EVERY PIECE MATTERS
UNSW ARCH7111 - CAMBODIA STUDIO
Hayden Co’burn | z3377204
“To succumb to the enormity of the problem is to fail the one�
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CONTENT
Introduction Client Aim Project Brief Site Current Conditions & Issues Cambodian History/Politics/Culture Case Study Bridge/Displacement Key Priorities of the Families Further Reflection Climate Perception of Bamboo Response Through Analysis Structure of Ta Skor Village Street to Crop Sustainability through Systems Aquaculture:Fish Livestock:Goats Agriculture:Crops Bamboo Application & Systems Advantages of Bamboo over Timber Environmental Benefits of Bamboo Solution Through Synthesis Holistic Village Systems Masterplan Landforming/Plotting of the Site Staging Masterplan House Current House Model in Rural Cambodia Precedent:Convento House Precedent:Soe Ker Tie House
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Study Model Household Ergonomics Incremental Living Healthy Living Practices Healthy Living Functions Sleeping Cooking Eating Shower Toilet Waste Gardening/Working Frequency of Use Programattic Arrangement Floor Plans House Perspectives House Sections House Model Work Shed Overview Workshed Model: Operable Facade Goat Shed Overview Community Centre Community Centre Flexibility of Space Decentralise Stall Bud Bridge Video Collaborate Trip 2017 architecture sans frontieres Award 2017
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INTRODUCTION
Client RAW Impact (Raising Awareness Worldwide) is a not for profit organisation whose goal is to create lasting social impact in areas of the world which are extremely impoverished and face overwhelming issues of housing, sanitation and education.
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Aim The project named ‘Every Piece Matters’ targets those in dire situations in the outskirts of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The project aims to provide 113 of the poorest families in Ta Skor Village at risk of displacement through urban sprawl with an opportunity for a new life; not just a plot of land and a house, but a sustainable source of food production,
and therefore income. This project is an attempt to address the larger, usually unseen cause of problems that global communities face of breaking the cycle of poverty. Behaviours, perceptions and traditions must be observed and critically analysed, whilst being respectful and responsive to the cultural beliefs and norms of our clients.
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Project Brief Our project within Every Piece Matters concentrates on a scope of 15 families on a smaller site 4km east of Ta Skor Village (locally known as Gunty’s Island). This village is to be a prototype that explores the ideas of sustainable food production of fish, goats and crops, efficiency and innovation in energy/waste/water, and low-cost housing incorporating bamboo as a sustainable building material. This prototype will be constructed immediately with a completion date of late 2016, and these concepts will be tested and critically analysed for their implementation, adoption and success. These observations would then dictate the the approach of design on a larger site proximal to the smaller site, which will house around 100 families.
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PHNOM PENH
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Site The ‘Every Piece Matters’ (EPM) site acquired by RAW Impact is a modest plot of land which runs along a small creek that leads into an elbow of the Mekong Delta, and sits across from it is Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Ta Skor Village sits at this junction and is the closest community to the site, where most of the selected families currently reside. The adjacent properties are currently used for small agricultural plots. 9
CURRENT CONDITIONS & ISSUES
Cambodian History/Politics/Culture Cambodia has been marred by the movement of communism and the regime of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970’s, led by Pol Pot. It is still debated, but an expected 2.2 million Cambodians (one quarter of the population) lost their lives through the ‘cleansing’ of the nation whereby the enforced agrarian rule sought to do away with anyone in power or of any intellectual standing. Many were killed for simply having glasses or pale skin, as this notion of intellect threatened Pol Pot’s vision of Cambodia. As such, modern Cambodia is still struggling to rebuild many years on, emotionally and socioeconomically. Buddhism is centric to Cambodian life, with more than 90% of the entire population following its teachings. It determines their core values, morals and social structure. Their faith has allowed them to overcome overwhelming turmoil that has plagued their nation in previous years, and gives them assurance of their position in society. 10
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With a population of 15 million, the Cambodians life expectancy is 69.5 years. Young people (less than 35) represent around 70% of the population, reflecting a dependence on the youth to fill the workforce and anticipation of an aging population. Eight out of ten cambodians live in rural conditions. Cambodia had one of the best poverty reductions worldwide in recent years and the poverty rate was halved from 2004 (53%) to 2011 (20.5%). This is mainly due to the rising price of rice, increased rice production, greater access to farmers and markets, better access to market information, improved irrigation, and moving toward a liberal undistorted agricultural market. Although, there is still major concern as the 3 million sitting just 30c above the poverty line are very volatile to economic shift and could throw the poverty rate back up to 40%. Cambodia has advantageous regional placement, have a strong market for tourism and have deep water ports that should be utilised to stimulate and stabilise the economy.
Population pyramid showing a heavy band of younger Cambodians responsible for the rebuilding of the nation.
Case Study Saveth Chhean, a man born in rural Cambodia in 1977 during the reign of the Khmer Rouge Civil War explains some of the confronting issues with the current model of Cambodian life. Many of the people living in Cambodia are still struggling to recover from the war that crippled their core social structure, economy and living standards. Saveth identified his experience in reference to Maslow’s model of the ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. When Saveth was young, he took books to school but did not know how to learn. He did not have clean water and his toilet was just a cluster of palm leaves and pieces of wood. From this lack of hygiene, he was often sick for 1-2 months at a time because there was no good clinic that administered useful medicine. As a result, we would miss school for months. Even when well, he felt unsafe at school because he was always in fear of being hit or punished, and believes this is probably the case for about 70% of Cambodians. Ultimately, he felt that his physiological or safety needs were not met.
At 15, he finished ninth grade at school and returned to work for his family for 4 years in the rice fields, from 3am5pm daily. Eventually, Saveth was able to study as a monk in the monastery and was able to continue his learning. Through this, he developed a confidence which manifested in a new life in the city with a wife and children. However, through the death of his son and the mounting pressure of city life isolated from his family, he turned to alcohol and he began suffering in many aspects of his life. It was through returning to his village with his wife and children, that he was able to reconcile with his parents, brother, sister and friends. The value of community in a rural setting allowed the right environment to nurture healing and he was able to rebuild familial ties. Saveth now teaches courses related to media to children who are desperate for the right education and development, hoping that this will present them opportunities to break out from their cycle of poverty.
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Any person who, for no less than five (5) years prior to the promulgation of the Law, enjoyed peaceful, uncontested possession of immovable property that can lawfully be privately possessed, has the right to request a definitive title of ownership (Article 30).
Bridge/Displacement The purpose and catalyst of this project is the ongoing urban sprawl constantly expanding the influence of Phnom Penh. With plans to consume the opposing bank of the Mekong River, many villages that were at arm’s length from the issues of urbanisation are now at risk of complete redevelopment, connected by a bridge and ensuing highway. Any existing communities in these regions are brutely handled by relocating the families via trucks to remote regions in the countryside and demolishing entire villages.
URBAN DENSITY NOW
TOMORROW
Land ownership is a major concern throughout Cambodia, but especially in the communities at risk of relocation. During the war, many land ownership documents were burnt and destroyed, leaving many landless. After the war, Cambodians were given the choice of either a cash grant or a plot of land by the government in an act of repatriation. Of those, 88% chose the reintegration cash grant, seeing an immediate opportunity in a time of need. Furthermore, the legal system relating to ownership of land is convoluted and leaves the benefit of the doubt in favour of the government. These factors allow the government to pry the land from Cambodians, for development of lucrative infrastructural links and commercial hubs.
LAND SETTLEMENT
This feeling of displacement, landlessness and lack of CASHinGRANT ownership are key concerns that were addressed this project. 12
LAND SETTLEMENT CASH GRANT
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Key Priorities of the Families The database compiling the 100 families that are participating in ‘Every Piece Matters’ was a useful tool in understanding their individual issues and expectations that are essential to forming a empathetic response through planning and architecture. This database contained a
translated abstract of their current outlook, worries and hopes for the future. By trawling through this raw data, a number of priorities became clear that needed to be considered in the design in order to successfully deliver this project and ensure its success.
