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Table of Content I. II.
Introduction and statement of purpose……………………………………………………………………………………………………....2 Local case study: Dar el Rehab Orphanage……………………………………………………………………………………………….....3 Context and surrounding……………………………………………………………………………………………………...……...3 Users’ profile and life style…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...5 Architectural analysis of the space…………………………………………………………………………………………………..10 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...16 III. International Case Study: SOS Children’s Village in Jordan……………………………………………………………………………….18 Context and surrounding……………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..18 Users’ profile………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....18 User’s life style…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....18 Architectural Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……….....25 IV. Getting to know my user……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……....26 a. Second visit to Dar el Rehab Orphanage…………………………………………………………………………………...…………....26 b. Orphans’ Day…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..…27 V. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…30 VI. Architectural Programming………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….31 Human needs…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……........31 Goals and objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………...……....32 Context and surrounding…………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..33 Design criteria……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..38 Ergonomics………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..39 Activity Systems……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....…..40 Elements and solutions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………42 Space program sheet………………………………………………………………………………………………………………43 Customized spaces………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...47 Bubble diagram……………………………………………………………………………............................................................48 Zoning………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….49 Site: Sun and wind orientation………………………………………………………………………………………….…………50 Spatial analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……51 A brief on flexible architecture…………………………………………………………………………………………….………52 VII. Concept…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….55 The choice of user……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..55 Mood board 1: Exterior………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...57 Mood board 2: Outdoor spaces………………………………………………………………………………………………………...58 Mood board 3: Interior. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...59 VIII. References……………………………………………………………………………………………...............................................................60 “Our Home” Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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i. Introduction and Statement of Purpose Orphans and orphanages raise a great debate in our society, as they are a big part of the Egyptian community. Young orphans may and can create a better future for this nation if they are well raised exactly like the normal young children, so why aren’t they having the right amount of attention as the normal children? Most of the orphanages in Egypt provide a shelter for orphans but they neglect their social needs. The orphans are like any other child only needing more care therefore, orphanages should be aware that they are dealing with fragile sensitive individuals; they should not only provide shelter for them, but they should provide a home, where they will feel loved secured and appreciated. This research is investigating different types of orphanages, getting to know the orphans’ lifestyle, and their human needs (physical and psychological), in order to attain the best design criteria of an architectural building that will serve as a home for the orphans and hopefully will fill that gap that they have in their lives. The main purpose of “Our Home” project is to address the common issues found in the orphanages in Egypt. Creating a new sense of orphanages, a home for the children where they feel secure, loved and appreciated. “Our Home” orphanage will be designed to be a landmark, capturing people’s attention to the orphanage problem in Egypt, helping the orphans to be engaged in the society and to be cherished. The community where “Our Home” will be built will learn to appreciate and support orphanages and orphans as the orphanage will have its fund by providing high quality services to its community not by taking donations. Therefore, the orphans in this orphanage will be by time accepted in their society which will make it easier for them to grow up in a healthy way, and to face the outer world on their own with less fear like any other child having parents to support him. The design will be customized to the 14 girls of Dar- el Rehab Orphanage, giving each girl the space that she needs to help her grow up into a successful person, not only that but it will also have a flexible plan to change according to their needs in the future as they grow up, and to accommodate more people so that the ongoing cycle of this orphanage will continue.
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ii. Case Study 1: Dar el Rehab Location: 19 Abl el Hafez ahmed St. Nasr City. Context and Surrounding
Surrounded by residential buildings
Central garden, not well reserved
Side Streets Dar el Rehab Orphanage
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Fence of the out the outdoor area
Dar el Rehab right facade
Dar el Rehab, Ground floor apartment. The orphanage is surrounded by residential buildings.
Right next to the orphanage there is an empty space which is used as car parking/ garbage dumping .
The two ground floor level apartments belong to the orphanage.
Perpendicular to the street of Dar El Rehab, there is this central garden, which is obviously not well kept, therefore it is not used.
Entrance of Dar el rehab orphanage/ apartment building. Wide entrance nicely decorated and gives the feeling home “Our Home�of Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari and coziness.
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Users’ Profile Number of children: 14 girls. Age: 9-10 years old. All the girls go to the same school, which is close to the orphanage. They go to school by the school bus. Number of surrogate mothers: 4 mothers/ nannies, and one main mother who is also the owner of the orphanage but she does not spend the night at the orphanage.
Users’ life style
#1
Door leading to the outdoor area
There are usually three girls sharing one bedroom.
Study desks
The bedroom is where the girls spend most of their time; they sleep, nap, play and even study because it contains two desks. Most of the bedrooms are overlooking the private outdoor area, which gives privacy to the rooms.
