Year 3 Architecture Portfolio (Studio 3.2)

Nārī Bāri: Bangladesh’s Feminist Factory of Disaster Relief Housing.

STUDIO 3.2 P R A X X I S

intro.

3.1 recap

3.1 reflection a new proposal khudi bari revisiting bangladesh programme

plan iterations materiality as a driver. materials structure

1:20 detail construction regulations environment thermal comfort

user experience. programme + strategy factory learning

1:5 detail final proposal. masterplan site plan

gf plan

1f plan sections elevations the project strategy entrance view elevation view outro. references praxxis roadmap

*Disclaimer*

Portfolio designed in a publication format, wherby each page has been divided from A3 landscape to 2 A4 portrait pages. Therefore page numbering will number each A4 page (1-60) for more concise contents finding. It is important to note there are still 30 A3 landscape pages in portfolio, format has just been altered.

The Issue.

Climate Change and its impacts on Women

In these posters, explored how women are vulnerable to Climate Change in their personal lives and in politics. My proposition is one that helps to empower women in the most vulnerable countries in the world (such as Bangladesh) by providing specialised education and skills.

The Response.

A factory producing disaster relief housing

In 3.1 explored the manufacturing of WikiHouse to produce housing to react to the inequalities women experience in the face of climate change. The factory also provides employment for Bangladeshi women to learn these building skills and be involved in the response efforts.

The Programme.

What is my factory ethos?

In order to empower women in Bangladesh in the fight for climate justice, my building’s key aims are to build, learn, sponsor and support. The spaces that respond to this include a factory space, a learning space, leisure space, private space and outdoor verandas and gardens.

The People.

The actors of my building

These 3 women represent 3 possible building user groups including Bangladeshi women who have suffered due to climate change, local Bangladeshi/international architects and architect/construction students. Other users include local construction workers and children of the factory workers.

The Feminist.

Feminist design principles

In studio 3.1 researched into possible feminist design principles when it comes to urban planning as well for my proposal. A few key principles include well-lit spaces, walkability, mixed-use buildings and accessible public transport connections. These are things am using in designing my masterplan and factory.

The Technical.

Feminist Technologies

My building will utilise a fabric-first approach, use vernacular materials, use passive solar design and ventilation, and use low-embodied and lowtech design methods. This includes exploring bamboo, handmade brick, water collection strategies and designing communal spaces.

Studio 3.1 Reflection...

3.1 Final Axo

Critique.

Materiality

Materiality choices don’t fully reflect Bangladesh vernacular

Roof Design

More of an afterthought and a ‘lid’ to the design - doesn’t feel cohesive

Climate Considerations

The design is very solid and enclosed, with limited connections to the outside. The amount of glazing will lead to overheating

Connection to WikiHouse

The product of the factory (wikihouse in 3.1), isn’t considered in the factory’s design - opportunity to use the same materials/design principles

Ideas to Keep.

Programme

The programme design is successful, with the key spaces separated into 3 components.

Courtyard Concept

The idea of having an open courtyard is successful and can be pushed further in my new design

Water for Cooling

Indoor pools help cool the building naturally, an idea to keep for 3.2

Factory Space

Research into required machinery successful, so space size information can be used, even if design changes

New Ideas.

Factory Product

Include the factory product within factory masterplan

Roof Design

One roof suspended up over the whole building to act as a shading device and to allow for cross ventilation

Materiality

Research into vernacular materials and techniques, which consider climate conditions, fabric-first and low-tech design principles

Open Space

Verandas and walkways throughout the building that are covered from the sun’s heat

Glazing

Use minimal glazing and optimise natural cooling

and how this guides my new ideas

The ‘Mini Draw’

Using methods from ‘The Big Draw’ to rethink my scheme

3.1 Final Plan

Step 1

Separate the volumes

Step 2

Line them up and consider new configurations

Step 3

Gather together under one roof

3.2 Proposal.

Nari translates to ‘women’ in Bangla. The importance of this is that the factory’s purpose is to provide work and education to vulnerable women.

“When women are empowered, they have the capacity and inner will to improve their situation and gain control over their own lives”

(Un-Habitat, 2016).

‘Bari’ translates to ‘Home’ in Bangla. This is a reference to my factory’s product which is the ‘Khudi Bari’ by Marina Tabassum which translates to ‘Tiny House’. Not only this, ‘home’ suggests more than a work or a learing space, but a place of safety, support and friendship.

Nārī Bāri: Bangladesh’s Feminist Factory of Disaster Relief Housing.

Bangladesh has been chosen as the location for this project due to it’s high vulnerability ranking in the face of climate change. The country is the victim of increasing flooding and temperatures and in the years to come this will worsen. As a result, gender-based violence and oppression exacerbates, making women more vulnerable.

A New Production Line.

Bangladeshi Disaster-Relief Housing

Khudi Bari is a modular shelter, designed by Marina Tabassum for the accelerated changes in the climate; it will be the new product in my factory (instead of WikiHouse). It presents a vernacular and low-cost solution, with the intended dwellers at the fore-front of the design.

Personal

Marina Tabassum

1969, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sex

Occupation

Feminist Lens.

How is the Khudi Bari a feminist design? It uses vernacular materials (bamboo), it is low-cost, lightweight, and encourages community engagement. It is driven by the needs of the user and empowers vulnerable people in an accelerating world.

Bangladeshi Female Principle architect of Marina Tabassum

To be feminist is to think of everyone’s needs, especially those who have been overlooked or under-represented.