Education 31%
Money 88%
Employment 31%
Access 10%
Health 44%
Housing 51% 14
VENTILATED ROOF
Money
Health
Housing
Education
Employment
Access
88% of the families mentioned that they are poor, in debt or can’t afford things. The graphic shows that money is the largest priority among the families which is linked to all of the other issues and should become a primary focus in allowing the other priorities to be addressed.
57% of the families mentioned that they are living in unsafe or insufficient housing, or that their current house is overcrowded or ill-equipped.
51% of the families identify that their income cannot support their livelihood or are unemployed. This includes having limited access to employment opportunities due to distance, health or seasonal work cycle.
44% of the families are experiencing the pressure of illness, death, disease or injury directly inhibiting a family member.
31% of the families identify that their children are unable to attend school or can’t afford schooling. This also includes children who are forced to work rather than to attend school.
10% of the families don’t have access to employment opportunities, markets, health services or community spaces.
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Further Reflection
Reservations
The data extracted from the families also shed light on peripheral information that would further define the scope of the problem.
A few families have had their houses collapse due to river flooding, landslides, soil erosion and this has resulted in a few deaths within the community. This has caused a hesitation in building along river banks and any steep slopes in general.
Debt Cycle
Nuclear Family
Digging further down into the root of these issues, the most common challenge that almost all the families face is not just lack of money, but debt that has accumulated over time from lending firms, neighbours, family and friends. Most feel that it will be impossible to pay off and are in fear of loan sharks intimidating them. The debt is built through small amounts for reasons including acquiring livestock, agricultural equipment or house repair/building. These loans attract high interest and quickly spiral out of control. What this could imply is that although jobs and income may be an issue, family fund management is lacking and families may benefit from financial planning and guidance to ensure that they will not fall into the same problems down the track. A means of reliable sustainable income would ensure these families are able to establish a strong financial foundation from which to grow from.
Animals
Many of the families mentioned their hope of owning animals, some for companionship, others for food production and financial security. 16
The average family size is 4.43 members per household. However, the overall range of these family sizes span from 1 to 9, showing a large variation in family structure through the project. Beyond this, many families are currently or are expecting close family members to stay at their house for a short period of time, which is a custom within their culture to accommodate their in-laws and newlyweds from time to time.
Employment Distribution
About 50% of the current jobs lie within the fishing industry, while 20% work in the construction industry. The remaining 30% undertake jobs making small crafts, provide general assistance within the village or are simply unemployed. Therefore, it is unreasonable to assume that all the jobs will lie within the project site. However, since a large proportion of skillsets already include fish production/harvesting, these could be translated and appropriated across to the ‘Every Piece Matters’ project.
Disability
Some families struggle to look after disabled family members and feel that they are unable to sustain an income because most of their time is taken up caring for them.
Optimism
Most families have a positive outlook regarding the RAW Impact ‘Every Piece Matters’ project and are happy to be involved in any capacity, as they see this as an opportunity to overcome the issues that have kept them stuck in the cycle of poverty.
Bridging Opinions
Not every family is against the bridge that threatens to displace them. Some families are excited as it brings new prospects such as betters job opportunities and better access to healthcare. Some feel that the land they live on isn’t worth saving anyway. Others fear the bridge will create larger financial and social disparity within the community and are completely resisting its construction.
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Climate Cambodia is situated in the tropical zone, sitting approximately 10° above the equator. As such, it is warm to hot all year round and is dominated by the monsoon cycle, receiving up to 4000mm of annual rainfall in parts. The site belongs within the large regions of Cambodia that are subject to flooding for several months of the year, as it is close to sea level and being in close proximity to the Mekong Delta. The hot and humid environment throughout the year have sculpted the Cambodian lifestyle to reside in cool, shaded and well ventilated areas, whilst the concern of flooding has formed a custom of living on raised land or on stilts. These two factors play a crucial role in the vernacular architecture of the Cambodians, and these cues must be called upon to interpret an appropriate response for the project. 18
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Perception of Bamboo Bamboo has been used for centuries in traditional housing construction across the globe. Its rapid growth, ease of harvesting and remarkable strength made it an ideal material but lack of understanding of its limitations and how to protect it and apply it effectively in a construction system has given it a crippled perception of fast deterioration, with many societies labelling it ’poor man’s timber’. This stigma of bamboo has been perpetuated through time and has manifested as a symbol of low status, many too concerned of the reputation they may possess through its application. Through the last 20 years of research, design experimentation and development of application, a new perception of bamboo has arisen in the communities that are fortunate enough to have access to adequate technologies which aid in this exploration. However, the communities that are still developing in the global environment are still lagging in the contemporary adoption of bamboo, rather preferring western construction materials that are heavy in mass and do not respond to the climates requirements. The ‘Every Piece Matters’ project must address this incongruity, as it could hold the key to solving the confronting issues that Cambodians and other communities face.
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RESPONSE THROUGH ANALYSIS
Structure of Ta Skor Village Analysing the current structure of a village in close proximity to the site which the families originate from, can shed light on how spatial relationships and dynamics of planning may be translated to the ‘Every Piece Matters’ project to ensure a familiar environment. The main axes of Ta Skor village are developed through the arterial highway that runs east-west and a dock which feeds north into the village from the river bank. A resulting intersection of these axes develops focus on the religious centre of a Buddhist temple grounds, expressing the villages priorities. Most of the land used for more commercial and industrial purposes feed off the road leading from the dock. Residential plots feed off the main road utilising the streetfront opportunities for market stalls, and subarterial roads feed more residential allotments either side. The analysis shows an important relationship between residential and agricultural land, where houses usually offer a buffer or interface between the road and crops. This can imply that the crop is a ‘destinational’ space, which punctualises the end of a residential plot. 22
Religious Precinct Industrial/Commercial Agricultural Residential 23
Street to Crop Through observation of the current environment within which a rural Cambodian community operates, some crucial elements of spatial qualities arise which must be interpreted in order to deliver a project that is not an imposition, but something which is attuned towards their existing lifestyle. In plan, there is a heavy emphasis on the progression of space from street to agricultural plot. Uniquely, the incidence of housing and smaller installments of markets, stalls, huts, platforms and sheds develop informal courtyards whereby villagers congregate or weave through in order to reach the rear of their property. In a rural context, property boundaries are not delineated by solid walls or fences, but with lightly planted rows of palms and fronds. These allow an understanding of ownership, but more importantly invite the views and movement of neighbours and villagers beyond individual plots of land. This space is read as a whole, and it is common to move across multiple ‘boundaries’ in ones’ path from street to their destination. These installments provide communal gathering points of various activities, and are seen as a common good even though they may reside in a singular plot.
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The value of these spatial relationships are enhanced through exploring in section and perspective. Space is optimized by introducing planes that are raised at various heights from ground, implying a dialogue of movement and rest. Surveillance is informally addressed through the height of volume, whereby sentry-like positioning of raised houses provides the notion of omnipresence and security, further amplified by the play of shade as a veil of presence. At any given time, a space is formed by the surrounding volumes which visually close off a space. There is a constant coincidence of courtyards as one walks through a village, unintentionally spilling through a variety of purposed spaces in such a minimal distance. A sense of arrival or termination is concluded with the agricultural plot, whether it be rice fields, crops or a fish pond. 25
Sustainability through Systems One goal of RAW Impacts ‘Every Piece Matters’ project is to develop a new lifestyle incorporating various facets of a sustainable system, considering many individual aspects which must be addressed in their pragmatism and their ability to work in symbiosis, with a successful outcome.
Water
In this project, there was scope for a bored well which intends to tap into the water table which is approximately 30m below ground. However, with the last few years yielding a less than predictable climate, foresight of boring down to around 100m ensures that the village will have sufficient water supply in dry seasons. Water from the bore is going to be pumped via a submersible solar pump to a communal water tank where it will be held high enough to provide sufficient hydraulic pressure through gravity fed PVC piping to each aspect of the program. The intention is to provide each house with a simple water connection for their amenities. A similar pump will also ensure a flow of fresh water into the pond. Extra water collection may be possible through introduction of gutters to rooves of houses which lead to water tanks, a task that can be retrofitted by the families down the track. 26
In similar projects completed in Cambodia, RAW Impact had explored the technology of Biogas systems which turn excriment into clean gas suitable for cooking and electricity production. However, their feedback and response was that for the scale of this project, the amount of excriment being produced will not be sufficient to turnover enough gas for efficient use of the system. The system is ideally used in communities that have large bovine populations, and therefore the demand for excriment is managed. Since this is a small prototype site that is focusing on the dam, crop and goats, the Biogas system was deemed unsuitable.
