Analysis of simple & complex ordering in the built Environment_Design Dissertation_2021-22

Analysis of simple & complex ordering in the built environment Mixed use development using prefabricated modular frameworks By Manan Kinjal Alpa Hingoo Guided by Professor Ar. Nachiket Kalle

A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment Of the requirements for SEM-IX The Degree

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE Mumbai University Mumbai, Maharashtra.

5TH Year, Semester IX, October 2021

Conducted at: RACHANA SANSAD’S ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE, UN-AIDED COURSE Rachana Sandsad, 278, Shankar Ghanekar Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400025.

approval certificate The following Under-Grad Design Dissertation Study is hereby approved as satisfactory work on the approved subject carried out and presented in a manner sufficiently satisfactory to warrant its acceptance as a pre-requisite and partial fulfillment of requirement to the 5th Year Sem IX of Bachelor Of Architecture Degree for which it has been submitted.

This is to certify that this student Manan Kinjal Alpa Hingoo is a bonafide Final Year student of our institute and has completed this “Analysis of Simple & Complex Ordering in the Built Environment” Design Dissertation under the guidance of the Guide as undersigned, adhering to the norms of the Mumbai University & our Institute Thesis Committee.

It is understood that by this approval and certification the Institute and the Thesis Guide do not necessarily endorse or approve any statement made, opinion expressed or conclusions drawn therein; but approves the study only for the purpose for which it has been submitted and satisfied the requirements laid down by our Thesis Committee.

Name of the Student: Manan Kinjal Alpa Hingoo

Date:

Monday 26th October 2021.

Approved By Principal College Seal Ar. Prof. Rohit Shinkre

Certified By Thesis Guide Certified Seal Ar. Prof. Nachiket Kalle

Examined By External Examiner-1 External Examiner-2

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declaration I hereby declare that this written submission entitled “Analysis of Simple & Complex Ordering in the Built Environment” represents my ideas in my own words and has not been taken from the work of others (as from books, articles, essays, dissertations, other media and online); and where other’s ideas or words have been included, I have adequately cited and referenced the original sources. Direct quotations from books, journal articles, internet sources, other texts, or any other source whatsoever are acknowledged and the source cited are identified in the dissertation references.

No material other than that cited and listed has been used. I have read and know the meaning of plagiarism* and I understand that plagiarism, collusion, and copying are grave and serious offence in the university and accept the consequences should I engage in plagiarism, collusion or copying.

I also declare that I have adhered to all principles of academic honesty and integrity and have not misrepresented or fabricated or falsified any idea/ data/fact source in my submission.

This work, or any part of it, has not been previously submitted by me or any other person for assessment on this or any other course of study.

Signature of the Student:

Name of the Student: Manan Kinjal Hingoo Exam Roll No:

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acknowledgements Firstly, I would like to thank my college Academy of Architecture and my guide Ar. Nachiket Kalle for his constant support and guidance, for always not letting me derail from my argument, not letting me jump to conclusions and helping me channelise my thoughts in the right direction.

I’d like to thank my classmates for being in touch virtually, Mansi for all her advices, support and helping me streamline my ideas, Vedant for patiently listening to my uncooked argument, Sumeet for the lengthy phone calls and Ronak for the motivation to finish on time. Special thanks to my senior Aum for his insights and ideations.

A final, sincere thanks to all those whom I have missed out above, without whose contribution the document would have been incomplete.

And lastly but most importantly, I would like to thank my parents, Kinjal Hingoo and Alpa Hingoo and my brother Manthan Hingoo for all their never ending love and support. Their constant encouragement gave me the strength to bring this research to completion.

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Analysis of Simple & Complex Ordering in the Built Environment Mixed use development using prefabricated modular frameworks

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abstract Since the beginning, geometric order and chaos have coexisted in architectural and urban constructions. These patterns together form a complex organisation that can be seen in the natural world. The geometric order helps in establishing a sense of harmony and monumentality whereas chaos breathes new life into the architectural space and adds a unique depth to it. When chaos is removed from an architectural arrangement, the composition becomes monotonous and when there is no geometric rule applied, the composition becomes illegible. Therefore, a balance between the two is necessary in order to appreciate the architectural space quality.

There exists different patterns of order and chaos which aids in the functioning of the complex environment. They exist together in architecture and can be studied by understanding the concept of modular architecture. At a micro scale, modules can be seen as an assembly of both : order and chaos in a controlled environment.

Modular architecture is seen as a way forward for the current construction scenario. Rapid urbanization and industrialization has lead to the constantly changing needs of the users. In today’s environment, quality of life plays the most important role in order to sustain oneself and this can be improved by providing the user the maximum flexibility to reconfigure their spatial needs.

Modular architecture is considered to be rigid and in simple order. This takes the idea of freedom from the user. Therefore, reducing the flexibility of both the space and module. To advance with the world, the architecture needs to adapt to the circumstances and user’s needs. Using and finding a methodology that can help to include the fourth dimension time in our architecture designs which can cater to the uncontrollable chaos.

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Notions of Order & Chaos in the Urban Built Fabric 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

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Identifying Order & Chaos Inevitable Simple Order Self Organising Complex Order Time - The Fourth Dimension

Modular Structuring & Prefabrication Process

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

Introduction History of Prefabrication Elements of Modularity Sustainability Aspect Prefabrication in India Conclusion

Case Studies Identifying Simple & Complex Orders in Built Forms

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

Nakagin Capsule Tower Centraal Beheer Building VM House Habitat 67 Inferences

Research Methology

4.1 4.2 4.3

Overview Introduction to Flexibility Derivation of Scripting Language

Site Study & Analysis

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6

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Listing of Potential Sites Comparative Analyis Context Mapping Landuse Mapping Figure and Ground Mapping Site Sudy

Way Forward

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.3

Key Findings from Research Design Intent Design Program List of Figures References

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Ch.

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Notions of Order & Chaos in the Urban Built Fabric 1.1 What is Order and Chaos ?

1.2 Inevitable Simple Order 1.3 Self Organising Complex Order 1.4 Time - The Fourth Dimension

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This chapter aims at understanding the roots of simple and complex order in the built environment and the different factors responsible for the spatial organisation.

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1.1

Identifying Order & Chaos

1.1.1 Introduction The Tao symbol illustrates a balance between two opposites, with each section containing a portion of the opposing element. Chaos is on the dark side of the Tao symbol, while Order is on the white side. There is a black dot within Order because anything orderly can immediately be turned into Chaos more or less unpredictably and sometimes by our own efforts. There is a white dot within Chaos because anything chaotic can immediately be turned into Order by our own efforts.

We try to make sense of our surroundings by looking for patterns, so order exists. We call it order when we can establish patterns. Chaos is what we call when there is no pattern. One could indicate that we’ve discovered a pattern, while the other could indicate that we haven’t (yet) discovered one. Order is being associated with simple ordering while chaos as complex ordering. (key words: order, chaos, irregular, regular, organic, non- organic, complex, pattern, freedom, scale, interdependence)

Figure 1 : Yin Yang illustrating order & chaos ( Source: Author )

This is Order !!

Figure 2 : Order in a chaotic world ( Source: Researchgate )

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Figure 3 : The thin line of complexity ( Source: Researchgate )

Figure 4 : Finding order through pattern ( Source: Author )

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The scene at a traffic junction everyday in the morning shows no chaos and minimum movement of the vehicles.

Daughter Parent

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The scene at a traffic junction everyday at the start of the day shows and identifies few vehicular movement.

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Figure 5 : Complex branching of a tree ( Source: Colourbox )

Figure 6 : Finding order through pattern ( Source: Author )

1.1.2 Examples Vehicular Traffic acting as Chaos

Branching of a tree

At the surface, upon first glance, the situation seems very chaotic and disorganised for the observer, and yet when the observer looks deeper into it, there seems to be some kind of an order underlying the situation. Let’s use the chaotic traffic situation on the roads of western express highway. During peak hours of any working day, despite the presence of traffic lights, there always seems to be some sort of gridlock at first glance.

As multitudes of buses, motor cycles, motor cars and tricycles as well as pedestrians bicycles coming from both the directions somehow struggle to negotiate their way, and yet in the midst of the convergence, traffic sort of mysteriously seems to flow at their natural pace out of the gridlock, as time passes momentarily. Chaos, yes, but there is also underlying order too, at the end of it all

At first glance, the branches of a tree appear to be growing in a random or chaotic manner. When a tree’s trunk splits into two branches, the total cross section of the secondary branches equals the cross section of the main primary trunk, according to this rule. If those two branches split into two branches each, the area of the cross sections of the four additional branches combined equals the area of the trunk’s cross section. And so forth. As a result, it may appear chaotic, but it has its own order. Indeed, chaos and order are so interrelated that they can’t really be separated.

The scene at a traffic junction everyday at peak hours shows maximum vehicular movement and traffic and the situation looks chaotic.

Figure 7 : Finding order in the chaotic vehicular junction ( Source: Author )

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1.2

Inevitable Simple Order

1.2.1 Meaning We must use a fairly simple order to design and build. It is first and foremost a requirement for design and, more importantly, for construction.

Thus, when designing and laying out roads, building houses, preparing the site, cutting out stones, moulding or pressing bricks and concrete panels, constructing the structural frame, and finally putting it all together, we have always tried to save time and money by reusing elements that can be assembled. As a result, regularity is the very essence of architecture.

Repetition in the form of rhythm which groups blocks of the same type

Orientation of the grid blocks at a certain angle helps to create a group of similar elements

Our buildings and towns are ordered by the repetition, alignment, and similarity of identical elements, as well as similar construction methods.

To understand and get our bearings in a more complex environment, we must simplify and summarise. We don’t want order to completely change from one day to the next because we operate by making analogies to perfect our knowledge of the environment.

Proximity groups the blocks together & helps to distinguish them

Figure 9 : Factors to impose simple order in a built environment ( Source: Author )

Repetition and similarity Even when the elements in pairs are somewhat different, the eye tends to group things of the same type together. Repetition in the form of rhythm is a very simple compositional principle that tends to create a sense of coherence.

Another example of similarity is the consistency of materials and texture, which reinforces the tendency toward coherence despite each building’s uniqueness.

Contrast in terms of size

Contrast in terms of shape

Figure 8 : Factors to impose simple order in a built environment ( Source: Author )

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The situation seems chaotic since there are more no. of interpretations

Orientation and Enclosure The eye is drawn to elements in similar positions, such as vertical horizontal parallel elements. Even if the elements within our field are heterogeneous, what is included within it is distinguished from what is outside it. This is a very effective unification method that we frequently employ.

Proximity The eye naturally groups elements that are close together and distinguishes them from those that are far apart. This grouping principle is extremely powerful because it allows you to connect disparate elements by using small gaps to create articulation between them. Because cohesion is dependent on the relative sizes of elements as well as the context, there is no standard size for these gaps.

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Contrast Contrast serves to give two formal systems an immediate identity. We’ve seen how contrast allows us to distinguish differences in the figure and ground phenomenon. Furthermore, two opposites placed in a diametrically opposed situation establish a dialogue.

Hierarchy Because of the combination of elements in relation to a scale of importance, hierarchy is a more complex order. The most important element is not the largest or the highest, but the opposite hierarchy, which is determined by the relative position of an element in its context rather than its size. Primary and secondary elements exist in a hierarchy, and there is a dependent relationship between them, with one or more of them dominating the others.