My project highlights two of these groups: the people suffering the most at the hands of climate change (in this case, flooding victims and moving populations of Bangladesh), and Bangladeshi women who’s vulnerability has increased as a result of climate change. By providing opportunities for work and learning, as well as contributing to diaster relief services, these groups are being included in the conversation and decision-making.

While my proposal is a literal factory in the sense that goods are manufactured, it stretches and adapts this concept to include much more; it provides spaces for learning, testing new ideas, leisure spaces and even childcare. Instead of just a ‘factory’, it is my version of a ‘feminist factory’; a factory that is socially-driven, with people at its core. I want to show that ‘women can build’ and when they’re involved in the conversation, climate justice is alive.

Khudi Bari, is a modular monsoon shelter thats been designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum The shelter is designed for a region where huge areas of land can flood in a few hours, yet the design could be expanded to provide for people suffering from floods all over Bangladesh. It is principally made from local bamboo, is very low cost at £300 and has been designed to be lightweight and to be easily constructed and disassembled.

My factory will be producing these shelters in flat-pack forms, ready to be distributed around Bangladesh as needed. The factory will also be testing new models/possible improvements to improve the efficiency of the design. Working alongside Marina Tabassum architects, local construction workers and global volunteers, the Bangladeshi women factory workers will contribute to this creative think tank and adaptation mission.

K H U D I B A R I

Original Design

Exploded axonometric (source: MTA) showing the layers of the shelter

Arcitects I D E A 1

I D E A 2 I D E A 3

Assembly Options

The design is able to be adapted to suit the size needed for the dwellers

Making ‘Khudi Bari’.

Manufacturing process in action

To respond to the impending climate disasters in Bangladesh, the factory will produce the Khudi Bari into flatpacks, to be distributed where needed.

Materials

Bamboo sourced locally from bamboo forests

Steel tubes and tin sheets sourced from recycled construction waste

Delivered to factory

Stored in external materials storage shed

Transported inside factory when required

Factory small storage area

Material Fabrication

Bamboo cut up using hand/ electric saws

Steel tubes and tin cut using metal electric cuttters

Material travels to flat-pack area of factory

Fabricated materials of the Khudi Bari flat-packed alongside a manual

Transported to materials storage shed

Distributed across Bangladesh to areas impacted by flooding/ natural disasters

Steel joints

Factory Users Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA)

International + National Architect/ Construction Students

Assembling on site

Designs approved for production

Designing new ideas for the prototype

Testing new ideas at a smaller scale and 1:1 connections

Bangladeshi Women

Khudi in Bengali means tiny and Bari is house, so these are really modular houses, especially for the landless

Marina Tabassum

Revisiting Bangladesh.

Looking deeper into the vernacular and materiality of Bangladesh

have selected precedents from Bangladesh such as work by Anna Heringer and a community centre by SchilderScholte Architects. The childrens village in Brazil shares a similar climate to these projects and a clear typology is present - a canopy roof shading the building. This has influenced a new design direction in my project.

Revisiting the People.

Interview with my peers to greater understand the users needs

have conducted an interview with my Bangladeshi friends to learn more about Bangladesh as a country and a culture. Through a feminist lens, how can my factory provide the necessary spaces and ammenities for Bangladeshi women to feel safe and considered?

Feminist Lens.

Throughout my project, I will use my research collected here to inform and compliment my design process. Look out for quotes from these interviews!

Initial Ideas

Inspired by the precedents, these are some concept sketches experimenting with volumes underneath a canopy roof to shade the whole building from the sun

The vernacular was described as simple and basic, utilising raw materials such as mud, straw and earth. The word “traditional” was used in multiple responses, suggesting a strong link between Bangladeshi identity and it’s local architecture.

WHAT WOULD A MULTI-FAITH PRAYER ROOM LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

WHAT ARE MY PRIVILEGES

WHAT DOES BANGLADESH VERNACULAR LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

The people interviewed live in the UK so haven’t personally felt the impacts of climate change, but many commented that they have family members who have.

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE?

Emphasis has been put on a simple, quiet and clean space from all the interviewees. This space should also consider shelves of books organised by each faith. Other possibilities include making the space open and connecting it with nature

WHAT ARE THE TRADITIONAL GENDERED ROLES IN BANGLADESH?

There seems to be clear defined roles for men and women, with men as the dominant gender that provides for the family and holds the higher authority. Women are expected to be homekeepers, yet are also are often working in labour work. One response suggested that things are advancing for women with access to higher education.

...IF NOT, COULD YOU BE AFFECTED?

This question received the longest answers, with all stressing the importance of female relationships to them for empowerment, support and wellbeing. Shared experiences is why this support is so important.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF FEMALE FRIENDSHIP TO YOU?

The impacts felt personally are towards their heritage, culture and memories that will be “washed away”. The answers spanned sadness for family, as well as the poor and vulnerable individuals.