Waste
into a septic tank or a compost tank, low cost sytems that are successfully implemented into the current conditions. Placement of these tanks above flood level is critical, as floods carrying waste can cause poisoning of argriculture, aquiculture, and provide very unsanitary conditions leading to illness within entire communities.
General waste in the village is to be addressed immediately. It should be seperated by recyclability and placed in secure storage bins that will not spill out and pollute the village. A member of the village will periodically collect this waste and drive to the appropriate waste sites for small financial The introduction of toilets and shower roses per household remuneration. This ensures sensible waste behaviours was a personal goal to improve the sanitation and dignity and provides employment for the village. of every family. The waste of these toilets was to go either
Energy
RAW Impact expressed interest of solar panels to generate electricity for the families. Their demands will not be great; enough energy to operate a fan, lights and possibly a television in each household. Although consideration must be taken, there is a suspicion that this aspect of the site may be implemented in stages. The initial cost of these panels are high, and it was discussed that it is first important to inhabit the site successfully before considering such costs. In the intermediary, the current local solution for energy production being a diesel generator shared amongst a community that charges car batteries for use within each home for around 2 hours of electricity will be sufficient. 27
Aquaculture:Fish
The introduction of a dam was a focal point of the project which creates the identity of a new village model that stands out from most current living situations in rural Cambodia. The purpose of this dam was to provide a place for the sustainable production (for consumption and sale) of fish, which is an essential component of the Cambodian diet. It is estimated that Cambodians consume around 53kg per person of fish a year in various forms, comprising 76% of their animal intake, 37% of their protein and iron intake and 28% of their fats intake. USAID is an aid organisation with a subdivision responsible for research of sustainable fishing systems. They developed the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) program for Cambodians to follow. Much of the information was relevant in the implementation of the fish farming element of the site to ensure its continued success. It was identified that a rectangular pond of 10mx50m = 500m2 was a sensible size for management and production, which suited the site well. The soil should be prepared by scattering lime powder at 10kg/100m2 which kills bacteria and any remaining weeds or insects. For the selected breed of catfish, a 3m depth was required with approximately 1:15 sloped bank consisting of clay, pebble and sand. It is ideal to replace around 30% of the water in the pond per month to ensure water quality, whilst maintaining a pH level around 7.8. Having a pH level below 7 reduces the growth rate of the fish, whilst having a pH level too high can kill them. There should not be excessive shade cast on the water, as the sun naturally provides UV cleansing of water. 28
The selection of hybrid catfish for harvesting was determined by its favourability as a food source by Cambodians. It was also chosen for its impressive growth rates, preference of feed and resilience to disease. A catfish can mature from a fingerling in 6 months, and is able to be produced all year round, whereas other popular breeds of fish such as silver carp and tilapia have periods when they cannot grow. The fingerlings should start at 6cm and should be purchased locally to ensure acclimatisation, releasing when the water is cool (around 9am). The amount of feed should be 5% of the total quantity of the catfish, consisting of a primary locally produced pellet feed and a supplemental feed (50% rice bran, 10% broken rice, 10% soya beans, 30% fish trash). The catfish should be fed twice a day at a set time and place every day to develop a routine for the fish to feed. The times should be around 9-10am in the morning and 4-5pm in the afternoon, as this is the cooler periods of the day where oxygen levels are highest in the water. Oversupply of feed can leave food to decompose and give off poisonous nitrate gases which can give the catfish ulcers. By understanding the duration of their development at 6 months, it is possible to optimise this cycle to ensure constant harvesting of fish all year round. Breaking up the fish into stages ensures that fish from the same batch feed and grow evenly and there is no risk of cannibalism. This partitioning of stages is preferred though netting, an easy way for the fisherman to manage periodically.
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Livestock:Goats
Cambodians in rural conditions depend on various animals for many aspects of their village life. Through previous trials of different animals, RAW Impact have found an animal that is perfect for harsh village conditions. Goats rarely die of disease, cost very little to feed, eat a wide range of food, breed often and commonly birth multiple offspring. They are relatively expensive in Cambodia and are strong sellers at market which is great for income generation. Goat produce such as milk, cheese, soap and yoghurt and are very popular among Cambodians, and also seek decent price. RAW Impact are planning to implement a previously successful ‘Goat Mentoring Program’ for the ‘Every Piece Matters’ project whereby they will initially provide a few female goats (costing $150 each) for a village. A male goat (costing $250) is shared between villages to allow goats to breed, and over time, a larger goat population develops. When a stable amount of goats is reached in a village, some goats are then passed on to the next village to continue this process. This means a consistent supply of goat produce, and eventually goats can be sold at market. This system strengthens the income stream and financial stability of the families living within and surrounding the
village, by producing enough for consumption and export. There is a future expectation of 60-70 goats living in the village eventually. Asian dairy goats (any mix of anglo-nubian and saanen breed) are selected for this project for their adaptation to village conditions, high yield of produce and rate of reproduction. The lifespan of these goats is around 10-12 years (bucks living shorter lives due to constant breeding), and are able to reproduce 6 months after birth at maturation. Gestation takes around 6 months and give birth to 1-3 offspring. A typical dairy goat lactation lasts around 300 days with an average of 2-3L of milk per doe, increasing to 3.5-4L at peak lactation. Goats sleep, rest, feed and get milked in a goat shed but should spend most of their day roaming outside in open land. They should be protected from flooding through raising the shed as a sanctuary. Their hooves must be clipped regularly, must be groomed, dewormed and vaccinated to ensure their health. Asian dairy goats eat a number of common foods, but to ensure quality development and produce, it is suggested that they eat cassava and maize, as this enriches their nutritional intake. 31
Agriculture:Crops
The project calls for the sufficient production of feed that supports the diet of the goats. Cassava and maize are able to be intercropped (alternating rows), to optimise the land and it is calculated that approximately 500m2 of land is a suitable allotment for the production of food. Surplus produce can also be consumed within the village and sold at market. Irrigation of the crop will be fed off the water being pumped up from the bore water well. Small vegetable patches are also envisioned for each house for personal use, and could include staples of their diet such as bok choi, eggplant, Chinese broccoli and morning glory. 32
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Bamboo Application & Systems One of the aims of the project was to re-evaluate bamboo as a building material. Therefore, it was necessary to establish performance indicators to ensure the successful implementation of the design in bamboo. From research and testing, it was important to address the issue that many fall under the spell of when involving bamboo. It is inherently good in its structural capacities, however, when exposed to moisture, it will deteriorate quickly and this compromises its strength. Therefore,
bamboo must not be conceived as this ‘hero’ material that has the ability to be applied throughout the entirety of a design, from structure, flooring, cladding, roofing and as part of a concrete aggregate. This is not understanding a material. Just as concrete, timber, steel and glass have their place in construction, so too does bamboo. It performs well and is comfortable as a structural system that has minimal exposure to rain or water. It must also be acknowledged that bamboo does inevitably deteriorate quicker than timber (unless excessively protected). To accommodate for this,
the structural system should be designed for dismantling and ease of replacement, which is acceptable as bamboo is much cheaper, quicker and more sustainable to produce. It is ideal to shield this bamboo with other cladding materials, both on walls and roof. When integrated into a system with other materials which are easily accessible to locals, bamboo becomes an exceptional team player in delivering an architectural product that us durable in such demanding climactic conditions.