Complexity The concept of complexity in architecture can be defined by its opposition to simplicity indeed to what is clear and elementary. The elements are arranged in such a way that the observer is presented with multiple interpretations; this is what we refer to as complexity. This is not chaos, but controlled complexity, in which the irregularities are grouped into a single unit that the layman can recognise.

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1.3

Self Organising Complex Order

1.3.1 Simple and Complex Order In the architecture simple order, as well as complex order should be the basic components.

The simple order evokes the feeling of harmony, seriousness and monumentality. While complex order revives the architectural space and gives it an individual dimension. Elimination of complexity from the architectural composition causes “spatial boredom”. Elimination of simple order causes the illegibility of compositions. Therefore, for a good quality of architectural space, the balance between simple and complex order is necessary.

The presence of geometry in designs is obvious.

Before moving on to architecture built forms first let us look at the macro scale and identify it at an urban level. But, are there, in an architect’s workshop, the tools for simulating, analysing and understanding chaos?

The city is a product of an incredible accumulation of economic, cultural, political, and social processes, which requires an engagement for which we use the word “complexity”. The physical

growth of the city, as well as interaction of those processes could be uncontroIlable and chaotic.

Chaos is the only word that really can embody the reality of todays cities which are complex, fluid, rnoving and unknowable. However, the word “chaos” also implies, the other definition which is ”selforganization.” “the client as chaosn and uses it as a creative force rather than compromise. “Chaos simply happens. You cannot aspire to chaos, you can only be an instrument of it.” The architect is obliged to confront the chaos of the metropolis with the knowledge that his “reformingnaction is nothing more than a precarious resistance.

1.3.2 Design or Self Organisation ?

Are the processes, which occur in the architectural space foreseeable? Is the architectural space created – by the design process or grown – by other external or internal factors (selforganisation)?

Figure 10 : Self organizing Chaos ( Source: Order & Chaos - Carnegie Magazine )

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1.3.3 Barcelona Today, the subtle combination of design and selforganization can be seen in Barcelona’s urban structure. After the city walls were demolished in the nineteenth century, Ildefons Cerda’s plans for a large extension of the city were realised.

The new section of the city was laid out in grids of identical urban blocks, each measuring 110 metres by 110 metres and having angled corners.

To date, over 600 blocks have been made using this method. Initially, the block was only partially developed. However, over time, the entire areas of most blocks were developed and built over and over again. Finally, each block was developed in its own unique way.

Concluding, the urban structure of this part of the city has simultaneous characteristics of simple order (the original plan) and complex order (“local whirls of the structure”).

Repetition

Symmetry

Proximity

Orientation

Simple Order

Complex Order

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Figure 11 : Urban Plan of Barcelona ( Source: Author )

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1.3.4 Manhattan Manhattan’s street grid is potentially the most powerful city building tool ever created. It has forced all new growth to integrate itself into the rest of the city, linking new into the old through interlocking blocks that have formed a geometrically simple yet complex urban structure.

What has been lost in the ignorance and rejection of the core principles of the Manhattan grid, to the detriment of most cities in the western world, is the ability to establish the physical pattern that new growth and development will take in order to integrate itself into a connected urban whole.

Time will always bring changes in land use, yet streets and blocks will serve as a permanent organizer of city space. The process of presupposing streets and blocks in gridded formation across new areas for urban growth organizes the complexities of a city together.

Repetition

Symmetry

Proximity

Orientation

Simple Order

Complex Order

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Figure 12 : Urban Plan of Manhattan ( Source: Author )

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1.3.5 Melbourne In 1837, when the Melbourne city grid was conceived, Surveyor Robert Hoddle and Governor Bourke had a grand vision for the young city. The grid was enormous – much larger than it needed to be for the population of around 4000 people.

Laid in the short space of a few months in 1837, the city comprised of 24 rectangular blocks. From its 1837 making, many colonists and visitors celebrated Melbourne’s inner street grid for its neatness; a layout intuitive for pedestrians’ navigation. Yet the grid afforded more than ease of viewing and mobility. It was not only large in scale, but its streets were almost 30 metres wide.

Though the city was built on simplest of grid patterns over time increased the complexity of the city allowing people to adjust their environment according to themselves. Thus it comprises of both simple and complex order.

Repetition

Symmetry

Proximity

Orientation

Simple Order

Complex Order

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Figure 13 : Urban Plan of Melbourne ( Source: Author )

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1.3.6 Washington D.C The streets of Washington are laid out in a grid with wide north-south and east-west trending streets overlain atop a grid of broad diagonal avenues. As a result, a well-knit network of wide, tree-lined avenues creates spectacular views and leads to both dramatic focal points and open public areas. Landscaped circles and squares punctuate the intersections of two or three diagonal avenues, while their intersections with grid streets form triangular and trapezoidal lots and parks, resulting in fascinating streetscapes.

Over time the grid has tried to avoid the chaos and complex order in the built urban fabric but it still happens to some extent. Concluding that chaos is uncontrollable, it is meant to happen.

Therefore this urban structure comprises of both simple order and complex order.

Repetition

Symmetry

Proximity

Orientation

Simple Order

Complex Order

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Figure 14 : Urban Plan of Washington D.C ( Source: Author )

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1.4

Organisation Systems

1.4.1 The fourth dimension The simple order is a result of controlled planning or design process. And complex order is created by the natural transformations — self-organisation. Finally, we can formulate two conclusions: Firstly, the influence of the selforganisation process, means that the architecture space in the long term is unforeseeable. Secondly, because of the continuity of this process, the architecture space is unstable – still changing.

How should the architect’s workshop be organised then?

The unpredictability and instability of architectural space are rarely acknowledged in traditional architectural design. Firstly, architectural design only considers three dimensions of space and ignores the fourth dimension of time. Second, most architects’ workshop lack the equipment necessary to create complicated and chaotic arrangements.

In the 1970s, the mathematical theory of cellular automata was developed. The automaton is made up of cells that are arranged in a grid. Each cell has a distinct state - it is either living or dead. The living cells are shown in black, while the dead cells are shown in white. The automaton operates in a series of stages. Some cells are alive in individual stages, whereas others must die, and unique laws determine this. There are a plethora of various regulations for such situations.

A residential structure constructed by an architect of Israeli ancestry – Moshe Safdie – for the Expo world-wide exhibition in Montreal is a good illustration of this. The architect’s major goal was to provide inhabitants with solitude and circumstances similar to those found in detached dwellings. As a result, even though the building has just a few stories, each flat has a roof terrace.

Such principles may be expressed in a cellular automata language: a cell (a dwelling module) dies when another cell exists above it (in that way, the creation of, a terrace on the roof is not possible). The construction of the building resembles that of a three-dimensional cellular automaton.

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Figure 15 : The working principle of the cellular automaton: the original set of cells (up) and the set of cells after the first step of automaton’s work (down) ( Source: Research Gate )

Figure 16 : ”Habitat 67”, the residential building designed by Moshe Safdie in 1967 (left part); and the cellular automaton in 3D made using the computer program Model (right part) Source: Research Gate )

Figure 17 : Tree like organisation ( Source: Author )

Figure 18 : Rhizome like organisation ( Source: Author )

Tree-like Structure

Rhizome-like structure

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Hierarchic order Formal Linear connections Lineages/branching Structure of categorisation Splitting of links at nodes Difference by rank of node

1.4.2 The different organisations Alexander’s original article addresses the fundamental problem of artificial cities or modern buildings that fail to embrace the inner structure of natural cities, which is key to their being more liveable. Artificial cities are designed with a ‘‘tree’’ structure in which one unit cannot connect to other units without connecting through a higher-level unit. Natural cities have a semi lattice structure in which units can connect to each other more freely through functional overlap.

The semi lattice structure does not appear as orderly as a tree structure; however, it unearths the structure of the complex fabric of living things. The tree structure is a result of the human tendency to mentally reorganize complex organization into non-overlapping categories, and it is intuitively accessible and easy to deal with within the capacity of the human mind.

However, artificial cities designed with a tree structure have extreme compartmentalization and dissociation of their internal elements, a sign of

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Non-hierarchic order Informal Non-linear Planar connections Multiplicities Links criss-crossing at nodes Looped, Networked

coming destruction.

An important message from Alexander’s article is that a city should not be designed as a strict hierarchy of independent parts but as an interconnected semi lattice of the parts. versa. Alexander’s article is resonant with the mixing problem in network science, i.e., how the vertices are connected to form a network. A tree graph can connect all vertices using a small number of connections, but it has the poorest connectivity. A semi lattice has better connectivity and it implies that the connections among parts of the city are from the bottom up and dynamic, and the urban design is open-ended. A city is not a strict tree structure but an adaptive and evolving connected system in which different configurations are possible, and diversity and heterogeneity are typical.

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“Modular architecture can act as a stimuli in connecting the theory of order and chaos in an organisation where the modules can act as living cells. A system can be followed where it can act as a method for catering to the varying demands of people with respect to time, thereby allowing for maximum flexibility”

Figure 19 : Modular Organisation of blocks ( Source: Tumblr Daily Art )

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Modular Structuring & Prefabrication Process 2.1 What is Modular Architecture 2.2 History of Prefabrication 2.3 Principles and Fundamentals 2.4 Elements of Modularity 2.5 Sustainability 2.6 Conclusion

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This chapter begins by understanding the concept of modular architecture and later dwells into the construction mehtodology that could be followed in order to attain maximum efficiency.

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2.1

Introduction

“The process by which components of a building are prefabricated off-site in a controlled setting and then shipped to the project site and assembled,” according to modular architecture.

The prefabrication of a building’s modules is done in a quality-controlled environment in a modern setting, without compromising design intent. This construction method has been shown to result in a higher-quality building, delivered in a shorter time frame, with more predictable costs, and fewer environmental costs, for example, through reduced material use and waste.

Modular construction and prefabricated construction are different but often overlap.

Prefabrication is a type of construction method where the structure can vary from a single component to the whole block or module depending on the degree of prefabrication.

Prefabricated construction consists of any structure designed and produced in a factory prior to building. Modular construction consists of some sort of frame or structure in which smaller units (called modules, which are often fabricated offsite) are assembled onto the frame on-site.

Modules range in size and complexity from entire apartments to individual rooms. The term module in this context does not refer to individual elements such as single walls, doors or windows, but rather self-enclosed dwelling spaces.

Modular construction for buildings or facilities can now be built to any specification and size, from the simplest to the most complex. After the building elements have been manufactured, they are transported to the construction site to be installed. One of the biggest benefits of modular construction is that it is much faster and less expensive than traditional site-built structures.

Furthermore, because modular buildings are manufactured under controlled plant conditions, they are more likely to withstand earthquake forces.

Figure 20 : Modular Architecture as a mode of interaction ( Source: Author )

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2.2 History of Prefabrication 2.2.1 Kit Houses In 1624, during a colonisation effort to Cape Anne, Great Britain used prefabricated dwellings for the first time. Because the British Empire was rapidly expanding, the English wished to preserve their architectural history in new colonies by creating traditional dwellings that did not rely on local materials. Australia’s fort ‘The home’ was constructed using a timber frame and infill technology by H. John Manning.It was meant to be easily transportable so that “any individual element that made up the shelter could be carried by a single person. ”The advent of the entire kit house served an important imperialist objective. It allowed the British colonies to be established in a matter of hours rather than days. The widespread manufacture of kit homes in the United States in the early twentieth century was the next great advance in prefabricated housing. Sears Roebuck popularised the mail- order home by selling over 100,000 units between 1908 and 1940.