Childrens Village Aleph Zero + Rosenbaum Canuana, Brazil 2018

Pani Centre SchilderScholte Architects Rajarhat, Bangladesh 2014

Pani Centre SchilderScholte Architects Rajarhat, Bangladesh 2014

Pani Centre

METI School

Spaces

pole stacks

located close to vehicle loading bay stored in flat, dry area out of direct sunlight and sources of heat/moisture

dust filters are connected to extraction ducting that runs above CNC with flexible pipe fitted to CNC gantry partition area so can be closed off during machining (optional)

prototype testing (mini) full-size testing flat-packing

incoming material outgoing flat-packed boxes

can be external but needs to be covered/protected

Ancillary Building x1 7 x 14m 98m2

reception space for 2 people

CAD labs space for 6 people office space for 6 people self-contained 6 cubicles near reception male/female toilets at 1:2 ratio as more women with mini kitchen for tea/coffee with outdoor space adjoining

can be external but needs to be covered/protected cafeteria creche/play area relaxation space

General Amenities x1 9 x 12m 108m2

can be external but needs to be covered/protected toilets stairs/lift veranda walk ways courtyard with pond entrance

Developed spatial diagrams

Developing a new programme for my new production line (Khudi Bari). Data collected from Studio 3.1 about WikiHouse has aided me in determining the correct dimensions for the spaces.

A New Programme. Factory. Ancillary. Learning.

Precedents.

To develop my new plans, I took programmatic inspiration from Herzog & de Meurons Factory as well as BIG’s The Plus furniture factory. Building on my research from Studio 3.1, I was able to combine my previous ideas with new.

A New Plan.

Ground Floor Plan

PART 1 inserting a grid

A New Plan. PART 2

Ground Floor Plan

5 x 5 m grid added

factory ancillary space bisecting the space to create a break in the programme and an opportunity for views

A lot of open space has been ceatedneed to experiment with reducing the programme

First Floor Plan

Kept spiral staircase and circular element from 3.1 - but is this appropriate for new design?

First Floor Plan

factory space has been shortened to keep programme more concise. fits within grid

experimenting with connecting the spaces via landscaping with water to cool space

5m gap between front and back volumes so room for play/leisure activities

movable doors at the back so privacy can be created if needed or space can be expanded

veranda level extends over the learning and cafe space which creates varied ceiling heights at ground level

walkway fitted around the courtyard so views down into space below walkway snakes around the building using structural grid and buildings below as support

double space factory space with middle ancillary space allowing for views in factory INTRO | PLAN ITERATIONS INTRO | PLAN ITERATIONS

opportunity for private views from learning space - look out point created

views from walkway into factory - possibly an opportunity for access too

Final Plan Iteration.

factory spaces segregated by colour to create a wayfinding system as well as a safety measure that defines walking/working space

office space, general storage and meeting room at back of factory -allows light into these spaces.

meeting room in centre at the back so allows for a journey through the building first

swings added underneath walkways - making use of structure to provide moments of play

cafe space with fully openable doors to expand space outside if required

no natural light enters this toilet so would be better to have genderless disabled toilet

staircase here and in factory space to allow for lots of access to first floor level

factory space double height to allow for general manouvering of materials /making khdui bari prototype

back space open to allow for a peaceful resting area for factory workers with views out

need to consider windows further - skylight window as well as additional

Back elevation sketch

waterway through prayer room space

leisure space for children and students/workers. open plan allows for varied activities

integrated walkway into factory structure for extra support

need to further consider lift so doesn’t obstruct views through the buildinglow-tech lift?

open plan level in the learning centre for group learning/ interactive activities

0 5 10 20 m

roof and walkway iteration

“

Vernacular architecture always responds to the climate

Marina Tabassum

The Materials.

Taking the feminist route and using vernacular materials

After revisiting Bangladeshi vernacular and architecture, alongside gaining inspiration from Marina Tabassum’s ‘Khudi Bari’ and her other work, have selected new materials (since 3.1).

Bamboo.

Name: Location:

Uses: Height: Diameter: Climate: Internodes: Bangladesh production:

Bambusa Balcooa (Female Bamboo) Northeast India, Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam construction, scaffolding 16-25 m 7-15 cm tropical-subtropical 20-45 cm 1200-1700 culms/ha/yr produces full -sized shoots in 5/6 yrs

Bamboo Site Plan

Feminist Characteristics

bamboo forests

2.

low cost + light weight ages well in increased rain climate

release oxygen + abosrb CO2 low cost + high availability

recyclable + compostable local worker production

handmade brick Bangladesh construction, aggregate for concrete or ballast chippings 105x60x220 mm using open circular kilns most common product of manufacturing rapid growth rate low maintenance

renewable + natural resource clay is natural resource

durable + long lasting thermal mass properties

Brick Site Plan Feminist Characteristics Brick.

Precedent. Precedent.

Khudi Bari

Marina Tabassum Architects

Coastal Bangladesh 2020

Baitur Rauf Mosque

Marina Tabassum Architects

Dhaka, Bangladesh 2012

site site

1.

on-site brick-making

Clay brick made by hand is one of Bangladesh’s most common materials; it is cheap and in high supply/ demand. Because of its structural attributes, it also allows experimentation with brick perforations to create more playful facades. It is able to be produced on site which reduces transportation costs/ emissions.

Bamboo was chosen for its strenghth, high availability and its overall sustainability. Furthermore, a lot of brick is used and the bamboo ‘softens’ the volumes; it plays with light and transparency in between the gaps of the poles. Local construction methods can also be taken advantage of.

Mango wood is easily and cheaply sourced in Bangladesh, and is ideal for secondary structure such as the roof battens. It has low embodied energy, making it a sustainable option, and its light weight eases the construction process.

Foundations and main floor are concrete due to its durability and ability to support the brick and bamboo. Even though it has high embodied carbon, its use has been minimsed by using pile foundations. Brick foundations could have also worked well, however concrete is a quicker process.