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ABSENCE OF PERSONAL AGENDA
HAVING A GREATER PLACE IN SOCIETY THAN JUST CONSTRUCTION; SUSTAINABLE
CULTURALLY SENSITIVE
AFFORDABILITY
OWNERSHIP/ ADAPTABILITY
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TO ENSURE THE ADOPTION OF DESIGN IN BAMBOO
EASE AND ABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION BY LOCALS
PRECEDENTS OF SUCCESSFUL BAMBOO DESIGN
ABLE TO BE REPLICATED IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS/SITES
STRONG
DURABLE
RESPONDS TO CLIMACTIC DEMANDS
NOT USING AS A ‘HERO’ MATERIAL, BUT IN SYSTEM 35
Advantages of Bamboo over Timber In the focus of this project, it was necessary to explore the benefits of bamboo over the traditional construction material for houses in Cambodia being timber. This goes beyond just economic reasons, as this project intended to open up a discussion that favoured the integration of bamboo on modern construction of Cambodian houses and establishes a new perception that bamboo is a much more sustainable material for the future.
Bamboo matures in approximately 3 years where traditional hardwoods can take from 20 to 50 or more years to mature. This means there is less time spent waiting for growth. Studies have also shown that in an acre of bamboo and an acre of traditional hardwood forest, the bamboo forest produces more useable product.
Bamboo is self-propagating, and requires less initial planting cost than trees. (Widenoja 2007) Soil is not exposed to Cambodia has one of the highest rates of deforestation in erosion after harvesting bamboo as the rhizome mat (root the world, third only to Nigeria and Vietnam. Cambodias’ system) is retained in ground; unlike timber. forest cover fell dramatically from over 70% in 1970 to just 3.1% in 2007. Cambodia is at the centre of a large Bamboo releases 12 tonnes of oxygen per hectare - up to illegal logging enterprise driving their rarest tree species 35% more oxygen from CO2 than trees. to the brink of extinction with the collusion of government It is lighter due to its hollow structure and can be harvested and military officials. This unethical harvesting and trade with more traditional hand tools than hardwoods which of timber begs the exploration of alternative sustainable require power tools and heavy machinery (less fossil fuels). resources, and bamboo sits front and centre of the worlds’ The transportation of bamboo therefore also demands less stage as a viable answer. energy. 36
Environmental Benefits of Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable cropping system for sloping lands, as its rhizome mat system can grow on inclines and secures sediment, reducing soil erosion and is suitable for recovery of degraded lands. Bamboo has the capacity to soak up large amounts of wastewater - ideal for cleansing waste-water/ greywater treatment areas. It mitigates water pollution due to its high nitrogen consumption.
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Solution through Synthesis
Cambodians have a fairly unconvinced opinion of bamboo because of its limited durability when unprotected, and the deeply rooted societal associations of status being a ‘poor man’s timber’. A possible approach to strengthen the reputation of bamboo within communities is to bring it into a relevant scenario that is threatening their current environment, and presenting it as a suitable solution. C02 emissions are the main contributor towards global warming, a phenomenon that has undoubtedly caused the largest shift in climate change in the existence of modern society. The unprecedented growth in frequency of natural disasters such as floods and droughts have caused devastating effects throughout the environment (both built and natural), economies and entire societies. In Cambodia, the agriculture sector has faced enormous challenges relating to weather fluctuations regarding their yield, produce quality and harvesting frequency. The article by Emily Wight overleaf lists a number of theories by environmental academics and locals that put the blame on the deforestation and the rising carbon emissions. Interestingly, the encouraging statistics of bamboo’s minimal environmental impact address these issues and could present a solution that could see it becoming a national and global response, causing a societal shift in perception.
= A COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL UNCONVINCED BY BENEFITS OF BAMBOO BAMBOO
INCREASING CO2 LEVELS CAUSING FLUCTUATING CLIMATE
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SYNTHESIS
Number of Natural Disasters 1980-2016
1000 800 600 400 200
1980 Number of Natural Disasters 1980-2016 38
2016
Droughts, flooding, disease: the reality of a Cambodia that has been hit by climate change
Chhinh Nyda is a lecturer in environmental studies at the Royal services.”
Fri, 11 April 2014
University of Phnom Penh, where he specialises in drought
Emily Wight - Phnom Penh Post
vulnerability in rural Cambodia. He wrote in an email earlier this week There are a variety of health dangers linked to flooding, such as
value for the children, then they have to spend money on health
that due to climate change, the rainy periods are going to be shorter, water-borne diseases like diarrheoa and cholera, and mosquito-borne
Disruption of typical weather patterns. Scorching drought interrupted by erratic rainfall. Water shortages and then, suddenly, a deluge of flooding. Poor crop yields; an increase in food prices; dreadful hunger. This is the future Cambodia is facing as climate change takes its toll – and farmers are already feeling the effects, experts have warned. In Banteay Meanchey province, the floods of last year’s rainy season cost Prak Savay his entire rice paddy. Before the downpours, he had 5.5 hectares of land in which he had invested $500. Afterwards, he was forced to sell what remained for $250. Before last year, the 34-year-old father-of-two was able to farm in both dry and rainy seasons for ten years. But now, he can only afford to plant rice during the rainy season. “I am a farmer so I am dependent only on farming, but my land gets worse and worse every year,” he said. Savay’s situation is far from isolated. Extreme weather patterns pose a threat to food security all over the world, according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability, published last week. The study said that increases in global crop yields needed to sustain a growing population have slowed over the past 40 years. They are likely to keep declining at rates of up to two per cent a decade. Cambodia, where 90 per cent of the country’s poor live in rural areas, according to the World Bank’s latest figures, will be among the hardest hit.
and more rainfall will be concentrated during the rainy period.
diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Sou added that respiratory problems have been linked with drought conditions, saying: “When
He added that there will be more rainfall in late July and September, the temperature increases, some people find it very hard to breathe.” and that August will see a longer, drier period. There will then be less When it comes to cause and effect, Cambodia’s farmers tend to rainfall in late November, he added, saying: “Farmers who depend on think on a local level. Am Earn, also a farmer in Banteay Meancheay rain-fed farming to grow their crops are going to face more disasters, province, said: “My wife and I don’t understand much about climate especially floods and drought.”
change, but we think flooding and drought are the result of forest destruction.”
Rice production is expected to decline, leading to the migration of farmers to seek work in urban areas. Increased pressure will be put The 48-year-old father of six has three hectares of land where he on urban infrastructure; diseases such diarrhoea, dengue fever and grows and farms rice, cassava, corn and soybeans. But he said that malaria will be more common with increased flooding; food prices both flooding and droughts have destroyed his crops, adding: “My will escalate; malnutrition will be rife.
family has not had enough food to eat because of the floods and
Socheath Sou, co-ordinator at the Cambodia Climate Change Network droughts in the past few years.” (CCCN), a membership organisation for groups and individuals with an interest in the field, said that his members have reported a 30 per Thangadurai said that this line of thinking – linking the rise in extreme cent decline in rice yields over the past 10 years. This has led to a rise weather patterns with deforestation rather than global carbon in people migrating to the capital to look for work.
emissions – is common. It’s something tangible that farmers can get
“Phnom Penh is really crowded now compared to 10 years ago. And their heads around, he said. that causes problems for the city: health problems, infrastructure problems, education problems, security, safety,” he said.
He continued: “If you ask the communities if it’s climate change that’s impacting them, they might not understand, but they know about
Sharon Thangadurai, Oxfam’s associate country director, listed how weather affects the crop yields, and they link it with the massive Battambang, Svay Rieng, Prey Vieng, Kampong Thom, Kampong deforestation that is happening here.” Chhnang and Pursat as particularly vulnerable to erratic rainfall. Small producers and farmers are affected the most, he continued, because This makes sense: whatever the levels of carbon emitted on a they have less land to fall back on. A decrease in food production global scale, in Cambodia, deforestation exacerbates the situation. leads to a rise in food prices. “Food security is a major issue,” he said, According to a study published last autumn in the journal Science, the speaking from Oxfam’s office near Toul Kork last week.
country has lost seven per cent of its forest coverage over the past 12 years, a rate which is the fifth fastest in the world.
