not need to climb up so high to achieve the “bonding” program and less of the “meditation” program.
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individual dwelling mรถdules
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For the individual modules, the idea of a private space just for the programme of meditation was pushed forth. Hence, the only communal space for bonding between these 2 individual dwellings would then be the base communal patio at 2m. These 2 individual dwelling modules are spaced in a way that they would not overlap or compromise each other’s views and privacy. Also, all the staircase landings and modules are situated with reference to the casuarina trees to minimise the amount of pilotis by using these trees as leverage for support. The modules are spaced vertically by understanding the atmosphere of coney island, such as the fog and mist that would seep into the bedrooms in the morning. The idea of one waking up together with the forest - whereby waking up to a foggy sense of sight with filtered light would then emphasise on the relationship of one with the environment which is highly not understood in daily life.
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iteration one 62
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iteration two 64
iteration three 65
lรถst 66
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