KARIMAH HASSAN
ECOLOGIES OF DWELLING
TAFONI
Image on the front cover is a digitally fabricated response to the eco-system
HOUSE-SCAPES ECOLOGIES OF DWELLING BRIEF
A project entailing the master plan and detailed design of a housing complex, with a public space that is 2/3 the area of the site. Taking inspiration from natural systems, including biological and geological processes to propose a self-sufficient residential neighbourhood block.
ECOLOGICAL PRECEDENT TAFONI
Tafoni is a honeycomb-weathering pattern found in granular rock in arid or wet climates. It is thought to be a result of salt weathering, due to water bringing dissolved minerals to the rock surface and drying. Crystals are formed which force small particles of the rock to flake off, exposing the harder surface layer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candiedwomanire/84148980/ small cavities found in sandstone
MODELLING EXPLORING CAVITIES
We modelled the Tafoni perforations by placing filled balloons in a rectangular plaster mould. Once the plaster had set we popped the balloons to expose the negative space. Through this investigation my group and I began to question the feasibility of the cavities. From here we decided not to make each individual room into a scoop as the model suggests. Instead, we decided to use the principles that define the perforations to drive the project.
WORKING WITH
PARAMETERS DIGITAL FORM FINDING
Through digital methods, my group and I explored the Tafoni’s ecological system. We began modelling the structure as a whole, creating the negative space and then removing it (as with the plaster models). We then moved onto a stacked approach, allowing a more natural variation through twisting the layers. Once we had gained an understanding of the rock we began to create parameters to alter the cavities, finally resulting in vault like forms.
Image on lower right hand side, over leaf, Magnus Larsson, Dune. http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/sandstone.html
As part of the form finding exercise we were led to look closer into the micro-scale of the Tafoni rock. The cavities play host to thousands of microorganisms, drawing in light and fresh air. These cavities can be architecturally translated into small dwelling pits, ventilation systems, light shafts etc.
DIGITAL FABRICATION Rationalizing cavities
TEK Building, BIG Architects, http://big.dk/
SITE WOOD STREET, CARDIFF
View from Wood Street: one of the main vistas towards the site and water tower
SITE ANALYSIS The site extends to approximately 0.34 hectares and is bounded by Wood street to the north, the bus terminal to the east, river Taff to the west and the railway line to the south. It immediately joins to Cardiff central rail station and bus station. The position of this site lends itself to many opportunities, one being long distance views to Cardiff bay which can be achieved at higher levels. The
site is located adjacent to significant transport links, encouraging a more environmentally friendly transport method. It is in close proximity to the city centre, where retail and mixed cultural activities are in abundance. Furthermore, it borders with Millennium Plaza, a significant open public space. As well as having a river frontage, the site is on route of the main river walk to Bute park.
View of site and taxi rank from Central Station View of the site and Plaza from the car park View of Millenium Plaza and Millenium Stadium
View of the River Taff and site from the Plaza View of the site from Wood Street Bridge View of the car park to the south of the site
cones of vision MAPPING
Connecting the buildings footprint to surrounding public spaces corresponding to the height at which the space is seen. From left to right, ground floor views, public/residential at 6m+, residential views at 20m+.
From left to right. Noise pollution diagram, traffic diagram showing pedestrian (green) and vehicular (red) traffic on a typical weekend, match day. Residential block (white) and retail block (blue) are stacked, shaped to shelter the plaza from noise pollution.
cones of vision CONCEPT MODEL
Concept model highlighting views to public spaces corresponding to the height at which the space is seen. From left to right, ground floor views, public/residential at 6m+, residential views at 20m+.
Developing the faCade IMPACT OF THE HORIZTONAL
Investigating the effect that floor plate size has on the faรงade and individual housing units. By extending floor plates extra balconies can be created, giving individuality to each house. Through the juxtaposition of heavy floor plate and light wall, an interesting play on the concept of mass can be achieved.
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1.http://arkinetia.blogspot.com/2008/11/vivienda-colectiva-david-chipperfield 2.http://www.dezeen.com/2010/04/19/1111-lincoln-road-by-herzon-de-meuron/ 3.http://inhabitat.com/herzog-de-meurons-beirut-terraces-with-hanging-gardens/ 4.http://www.e-architect.co.uk/awards/stirling_prize_award_2007_shortlist.htm
MASTERPLAN
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
SECTION A-A’ SCALE 1:1000
SOUTH FACING FACADE 1:1000
LANDSCAPING AND RETAIL GROUND FLOOR 1:1000
LANDSCAPING AND RETAIL FIRST FLOOR 1:1000
HOUSING UNIT
The cavities formed in the plaster models, as well as the 1.3m high vaults towards the southern end of the site both portray open, cavernous spaces lit by one permeable face. My housing unit is essentially a carved out volume, surround by thermal mass with a glazed wall and solar devices to the south.
The two bed apartments on the floors 2-5 interlock as shown above. This arrangement saw inspiration from le Corbusier’s Unité d’habitation. It was chose to maximises views to the north and south, avoiding a long, thin dwelling.
Housing unit process models exploring the use of the south balcony. I wanted to maximise the opportunity of a large double height space, using materials which mirror the urban environment in which it sits, such as wood, steel, and concrete.
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5 1. Bathroom 2. Kitchen 3. Living area 4. Bedroom 5. Balcony
Section Aa scale 1:100
Typical one bed apartment plan, left to right, ground floor, first floor scale 1:100
FINAL DESIGN SITE MODEL IN CONTEXT