A lack of food also presents an increased risk of malnutrition. Thangadurai continued: “If you’re not eating quality food, that’s impacting the family’s health. There’s not enough food with nutritional 39
Holistic Village Systems An important factor of this project was to understand and communicate the village as a cyclical system which works in networks to achieve a variety of beneficial outcomes for the families and community. This goes beyond the traditional concept of architecture as a building, but as a mechanism that provides a certain quality of life.
The Goats
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
GOATSHED
GOAT MILK
GOAT MILK
INCOME
SAVINGS
BAMBOO
WORKSHED
HOUSING
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
GOATSHED
GOAT MILK
GOAT MILK
INCOME
SAVINGS
BAMBOO
WORKSHED
HOUSING
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
AGRICULTURE
REPRODUCTION
AGRICULTURE
REPRODUCTION
The Fish
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
DAM FISH FARM DAM FISH FARM
COOKING
COMPOST
FERTILISER
HYDROPONICS
COOKING
COMPOST
FERTILISER
HYDROPONICS
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
REPRODUCTION REPRODUCTION
40
HYDROPONICS VEGGIE GARDEN HYDROPONICS VEGGIE GARDEN
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
The Workshed
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
WORKSHED
HOUSING
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
WORKSHED
HOUSING
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
HYDROPONICS
CONSUME
HYDROPONICS
CONSUME COMPOST
FERTILISER
COMPOST
FERTILISER
Access
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
TRANSPORT
MARKET
INCOME
SCOOTER
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
TRANSPORT
MARKET
INCOME
SCOOTER
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
41
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
Community Centre
CROWD FUNDING
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY CENTRE
KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
VILLAGE SYSTEM
@A1
DRAFT 5 - PAGE1
Sustainable Resources
NATURE
SOLAR
ELECTRICITY
LIGHTING
EDUCATION
OUTDOOR NIGHT-LIFE
TECHNOLOGY & ENTERTAINMENT
BATTERY STORAGE
NEW BATTERY
FERTILISER
42
KNOWLEDGE INSPIRATION MOTIVATION
EMPLOYMENT
INCOME
SAVINGS
DEBT-FREE
LAND OWNERSHIP
BATTERY STORAGE
NEW BATTERY
TECHNOLOGY & ENTERTAINMENT FERTILISER
BATTERY STORAGE
Waste Management
NEW BATTERY
FERTILISER
NATURE
SOLAR
ELECTRICITY
COOKING
HUMAN WASTE
COMPOST
FERTILISER
HYDROPONICS
ORGANIC WASTE
NATURE
SOLAR
ELECTRICITY
COOKING
HUMAN WASTE
COMPOST
FERTILISER
HYDROPONICS
ORGANIC WASTE
NATURE
SOLAR
BORED WELL & WATER PUMP
STORAGE
TREATMENT
RAIN
RAINWATER STORAGE
SEDIMENTATION
CLEANING
Water
NATURE
SOLAR
BORED WELL & WATER PUMP
STORAGE
POTABLE WATER STORAGE
TREATMENT
POTABLE WATER STORAGE
OUTLETS
OUTLETS
COOKING & DRINKING
COOKING & DRINKING
IRRIGATION
RAIN
RAINWATER STORAGE
SEDIMENTATION
CLEANING TOILET IRRIGATION
IRRIGATION
TOILET IRRIGATION
43
MASTERPLAN Landforming and Plotting of the Site The site lends itself to many opportunities through understanding of the constraints and requests of the project. It was first essential to identify the 3 aspects of the program which the project hosts; a space for housing, a series of pavilions which offer themselves to the whole community, and an agriculture plot for food production. These spaces inherently instill certain notions of the space they desire. The staging of the site drives these concepts; • The progression of density • The value of personal space • The perception of security • The notion of community • The shifting interaction with the street
44
The site starts wide and tapers as it comes across the street. The land also settles as the site narrows.
HOUSI
NG
COMM
UNAL
AGRIC U
LTURE
45
Staging
HOUSI
NG
COMM
UNAL
AGRIC U
Housing
Communal
The widest part of the site was selected for housing as it provides opportunity for the densest allocation of program.
Public access peels off the main road and feeds into the communal elements of the site.
A dam of 50mx10m is excavated from the middle, allowing housing to surround the dam for security.
A communal forecourt provides a pivoting axis for residents feeding into the housing.
Two berms are built up 1.5m either side of the dam to provide the foundations for the strips of housing above of the flood zone.
The remaining flared band provides the transitional buffer between housing and crops, and define the positioning of the communal pavilions.
The housing strips are subdivided evenly to outline the plots of land for each family.
46
LTURE
HOUSI
NG
HOUSI
NG
COMM
UNAL
AGRIC U
LTURE
COMM
UNAL
AGRIC U
LTURE
Agriculture
Already the flattest part of the site, this area lends itself to the agricultural demands of the site
Plotting intercropping rows of cassava and maize optimise the arable land.
47
Masterplan The houses’ staggered offset from the road provide moments to break through the street axis and feed into the site. A road access to the west of the site provides vehicular access to the dam, as a means of transporting the grown fish. This access path also feeds into the bore water well and water tank for maintenance. The dam is separated into four partitions to encourage the sustainable harvesting of fish throughout the year, as each partition delineates a stage in the life of the fish. 3 bridges provide access across the dam and reinforce its staging. A public forecourt peels off the road and leads into the workshed, for vehicles to load and unload heav/large building materials. The goat shed is kept away from the housing to ensure no unpleasant smells or waste causes issues. The crops sit on the flattest part of the site to the north-east. 48
17 1
6 12 2
5
13 14
16 15
10 9
3 11
4
8
7
Masterplan 1:500
EVERY PIECE MATTERS UNSW Cambodia Slum Relocation Project Hayden Co’burn | z3377204
1 TA SKOR VILLAGE 2 VEHICLE ACCESS TO DAM 3 BORE WATER WELL 4 COMMUNITY BUD
5 COMMUNITY STALL 6 NEIGHBOURING CROPS 7 MATURE FISH PARTITION 8 GROWING FISH PARTITION 9 YOUNG FISH PARTITION 10 FINGERLING PARTITION
11 COMMUNITY BRIDGE 12 PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO SITE 13 VEHICULAR ACCESS TO SITE 14 WORKSHED 15 GOATSHED 49 16 CROPS
HOUSE
Current house model in rural Cambodia The Rural Khmer House distills the necessities of life in the Cambodian countryside. The spatial relationships within and beyond the walls reflect climactic response and cultural use of space. These aspects were analysed and successful elements were extracted, interpreted and implemented in a contemporary sense. In flood prone regions , houses are raised up from the ground by timber stilts to ensure the internal living space does not get wet. The resulting space beneath provides storage or opportunity for comfortable living and resting as it is the most well ventilated and shaded area making it the coolest part of the house in an otherwise hot and humid environment.
of heavy rainfall, whilst providing the maximum amount of shade beyond the external walls of the house which keeps the walls (and therefore interior) cool. This also provides potential living and working spaces beyond its footprint. The change in pitches introduce air pressure differentials into the house, and promote the extraction of hot air towards the steeper central pitch, where it can be replaced by a small gap circulating cooler air in the junction of the roof pitches.
Internal arrangement of the Khmer house is quite simple and open, requiring minimal walls to ensure maximum circulation of air. Access through an entry staircase feeds into an open plan house with a kitchen under a lower roof usually abutting an external wall with large openings to exhaust air from the cooking stove. Food preparation and eating is usually undertaken on a low table, which can be moved to make more space. Sleeping arrangements are basic, with family members sleeping on thin mats Cladding materials with low thermal mass are ideal for or mattresses. Khmer tradition dictates that unmarried shedding heat from the house quickly. Locals use palm daughters should sleep the furthest away from the entry, as fronds, bamboo weave, thatching or lightweight timber a means of protection from any potential danger. for walls and rooves with various levels of success but the The two different pitches of the roof reflect its dual lifespans of these applications are usually limited due to the purposes of shedding rain as quickly as possible in periods harsh sun, beating winds and downpour of rain.
