The Post-Wall The wall, as an element of strong political connotation, becomes an expanded, porous and fluid space, where orchids and other non-human species can coexist, in a post-anthropocene fiction.
Walls have had, in recent times, a controversial role, as a political instrument, both physical and symbolic, altering human lives but also all non-human ecosystems. This project proposes a re-reading and re-signification of it, in the key of the Latin American vernacular traditions. .
A porous, lightweight and curved wall, created with economy of means, that arises from the structural logic of its form, becomes the ideal substrate to shelter and support an orchid pavilion. At the same time it generates a dialogue with the surrounding buildings and proposes a historical-affective connection with Latin American thin-shell brick structures tradition
A self-supporting ruled surface made of a single-thickness brick, created from a wavy guideline at ground level and straight at the top, generates a series of spatial sequences that go beyond interior - exterior notions, and which solves the requested program. This single element creates the spaces, it’s structure and the enclosure, supports and protects the orchids and their infrastructures, filters the light and regulates the humidity.
The orchid pavilion is a structure that can be used in multiple ways. It consists of an open central space, which will function mainly as an educational area, flanked by two spaces to house the orchids, that can be used both open or closed by means of an ETFE enclosure.
South facade view
Orchid Greenhouse
Orchid Greenhouse Educational Area
Floor plan / level +/- 0,00m scale 1:50
N
W
E
Roof plan / level + 6,00m scale 1:50
S
South Elevation / scale 1:50 Details
Iron rods are placed vertically, through the brick holes. Hollow bricks will be used to improve acoustics and reduce weight.
Hollow brick 24 x 6 x 12 cm
The wall is laid out in plan, following the catenary guidelines. Angles and spacings between bricks are determined using Grasshopper software.
East Elevation / scale 1:50
Section / scale 1:50
Orchid Greenhouse Detail scale 1:25
Nylon / Etfe covering 2’’ profile steel frame
Metallic shelf fixed to steel frame
North facade view
Materiality / use of space diagram Sun shade water proof removable canopy
Reinforced top brickwork
Wooden bench
Parametric open brickwork
Educational Area
Covering structure: 2’’ Steel profile fixed to concrete slab.
Orchid Greenhouse Removable ETFE or nylon covering.
Orchid Greenhouse Removable ETFE or nylon covering.
Design process diagram
The typical wall, separates and divides the space, and it requires an auxiliary structure for support.
By turning it into a thin-shell structure wall, creates a whole new range of possibilities, while being self-supporting without using auxiliary elements.
Two wall openings, blur its limits, and the notions of interior and exterior.
INT / EXT
‘‘Resistance through form’’
INT / EXT
Catenary curves
The open brickwork creates a porous and rough skin that allows ventilation while being the ideal substrate for other animal and plant species.
INT / EXT
East facade view
West facade view
Night view
The Post-Wall / Summary Walls have had, in recent times, a controversial role, as a political instrument, both physical and symbolic, altering human lives but also all non-human ecosystems. This project proposes a re-reading and re-signification of it, in the key of the Latin American vernacular traditions. A porous, lightweight and curved wall, created with economy of means, that arises from the structural logic of its form, becomes the ideal substrate to shelter and support an orchid pavilion. At the same time it generates a dialogue with the surrounding buildings and proposes a historical-affective connection with Latin American thin-shell brick structures tradition. This self-supporting ruled surface made of a single-thickness brick, created from a wavy guideline at ground level and straight at the top, generates a series of spatial sequences that go beyond interior - exterior notions, and which solves the requested program. This single element creates the spaces, it’s structure and the enclosure, supports and protects the orchids and their infrastructures, filters the light and regulates the humidity. The orchid pavilion is a structure that can be used in multiple ways. It consists of an open central space, which will function mainly as an educational area, flanked by two spaces to house the orchids, that can be used both open or closed by means of an ETFE enclosure. The open brickwork creates a ventilated and rough skin that becomes an ideal substrate for other animal and plant species to coexist.