ARMONIA, A RESURRECTED SANCTUARY

CANVEY WICK, ESSEX, UK INTERMEDIATE 3+ | 2021-2022

Armonia is a visionary project that seeks to revitalize abandoned land through a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations in the UK such as climate refugees and those in need of social support. The proposal is situated on the southwest corner of Canvey Island in Essex, on the site of the abandoned Occidental Thames Refinery, which was partly built in the 1980s and demolished in 1997. Since 2005, the 93-hectare site has been a nature reserve known as Canvey Wick, but its regeneration has been impeded by past exploitation.

Armonia’s approach to architecture is guided by the principle of mutualism, in which architecture becomes a nurturer and teacher for its inhabitants to sustainably live alongside one another and grow the land. The project envisions a regenerative ecosystem in which the built environment emerges alongside the natural one, promoting physical and mental health, a sense of purpose and belonging, and community.

The project addresses our relationship to nature against the context of an Aristocratic management of land – land without edible produce. Architecture built on the principle of mutualism, becomes a nurturer and teacher for its inhabitants to sustainably live amongst each other and grow the land, for in return the land provides physical and mental health, a purpose, and a sense of belonging, as well as a community.

Armonia, expands outwards, from ground zero.

Proposed Circulation

Armonia is designed as a self-sustaining ecosystem, with a constant exchange of energy and resources between the project’s internal and external environments. The diagrams of occupation, circulation, and programming demonstrate a balanced mix of high- and low-density zones.

Zone 0, the open central area, is of low density but can experience significant fluctuations in population density during periodic mass congregations. Zone 1 consists of a compact habitation zone with high density, while Zone 2 comprises a mixture of dense habitation and arable marshland with low density.

The outer zones are designed to adapt to the project’s evolving needs.

Maximizing Site Topography

The site is strategically positioned for both land and water transportation on a meso scale. Land corridors are proposed to connect the epicenter of the proposal to the National Road grid and local communities. The water system is also a crucial component of the proposal. Canals of varying widths allow water to seep in from the Thames Estuary and branch off to national canal networks, allowing for efficient water transport. The site is thus well-connected to both the mainland and the sea, maximizing its topographical advantages.

Plan, Radial Zonification of Site - Subject to Tarmac Pads

Climatic Design

The site is subdivided into concentric rings, expanding from an existing central tarmac pad. This radial design was rethought and sectioned according to the site’s annual intake of wind and sun. The land is terraformed to minimize solar intake in zone 0, yet maximize sun in the outer zones. Wind is mitigated in zone 0, and slightly deviated in zone 1.

Architecture emerges from site excavations, and terraforming. Additionally, water is brought into the site in the form of extensive canal network [natural buffers between zones].

Development Illustrations

ARMONIA - TECTONICS

Alongside a fascination to build with nature’s growth - by adopting dense lining and fibrous volumes [prominent in parasitic species] - architecture grown from the earth has been developed. Excavated clay and sediment on site are to be used for the built infrastructure - resulting in earth grown architecture. Space is distributed to allow for buffer zones between densely habited areas, promoting undisturbed ecosystem growth. This growth eventually strengthens the foundations and architecture grounded between buffer zones.

Contextual Model

The Contextual Model showcases the evolution of the tarmac pads within a new design proposal, bringing their timespan to life.

Divided into three sections, the model represents “What Could Have Been” (the oil tank), “What Is” (the overgrown surface), and “What Could Be” (a coexistence between man and nature, symbolized by the growth of roots and man-made infrastructure).

Sunny Side Up

WINNING PROPOSAL, GROUP COMPETITION

REINVENTING HUGUENOT HOUSE LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON, UK FIRST YEAR | 2020-2021

The Sunny Side Up project focuses on redefining what public housing means to the pedestrians and residents of Leicester Square by extending public circulation into the main roads and streets of Leicester Square. Passerby’s find themselves charmed towards a moving cloaked building vulnerable to its interior activities and stay for the organized and impromptu performances and programs hosted within Sunny. The alternance in the nature of the site becomes significantly apparent when the day turns night, displaying a play of lightness and softness, an element that was lacking within the existing Huguenot House.

The ground floor level was removed, and an open square was incorporated that is accessible from the south face of the once old ODEON theatre block. From there, one’s attention is directed up towards the suspended step amphitheater built within the existing carparks skeletal structure. Ramp extensions run parallel along the sides of the structure, for accessibilty, particularly for people with disabilities.

The project trailer features its own score and visuals, providing an engaging glimpse into the project’s vision.

Project Trailer: https://youtu.be/rQ9K-pC8lM0