50
Education 31%
Money 88%
Employment 31%
Access 10%
Health 44%
Housing 51%
VENTILATED ROOF SPACE HELPS TO COOL THE HOUSE
ATTAP ROOFING OF LOW THERMAL CAPACITY GIVES GOOD INSULATION AGAINST HEAT
LARGE ROOF EAVES FOR EFFECTIVE SUNSHADING FULLY OPENABLE WINDOWS ALLOW VENTILATION AT BODY LEVEL
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION USING LOW THERMAL CAPACITY MATERIALS KEEPS HOUSE
STILTED HOUSE CATCHES WINDS OF HIGHER VELOCITY
51
Precedent: Convento House The project is located in Convento (Chone), a rural area in the Ecuadorian coast where the presence of large forest of bamboo, a small creek running in front of the field and two rainforest mountains became the perfect scenario to be potentiated through the project and generate the required relation between the owners and the landscape.
members were trained in order to collaborate and also applied their empirical knowledge in construction. Similarly to the Cambodian project, there was a large distance between the architect and project site. This required practical and clear language in the construction process; which was achieved through a combination of models, expoloded axonometrics and sketches. The Convento The Convento House draws a number of parallels with the House is an example of engaging an unskilled community to ‘Every Piece Matters’ project, including the use of local produce a functioning bamboo dwelling. bamboo and treatment of the material in situ. The family 52
The Convento House faces challenges within a tropical environment, such as extreme flooding and sweltering heat. The design incorporates operable windows, a breathable facade and considerable eaves as a response to the climactic conditions and communities needs. The Convento House utilises a number of split levels that create comfortable and amenable spaces in varied temperatures throughout the year. The design is raised to not only avoid floods, but to allow the circulation of cool winds to remove the excess heat in summer. The bamboo structure is complimented with locally sourced timber to create a structural system befitting of the conditions of the region. Bamboo was also utilised in the landscaping, to provide berms that restrict soil erosion. 53
Precedent: Soe Ker Tie House The Soe Ker Tie (or Butterfly) Houses by TYIN tegnestue Architects provide sanctum for orphaned children in Thailand. This design reflects the rigorous analysis of space in relation to the human scale. Sculpted for children, the overlapping sleeping platforms encourage the economy of volume through height. It is a relatively compact design that implements outward tapering walls to minimise the exposure to rain. The patches of bamboo cladding encourage playful behavior, and deliberate perforations in the faรงade provide opportunity for children to interact with others outside.
54
55
Study Model The Soe Ker Tie (or Butterfly) Houses by TYIN tegnestue Architects provide sanctum for orphaned children in Thailand. This design reflects the rigorous analysis of space in relation to the human scale. Sculpted for children, the overlapping sleeping platforms encourage the economy of volume through height. It is a relatively compact design that implements outward tapering walls to minimise the exposure to rain. The patches of bamboo cladding encourage playful behavior, and deliberate perforations in the faรงade provide opportunity for children to interact with others outside.
56
Household Ergonomics Sketches exploring the value of space in relation to the human scale. 57
Incremental Living Alejandro Aravena of Elemental architecture explores the issues of poverty and social housing through the power of synthesis in design. He expresses that the more complex the problem, the greater the need for simplicity. Addressing the concern of available space contrasting to the desirable size of a family home, incremental living dictates the progression of inhabitation.Instead of building a small home which is incapable of expansion, the concept is to build half of a good home, which leaves room for expansion and personal fitout in the future when the families are able to afford it. This concept was translated to the design of the houses, where the resulting undercroft of space beneath the house can be perceieved not as empty, but as a space ready to be customised to suit each individual family. This activation of the ground plane improves the sense of ownership and empowerment within the community, which can prove crucial in the improvement of lives in poverty.
58
The ideal home in a good market
A smaller home in a bad market
Half of an ideal home
Rotated through 90° providing flexible space
59
60
Healthy Living Practices Paul Pholeros, founder of HealthHabitat encountered a challenge when addressing the poverty for the rural Indigenous communities through central Australia. His approach was to first empathise and understand the scope of the problem, by thoroughly identifying the threatening health problems that keep those in poverty. This research dictated the slight but impactful changes to aspects of daily life that would improve their living standards and life expectancy. These Healthy Living Practices were developed with the community, not telling them what was going to happen. Through the success of this approach, it was acknowledged that people were not the problem in poverty, but poor living conditions and poor housing. This approach was translated to the “Every Piece Matters’ project to ensure a thorough understanding of the problems and how they can be addressed in the architecture of the house.
Basic Living Functions
Spatial Demands
Considerations
Sleep
Parents + Sons Daughters
Eat
Kitchen Dining Waste Storage Vegetable Garden Toilet Shower Sink Wash Clothes Waste Workspace Storage Interface w/Community
Bedding Ergonomics Privacy Insects Ergonomics Food Preparation Energy Water Source Ventilation Plumbing Hygiene Water Source
Clean
Work
The program of the house was first identified, with spatial demands along with their accompanying considerations;
Relax
Open Space Furniture Hammock Shrine/Pray Entertainment/ T.V
Communication Electricity Security Ergonomics Shade Safety Ergonomics Shade Electricity
61
Healthy Living Functions The daily living functions of the Cambodians were analysed and certain aspects of these tasks were identified as unhealthy, whether through incorrect ergonomics, unhygienic practice, or simply because of insufficient domestic provisions. Care was taken in understanding why these actions were taken out as they are; whether they were derived from cultural beliefs or because no other option was presented. For example, eating on the floor may appear to be the result of lacking furniture however it is understood that it is a cultural norm for Cambodians to sit close to the floor and squatting is a position that by western standards is uncomfortable, but is preferred in most Asian countries.
Sleeping
The common practice for sleeping in Cambodia is on a thin mat made of rattan weave or cloth. This provides little support, but is used as a barrier to stop them from sleeping on the same ground that they walk on (their feet are seen as the ‘unholy’ and unclean part of their body). By raising their sleeping position off the ground, with something even as simple as a thin mattress, they are being provided with much more support for their posture, and this gives more distance between the floor, which can harbour germs, dirt and disease.
An adjusted approach to these daily tasks are then drawn in plan and elevation, to volumetrically quantify the demands of each of these daily living functions. It must be noted that the ergonomics in relation to the average human scale differs when comparing an Australian to a Cambodian. The average height (averaging both sexes) of Australians are 168.7cm, whilst Cambodians are only 157.3cm. This difference of nearly 12cm played an integral role in the mapping of spaces that are designed for the families.
Plan & Section of healthy practice 62
Plan & Section of healthy practice
Cooking
Cooking in rural Cambodia is quite basic. Their woodfire stoves produce harmful smoke which is not properly exhausted from the kitchen. This smoke can cause breathing problems and cooking so close to the floor is unhygenic as dirt can be blown into the food being prepared. The posture of cooking on the ground, although ingrained into their culture, has proven to develop lower back pains over long time. By lifting the working surface to a correct working height for Cambodians (800mm as they are a smaller build), providing adequate ventilation, cooking on a gas stove, and ntroducing a basin for hygenic practice, improvements upon the health may be seen. 63
Eating
Cambodians are comfortable kneeling or squatting on the ground for daily activities, as this has been ingrained in their culture. For shorter tasks, it seems unneccessary to introduce a new method of eating, but rather ensure comfort and ergonomic correctness in this practice. Ensure that the table is not to large for accessing food, as Cambodians eat from many smaller dishes spread out on a table, rather than one plate. This sharing of dishes can introduce strains on the lower pack if outstretched, so the table must be designed for human proportions. Smaller tables that can be added on for differing sizes of families (or if guests are invited over) allows for flexibilty of space.