The company’s success may be credited in part to the wide range of housing alternatives and financing options available, which, ironically, also contributed to its downfall. But Sears wasn’t the

Figure 21 : Citrohan House by Le Corbusier ( Source: Archdaily )

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only firm in difficulty; America as a whole was in crisis, with widespread homelessness and poverty.

As a result, numerous architects, engineers, and real estate developers experimented with modular homes at this time, promising a low cost, good design, and high quality via manufacture.

2.2.2 Machine for Living Architects created prefabricated home units with limited economic success, but they were nothing more than an utopian dream. They lacked the financial acumen of developers, the wallets of affluent clients, and the requisite expertise or training to simplify modular production after years of specialisation. The “Packaged House” concept

by Walter Gropius and Konrad Wachsmann was a visionary design but it took them five years to start production after finalising the drawings.

Le Corbusier attempted to build a mass-market modular home design as well, but he, like his predecessors, had little economic success.

The “Citrohan Housing,” his most well-known prototype, was intended to be a “machine for life,” a cheap, high-quality house design for the public.

Figure 22 : Packaged House by Walter Gropius ( Source: Archdaily )

Figure 23 : Timeline of Prefabrication ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith )

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ability to rationalise complicated geometries and apply them to construct concept cars, houses, and structural systems despite never having studied architecture. His Dymaxion House, finished in 1928, was a prefabricated unit influenced by aviation architecture, with a central mass and tension rods suspending the majority of the structural weight.

His home idea was designed to be flexible, movable, and resource efficient.

The mobile home business brought in the next major wave of prefab building in home construction in the 1950s. These dwellings were constructed on a steel framework and permanently attached wheels, allowing for simplicity of building and transportability, which was popular at the time. By 1968, mobile homes made up one-fourth of all single-family residences in the United States. Mobile homes are still the most affordable per-square-foot choice for house purchasers today.

2.2.5 The Metabolism Movement Figure 24 : Dymaxion House ( Source: Archdaily )

Despite his good intentions, Le Corbusier never constructed a single home using prefabricated construction technologies; his ideas and plans were all (expensive) talk. His prototypes were much too costly to be mass produced. The Usonian “assembled house,” a dwelling built up of conventional components and spatial building blocks that would define space, was also a goal of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who spoke about it in 1932. Between 1936 and 1938, Wright planned and built 100 prefabricated house units which were custom-designed and carefully built houses for rich individuals.

2.2.3 The VEHA Act There was a severe scarcity of homes for veterans after World war II, as well as a surplus of war-time manufacturing facilities. This provided yet another chance for modular housing to shine and act as the solution. The Veteran Emergency Housing Act was established by the US federal government in 1946, mandating and supporting the construction of 850,000 prefabricated houses in two years to address the housing crisis. The British developed

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Figure 25 : The VEHA Act in 1946 ( Source: Archdaily )

a scheme similar to VEHA mandating the production of prefabricated houses in postwar England. These dwellings were meant to be temporary and erected fast, not to be of great quality or attractive. Due to the large number of homes damaged throughout the conflicts, the need for a rapid solution became even more critical . Hundreds of thousands were made and distributed over the next decade. In the 1980s and 2000s, the dwellings were finally replaced by permanent solutions, which were a fascinating answer at the time. Today, the United Kingdom rarely uses modular construction and instead prefers traditional techniques, allegedly unable to see it as anything other than postwar housing: cheap, quick, and transitory. Some of the original dwellings, however, are still in use and serve as cultural artefacts reflecting the requirements of the time.

On the other side of the globe, Japan created the Metabolism architectural style, which emphasised flexibility, modularity, and the Archigram-like notion of interchangeable pieces in response to a

postwar population and industry boom. Architects’ interest in modular began to evolve from the 1950s to the 1990s. Prefabricated architecture was investigated, planned, and built with a primarily social purpose in the early twentieth century—to achieve great design at an accessible price—whereas prefabrication was explored in the late twentieth century for its capacity to accomplish unprecedented size, quality, and shape. The emergence of new technology at this time transformed the industry, resulting in Computer Aided Design (CAD), improved manufacturing methods, and fast-track production processes that pushed architects into the increasingly specialised role of “designer” rather than “builder,” as well as the ability of modular designs to be iterated quickly and efficiently. The postwar reconstruction of Japan’s cities spawned new ideas about the future of urban design and public spaces. Metabolist architects and designers believed that cities and buildings are not static entities, but are ever-changing—organic with a “metabolism.” Postwar structures that accommodated population growth were thought to have a limited lifespan and should be designed and built to be replaced. These 1960s ideas became known as Metabolism.

2.2.4 The Dymaxion House Engineers also tried their hand at designing modular home designs around this period.

Buckminster Fuller was the most forward-thinking of all the engineers. Fuller gained renown for his

Figure 26 : Expo’70 Toshiba IHI Pavilion 1946 ( Source: Behance )

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2.3 Principles A building project, regardless of its method of construction, is a large undertaking. It’s difficult to comprehend the sheer number of people, teams, materials, products, systems, communication, and finances that go into the finished structure. The construction of a building can be compared to an orchestra, in which all of the players and their practise instruments are critical to the success of the final product. The conception, design, construction, and post-construction facilities management are all part of a facility’s lifecycle.

During each phase of a building’s lifecycle, different players play a different role, becoming more or less important as the performance progresses. Each construction project must adhere to a set of fundamental principles. Although not all of the issues may be critical for a particular project, a building must generally respond to the following construction principles and their impact on productivity:

2.3.1 Cost All construction projects require capital, and the decisions made by designers and construction specialists affect the final cost of the project.

Cost is an important factor to consider in any construction project, but it’s especially important in projects that use prefabrication because it necessitates more integrated team management and project planning. Prefabrication has been marketed as being less expensive than other onsite construction processes. This is because cost is made up of three components: material, labour, and time, all of which can be addressed by prefabrication.

One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to limit the amount of material used in a construction project. Materials are purchased and delivered to the construction site, where they are staged for installation. Frequently, items are over-ordered to guarantee that the correct quantity is obtained.

Increased transportation expenses and craning setting for larger pieces and components are two more factors associated with prefabrication.

Figure 28 : Comparison of cost breakdown of site intensive and modular construction ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith )

2.3.2 Labour

2.3.3 Quality Quality can be divided into two categories: production quality, and design quality, which is frequently linked with architect work. Both must be valued equally in order for prefabrication to flourish in architecture. These principles appear to be diametrically opposed. Architecture becomes more standardised, bland, and unvaried as production quality improves, but a highly customised design invariably implies a lack of production efficiency. Prefabrication, on the other hand, is not associated with uniformity, and as a result, it is only as good as the expectations imposed on it from a design standpoint.

Figure 27 : Construction time for a modular building compared to fully on-site construction. ( Source: Design in Modular Construction )

Safety of workers is increased by virtue of the conditioned, dry interior environment of the factory. On-site construction not only exposes workers to potentially hazardous weather conditions and precarious positions near roadways, hazardous protrusions, and other hazards, but it also forces workers to travel considerable distances, sometimes even across state lines, to finish a project. On-site construction workers on projects outside of major cities must remain in temporary housing and return home on weekends. Shorter commutes are possible thanks to prefabrication. This lowers the cost and risk of workers commuting to and from the job site on highways while weary after long hours on the job.

Factory work is regulated with respect to levels of noise, dust, air quality, material waste, and recycling.

Prefab Impacts on Labour Productivity: Productivity is a measure of efficiency in labor.

Material advances have increased productivity through: • Reduction in the mass of materials • Increase in strength of materialsCuring and cooling time for material • Installation flexibility in different weather conditions • Off-site customisation of materials

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• • • •

Cost: capital and operational investment Labor: skilled and unskilled human workforce Time: schedule or duration of the project Quality: design and construction excellence

It takes the creative ability of architects, engineers, fabricators, and contractors to imagine a way to improve both design and production quality.

Construction relies on trained people to manufacture its items, whereas other industries use automation and precise methods of manufacturing. Prefabrication can improve the precision of items and thus give you more control over the final result. As a result, factory warranties on products may be more comprehensive. The offsite manufacturer can guarantee the quality and workmanship of window wall units, panels, and modules, as well as replacement components from the factory.

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2.4 Elements of Modularity The form or configuration of the output is referred to as prefabrication elements. Buildings are constructed or manufactured offsite and assembled in three main categories: components, panels, and modules. Panel construction has a 60 percent finish level, but most modular systems have an 85 percent finish level. Fully finished modules have a prefabrication level of up to 95%, leaving the remaining 5% for onsite foundation work and utility hookups. Elements of prefabrication refer to the form or configuration of the output.

Components, panels, and modules are general categories in which buildings are fabricated or manufactured offsite and assembled. Panel

construction has levels of finish at 60 percent while most modular systems are finished to 85 percent. Fully finished modules have a level of prefabrication up to 95 percent, leaving the remaining 5 percent for onsite foundation work and utility hookups. In general, it is desirable from an efficiency standpoint to move to manufacturing larger components, panels, and modules to a greater degree of finish so that on- site erection is faster. However, in some cases, such as larger structural frames, the chunking of elements is not desirable, nor feasible, until on the jobsite. Rarely are components, panels, or modules systems; rather they are a combination of elements that may be employed to accomplish the functions and goals of the project.

Basic Module

Feature

Fully Modular

• • •

Precedence

Current Example

As 3d modules [ like boxes ] Habitat 67 Simple connections to the foundation Size of the modular unit is restricted by highway or shipping constraints

Weehouse

Sectional/ Panels • •

Sectional modules for transport easily Double wide It has some potential for digital fabrication

ESG Pavillion

Component

Factory made components to reduce Packages House on site labour Allows flexible building shapes Includes panelized, precut, kit of parts systems

iT House

• • •

Figure 30 : Degree of Prefabrication ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith )

Figure 29 : Elements of Modular Construction ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith )

Figure 31 : Elements of Modular Construction ( Source: Author )

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2.4.1 Components Componentized prefabrication allows for the greatest degree of customisation and flexibility within the design and execution phases. This may necessitate a design communication strategy that begins to depict “normal” situations. The use of a BIM environment, particularly with componentized parts for structure, enclosure, and other purposes, enables for an accounting of the pieces and their relationships.

2.4.2 Panels Panels are planer elements used to build structural walls, floors, and roofs, load- bearing or nonload- bearing enclosures, and interior partitions.

They are sectional modules and can be easily transported, having a large potential for digital fabrication. The structural systems in panel constructions are made up of planar wall and slab elements that form an enclosed space at the same time. Steel, timber, concrete, or masonry can all be used to make the panels. Self-supporting elements include both small, narrow panels and large, room-sized panels. The dimensions of the panels are dependent upon material selection, transport conditions and constructional grid dimensions; panel height is equivalent to storey height. The panels are connected using standard methods; the choice of technique is influenced by both the wall panel material and overall construction system.

2.4.3 Modules Modular architecture is frequently connected with 1960s utopian aspirations, in which architects devised designs that were temporary, transportable, and made use of new materials and installation and disassembly techniques. A modular is a standardised unit of construction that is designed for simplicity of assembly, is more finished than other prefabrication processes, and has no scale limitations. Modules that are larger may be able to have greater levels of finish, but restrict the flexibility of the overall building when compared to smaller modules which, can produce customisation of an overall composition. Modules are units that can be interconnected on site to form a building and are either load-bearing or non-load-bearing depending on the construction concept.