The purpose of the roof is to shade the building and protect it from rainfall. The ideal roof is therefore lightweight and waterproof. A tin roof has been chosen for these reasons, with an additional white coating to minimise heat absorbption

1. Handmade Brick (Structure)

2. Bamboo (Structure + Cladding)

3. Mango Wood (Roof Battens)

4. Concrete (Foundations + Flooring)

5. Corrugated Metal Sheeting (Roof)

3. 4.

5.

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Clay Render internal lining made from local clay by local construction workers

A Hybrid Structure.

Bamboo and brick connections

The overarching structural system is made up of bamboo columns/beams and loadbearing brick walls. The bamboo system holds up the roof over the brick enclosed spaces to keep the spaces protected from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall. Both structural systems (bamboo + brick) have moments of connection, to increase stability in the bamboo system (bamboo isn’t standardised in quality and size, therefore additional support is beneficial).

Precedent.

Connection Techniques

Pani Centre

SchilderScholte

Architects

Rajarhat, Bangladesh 2014

insulated brick wall with air cavity bamboo column bamboo beam

hexagonal nut

Bamboo Column to Beam Connection (iso)

2 long bamboo poles make up the majority of the columns, with a smaller pole in between to increase stability and support the connecting bamboo beams. The joints are held in place with a threaded rod and hexagonal nut it is a low-tech solution for ease of construction and can be disassembled without comprimising bamboo strength for future use.

Bamboo to Brick Connection (type 1 plan)

This is the connection between the bamboo system and the brick structural system of the factory volume. The beam is inserted into the brick outer leaf (so as to not compromise insulation layer) and is cemented in place. As a result, the bamboo system becomes stronger.

secondary bamboo beam primary bamboo beam

Bamboo to Brick Connection (type 2 iso)

In the cafe and learning centre, the bamboo beams penetrate through the wall to support the 1F level. Additional secondary structure bamboo beams are also used to support the 1F. Clay is used to cement the bamboo beams in place and to reduce thermal bridging as much as possible.

Bamboo Structural System

Bamboo Columns

The primary bamboo structure consists of a 5m x 5m grid of bamboo columns. Two long poles are strengthened by central smaller poles which are bolted together

Bamboo Beams

The bamboo beams connect the columns at 3.5m high and at moments connect the bamboo structure with the brick volumes

Bamboo Roof Structure

The roof structure is made up of layered bamboo poles to support the metal roof

Wire Cross-Bracing

This is used to strengthen the bamboo frame in bays that aren’t connected into the brick structure

Bamboo + Wire Truss

There are no bamboo columns in the factory space to keep the space open, so a truss has been used to hold up the factory roof and to distribute the loads holding up the metal roof

Roof Roof Battens

0.8 mm corrugated metal sheeting

Feminist Lens.

This structural system has many feminist technologies as drivers. These include:

60/60 mm mango wood battens

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Low-Tech Construction Design for Disassembly and Re-Use Vernacular Materials Local Construction Techniques Cheap and Accessible Materials Sustainable and EcoFriendly Structure Lightweight and Easy to Assemble

Roof Structure

top chord of beam Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; lower chord 2 x Ø 60 mm bamboo pole; purlins Ø 110 mm bamboo poles

Factory Truss

beam 2 x Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; column Ø 110 mm bamboo pole with 2 x Ø 110 mm bamboo pole to strengthen column column 2 x Ø 110 mm bamboo pole with Ø 110 mm bamboo pole to strengthen column; beam Ø110 mm bamboo pole; wire cross-bracing

Bamboo Primary Structure

Structural Exploded Axonometric

This diagram shows the exploded layers of the bamboo structural system which supports the canopy roof

For the Love of Detail.

1:20 Sectional Perspective

Roof Build-Up

0.8 mm corrugated metal sheeting; 60/60 mm mango wood battens; top chord of beam Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; lower chord 2 x Ø 60 mm bamboo pole; purlins Ø 110 mm bamboo poles

Bamboo Primary Structure column 2 x Ø 110 mm bamboo pole with Ø 110 mm bamboo pole to strengthen column;

beam Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; wire cross-bracing

footing: Ø 120/5 mm steel tube in reinforced concrete

Factory Truss

beam 2 x Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; column Ø 110 mm bamboo pole with 2 x Ø 110 mm bamboo pole to strengthen column

1F Build-Up

70 mm reinforced concrete with protective coating;

2-ply PE foil; 25 mm mineral wool insulation; 40 mm fibre cement panel with white paint finish

Bamboo Beams

Ø110 mm bamboo pole; waterproof mortar to attach bamboo pole with brick wall

Window Build-Up

6 mm toughened glass + 10 mm cavity + 6 mm toughened glass laminated mango wood frame

Wall Build-Up

105/60/105 mm handmade brick; wall tie;

20 mm air cavity;

80 mm recycled cotton textile insulation;

105/60/105 mm handmade brick

GF Build-Up 110 mm reinforced concrete with protective coating; (internal) 110 mm reycled cotton insulation;

DPM;

220/60/105 mm handmade brick;

80 mm brick chippings; 300 mm sand bed, compacted

Waterway

Brick-encased water stream with DPM lining

Foundations Reinforced concrete foundation

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Construction Process.