Plan & Section of healthy practice 64
Plan & Section of healthy practice
Showering
The contemporary concepts of hygiene are still uncommon in Cambodia, especially in more rural areas. Many do not shower frequently or thoroughly enough to remain healthy. Most will stand out in the open and use any ‘clean’ water they have in a bucket and pour it over themselves, sometimes using a sponge or washcloth. With this project, introduction of fresh water from a well provides clean water that can be pumped through a shower rose in a fairly private enclosure to allow families to thorougly wash themselves more frequently. 65
Plan & Section of healthy practice
Toilet
The issue of hygenic removal bodily waste is a major concern in undeveloped regions across the world, as it is commonly just left in open or insufficiently unsealed pits. This breeds bacteria and infectious deseases that can quickly spread throughout entire villages. Even more risk is encountered when considering water. Many latrine pits are left near the only sources of water and can contaminate the villages only drinkable water. Flooding can alo bring this waste out of pits and spread quickly, meaning crops, animals and water bodies can become highly contaminated. By implementing safe waste systems such as a compost or septic tank that is raised out of the flood zone, we are removing the associated risks. By enclosing toilets in a washroom, privacy and therefore dignity is given to these families. The squatting position is natural for them and has been reported to improve bowel movements and reduce the risk of bowel related issues (such as bowel cancer), so this has been carried over. 66
Waste
The sensible removal of waste is largely ignored in Cambodia, as there are no national systems in place to encourage recycling. In a village scale, waste is usually dumped on the streets or any unused space, where it sits and can breed disease, insects and vermin. Most plastics will not degrade for hundreds of years. If the village is lucky enough, a family member will gather this rubbish and transport it to the local dump for next to nothing, where it is scavenged by locals for anything worth reselling. The burning of waste can cause damaging effects to humans and the environment, but is used in some parts as the only means of removal. The introduction of not only a wastebin, but a community wide approach to removal of waste, can encourage healthy living habits. Comingled recycling within the village can mean some value of waste to recycling plants on the fringe of the city.
Plan & Section of healthy practice 67
Gardening/Working
Bending the back for long periods of time can lead to chronic back pains and can leave Cambodians out of work for months. Encouraging safe practice at work will ensure fewer health risks and a much more consistent flow of income.
Plan & Section of healthy practice 68
Frequency of Use
These spaces were analyised for their use throughout the day, as this can determine its proximity to entry to optimise space and reduce circulation paths.
PLACE TO SLEEP
RAISED FROM GROUND FOR FLOOD; OPPORTUNITY FOR SPACE UNDERNEATH
PLACE TO EAT AND PREPARE FOOD
RESPONDS TO CLIMATE (RAIN/SUN/FLOOD)
PROVIDES MORE THAN WHAT THEY HAVE AT THE MOMENT HOUSING NEEDS
PLACE TO WASH AND USE TOILET
SECURITY/SAFETY
EASY TO BUILD/EXPAND OVER TIME
OPPORTUNITY TO PERSONALISE AND MODIFY TO PROVIDE SENSE OF OWNERSHIP/EMPOWERMENT
POSSIBLE STREET FRONTAGE
Space
Frequency of P r i o r i t y Use (per day) ( V e r t i c a l Allocation)
Kitchen
4-5
1
Dining
4-5
1
Vegetable Patch
1-2
Ground
Waste Bin
5+
Ground
Parents’ Bed
1
2
Childrens’ Bed
1
2
Toilet
3-4
1
Shower
1-2
1
Workspace
5+
Ground 69
Programmatic Arrangement
1. Volumes categorised by their basic living function.
2. Volumes prioritised by their demand for water, as this 3. Volumes grouped by their need to be under shelter or if encourages the economical provision of services. they are able to be in a transitional space.
Progression
7. The volumes are consolidated to a new definition of living space.
8. Structure is implemented in a grid arrangement.
9. Platform introduced for access.
10. Stair leading to first platform.
10a. Test sleeping volume stacked above washroom. 70
11. Stairs to second platform for circulation.
X
11a. Not ideal to introduce space above washroom for hygiene considerations.
4. To encourage economy of space, the living space is able to 5. The volumes are arranged vertically, corresponding to 6. These volumes are brought together to produce a tight hold some of the sleeping demands. their frequency of usage in a day. arrangement, considering a small footprint.
Roof Form Experimentation
71
METAL SHEET PANEL ROOFING THATCHED ROOF INSULATION 80 DIAMETER BAMBOO ROOF JOISTS
1
80 DIAMETER BAMBOO ROOF STRUTS
2 FIXTURES/ SYSTEMS
4 OPERABLE WINDOWS & DOORS
WALL CLADDING
1 BAMBOO WALL STRUCTURE
Ground Level 1 ENTRY STAIRS 2 SEPTIC TANK 3 HAMMOCK 4 RESPONSIVE LIFESTYLE SPACE
STAIRWAYS
TIMBER FLOORBOARDS
80 DIAMETER BAMBOO FLOOR JOISTS 80 DIAMETER BAMBOO FLOOR BEARERS
4X 80 DIAMETER BAMBOO COLUMNS 80X80 TIMBER POST CONCRETE FOOTING
72
Floor Plans The house reflects the daily living needs of the Cambodian, entry porch or from the rear directly to the kitchen. whilst allowing for flexible future occupation of space depending on their lifestyle and working needs. The washroom includes a toilet and shower rose to encourage hygienic practices. The staircase provides a The ground plan is open in all directions, encouraging visual and spatial fissure between the washroom and living circulation flow throughout the site. The undercroft can be quarters of the house, to gently introduce hygienic practices modified to suit lifestyle, with provision of columns on grids but not overwhelming the families with programmatic to allow for structural additions. A septic tank is enclosed density. in metal sheeting, which can be accessed and maintained periodically. Two staircases provide access to the front
10 9
6
11 7
8 12
5
First Level 5 ENTRY PORCH 6 WASHROOM 7 STAIRS/STORAGE 8 LIVING SPACE 9 KITCHEN
A living and eating space combines with the kitchen at a slightly lower level to read as a larger volume. Structure feeds off the stair to provide shelving and storage for the living space, enough for them to keep a television or a shrine to buddha.
Second Level 10 SLEEPING/STORAGE 11 STORAGE/PARTITION 12 SLEEPING
The upstairs sleeping spaces are open to maximise airflow, and a storage shelf doubles as a privacy screen between the parents and the children depending on its level of occupation.
allow air flow throughout the house and remove any buildup of heat throughout the day. These openings are also covered by large overhangs that allow these openings even during periods of heavy downpour, as Cambodia experiences its hottest season in its wettest months.
There is a constant changing of levels within a small program The kitchen provides amenities that encourage safe and that delineates changing use of space, and the explores the helathy living practices. A tap with clean running water for vertical axis to optimise spaces. washing food and produce runs into a basin, while a gas cooktop burns cleaner smoke for helathier breathing. The majority of the facade os operable and breathable to 73
House Perspectives
Rear entry
Roof planes 74
Facing the dam
Front entry
Relationship with street
Front entry and flexible living space
Interior staircase
Living and kitchen
Sleeping quarters 75
House Sections STANDING SEAM TIN SHEET ROOFING THATCHED INSULATION 80DIA BAMBOO ROOF BATTENS BAMBOO WEAVE AWNING HINGE FLAP
11
10
EXTERIOR TIMBER BOARDS
9
80X140 HARDWOOD BEAM TIN SHEET DOUBLE HINGE FLAP
8 7 6
4
3 1
2 5
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EVERY PIECE MATTERS
House Section 1:40
UNSW Cambodia Slum Relocation Project Hayden Co’burn | z3377204
1 STREET 2 HOUSE ENTRY 3 UNDERCROFT 4 UNDERCROFT STORAGE 5 VILLAGE
0
.5
SCALE 1:20
1
2
4m
2
6 LIVING/EATING 7 KITCHEN 8 STAIR/STORAGE 9 SLEEPING QUARTERS 10 STORAGE 11 SLEEPING QUARTERS
3
3
8
7
5 6
4
3 1 2
EVERY PIECE MATTERS
House Section 1:40
UNSW Cambodia Slum Relocation Project Hayden Co’burn | z3377204
1 UNDERCROFT 2 VEGETABLE PATCH 3 SEPTIC TANK 4 UNDERCROFT STORAGE 5 WAShROOM
0
.5
SCALE 1:20
1
2
4m
6 KITCHEN/LIVING 7 STAIRS 8 SLEEPING QUARTERS
77
House Model The house is designed to maximise the cross-directional winds throughout the day, even during heavy rainfall. The large overhangs protect the openings and the structure from rain, and spread a wide canopy for shading the living spaces within, below and surrounding. The house separates the living and washroom visually through varying volumes, but also through a central staircase which is introduced between the central column grid. Bamboo was drawn on to express its strength and potential for vertical stacking, and its tapering height pronounces a celebration of its characteristics.