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Figure 32 : Componentized prefabrication ( Source: Atlas of Places )

Figure 35 : Room based modular units ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith )

Component

Panel

Module

Figure 33 : Panel based prefabrication ( Source: Britannica )

Figure 34 : Module based prefabrication ( Source: Britannica )

Figure 36 : Degree of Prefabrication and Modular Construction ( Source: Author )

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2.5 Sustainability

2.6 Prefabrication in India

In the context of building design, sustainability is measured in terms of numerous environmental, social, and economic performance criteria.

Many sustainability benefits result from the offsite manufacturing (OSM) process in modular construction, including more efficient manufacturing and construction processes, greater in-service performance of the completed building, and the potential for reuse at the end of the building’s life. At the end of their design lives, modular units have a high residual value, and there is now a lot of experience with modules being refitted and reused elsewhere.

After the establishment of the Hindustan Housing plant in 1950, prefabricated structures became popular in India. The company then introduced prestressed concrete railway sleepers and precast concrete to the Indian market, with the goal of providing low-cost housing options in large quantities quickly. When compared to traditional building, this alternative was quite effective because the units were of regular sizes and low rise with little requirement for flexibility and the price difference was 30-40%.

Prefab with reference to the Indian construction industry hasn’t gained a lot of popularity as it’s not widely in practice, the reasons that attribute are:

Figure 38 : Prefabrication in India ( Source: Construction Times )

Figure 37 : Sustainability triangle ( Source: Author )

2.5.1 Sustainability benefits of off-site manufacture as a construction process:

2.5.2 Sustainability benefits of off-site manufacture in in-service performance:

Social : Fewer accidents on site and in manufacture. More secure employment and training. Better working conditions in the factor. Reduced traffic movements to site. Less noise and disturbance during construction

Social : Acoustic insulation is improved due to sealed double-leaf construction . Improved finished quality and reliability. Future point of contact to the modular supplier. Modular buildings can be extended or adapted as demand changes

Environmental : Less pollution, including traffic, dust, noise, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Less wastage of materials on site and in manufacture. More recycling of materials and use of materials with higher recycled content

Environmental : Improved energy performance by better airtightness and installation of insulation, hence, reduced CO2 emissions. Renewable energy technologies can be built in and tested off site.

Modular buildings can be “sealed” against gases, e.g., radon, and use on brownfield sites

Economic : Faster construction programme. Site preliminary costs are reduced. Less snagging and rework.

Economy of scale in production reduces manufacturing cost.

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• • • • •

Construction costs continue to take importance over construction speed.

There aren’t many companies that provide entire building solutions.

Transportation costs are high. In transit, there is a high chance of damage.

For assembly, there is a necessity for skilled workers. Components must be handled with care, and module sizes must be limited.

Furthermore, because the majority of construction work requires onsite adjustments, prefabrication limits the design breadth of the building’s modification options.

Figure 39 : Prefabrication in India ( Source: Construction Times )

Economic : Savings in energy bills, including by use of renewable energy systems. Longer life and freedom from in-service problems, e.g., cracking.

Reduced maintenance costs. Modular buildings can be extended and adapted. Asset value of the modules can be maintained if they are reused

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2.7 Conclusion Prefabricated building quality is improving, in a range of price prefabricated building customers:

is gaining in popularity, and it is now available points. The benefits of for both enterprises and

•

Speed : Because the off-site fabrication takes done in the facility, site preparation activities can run concurrently. This can help a project’s overall constriction time be greatly reduced.

•

Sustainability : Minimal site disruption, carefully regulated material flow and construction waste, and pre-planned assembly/disassembly can all help to reduce construction’s environmental impact. Prefabricated constructions are environmentally friendly since they eliminate trash. Controlling health and safety is significantly easier in production environments.

•

Quality : Factory-controlled processes guarantee that the products meet predefined standards. In addition, the indoor atmosphere protects the buildings and their components from the effects of extreme weather.

•

Clean : On-site wet trades are minimised or eliminated entirely because elements are preformed and pre-applied at the factory.

•

Technology : The combination of fabrication and rising computer-aided design is poised to change the building industry.

•

Value : Shorter project completion times can result in earlier revenue for customers and reduced site outlays due to less time on site.

Prefabrication construction is virtually identical to conventional construction, but with additional advantages. Significantly reduced construction time, more sustainable and higher- quality construction, and human and environmental benefits such as site safety, waste reduction, enhanced air quality, and quality management, to mention a few. However, in circumstances when volumes are small, this alternative is less viable because it may come at a high cost and with little flexibility.

Figure 40 : Advantages of Modular Construction ( Source: Author )

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Ch.

3

Identifying simple & complex order in built forms 3.1 Nakagin Capsule Tower 3.2 Centraal Beheer Building 3.3 VM House 3.4 Habitat 67 3.5 Inferences

6

This chapter identifies the different patterns of simple and complex order in the existing architectural built forms and presents a comparative analysis of the coherent factors.

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3.1

Nakagin Capsule Tower

3.1.2 Assembly The structure is made up of two interconnected concrete towers with eleven and thirteen floors each, each housing 140 self-contained prefabricated capsules. The 140 capsules are suspended from the vertical communications towers, which are made of concrete. The cells are prefabricated steel cells with a bath unit, air conditioning system, and colour television. They were constructed in Osaka and trucked to Tokyo.

Each capsule took three hours to put together. The capsules were all sold out in less than a month.

Figure 44 : Identifying Spatial & Modular Grids ( Source: Author )

2 1

4 3

1.

2.

3.

4.

Lift Shaft Staircase Capsule Unit Midlanding

Figure 43 : Typical Floor Plan ( Source: Author )

Figure 45 : Identifying Structural Grid ( Source: Author )

Figure 41 : Nakagin Capsule Tower ( Source: Archdaily )

• • • • • • • •

Architects: Kisho Kurokawa Location: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan Typology: Residential / Apartments Materials: Steel and Reinforced Concrete Stories: 13 Floors (140 Units) Total Floor Area: 3,091.23 m2 Project Year: 1970 – 1972 Photographs: © Noritaka Minami, Flick User: Aya.H,

Figure 42 : Block Model ( Source: Author )

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3.1.1 Introduction Every step of the design and construction of Nakagin Capsule Tower was influenced by the idea of impermanence and movability that originated in Metabolism’s concept of the city.

Kurokawa designed the building with three basic components based on their different “metabolic cycles:” the permanent structure (two ferro concrete shafts), the movable elements (144 capsules), and the service equipment (utilities).

Their designs were created with various life spans in mind.

The main shafts, according to Kurokawa, should last at least sixty years, while the capsules should be replaced in twenty-five to thirty-five years.

He pointed out that the capsule’s life span was not mechanical, but rather social, implying that changing human needs and social relationships would necessitate such replacement on a regular basis.

Shower Sink Storage Toilet

Work Station Steel Panel Insulation Steel Truss Box

Control Panel

Interior Finish

Figure 46 : Plan of a Capsule Unit ( Source: Author )

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3.1.3 Capsule Units

3.1.4 Structure

Each capsule is 2.5 meters long (8.2 feet) by 4.0 meters long (13.1 feet), with a 1.3-meter diameter window at the end. They can be used as a small living room or office, and they can be linked together to create larger spaces. Each capsule is designed to be replaceable and is only connected to one of the two main shafts by four high-tension bolts. Despite the fact that the units were designed for mass production, none of them have been replaced since they were built.

Reinforced concrete is used to construct the cores.

Ordinary concrete was used from the basement to the second floor; lightweight concrete was used above those levels. Shuttering is made up of large panels that span the height of one storey of the tower. The staircase was fully operational by the time the framework was completed, thanks to a two-day pattern of steel-frame work followed by two days of precast concrete work. The elevators’ on-site construction was sped up by using prefabricated cages and incorporating the 3-D frames, rails, and anchor indicator boxes into the precast concrete elements.

The capsules were outfitted with utilities before being transported to the construction site and put together. Each capsule was attached to the shaft independently and cantilevered, allowing any capsule to be removed without affecting the others. The capsules are all-welded lightweight steel-truss boxes with galvanised, rib-reinforced steel panels clad in rust-preventative paint and a coat of Kenitex glossy spray after processing.

Pre Cast Lift Shafts

Figure 48 : Typical Capsule Unit ( Source: Author )

Interim Bridges Assembly 1

Steel Truss Box

Unit Arrangement Armature

Precast Lift Shaft Mid Landing Circulation

Typical Capsule Unit

Service Duct

Figure 47 : Axonometric Diagram ( Source: Author )

Figure 49 : Assembly of the structure ( Source: Author )

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Repeat

3.1.5 Mass Customization

Spacing

Mass customization, which is a customised combination of standard parts, must be realised in a cost-effective manner. We must dismantle the capsule unit in order to consider the party as a whole. They can be rearranged in this logic to adapt to different demands during the design phase. Furthermore, because they can all be standard and the overall capsule space is the same for all units, the construction cost will not increase significantly.

The structural grid is standard throughout. The capsule is repeated and rotated around the core accordingly to give sufficient light and ventilation to each capsule.

Each unit is kind of a capsule which can be assembled or dissembled individually without affecting other modules. The modular and spatial grid are same in this case

Stacking

Though it is a single capsule since it has only one primary structure [ the service core ] the only operation done at the aggregation level is stacking.

Figure 50 : Diagrams showing the possibility of Mass Customization ( Source: Jose Sanchez )

Figure 51 : Variety of spatial arrangements inside a capsule unit ( Source: Archdaily )

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3.2 Centraal Beheer Building

3.2.2 Structuralism There are several basic characteristics of Structuralism. First, the construction structures space and creates flexibilities. It allows growth and cohesion and is part of the architecture in both the interior and exterior. Secondly, the human being and its relations is the starting point for every design. The buildings were designed in order for people to meet and interact. Thirdly, the building can be seen as a configuration that consists of smaller units that are subject to individual interpretation but still form a coherent whole in which collectivity can enter. Finally, instead of dividing the different monovalent functions, Structuralism strives for a mixture of functions and spaces that can be used in multiple ways.

Larger ratio of direct contact with the outside world after orienting the units at a certain angle

Figure 52 : Centraal Beheer Building ( Source: Archdaily )

• • • • • • • •

Architects: Hermann Hertzberger Location: Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Typology: Office Building Materials: Precast concrete Stories: 4 Floors (140 Units) Total Floor Area: 3,091.23 m2 Project Year: 1967 – 1972 Photographs: Aviodrome Luchtfotografie

“Structuralism always leads to the dialectics of the individual and the community. A structure provides cohesiveness, so that individual qualities, however subordinate to the whole, play more than a subordinate role and constitute an essential part of the whole, just as the separate fibers of a fabric not only assure cohesion but may also help to determine the natural of the whole. The principle of the reciprocal interdependence of the individual and the communal is at the very heart of structuralism.”

Structuralism architecture was anti-hierarchy.

Socialist idea intended to create equality, and so did structuralism architecture. In typical structuralism architectures, repetitive patterns were applied. These repetitive patterns not only allowed freedom to change, but also represented equality.

3.2.1 Introduction The concept for the Centraal Beheer building involves the consistent application of a single repeated spatial unit of 9 x 9 meters as a basic building block. The dimensions were chosen so as to be able to accommodate all components of the programme. These spatial units have a pronounced form yet are inde- pendent of specific duties and therefore interpretable and polyvalent.