RIBA Plan of Work meets Bangladesh vernacular

The strategic definition and preparation and briefing occurred during 3.1, where we undertook site analysis, defined our feminist position and set a brief to best accommodate our clients (actors). Further preparation was undertaken at the start of 3.2, where redefined my brief: building the Khudi Bari in my factory (3.1 WikiHouse).

Between both 3.1 and 3.2, have cycled through these stages as have reset the brief and carried out new conceptual designs. In 3.2, was heavily influenced with modern Bangladeshi architecture interventions such as work by Marina Tabassum and Anna Heringer. This is where Nari Bari emerged to truly accommodate the needs of the user and reflect the environment.

The programme was tested using digital massing models, spatial bubble diagrams and sketches. A lot of work was carried out in my sketchbook, which I shared with my tutors in order to resolve the design before the detail stage. We met with tutors from outside perspectives, which helped prompt new ideas and solutions. This information was conveyed in 1:200 sketch plans, which were ready to push to the next step.

Ground clearing and trenches built in the site to pour foundations for brick and bamboo

Bamboo poles attached together onsite and inserted into steel tubes

Brick walls built up around bamboo leaving space for openings. Bamboo scaffolding aids this process

Ground layers are filled in: brick chippings, brick layer, insulation (internal spaces) and then cement screed

Gaps left in brick structure to insert bamboo pole beams as part of primary structure and to also support the roof

The technical design firstly involved resolving the bamboo structural system and collecting the information needed to construct the building. This included zooming into scales of 1:100, 1:50, 1:20 and 1:5. With aid of precedents from Bangladesh and Brazil, was able to produce the required information. Bamboo isn’t a common structural material in the UK, so a lot of my technical decisions relied on research.

During the manufacturing and construction process, the workers are a mixture of local construction workers (bringing their local techniques) as well as international workers/ architects and volunteers. The fusion enables the mix of vernacular methods with new technology and the sharing of ideas. This is where the process moves away from the RIBA Plan of Work as this process is very collaborative and wouldn’t satisfy UK construction regulations.

As the project is only speculative, there is no handover or measure of building use.

In theory, the handover would be seamless, as the team working on the building will also be using the building. For newcomers, it would involve briefing on the wayfinding system in the factory and the door wayfinding. The open spaces give room for rearrangement so it would include working with the user to finalise these details in the early stages of use.

Roof panels manufactured on-site and ,with the help of a small crane, are lifted into place

Roof structure goes up with the aid of bamboo scaffolding

Roof purlins installed on top of structure to support the roof

Teaching each other and sharing ideas

lowcost materials

Tin sheet metal roof goes up in small sections, in order to make it manageable without machinery

Finally the bamboo handrails are installed, with aid of steel ties cemented into brick during wall-building process

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8. 11.

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The construction process has been shown by zooming into a small section of the building to fully show the stages of construction on a more personal level. The building is handmade with the aid of few technologies, so the process focuses on vernacular techniques and methods of construction.

Building Regulations

Part B, Part K and Part M Compliance

Part B Compliance

Part K Compliance

Fire Safety Protection

Part M Compliance

Accessibility

exits

external space

Means of Escape Stairs Prevention of Spread Protection from Falling Warning + Rescue

50% of the floor space is open air space

Regular exits from every room to outside

All stairs minimum width of 1100 mm for accessible escape

Doors open with a minimum of 90 degrees

Feminist Lens.

Bamboo is a relatively new material, therefore building codes may not be up to speed with research.

Furthermore, since disasters such as Grenfell, materials such as bamboo and wood aren’t favoured and are often hard to insure, despite studies that show wood buildings burn slower than steel.

Bamboo use for structural members only as part of a mixed-material building for maximum fire safety

Borate-based fire resistant bamboo treatment applied to slow burning (doesn’t impact bamboo’s circular lifecylce)

Fire escape stairs external

Emergency bay space all around the building if needed

An appropriate fire warning system that appeals to both sense of sight and hearing will be implemented in each enclosed room

Even though the building is remote, there is easy access to main road connecting to the city

Ground Floor

Stairs minimum width of 1000mm (fire stairs 1500mm)

Factory balcony access stairs comply with private stair regulations (professional environment) with rise and going relationship following guidance of when 2R + G = 550<654<700mm

Stair landings 1200 mm (minimum requirement 1100 mm)

Open risers have overlapping treads of 20 mm

rise: 159 mm

going: 260 mm

width of one stair: 1500 mm

length of landing: 1500 mm

railing height: 1100 mm

distance of railing from pitch: 950 mm

First floor is entirely open space with railings around the perimeter

Railings height of 1100 mm in accordance with guidance

Width between bamboo railings is 100 mm to prevent small children sliding through gaps and becoming stuck

The stairs exceed minimum standards of width and landing to allow for more comfortable twoway movement as this will be the main circulation route.

First Floor

fire stairs

fire exits

exit distances

railings

main stairs

Accessible WC (nongendered) factory stairs shower

Accessible Cubicle

changing table

Female WC multi-faith prayer room elevator

Accessibility turning circle

Facilities Loading Bays Sanitary Accomodation

Loading Bays located in materials area, separated from main building, but easy access if needed via smaller road

Building Acess + Circulation

Two general access stairs for day-to-day circulation

One low-tech lift - use for wheelchair users/ buggies/ general accessibility reasons

All circulation corridors/routes at least 1800 mm wide to facilities 180 degrees turning

Multi-faith prayer room with shelving to accommodate a range of faith books. Design is clean and simple for all users

External benches easily accessible for wheelchair users

Visual contrast between walls and doors with doors colour coded to represent different programmes to create a wayfinding system

Female WC Accessible WC Factory/ Learning

Feminist Lens.