78
Site Models The site models explore the various aspects that define it. The plywood model was a basis for producing the vacuum-formed models which delved into the hydraulics of the creek and dam at rest and at periods of high rianfall. An introduction of inlet and outlet gullies in the second vacuum formed modle show a consideration for the overflow of the dam, whic is inevitable. 79
WORK SHED The workshed is to be the first building constructed on site, and will provide storage and space to construct the rest of the site. Its internal space demanded to be free of internal columns or structure that would otherwise impede workflow or restrict the movement of large and bulky goods. A trussed portal frame presented itself to these demands, and is able to span large distances unsuooprted, allowing vehicular access beneath.
An undercover open space raised 2m for floods provides outside working space during the day time, with workbenches running its length. An internal working space is able to be locked up during the night and has an operable facade that allows the delivery of large pieces of timber directly inside. Large roof overhangs keep the spaces below cool, and offer substantial protection of the bamboo to the rain.
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ROOF CLADDING
ROOF JOISTS LATERAL TRUSS SUPPORT
1
TRUSS FRAME 7
STORAGE & FIXTURES
6
WALL CLADDING & SHADING 3
2
COLUMNS
4
5
4
4
STAIRS FLOORING
7
FLOOR JOISTS FLOOR BEARERS 1
POSTS CONCRETE FOOTING
Work Shed Plan 1:100 1 Ramp 2 Open Workshed 3 Enclosed Workshed 4 Work Bench 5 Kitchen 6 Lock-up Storage 7 Access Doors 81
Workshed Model - Operable facade
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GOAT SHED
ROOF CLADDING
The goat shed and work shed were to be derived from the same structure, for ease of construction and possible expansion in the future. The goat shed intends to house 60 goats initially, but if the project is successful, there is potiential for the shed to grow along its axis.
ROOF JOISTS
LATERAL TRUSS SUPPORT TRUSS FRAME 3
STORAGE & FIXTURES WALL CLADDING & SHADING
2
4 8
1
8
COLUMNS
5
7
STAIRS
8 7
FLOORING FLOOR JOISTS
POSTS
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6
3
FLOOR BEARERS
CONCRETE FOOTING
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Goat Shed Plan 1:100 1 Ramp 2 Feed Storage 3 Feeding Trough 4 Milk Storage 5 Milking Station 6 Ramp 7 Kidding Pen 8 Grooming Brush 9 Storage
The feeding troughs run along side the shorter lengths of the shed, covered by large overhangs to protect the goats and feed in heavy rainfall. Feed storage cupboard is in close proximity to the trough for easy feeding. A milking station provides an ergonomic working height and secures the goat to ensure a safe environment. Kidding pens can be enclosed to provide the kid with protection against the larger goats, or can remain open to allow goats to brush along side the broom heads for self-grooming.
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COMMUNITY CENTRE The project brief asked for a community centre, but its’ specific requirements or expectations were fairly open to interpretation. It was important to understand the design cues presented by the scale of the site and the dynamics of the village. The first step was identifying the opportunities available and their defining spatial typologies.
Function
Considerations
Teaching/ Learning
Methods of Teaching Methods of Technology Classroom Implements
Eating/Talking
Furniture Food Fridge Storage
Working/ Creating
Furniture Tools Electricity
Storage
Security
Welcoming/ Inducting
Furniture Amenities Bedding
Religious/ Ceremonies/ Celebrating
Stage/Raised Platform Furniture
Buying/Selling
Furniture Stall/Market
Unknown Future Furniture Use 86
Discussing
Performing
Learning
Storing
Learning
Eating
Selling
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Flexibility of space It became clear that there was more merit in looking at the community centre as a sum of parts that make up a whole rather than a singular element. This allows for maximum flexibility of program in any given space. Looking at cultural precedent, Cambodians congregate in small groups for a vairey of reasons in informal structures such as stalls, huts, platforms and sheds. These offer shade and shelter from tropical rains and are scattered throughout streets and throughout plots of land.
Rather than having one space that is rigid in form that partially satisfies the spatial demands of the users, a series of smaller spaces can satisfy the requirements to a fuller extent. 88
Decentralise Alistair Parvin, founder of WikiHouse explains a counterintuitive argument within architecture. He explains that we shouldn’t build for the sake of building; buildings are the most expensive solution to any problem architects face. We are resourceful strategic thinkers and such should explore other alternatives. He futher explains that we should design at a smaller scale; design not for the few with a lot, but the many with a bit. This thinking can be translated to the ‘Every Piece Matters’ project which demands the innovative exploration and utilisation of space. What was initially a space reserved for the community centre in the heart of the site, could now be fragmented and scattered throughout it. This encourages a more even activation across the entire program, whereas a traditional community centre would unevenly gather people and cause congestion or ineffective use of space. These smaller installations Can perform a variety of functions within the community that allow for maximum interaction whilst remaining low-tech and practical.
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With the remaining space that was previously the community centre, this could be replaced with more houses. The more houses, the more families, the more stimulation of community interaction and therefore the further optimisation of the installations. Further tasks intended for the village can be undertaken by the adaptive re-use of the Workshed once complete, as it is onlyintended as a pivotal area for the construction of the site. Once completed, it can be repurposed.
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Stall The stall is a low-tech community intervention built in bamboo that reiterates the cultural ties that the Cambodians have with the streetscape. There is opportunity to trade, sit and relax under its shade. It provides a lightweight buffer betwen the chaos of the road and the inner sanctum developed by the site. Layered platforms provide seats, shelves, benches or anything that could assist the families in their daily life. They are moveable for flexibility of function. 91
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Bud A reconceptualisation of the humble platform that Cambodians sit on, the Bud provides seating and shade for families to relax or work on. They are planted at either end of the dam, with the intention of fishing work taking place here.
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Bridge The placement of the bridges corresponds with the partitioning of the dam into the various stages of fish development, and therefor these bridges are a reflection of the relationship of fish and people. The dam represents not only employment, sustenance and income, but they encourage ainteraction with the water. These bridges foster that notion ofappreciation of nature, and draw inspiration from the skilled fish basket weavers.
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EXPERIENTIAL VIDEO
https://youtu.be/1lFbZlU9Ulw
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COLLABORATE TRIP 2017
Fieldwork & Experience In January 2017, I participated in the RAW Impact Collaborate program which saw 40 individuals from various backgrounds such as UNSW Architecture, Solar and Renewable Energy Engineering, Lipman Construction and Cundall Structural Engineering come together for 2 weeks and bring this project into reality. Under the supervision of RAW Impact building professionals and Cambodian locals, we continued development of the site to complete an extra 2 houses which the families can now move into. We also began construction of the community centre for the larger site down the road which was designed by Casey Brown Architecture which featured pretensioned bamboo fish-belly trusses that boast internal spans of 12m for various communal functions. Working alongside Jed Long, principal of Cave Urban and Australia’s leading expert on bamboo research and development, we learnt and applied contemporary bamboo construction techniques that have been accumulated from his experiences throughout southeast Asia and perfected by his team and other professionals. 98
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architecture sans frontieres In February 217, this project in collaboration with RAW Impact, Casey Brown Architecture, University of New South Wales Architecture and Solar Engineering, Cave Urban and Murtagh Bond Structural Engineers was entered into the architecture sans frontieres ASF Award 2017 as a ‘Completed or Ongoing Project”. HASSELT CHARTER PRINCIPLES As a requirement, the project was to identify 3 issues from the Hassell Charter that were most relevantly addressed in the design. 5. Facilitate the use of appropriate technologies, materials and labour adequate to local values, to be culturally specific and responsive to the natural environment; 6. Share knowledge, promote discussion, and awareness, and collaborate in the advancement of the social production of habitat; 10. Defend, promote and enable access to adequate and dignified habitat for all as a ‘fundamental Human Right’
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