With the floors articulated as so many ‘islands’ interlinked by elements acting as bridges and surrounded by open space (voids), the whole was an open-work system with its different levels linked spatially. Centraal Beheer was designed from the inside out with the equal-sized spatial units grouped in accordance with the gridiron principle. Depending on what is needed at a particular place, the spatial units can be allotted another duty and in that sense are interpretable.

Greater viewing angle as shown in the above diagram which is bought by rotating at 45 degree

More layers of contacting to the outside world

Figure 53 : Block Model ( Source: Author )

Figure 54 : Elevation showing contrast with respect to materials ( Source: Xiaokang Liu )

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Figure 55 : Conceptual development of the units ( Source: Xiaokang Liu )

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Figure 58 : Section allowing for floor to floor interaction ( Source: Xiaokang Liu )

Figure 56 : Typical floor plan showing the free flowing grid pattern ( Source: Archdaily )

A S N O T C I I A L

S O C I A L

Figure 57 : Variations in the modular grid ( Source: Archdaily )

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3.2.3 Assembly

3.2.4 Planning Strategy

The units of 9 x 9 m. proved capable of meeting virtually all spatial requirements. Because they are polyvalent, that means they are capably of serving multiple purposes, the spatial units can take over each other’s roles. This means the building has the capacity to absorb change.

The building consists of a basic structure and a complementary variable and interpretable zone.

The main structure is the spine of the building, the main circulation of people follows this zone and also the skylight and the services do.

The basement and the ground floor do not show much consistence when it comes to symmetry and patterns. Only the southern quadrant approaches symmetry and the eastern quadrant is entirely symmetrical for both floors. These layers have the parkings deck adjacent to them, so the composition and organization of construction and space differs from the layers above.

The glass brick walls on the corner are not following the function principle. First, the glass brick wall seems to avoid too many void open space to reduce acoustic problem but still allow interaction and transparency. Second, the transparency of glass brick walls follow the distribution of concrete brick walls to create the contrast against solid quality.

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The floors containing the office spaces have a clear center, almost cross-shaped. Adjacent to the center the four quadrants with office space and roof terraces are situated. These show a high extent of repetition as well as symmetry. In the case of the east and north quadrant there is complete symmetry, and for the south and the west quadrant goes one added unit that disturbs the pattern of symmetry.

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3.3 VM House

3.3.2 Inspiration from Le Corbusier VM Houses has been inspired by Le Corbusier’s Unite d’ Habitation, whose typology has been reinterpreted and improved, particularly in the shortening of long corridors to allow natural light to enter from both sides, almost like bullet holes penetrating the building. The “M” building has been dubbed the Unite d’ Habitation version 2.0 because its zig-zag shape ensures that all corridors have views and ventilation from both sides, rather than narrow flats surrounded by huge dead-end corridors.

Since the terrain was built with two canals, a box at the top of every building, and a common area in the centre, ‘VM’ took a shape that supported an initial representation of an easy square.

BIG angled the first building ‘M’ in a way that ensured a different approach way for the second, allowing all departments to benefit from both the landscape and the sun coming through the yard. The blocks’ four corners clearly define their perimeter, but the insides are open on all sides.

Every unit has the ideal combination of ventilation,

light, and views. On the side, the triangular projected balconies look like rows of shark teeth.

The two buildings are placed face to face with each other as if the arms of the “M” building want to embrace the “V” building.

3.3.3 Uniqueness Of Planning Although both the “V” and “M” buildings have the same total area of 12,500 m2, their distinct shapes, as well as natural light and ventilation considerations, have resulted in two completely different layouts, with more than 80 of the 225 units in both buildings having unique floor plans. The “M” building has a total of 95 units that are divided into 36 departments, while the “V” building has 114 units that are divided into 40 departments. VM Houses by BIG’s more than 80 different types of apartments are programmatically flexible and open to the individual and exclusive needs of contemporary life, and can be described as a mosaic of different life forms.

“M” Building

“V” Building

Figure 59 : VM House ( Source: Archdaily )

• • • • • • • •

Architects: Bjarke Ingels Group, JDS Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Typology: Retail, Residential Materials: Steel & Concrete Units: 209 Apartments Total Floor Area: 25,000 m2 Project Year: 2004 – 2005 Photographs: Maria Gonzalez

3.3.1 Introduction The VM Houses are a pair of residential buildings that are shaped like the letters V and M. The blocks are arranged in such a way that daylight, privacy, and views are all available. By pushing the slab in the middle, the vis-à-vis with the neighbour is eliminated, allowing for diagonal views of the vast and open surrounding fields.

To the north, all apartments have a double-height space with wide panoramic views, and to the south, all apartments have a double-height space with wide panoramic views. For the M house, the logic of the diagonal slab used in the V house is broken down into smaller pieces. The central corridors in this project are short and receive light from both ends, resembling bullet holes in the structure.

Figure 60 : Block Model ( Source: Author )

Figure 61 : Orientation of the buildings for maximum views ( Source: Author )

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Figure 63 : Exploded axonometric diagram of Unit M.3.1 ( Source: Author )

Figure 62 : Assembly of the modular units in the “V” building ( Source: Author )

3.3.4 The “V” Building

3.3.5 The “M” building

This block of VM Houses faces the opposite direction as the “M” building, namely the, towards the south. Each unit is given privacy by placing the slab in the middle, allowing for diagonal views of the vast open countryside around it. This building’s apartments all have double-height spaces on the north side and a bird’s eye view of the perimeter.

The apartments are accessed through a gateway that connects the outer corridor to the three stairwells or elevators, one at each end of the building and within the breakdown of the letter “V” that the entire structure is shaped like.

This block of VM Houses is oriented towards the North direction. For this building, the diagonal slab from the centre, which was used in the “V” building, has been divided into smaller portions.

All of the apartment units have their own terraces, which are located on the complex’s outskirts.

Access to the various departments is provided by a central corridor that runs the length of the building and connects to the elevators and stairs, serving as a community gathering space where neighbours can mingle and children can play. T he communal terrace is reached by descending the stairwell. The interaction of the corresponding rooms characterises each individual apartment, with double-height studios near the kitchen and a living room with large open areas that can be divided into smaller naturally lit spaces and penthouses.

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Figure 64 : Assembly of the modular units in the “M” building ( Source: Author )

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3.3.6 Zig-Zag Corridors

3.3.7 Structure and Materials

The “M” building’s zigzagging design ensures that each corridor receives natural light and offers beautiful views in both directions. These openings turn the circulation area into a lovely social space.

A wedge-shaped replacement type of balcony was designed for the southern façade that faces the park, combining minimum shade with maximum cantilever. On hot summer afternoons, the walls of balconies create a vertical backyardstyle open space that connects neighbours within a 10-meter vertical radius.

The buildings in VM Houses have large glass facades framed with luxurious wood, metals such as aluminium and steel, and concrete, which are both simple and exquisite materials.

The departments have solid oak floors, and the balconies have hard dark wood and steel lattice protections.

The VM Houses are populated by a swarm of unique apartments as a result of the design’s zigzagging, stepping, sloping, and intricate circulation. The various multilevel apartments are arranged on the façade to interlock in complex compositions, giving the building exteriors the appearance of a three-dimensional game of “Tetris.”

White concrete was used on the walls and ceilings in some areas, and all of the interior stairs, as well as the steel railings, were painted white. All of the exterior walls of the buildings are made of glass.

Bright colours such as pistachio green, red, or orange have been painted on the inside corridors that provide access to the homes, and one side of the door stands out vertically due to fluorescence.

The home’s exteriors are covered in anodized aluminium floating panels. Per Hopfner, one of the project’s promoters, donated a large mural made of standard tiles to decorate the doorway on the bottom floor.

Figure 68 : View of the “M” building showing interaction at various levels( Source: Archdaily )

Figure 66 : Plan of the unit assembly ( Source: Author )

Figure 65 : Facade of the building ( Source: Author )

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3.3.8 Spaces

3.3.9 Form And Façade

The ground floor of VM Houses is supported on piles and has a geometry that begins with a square divided into two blocks, with spaces that have been closed to be used as a reception for various services, parking, and storing bikes and bicycles. The built forms are naturally lit and ventilated, with access to views from the triangular balconies, and all of these characteristics characterise the facade facing south. It ensures that the courtyard receives natural light in the morning and evening. Within a given species of crystalline light refraction and circulation, the design provides movement breaks to what would otherwise be dense straightness.

The entire front of VM Houses is covered by a glass curtain wall that allows the interiors to be seen from the outside, as if it were a dollhouse, but it is aesthetically stunning. The triangular balconies and projections designed on the building facades were not incorporated simply as a façade treatment, but were built to allow abundant natural light and ventilation into every home without obstructing vision from other balconies.

In interviews, BIG has stated that the doubling of forms aids in the opening up of the two channels, ensuring that the apartments are all oriented towards the landscape rather than looking at each other and that privacy is maintained. Rare forms such as “boomerangs” and geometric shapes that are not commonly taught in schools can be seen in the “M” building.

Figure 67 : View of the module assembly ( Source: Archdaily )

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3.4 Habitat 67

3.4.2 Assembly

3.4.2 Construction

Circulation within the habitat is achieved through 18 external corridors- streets 7 stair shafts and 6 elevator shafts, without the elevator being the main access to upper stories as it stops at every forth floor.

A factory was built beside the Habitat site. It had four large moulds that were used to create the standardised units. Each one was made by placing a reinforcing steel cage inside the mould and then pouring concrete around it. After the concrete had set, the unit was moved to an assembly line, where a wooden sub-floor with electrical and mechanical services was installed beneath it.

Fifteen different housing types were developed.

These varied between 60 and 160 square metres, each accommodating between one and four bedrooms.

After that, windows and insulation were installed, followed by prefabricated bathroom and kitchen modules. Finally, the unit was relocated to its proper location within the structure. Habitat was designed to look like a strange concrete mountain of dwelling places, all of which were strikingly modern. Each rectangular module would cross over another, with the non-overlapping areas generating patches of outdoor space and the roof of the one beneath bearing the load of the one above.

Figure 68 : Habitat 67 by Moshe Saldie ( Source: Archdaily )

• • • • • • • •

Architects: Moshe Safdie Location: Montreal, Canada Typology: Residential - Urban garden residence+high rise building Materials: Precast concrete Stories: 12 Floors (158 Units) Surface Area: 624 to 3,000 square feet Project Year: 1967 – 1972 Photographs: © Aviodrome Luchtfotografie

3.4.1 Introduction The architect desired to reimagine the apartment complex. He tried to strike a balance between the cold geometry and the living nature. “A garden for everyone,” says Safdie. He believed that while suburbs aren’t always bad, city living is essential. He wondered if people would stay in the city if they had more space and light. The combination of two major housing typologies – the urban garden residence and the modular high-rise apartment building – was pioneered at Habitat ‘67. The Habitat ‘67 is a 12-story complex with 158 dwelling units that has the following main features: • • • • • •

Figure 69 : Block Model ( Source: Author )

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15 models varying between 1 and 5 modules Views on 3 sides and landscaped terraces Surface areas vary from 624 to 3,000 sq.ft Spread out over 1, 2, 3 floors Private terraces from 225 to 1,000 square feet Walkways at various levels giving access to residences

Figure 70 : Assembly of the units ( Source: Archdaily )

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Figure 71 : Vairation in the modules ( Source: Archdaily )

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3.4.2 Operations

Orientation and Enclosure

Repeat, Rotate, Mirror [Unit level] The structural grid is standard throughout. The module is gone through operations like rotation & mirroring for a proper arrangment of the modular units.