Railing attachment

The bamboo railings will be attached using low-tech construction methods. A hexagonal nut with a tie will attach the railings to a horizontal bamboo pole which is attached to the brick by a steel tie.

Female only toilets have been prioritised as the users of the building are likely to be victims of gender-based violence as this is exacerbated due to climate change/ natural disaster events (3.1 Research), therefore single-sex spaces are important. Also, the main users of the building are women. The disabled toilet is non-gendered to accommodate male/non-binary people alongside disabled users.

width: 1900 mm

depth: 1550 mm

distance travelling: 3500 mm speed: 0.15 m/s

Lift enclosure (as >2m vertical travelled) doubles as ramp into lift.

Low-tech design with bamboo handrails alongside light-weight metal door

Female only toilets prioritised as main building users are women

Accessible toilet inlcuded in female bathroom if user isn’t comfortable with sharing facility beyond their gender All accessible toilet doors open outwards and are 1000 mm (compliant with 950 mm minimum requirement)

Changing table in both accessible toilets

First Floor Ground Floor factory access road loading entrance materials shed

Canopy Roof

The sloping roof with overhangs allow for both shade as well as protection from rainfall. Elevated above the brick volumes, hot air moves through the gap, allowing for the cool air to filter through the building.

Water Infrastructure

The water that runs through the building helps to cool the building via evaporative cooling: to change its state from liquid to vapour heat is required and when the occurs, there is a drop in air temperature. Furthermore the water is shallow, meaning users can dip their feet in if needed to cool down.

Sun Path

The positioning of the canopy roof means the building is always shaded when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It heats the tin roof, which is painted white to minimise heat absorbption. The shaded areas are protected by this heat and sun as a result, maximising thermal comfort

Cross Ventilation

Operable bamboo louvres and operable windows allow for crossventilation when needed into the factory space.

Water Drainage

Drainage downspouts attached to roof allow for water to filter down them and be taken away to the nearby river. A small amount of water is collected for the water tank to provide grey water for the building

Water Tank

Underground water tank supplies grey water for the building. This is a higher-tech solution, so local constuction workers are aided by international workers.

Sustainable Water Cycle

_Low flow fittings and appliances

_Rainwater and greywater

recycling

_Sustainable Urban Drainage System

Good Health + Wellbeing

_Strong visual connection to outside

_Good indoor daylighting, lighting and glare control

_Thermal comfort standards

Environmental Design.

Passive design strategies

Bangladesh has a humid, warm climate influenced by pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon circulations and frequently experiences heavy precipitation and tropical cyclones. Historically its’ climate experiences temperatures around 26C, but with climate change accelerating, the country can expect hotter temperatures and heavier rainfall. Therefore, it was imperitive to design for this using passive cooling/solar strategies.

Water Infrastructure. Shading Device.

Addressing monsoon season in Bangladesh

Between the months of June and October, Bangladesh experiences a rain season. This is something have factered into my design. The building slopes downwards to direct the water into a bamboo drain pipe that is carried down by a steel pole that is connected to the underground water system. This is then directed to the nearby river.

Drainage Pipe 1:10 Detail

halved-bamboo drainpipe

0.8 mm

corrugated metal sheeting

60/60 mm mango wood battens; top chord of beam

Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; lower chord 2

x Ø 60 mm bamboo pole; purlins Ø 110 mm bamboo poles

metal rod to structure downspout pebbles

Plan view of drainage pipes

When the roof overhang just isn’t enough...

In the early and late hours of the day, especially in winter, the overhang of the roof doesn’t prevent the sun from entering the space. This is when the sun is at its weakest therefore the shading device doesn’t need to prevent overheating, but just to add an extra layer of shade out of direct sunlight. The proposed shading device is made from Sari material due to the fact that it is cheap and readily available in Bangladesh.

100 mm reinforced concrete

2-ply PE foil

105/60 mm handmade brick lining compacted gravel fill hardcore

Iso view of drainage pipes

drain connected to water system Precedent. METI School

Two layers of sari material are used to maximise shading. These are tied with rope into the mango wood frame which is bolted together

Programme + Strategy.

Exploring what goes on inside ‘Nari Bari’.

Relaxation Space

Spread across the GF and 1F are plenty moments of relaxation and spaces to take a break from learning or working. All the spaces are either semi-enclosed or open to the elements, yet privacy + peace are still achieved through visual barriers and thermal comfort.

Factory

The factory is split into two main volumes with a joining middle section containing factory ancillary spaces and circulation. See page_ for more information about the factory space.

Learning Centre

The learning centre is split across two floors ranging from public to private spaces. The GF rooms have openable doors and full length windows for maximum ventilation, with brick perforations to let in light without compensating overheating

Circulation + Ancillary

These spaces include the toilets/ changing rooms as well as the external walkways. The factory houses a female toilet/changing room with showers as well as a disabled (gender neutral) toilet with a shower. The learning centre contains more female toilets and another disabled toilet.