The below plan shows the orientation of all the units and in plan. There are 9 different orientations for which direction the unfits can take. They follow a similar and opposite direction on each level.

They also form an opposite reaction to the unit below in order to stack accordingly so that each unit has a proper terrace.

Stacking, Cascading [Aggregation level] The operation at the building level can be clearly seen in the f orm of stacking and cascading to allow for terraces on every floor and respective modules.

1

2

3

4 Figure 74 : Section through the structure showing terraces given to each module ( Source: Archdaily )

5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Outer terrace Living area Kitchen area Outer terrace Staircase down

Figure 72 : Plan of a typical module ( Source: Jose Sanchez )

Figure 73 : Assembly of the units ( Source: Jose Sanchez )

Figure 75 : View of the building ( Source: Archdaily )

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3.5 Inferences

3.5.1 Nakagin Capsule Tower

3.5.2 Centraal Beheer Building

3.5.3 VM House

3.5.4 Habitat 67

The Nakagin Capsule Tower consists of 140 similar units. The modular grid is a derivative of the structural grid and is forming the simplest organisation. The coherent factors which can be seen are Repetition, Rotation and Mirroring.

The aggregation of the modules is based on the principle of simple stacking. Modules can either be added or subtracted depending on the future expansion but no alteration is possible with the module. Hence giving the least flexibility to the end users.

Tartan grid (grids with sub-grids which may be repetative in their pattern but do not have regular spacing) can be observed over here.

Three separate grids namely modular, spatial and structural are within the building forming a dense organisation. The coherent factors which can be seen are Repetition, Symmetry, Contrast (materials), Orientation and Hierarchy. The aggregation is based on the principle of simple stacking with some amount of cascading done to provide large terraces on the above floors.

Modular grid being different from the spatial grid provides maximum flexibility to the users

VM house comprrises of a total of 225 units which are divided into 2 parts namely the “V” and “M” building. The spatial grid is based on various principles like zigzagging, stepping and sloping, thereby giving rise to complex compositions of modules. But it doesnt offer real time flexibility and reusability of the module.

Habitat ‘67 comprises a total of 158 module units.

The architect has smartly followed his goal of “ terraces for all “ by the aggregation of stacking and cascading towards the opposite direction of the water front. There can be seen various volumetric explorations in the modules following different spatial grids giving rise to high design flexibility.

On site

On site

Off site

Construction Process

Off site

Spatial Grid

Spatial Grid

Spatial Grid

Spatial Grid

Modular Grid

Modular Grid

Modular Grid

Modular Grid

Structural Grid

Structural Grid

Structural Grid

Structural Grid

Flexibility

Flexibility

Flexibility

Flexibility

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4

Research Methodology

4.1 Overview 4.2 Flexibility through Modularity 4.2 Scripting Methodology

6

This chapter talks about the basic framework of the research and leads to the derivation of a methodology for the design process.

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4.1

Overview

4.1.1 Key Terms and Definitions

4.1.3 Research Question

Simple Order: Order exists because we try to make sense of our environment by looking for patterns. When we can establish patterns we call it order.

How can the patterns of order and chaos be used to generate the framework for the design of modular architecture maximum flexibility to the users?

Complex Order: Order exists because we try to make sense of our environment by looking for patterns. When we can establish patterns we call it order.

Can modular architecture help to make construction as simple and enjoyable as playing with and assembling lego blocks?

Research Methology

Order and Chaos • Identifying factors impose simple order

Modular Architecture: The process by which components of a building are prefabricated offsite in a controlled setting and then shipped to the project site and assembled

Modular Architecture to

• Fundamentals of prefabrication

Site Criteria • Potential Sites • Comparative analysis

• Understanding complex organisations at a macro scale

Metabolism: The postwar reconstruction of Japan’s cities spawned new ideas about the future of urban design and public spaces. Structures that accommodated population growth were thought to have a limited lifespan and should be designed and built to be replaced.

4.1.2 Aims and Objectives

4.1.4 Scope and Limitations

The research aims at understanding the different patterns of order and chaos in the complex environment and aids at drawing parallels from the same with respect to architecture. At a micro scale, modules can be seen as an assembly of both : order and chaos in a controlled environment. Modular architecture is seen as a way forward for the current construction scenario.

Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation has lead to the constantly changing needs of the users.

The research is an investigation of the patterns of order and chaos. It aids in establishing certain rules for the organisation of modular architecture.

It is an attempt to understand geometric order and chaos and how these can be implemented in modular architecture to ensure maximum flexibility.

Working from home limited the number of site visits, thus the study is based on a small number of well-documented observations. The study’s understandings are based on the author’s observations, field investigations, formal and informal conversations, and secondary sources of literary material as applicable.

• Elements of modular achitecture

• Site study and analysis

Case Studies • Identifying different patterns in the built formsat a micro scale • Comparative analysis and key findings

Derivation of Scripting

Design Intent

• Building a framework or skeleton for a built organisation

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High

many possibilitites

4.2 Flexibility through Modularity

4.2.2 Nakagin Capsule Tower

4.2.4 Centraal Beheer Building

The Nakagin Capsule Tower is clearly based on the principle of conversion flexibility. Modules can either be added or subtracted depending on the future expansion but no alteration is possible with the module. Thus resulting in least design and real time flexibiltity.

The Tartan grid present in the Centraal beheer building helps to bring real time flexibility to the users. Majority of the spaces use the modular grid to provide maximum flexibility to the users. There is low conversion flexibilty due to no variation in the spatial grid and structural grid.

Real time felxibility

open possibilitites

fixed possibilitites

General

Specific

Low

few possibilitites

Design felxibility

Figure 76 : Model of flexibilty ( Source: Author )

4.2.1 Definition “Flexibility refers to the ability to choose from a variety of options or create programmes that are adapted to suit a person’s specific needs and wants, whether they are related to architecture, finance, ownership, or management. Beyond that, it usually refers to the capacity built into buildings, building programmes, or building technologies to ensure an initial good fit and the ability to respond to subsequent change.

Three types of flexibility have been identified: • •

•

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Design flexibility refers to flexibility in the project design phase and is primarily applied by professionals.

Conversion flexibility refers to the possibility of subsequent conversion or modification of the spatial organisation and is applied by professionals as well as ‘inhabitants’.

Flexibility of use refers to a real time flexibility build into a project by the designer/architect and applied by the end user.

Design felxibility

Conversion felxibility

The Design flexibility describes the freedom or choices the professionals will have while adapting e.g. a structural building system to a specific situation i.e. a building brief while the Conversion Flexibility describes unused built-in potentials or capacities that can be exploited later in a building’s life cycle should the building brief change. Flexibility of use describes an interactive but fixed (specific) flexibility, e.g. moving or folding wall partitions, sliding doors etc. There is not necessarily any hierarchical relation between these types of flexibility; hence it is possible to have a high degree of design flexibility and use it for a building with low conversion flexibility or the other way around use a system with low design flexibility for e.g. apartment designs with high conversion flexibility and so on.

Figure 77 : Flexibilty diagram 1 ( Source: Author )

Figure 78 : Flexibilty diagram 2 ( Source: Author )

4.2.3 VM House

4.2.5 Habitat 67

The design strategy used in VM House allows for providing a variety of choices to its users.

However, the building has a fairly low and specific design flexibility as the modules cannot be changed or altered by the user. This kind of customised diversity is rather fixed and thus leaves the user with low and general conversion flexibility.

The presence of the different sized and shaped modules in the structure offers a wide variety of plan solutions in the sales situation. The modules cannot be modified or updated by the user, therefore, the building has a limited and particular design freedom. Because this type of customised diversity is fairly rigid, the user’s conversion flexibility is limited.

Design felxibility Design felxibility

Real time felxibility Conversion felxibility

Figure 79 : Flexibilty diagram 3 ( Source: Author )

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Figure 80 : Flexibilty diagram 4 ( Source: Author )

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4.3 The Scripting Methodology 4.3.1 Definition

4.3.2 Scripting and Flexibility

4.3.3 Spatial Script

Scripts are Modular Architectural devised strategies which allows for exploration in Module, Space and Structure which is to be provided to the each user. Like the cellular automata theory the scripts itself can form a basis of the organisation and configuration of the module system. Scripting can act as a framwork that can help develop shape and structure of modular architecture. The user will be the starting point of every script.

Scripts can be derived through the different grids which have been identified in the structures discussed earlier in the previous chapter. They can act as a tool to foster flexibility of an organisation.

Scripts provide different spatial explorations that are catering to the needs of the various user groups and helps forming a self organising system, along with taking time into consideration.

Spatial script form the basis of the design flexibility which can be used in order to give multiple options to the end user. The script not only provides a rule for the two dimensional planning but also generates an order of the voluminous exploration of the organisation. The script is based on certain iterations that can be possible aiming towards giving maximum flexibility to the user. Based on the program, a spatial grid can be developed which will act as a guideline for formulating the spatial script.

Figure 82 : Working of spatial script ( Source: Author )

4.3.4 Modular Script Modular script can act as real time flexibility inside the spatial script. They provide the users with various modules that can be used differently depending upon the time and the usage of space. They act as subset of spatial grid where the spatial grid aims at exploring the volume, the modular grid gives a sense of flexibility through incorporating the needs of the user. The modular script enables the user to have more control over the space and can help in governing the design decisions

Figure 83 : Working of modular script ( Source: Author )

4.3.5 Structural Script Structural script works on the principle of conversion flexibility. The concept of structural script is based on addition where a unit can be added to fulfil the changing demands of the user.

Structural script will be the most significant script with respect to time because it will enable the user to respond to the structure with the contextual changes. In this complex order of organisation, they can act as a guideline for the future expansion of the organisation Figure 81 : Organization of structure ( Source: Author )

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Figure 84 : Working of structural script ( Source: Author )

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Ch.

5

6

Experimenting in an Urban Setting

5.1 Site Options 5.2 Site Selection Criteria 5.3 SWOT Analysis 5.4 Context Mapping 5.5 Landuse Mapping 5.5 Road network Mapping 5.6 Site Study

This chapter includes the different site options and a comparative study between them. It further extend itself to the identification of the site and its mapping.

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5.1

Site Options

Government Colony, Bandra East

Fisherman Colony, Mahim West

BDD Chawl, Worli

Figure 85 : Map of Potential Sites in Mumbai ( Source: Author )

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fisherman Colony, Mahim West Area- 19,819 sq.mts 5.1.1 About Mahim police colony, also known as Fisherman Colony is a mixed community living in Mahim west.

There are several landmarks near the potential site including the SL Raheja Hospital, Xavier Institute of engineering, Mahim Station and the major road access being the Western Express Highway.

The police colony, situated in Mahim, is entirely built using pre cast construction. Pre cast construction allows faster construction and is particularly used for modular blocks. There are 15 buildings in the colony and each building has 6 floors. The colony was built in 1976 by B.J Shrike using siporex blocks.

5.1.2 Location and Context

Figure 86 : Googel earth image of Fisherman Colony, Mahim West ( Source: Googel Maps )

Mahim has a good road networks with the neighbouring places like Dadar and Matunga.

The Fisherman Colony is very close to Mahim Station. The area has a diverse land use and has a combination of various users. This can help in increasing the footfall of the site. There are various amenities present around the site such as SL Raheja Hospital, Xavier Institute of Engineering and many more.