Cafe On the GF is the cafe for the workers/ students. This space is enclosed with big openable bamboo doors to allow for natural ventilation and to engage with the external environment

Mixed-use Veranda

The space above the cafe provides an open environment for the building users (and their children if required) to relax, play, craft and more

Worker’s Space

A quiet space at the back of the factory with views out for the workers/ students to have more private chillout time

Assembly Flat-packing ‘Khudi Bari’ to send off and testing new prototypes. Balcony above to aid in manouvering materials

Store Room

Contains extra tools and materials required to aid the fabrication process

CAD Lab

Computer suite to test out new designs and for general admin

Materials + Fabrication

Materials stored and fabricated into required sizes

Factory Entry Entry-way with lockers meant to create a transitional space before entering factory (safety as well)

Circulation

On the GF there is a route through the building to transport materials. On the 1F, the walkways connect the upper floors, with two sets of stairs and one small low-tech lift

Female Toilets/Changing

The factory is for women therefore the majority of the building users will be women. Some of these women might have suffered from gender-based violence also, so it’s important to keep this space private and single-sex.

Office/1:1

Space for private meetings for professional or personal reasons

Classroom

Internal classroom for group learning and group discussions

Prayer Room

The learning centre also houses the prayer room which is multi-faith and open to all building users. (See page_ for more detail about this space)

Disabled Toilet

There are two disabled toilets, both with showers. These toilets act as gender neutral to accomodate male users/non-binary people.

Meeting Room

Situated at the back of the building for privacy and also so visitors can travel through the building/factory space first

Comic Strip #1

This comic strip illustrates the building’s wider strategy; providing work and education to vulnerable women impacted by the climate crisis, and alongside the women, developing the ‘Khudi Bari’ prototype.

SHARING LEARNING DESIGNING

the importance of female friendship is empowerment; it allows us to relate to one another and not feel alone

“ interview response

Journey Through the Factory.

Using wayfinding to create a safe + clear route

feminist design strategies

Material Storage

Metal Cutting Area

easily identifiable wayfinding through the factory vibrant coloourful space is more engaging segregates areas in factory for safety and order visual connection between different stations to spark interest

Bamboo Cutting Area

Fabrication Storage

Flat-Pack Storage

Factory Floor Plan

Flat-Pack Area

Prototype Materials

The floor plan demonstrates the wayfinding routes through the factory. The wayfinding will be painted on the ground by the local volunteers/building users during the construction process. The floor is concrete which makes a great base. This activity of painting reinforces community and creativity.

Prototype Assembly

The materials are transported from the external materials shed to the factory and are stacked up on the shelves ready for fabrication

Fabricated materials are stored here ready to be moved to the next stage of production

Welding of steel joints and cutting of tin sheets using hand cutting tools. Area located at back to avoid circulation routes for safety

Fabricated materials moved here ready to be sorted into boxes to be shipped out

Materials fabricated for prototype testing are stored here for easy access

Long tables with hand saws and electric saws to cut bamboo poles to correct sizes. Tools area and storage adjacent

Sorting of materials into boxes along with manuals for construction and tools required

3 work stations for testing the Khudi Bari prototype. Small mock-ups will be tested as well as 1:1 connections. A small CNC machine aids this process

The Plus for Vestre Bjarke Ingels Group Magnor, Norway 2022

The Learning Centre.

Public + private spaces

External Classroom

The 1F space is open to the elements and forms a big space to be used as needed. It is connected to the rest of the building via walkways and allows for constant views out into the landscape beyond.

W.C.

Hand-painted toilet doors by the students/factory workers as part of the project goal to fill the scheme with colour and to create a strong sense of belonging and identity: a building made by the user for the user.

Office/1:1 Space

All furniture made from local mango wood/donated/recycled materials. Painted chairs to add personalisation and to also upcycle old wood. The space can be used for office work and also as a place for private meetings/ therapy.

Indoor Classroom

It was important to have an enclosed classroom for more private learning in a controlled environment. It will also be cooler than the external classroom due to the thermal mass of brick and insulation.

feminist design moments

play facilities public and private space multi-faith room inclusive toilets

Multi-Faith Prayer Room

Bangladesh’s is an Islamic country, but other religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism are also widely practiced. To be inclusive to all religious users of the space, the room is clean, and simple (see pg _ for more info)

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It Can’t Get More Personal Than This.

1:5 prayer room feminist detail

Feminist Lens.

How is my detail feminist? It is feminist as it is a space designed to accommodate all faiths; it is clean, cool (research from Tech C), with shelves of books spanning all mainstream religions. The shelves are hung at a height for both children, adults and wheelchair users to easily access (300-800mm high). My interview research also concluded that a connection to nature is important, therefore have designed the building’s water pools to stream through the prayer space, to enhance tranquility in the design.

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1F Build-Up

70 mm reinforced concrete with protective coating;

2-ply PE foil; 25 mm mineral wool insulation; 40 mm fibre cement panel with white paint finish

Bamboo Beams

Ø 110 mm bamboo pole; waterproof mortar to attach bamboo pole with brick wall

Window Build-Up

6 mm toughened glass + 10 mm cavity + 6 mm toughened glass laminated mango wood frame

Wall Build-Up

105/60/105 mm handmade brick; 20 mm air cavity;

80 mm recycled cotton textile insulation;

105/60/105 mm handmade brick

GF Build-Up

110 mm reinforced concrete with protective coating;

DPM

220/60/105 mm handmade brick

80 mm brick chippings

300 mm sand bed, compacted

Waterway

Brick-encased water stream

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a clean and quiet space...with interaction from nature

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Masterplan.