Figure 87 : Context plan of Fisherman Colony, Mahim West ( Source: Googel Maps )

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Government Colony, Bandra East Area- 24,580 sq.mts 5.2.1 About The Bandra Government Colony is a locality in the east of Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Located in the populated suburb of Bandra, the government colony is a community of seven buildings flanked around spacious courtyards.

The colony is enclosed by four arterial roads and is located opposite the community temple on the other side of the northern road. Around the colony are numerous amenities such as high schools, education society, community centre, banks, healthcare centres and police station.

The complex consist of U-shaped buildings which are four stories high wrapping itself around the buildings are the corridors which serve as primary circulation. Enclosed within the belt our large courtyards. The ends of the corridors culminate into shared sanitary facilities. Each unit contains a living space and a kitchen. For the study a single building with its courtyard was chosen.

Figure 88 : Googel earth image of Government Colony, Bandra East ( Source: Googel Maps )

5.2.2 Location and Context The Bandra Government Colony is a locality in the east of Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Located in the populated suburb of Bandra, the government colony is a community of seven buildings flanked around spacious courtyards.

The colony is enclosed by four arterial roads and is located opposite the community temple on the other side of the northern road. Around the colony are numerous amenities such as high schools, education society, community centre, banks, healthcare centres and police station.

Figure 89 : Context plan of Government Colony, Bandra East ( Source: Googel Maps )

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BDD Chawl, Worli Area- 59.68 acres 5.3.1 About BDD Chawls is located in Worli, Mumbai. This part of the city pre dominantly occupied by textile mills in early 1900s and correspondingly chawl neighbourhoods were built accommodate mill workers and migrants. BDD Chawls cover an area of 24 hectares approximately with total population of 26,400. The 121 odd thick building known as BDD Chawls built in 1920 stand out in Mumbai’s jumbled landscapes of habitats.

5.3.2 Location and Context Worli is a significant business neighbourhood of Mumbai, situated 9.5 kilometres south of the city centre. It is strategically located between Naigaon, Chinchpakoli, Parel, and Sewri in terms of direction.

Developers such as Indiabulls, Soundline Realty, Orbit, and Zeus Housing and Construction have built luxury residential and commercial structures near the site. The mill grounds have been transformed into a variety of high-end residential and commercial properties, including elegant hotels, excellent restaurants, entertainment, and retail outlets. Mahalaxmi, Dadar, and Lower Parel are significant job centres all of which are within 5-10 kilometres of the neighbourhood.

Figure 90 : Googel earth image of BDD Chawl, Worli ( Source: Googel Maps )

Figure 91 : Context plan of BDD Chawl, Worli ( Source: Googel Maps )

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5.2 Comparative Analysis Criteria

BDD Chawl , Worli

Fisherman Colony, Mahim West

Government Colony, Bandra East

Site Area

59.68 acre

19,819 sq.m

24,580 sq.m

Ease of accessibility

Well connected via both primary and secondary roads

Well connected via roadways and railways

Well connected via roadways and railways

Identity

Communal living can be observed

Predominantly governed by a single user group thereby reducing the factor of diversity

Diverse user groups living in harmony with each other

User Typology

Mixed users

Predominantly residential users

Predominantly residential users

Proximity to Amenities

Kamala Mills, Phoenix Palldium, Balasaheb Thackrey Udyan, Smaash, Palais Royale

SL Raheja Hospital, Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mahim Station

Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Playground, Dr Babasahab Ambedkar Udyan

Urban Context

Mised use land pattern

Residential context

Residential context

Scope of Further Development

Many vacant land for further development

Scope for further development

Scope for further development

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BDD Chawls, Worli Section 33 (9) (B)

Section 33 (9) talks about the redevelopment of cluster(s) of buildings under Cluster Development Scheme. Section 33 (9) (B) focuses on the redevelopment of the BDD chawls constructed by Bombay Development Division under the Urban Renewal Scheme. The BDD chawls are a form of worker housing built in the 1920s. They were originally modeled on army barracks/ prisons.

These are present in Sewri, Naigaon, Lower Parel and majority in Worli.

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5.3 Site Study 5.3.1 Definition

T

he BDD chawls were built in the 1920s as a type of worker housing. They were originally inspired by army barracks and prisons. These can be found in Sewri, Naigaon, Lower Parel, and Worli in large numbers. The Worli BDD chawls are made up of 121 units, each measuring 160 square feet. Each floor of the chawls has a shared toilet and washing area. Residents in some of the BDD chawls have taken to cantilevering off their units into the shared courtyard, which is a unique feature of all four locations. Following the British departure, the chawls were taken over by the state government and handed over to the PWD department. 4,000 MIG and HIG flats will be available for sale as part of the Worli redevelopment.

• • • • • • •

Jambori Maidan

Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Municipal School

Mahindra Towers

Smaash

User Group – LIG and MIG Plot Area – 59.68 acre No. of Dwellings – 9680 units in 121 chawls Density – 80 units per chawl No. of Buildings and Floors – 121 chawls of G+3 floors Types & No. of Residences/ Units – 160 sq. ft.

One room, open kitchen and bath Occupancy – Completely occupied Building Condition – Average

Figure 92 : DP Plan of the site ( Source: Googel Maps )

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Dr. Annie Besant Road

Figure 93 : Axonometric view of the site ( Source: Author )

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Figure 94 : Existing site condition ( Source: Author )

Figure 96 : Landuse mapping ( Source: Author )

Figure 95 : Road Network Mapping ( Source: Author )

Figure 97 : Landmarks around the site ( Source: Author )

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STRENGTHS

• Being almost 100 years old the site has a strong identity in Mumbai.

• There is a strong community and culture seen among the different users.

• Optimisation of open & recreational spaces.

OPPORTUNITITES • The large area can help us maximise the site’s sustainability potential.

• Variety of modular and flexible spaces for the dense community.

• Improve the quality and variety of employment on the site.

• Using different modes of flexibility can help us cater to different user groups.

WEAKNESS • Insufficient parking space leads to parking in the courtyard.

• No spaces given for social interaction among the user groups.

THREATS • Weak structural condition of the current buildings.

• Crowded living and overpopulation due to very high density.

• Poor delivery of services

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High User Density

20R x 0.150 19G x 0.300

F

F

F

W

F

F W

W

F F

F W

W

20

1

19

2

18

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5 4

UP

16

6

11

7

15

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Per Building

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DOWN

W

W F

F

F

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Figure 98 : Plan of a typical building in the site ( Source: Author )

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

120

Corridor Staircase Common Toilet Common seating space Typical Unit Extended Balconies

Per Floor

6

Per Flat Figure 100 : Density Diagram of a typical building ( Source: Author )

Figure 99 : Axonometric view of the floor showing the assembly of different flats ( Source: Author )

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Ch.

6

The Way Forward

6.1 Key Findings from the Research 6.2 Design Intent 6.3 Design Program 6.3 List of Figures 6.3 References

6

This chapter summaries the entire research and establishes the programmatic direction of the design process. It concludes by establishing the architectural brief of the project.

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Key Findings

6.1.1 Order & Chaos are Complementary

6.1.4 Elements of Modular Construction

Through the research we can clearly identy and conclude that order and chaos exists simultaneously and are complementary to each other. That means one can’t exist without the other. Since the beginning of human history, the simplpe and complex order exists in the architectural and urban structures together.

Simple order is the result of design and planning, whereas complex order is the result of self organizing processes.

The form or configuration of the output is referred to as prefabrication elements. The degree of prefabrication in modular architecture is categorised into three elements which are components, panels and modules. Componentized prefabrication allows for the greatest degree of customisation and flexibility within the design and execution phases. Due to faster construction and new technology module based prefabrication can be easily assembled and can also lead to mass customization.

Figure 101 : Order and Chaos ( Source: Carnegie Magazine )

6.1.2 Order & Chaos are the issues of Scale & Time

6.1.5 The Basic Grids of Design The varied types of case studies helps us to identify the basic grids that are necessary and fundamental to any design. These include the spatial grid, modular grid and the structural grid.

These key elements are present in every designs whether the architect knows it or no and they can help derive to a better way of designing and living.

6.1.3 Different Organisation Systems

6.1.6 Modes of flexibility

Alexander discusses the various organisational systems that are a fundamental problem of artificial cities or modern buildings that fail to embrace the inner structure of natural cities, which is critical to making them more livable. Artificial cities are built in a “tree” structure, which means that one unit cannot connect to another without passing through a higher-level unit. Natural cities have a semi-lattice structure, which allows units to connect more freely thanks to functional overlap.

This can be categorsied as two different systems namely tree like and rhizome like, where one can be said to be simple order while another to be complex order.

Design flexibility refers to the freedom or options that professionals have when adapting a structural building system to a specific situation, whereas Conversion Flexibility refers to unused built-in potentials or capacities that can be exploited later in a building’s life cycle if the building brief changes. The degree of flexibility offered to the users depends on the type of flexibility offered by the designer.

108

Figure 103 : Rhizome like organisation ( Source: Author )

High

Figure 105 : Grids of Design ( Source: Author )

many possibilitites

Figure 102 : Complexity in the urban fabric ( Source: Author )

open possibilitites

fixed possibilitites

Specific

General

Low

In the scale of the city, the accumulation of this process causes spatial diversity and complexity.

This is not a consequence of conscious design planning, but free transformation. In this case architecture starts to be chaotic. We can say that chaos or complex order is uncontrollable.

And architecture should be designed in such a way that it also includes the fourth dimesnion of time allowing for people to change and adjust according to the time.

Figure 104 : Degree of prefabrication ( Source: Author )

few possibilitites

6.1

Figure 106 : Model of Flexibility ( Source: Author )

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6.2 Design Intent and Programs T

he aim is to reflect the aspect of communal living through introducing various modules that can be used to cater to the needs of the people. The redevelopment shall look into their existing way of living and suggest a sensitive design solution based on the same.

The goal is to create a community-centered environment that not only allows for privacy in living arrangements but also encourages social interaction through communal spaces. Community displacement should not be a result of redevelopment. To preserve the unique character of the chawls, the aim is to build a mixed-use development with a variety of user groups to bring in a diverse range of social backgrounds.

Individuality

Communitites are individual. They allow for individuality by allowing one’s living space to be freely expressed. They pay attention to the multitudes of identities and values that shape desire within the community because they are rooted in the culture of a diverse group of people.

Dynamism

Communitites are dynamic. They are responsive to the changing need and desires of its inhabitants, flexible in dwelling form and informal in its approach.

Evolutionary

Residential • • • • •

Rehab Apartments Family Apartments Studio Apartments Shared Apartments Communal kitchen and dining hall

Commercial and Retail • Co-working Spaces • Workshop Spaces • Convenience Shops

Recreation and Entertainment • • • •

Outdoor park and green spaces Indoor gaming, clubhouse Fitness Space Multipurpose Hall

Ancillary Functions • • • • •

Admin office Lobby areas Staircase and elevators Toilets Laundry spaces

Spaces for Informal Interaction • • • • •

Informal work space Lounges Public Plaza External Circulation Terraces and balcony spaces

Communities evolve over time. They’re optimised, but they’re also free to expand or contract in response to demand variations. Development should be done through modules which allow for dismantling and reassemly of spaces and enable reusability.

Sustainability

Communitites should be sustainable. They must respond to climate change by efficien and optimal use of resources. It should cater to all the three environmental, social, and economic criterias.

Density

Communitites are dense. They are passionate about expressing liveliness by bringing together a diverse target audience. Super dense dwellings are overcrowded, whereas sparsely dense dwellings are more distinctive. To strengthen a community, density must be balanced with human scale and satisfaction.

Community

Communitites are inclusive. They are equitable spaces characterised by shared ways of living which are engaging and stimulating to a diverse group of individuals.

Comfort

Communitites should be comfortable. They must ensure that all people have access to social and infrastructure services. Human-scaled settlements are more likely to prioritise the needs of the inhabitants over economic considerations, resulting in a more cohesive community.

Affordability

Communitites are affordable. They must be incremental to allow a diverse section of society access to housing in order to make them more equitable.

Indivduality

Density

Dynamism

Community Community Centered

Evolutionary

Sustainability

Comfort

Affordability

Figure 107 : Design Intent Diagram ( Source: Author )

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Proposed Programs

Inferences

Residential Modular Units

modular units are independent and based on the needs of the user.

Commercial Modular Units

Residential & Commercial Modular Units

Recreational Spaces

Relation

Reinterpretations

Flexible Modular Units

Reusable Modular Units

modules allow for dismantling and reassemly of spaces which enables reusability.

Commercial Offices

modules are responsive to the changing need and desires of its inhabitants

Spaces for Collaboration modules are equitable spaces characterised by shared ways of living which are engaging and stimulating to a diverse group of individuals.

Meeting Spaces

modules have the possibility of deriving all the three types of flexibility i.e design flexibility, conversion flexibility & real time flexibiltiy.

Multipurpose Functions

Play grounds Informal Gathering Spaces

modules will be based on scripts so that they can personalized by the occupants based on their needs

Community Market

Community Market

educational institutes and school in the context make the site student centric

Study Areas Retail Units

Public Library

Community Spaces 112

need for a revenue generating function that would benefit the maintenance of the community like it did before

Shops for rent

need for a community centred environment to promote social contact through such spaces

Shops for displaced vendors

informal market street as an extension of the community

Shops for local residents

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6.4 List of Figures Figure 1 : Yin Yang illustrating order & chaos ( Source: Author ) Figure 2 : Order in a chaotic world ( Source: Researchgate ) Figure 3 : The thin line of complexity ( Source: Researchgate ) Figure 4 : Finding order through pattern ( Source: Author ) Figure 5 : Complex branching of a tree ( Source: Google ) Figure 6 : Finding order through pattern ( Source: Author ) Figure 7 : Finding order in the chaotic vehicular junction ( Source: Author ) Figure 8 : Factors to impose simple order in a built environment ( Source: Author ) Figure 9 : Factors to impose simple order in a built environment ( Source: Author ) Figure 11 : Urban Plan of Barcelona ( Source: Author ) Figure 12 : Urban Plan of Manhattan ( Source: Author ) Figure 13 : Urban Plan of Melbourne ( Source: Author ) Figure 14 : Urban Plan of Washington D.C ( Source: Author ) Figure 15 : The working principle of the cellular automaton: the original set of cells (up) and the set of cells after the first step of automaton’s work (down) ( Source: Research Gate ) Figure 16 : ”Habitat 67”, the residential building designed by Moshe Safdie in 1967 (left part); and the cellular automaton in 3D made using the computer program Model (right part) Source: Research Gate ) Figure 17 : Tree like organisation ( Source: Author ) Figure 18 : Rhizome like organisation ( Source: Author ) Figure 19 : Modular Organisation of blocks ( Source: Google ) Figure 20 : Modular Architecture as a mode of interaction ( Source: Author ) Figure 21 : Citrohan House by Le Corbusier ( Source: Google ) Figure 22 : Packaged House by Walter Gropius ( Source: Google ) Figure 23 : Timeline of Prefabrication ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith ) Figure 24 : Dymaxion House ( Source: Google ) Figure 25 : The VEHA Act in 1946 ( Source: Google ) Figure 26 : Expo’70 Toshiba Pavilion 1946 ( Source: Google ) Figure 27 : Construction time for a modular building compared to fully on-site construction. ( Source: Design in Modular Construction ) Figure 28 : Comparison of cost breakdown of site intensive and modular construction ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith ) Figure 29 : Elements of Modular Construction ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith ) Figure 30 : Degree of Prefabrication ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith ) Figure 31 : Elements of Modular Construction ( Source: Author ) Figure 32 : Componentized prefabrication ( Source: Google ) Figure 33 : Panel based prefabrication ( Source: Google ) Figure 34 : Module based prefabrication ( Source: Google ) Figure 35 : Room based modular units ( Source: Prefab Archiecture by Ryan Smith ) Figure 36 : Degree of Prefabrication and Modular Construction ( Source: Author ) Figure 37 : Sustainability triangle ( Source: Author ) Figure 38 : Prefabrication in India ( Source: Google ) Figure 39 : Prefabrication in India ( Source: Google )

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Figure 40 : Advantages of Modular Construction ( Source: Author ) Figure 41 : Nakagin Capsule Tower ( Source: Google ) Figure 42 : Block Model ( Source: Author ) Figure 43 : Typical Floor Plan ( Source: Author ) Figure 44 : Identifying Spatial & Modular Grids ( Source: Author ) Figure 45 : Identifying Structural Grid ( Source: Author ) Figure 46 : Plan of a Capsule Unit ( Source: Author ) Figure 47 : Axonometric Diagram ( Source: Author ) Figure 48 : Typical Capsule Unit ( Source: Author ) Figure 49 : Assembly of the structure ( Source: Author ) Figure 50 : Diagrams showing the possibility of Mass Customization ( Source: Issuu ) Figure 51 : Variety of spatial arrangements inside a capsule unit ( Source: Google ) Figure 52 : Centraal Beheer Building ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 53 : Block Model ( Source: Author ) Figure 54 : Elevation showing contrast with respect to materials ( Source: Google ) Figure 55 : Conceptual development of the units ( Source: Google ) Figure 56 : Typical floor plan showing the free flowing grid pattern ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 57 : Variations in the modular grid ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 58 : Section allowing for floor to floor interaction ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 59 : VM House ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 60 : Block Model ( Source: Author ) Figure 61 : Orientation of the buildings for maximum views ( Source: Author ) Figure 62 : Assembly of the modular units in the “V” building ( Source: Author ) Figure 63 : Exploded axonometric diagram of Unit M.3.1 ( Source: Author ) Figure 64 : Assembly of the modular units in the “M” building ( Source: Author ) Figure 65 : Elevation enabling modes of interaction ( Source: Author ) Figure 66 : Plan of the unit assembly ( Source: Author ) Figure 67 : View of the “M” building showing interaction at various levels( Source: Google ) Figure 68 : Habitat 67 by Moshe Saldie ( Source: Google ) Figure 69 : Block Model ( Source: Author ) Figure 70 : Assembly of the modules ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 71 : Vairation in the modules ( Source: Archdaily ) Figure 72 : Plan of a typical module ( Source: Google ) Figure 73 : Assembly of the units ( Source: Google ) Figure 74 : Section through the structure showing terraces given to each module ( Source: Google ) Figure 75 : View of the building ( Source: Google ) Figure 76 : Model of flexibilty ( Source: Author ) Figure 77 : Flexibilty diagram 1 ( Source: Author ) Figure 78 : Flexibilty diagram 2 ( Source: Author ) Figure 79 : Flexibilty diagram 3 ( Source: Author ) Figure 80 : Flexibilty diagram 4 ( Source: Author ) Figure 81 : Organization of structure ( Source: Author ) Figure 82 : Working of spatial script ( Source: Author )

Figure 83 : Working of modular script ( Source: Author ) Figure 84 : Working of structural script ( Source: Author ) Figure 85 : Map of Potential Sites in Mumbai ( Source: Author ) Figure 86 : Googel earth image of Fisherman Colony, Mahim West ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 87 : Context plan of Fisherman Colony, Mahim West ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 88 : Googel earth image of Government Colony, Bandra East ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 89 : Context plan of Government Colony, Bandra East ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 90 : Googel earth image of BDD Chawl, Worli ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 91 : Context plan of BDD Chawl, Worli ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 92 : Axonometric view of the site ( Source: Googel Maps ) Figure 93 : Existing site condition ( Source: Author ) Figure 94 : Road Network Mapping ( Source: Author ) Figure 95 : Landuse mapping ( Source: Author ) Figure 96 : Landmarks around the site ( Source: Author ) Figure 97 : Plan of a typical building in the site ( Source: Author ) Figure 98 : Axonometric view of the floor showing the assembly of different flats ( Source: Author ) Figure 99 : Density Diagram of a typical building ( Source: Author ) Figure 100 : Order and Chaos ( Source: Google ) Figure 101 : Complexity in the urban fabric ( Source: Author ) Figure 102 : Rhizome like organisation ( Source: Author ) Figure 103 : Degree of prefabrication ( Source: Author ) Figure 104 : Grids of Design ( Source: Author ) Figure 105 : Model of Flexibility ( Source: Author )

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6.5 References https://www.quora.com/How-can-order-and-chaos-exist-atthe-same-time

https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/how-prefabricationbenefits-the-construction-industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePwVPmynMV0&ab_ channel=TEDxTalks

https://www.dezeen.com/2021/07/16/nakagin-capsule-towerdismantled-news/

https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-chaostheory-10620

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/213287732323805153/ https://issuu.com/josesanchez010/docs/thesisprep_yl0110

https://www.jstor.org/stable/24976102 https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/modulararchitecture-is-back-is-it-better_o

[Differentiation Space ] A Pattern Language, Book by Christopher Alexander, Murray Silverstein, and Sara Ishikawa Elements of Architecture by Pierre von Meiss

https://99percentinvisible.org/article/modularity-modernhistory-modular-mass-housing-schemes/ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/08/here-s-howsmart-construction-could-transform-home-building-aftercovid-19/ https://www.thoughtco. com /w hat- is - m e tabolis m-inarchitecture-177292

A New Philosophy of Society Assemblage Theory And Social Complexity by Manuel Delanda A City Is Not a Tree, Book by Christopher Alexander Design in Modular Construction By Mark Lawson, Ray Ogden & Chris Goodier The Future of Modular Architecture by David Wallance

https://thethinkingarchitect.wordpress.com/2015/12/19/ nakagin-capsule-tower-revisiting-the-future-of-the-recent-past/

MODULAR FOR ARCHITECTS by HARRY WILLIAM PARKER

https://www.sensesatlas.com/territory/centraal-beheer-officebuilding-dutch-structuralism/ https://gosmartbricks.com/prefabricated-construction/ https://www.jpcullen.com/prefabrication-benefits/ https://www.britannica.com/technology/prefabrication https://blog.plangrid.com/2019/11/everything-need-knowprefabrication/ https://www.slideshare.net/KushAgarwal/prefabrication http://arccadigest.org/walter-gropius-and-prefab/ https://www.journeyofanarchitect.com/blog/1900s-kit-homesas-architecture-products https://abakusplace.blogspot.com/2018/07/photos-ofbrooklyn-in-1946.html?m=1 https://www.dwell.com/collection/demountable-structures44c9cb9b/ 6137398285616709632 https://features.japantimes.co.jp/nakagin-capsule-tower/ h t t p s : / / w w w. d i g i t a l b u i l d i n g . c o m / b l o g / t h e - d i g i t a l prefabrication-advantage

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