The Radient City (Bangladesh’s Version)

Corbusier’s original highway cuts its way through the green space, with the Dharla River winding its way between the road and the factory. The sounds of the running river filter out the noisy road, while the bamboo forests create a visual barrier. The feminist factory is protected in a sanctuary of green and blue space. SITE

Reimagined Radient City Map (Studio 3.1)

The Wider Concept

The site is populated by small bamboo forests. These are monitored and harvested as needed as bamboo grows quickly (5 years approx). The bamboo supplies the making of the ‘Khudi Bari’ as well as the initial factory construction.

The majority of the site is agricultural land for farming and growing.

lets take the boat to work today! today i’m going to test the connections at full-scale!

section aa

section bb

Site Plan + Strategy

The factory strategy: how the climate crisis drives the production and distribution of the Khudi Bair

Bader, V. and Tabassum, M. (2023) ‘Building Responsibly De-tail, 1(2) pp. 10-13.

Haselsteiner, E. and Heringer, A. (2022) ‘Craft as a source of energy’ Detail, 10, pp. 8-11.

Detail. (2015) A New Dimension for Earth Construction.’ Detail, 3, pp. 212-220.

Kéré, F. (2013) ‘Materials as the Basis of Architecture.’ Detail, 6, pp. 594-599.

Detail. (2012) ‘Vocational School in Rudrapur’ Detail, 12, pp. 1417-1421. Pawlitschko, R. (2007) ‘METI School in Rudrapur, Bangladesh - Analogue Construction Using Local Resources.’ Detail, 4, pp. 304-309. Detail. (2017) ‘Community Centre in Rajarhat.’ Detail, 5, pp. 58-61 Children Village / Rosenbaum + Aleph Zero (2017) ArchDaily.[Online] https://www.archdaily.com/879960/children-village-rosenbaum-plus-alephzero.

How architects are designing buildings for Bangladesh’s tropical monsoon climate (n.d.) The Economist. [Online] [Ac-cessed on 9th May 2020] https:// www.economist.com/prospe-ro/2019/11/05/how-architects-are-designingbuildings-for-bang-ladeshs-tropical-monsoon-climate. Architonic. (n.d.). Children Village by Aleph Zero + Rosenbaum | Schools. [online] Available at: https://www.architonic.com/en/project/aleph-zerorosenbaum-children-village/20010059. Detail. (2019) ‘Children’s Village in Canuanã.’ Detail, 5, pp. 36-41.

The project means a lot to me; on this journey have become passionate about how climate change impacts women, and I feel my factory serves a very important purpose. This is to help, protect and empower women who find themselves vulnerable for no fault of their own. It is so salient for the world to not cast a shadow on these women.

My feminisms revolve around asking questions and wanting to learn about people. From this project conducted an interview with my classmate (who is 1st generation Bangladeshi) and her Bangladeshi friends. wanted to learn about their experiences and understand how they view the problems am addressing in my project. They were happy to tell me, and as a result I have a deeper understanding of my own project.

have thought about my privileges a lot throughout the project; am designing for women whos lives are so different to mine - women who are truly suffering from loss of home, family and well-being. This project has made me reflect on how I can use my privileges to make people aware of how climate change is impacting women and how we need to act now

I am becoming a feminist architect and know will carry these principles I have learnt throughout my life (whether that is architecture or not). Praxxis has shown me what it is to be feminist towards each other and ultimately an architecture family has come from that

My next steps are to focus on curating a fabulous PRAXXIS exhibition with my team. My personal goals are to make my stand scream CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS WOMEN THE MOST and want people to want to learn about it

unlearn learn relearn reflect evaluate

On this journey have learnt to how to unlearn. Feminist speed dating and feminist conversations have taught me to always have an open mind and an open heart. There are so many perspectives and experiences in the world and we as architects cannot account for them all, but surely by starting with the people who are usually forgotten about, we will be starting in a good place.

PRAXXIS atelier has taught me to question the familiar. My experiences are important but so are learning about the experiences of others. To be a true feminist architecture, you need to learn from the people you are designing for as your experiences of what you think they need are unlikely to match with their true needs.

The approaches I can now relearn relate to not assuming things about people/culture/religion. 3.2 has taught me how to research and gather information with respect to a country and people. As a result, feel driven to share this knowledge in my project and exhibition work

I would define my newly discovered system as an ask questions first, do later system. Ask the difficult questions (when appropriate), listen to others and research research research!

This feminist architecture looks like; vernacular, colour, playful, natural and welcoming

being FEMINIST

Right now being feminist is also being a climate change activist. While my building focuses on an adaptation response to rising sea levels and natural disasters in Bangladesh, we all need to focus on mitigation and reducing emissions. With a feminist lens, this involves including women in all stages of the climate crisis response challenge.

being A COMMUNICATOR what kind of FEMINIST ARCHITECT do i want to be?

Being a communicator is so important because how else are we going to convey all our great ideas beyond the realm of PRAXXIS. This quality will be so important for our exhibition. We want to communicate our feminist positions and inspire our viewers into thinking about architecture in a new way. When I went to the exhibition last year, that is what the PRAXXIS work taught me. am proud to be a member of the atelier and can’t wait to communicate that to the world (let’s hope they listen!)

want to be a feminist architect who is compassionate and empathetic. I want to always be the type of architect who works with the user from design to completion. I also want to spread awareness about what I’ve learnt and will continue to always learn about feminist architecture. Getting involved with Women In Property has been a stepping stone in this and I’m excited to meet the women of the construction industry in the years to come.