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#2
Study room/ dining area, where the girls and the surrogate mothers eat all the essential three meals of the day, the girls also use this space for studying. The space is too crowded compared to the number of users therefore the furniture arrangement is uncomfortable also creating a problem in circulation.
This detail of the dining room/study room is showing the problem in circulation: for those who are sitting in these chairs they will be squeezed between the wall and the table with no room to move, and this applies to all four tables in the room which means that eight girls will be sitting uncomfortably while they eat or study.
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#3
#5
#4
The steps at the end of the corridor Single loaded corridor leading to the living room. (Where the kids enjoy running back and forth, but it is not safe for them because it starts with two steps and ends with two steps, so they can easily fall or trip)
The living room, where the girls are allowed to play and watch TV. It is also a place of leisure for the surrogate mother, when the girls are working on their homework or in school, the surrogate mothers spend their time here, watching TV and resting.
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# 6
#7
The kitchen where all the cooking takes place. Usually the surrogate mothers cook, and sometimes the kids participate. The area of the kitchen is too small for the four surrogate
#8
.
Office room, used as storage room.
The very organized food storage room, where they keep track of each item going in or out, and setting dates for everything.
mothers especially if the girls are participating in the cooking.
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#9
#10
The reception area, used to
The outdoor area, not shaded, and
receive guests visiting the
rarely used by the kids because it
orphanage also as a main office
is not shaded and not safe because
for the owner but rarely used by
of the ceramic tiles floor.
the kids
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Architectural Analysis Furniture
Closets size: 2x90cm width, depth 100m, height 200cm. The closet has enough room for the two girls’ cloths,
Single bed: 110x190cm. The bed size is appropriate, but there is not enough space
but the upper shelves are too high for
Study desks: 50x80cm. The size of the desks is appropriate for the age of the girls, but a couple of years later it will be too small for them.
the girls to reach, therefore they are used for storage.
between the beds for circulation in this room. Window height is also appropriate for the age of the girls, because they can look outside of the window and still have
Dining tables: 75x120. Dining
their privacy because the windows are
table’s size does not go with the
overlooking the outdoor area of the house.
size of the room, the room is crowded.
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Ventilation, Natural Light and Circulation Plan
Sun Orientation
The Kitchen has cross ventilation, no smell is going inwards. The Bedrooms are placed on the Southern side of the house, which is bad ventilation wise, and also they will have direct sunlight as there are no louvers on the windows.
Major drawback: the living room has no windows, therefore it is not well ventilated and there is no natural light going in.
N
Northern Wind Direction “Our Home” Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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Zoning Diagrams
Zoning diagram indicating the circulation between the different aspects of the house
The combined spaces in the relationship diagram demonstrates the relation between the facilities and the other aspects of the house.
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Bubble Diagram
1. There is a strong relation between the kitchen and the food storage room, but they are too far from each other. 2. The bathroom near the children’s bedroom is also used by the guests: There should be a bathroom near the reception area (Cross Circulation between guests and children in this area is not acceptable). 3. The kitchen is almost in-front of the entrance area, which is not a good place for it, it should be more sheltered. 4. There is a buffer zone between the entrance and the children’s room, which is the space leading to the office room and the dining room (view plan). 5. The living room area is very far from the entrance and the reception area which gives it a good amount of privacy. 6.
The surrogate mothers’ bedroom is near the children’s rooms which is a good thing, especially in the early age of the kids. “Our Home” Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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Space Program Sheet Space: Bedrooms.
Function: Sleeping, playing and studying.
Molecular activity: Each girl has her own bed, 3 girls in a room. The space between the
Who?
beds is used for playing. They sit on the ground and play. The desks are placed facing the
The children, usually three girls, but in playing time they gather in larger groups. The
wall, for studying.
surrogate mothers drop by for supervision
Spatial Relations: Direct access to the bathroom, dining room, living room and outdoor
Environment Quality
area.
Sufficient amount of natural light, because of the door leading to the outdoor area. Well ventilated: Large window/door. Private: overlooking the outdoor area of the house.
Space: Kitchen
Function: cooking
Molecular activity: every day the surrogate mothers cook the three meals for the children in
Who? Four surrogate mothers.
this kitchen. Spatial Relations:
Environment Quality:
Direct relation to the dining room and the bathroom
Well ventilated : cross ventilation Natural light from the two windows
Space: Living room.
Function: spending the leisure time/resting/socializing.
Molecular activity:
Who?
The girls spend their free time in the living room, watching TV or playing. They also get the The 11 girls and 4 surrogate mothers. chance to sit all together with the surrogate mothers and socialize. Spatial relations:
Environment Quality:
Direct relation to the bedrooms and the bathroom
The room has no windows. Not well ventilated .No natural light coming in.
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Spatial Percentages of different project components
Spatial Relation Matrix
Bedrooms Bathrooms reception/office area Kitchen
Outdoor Area Living room Storage
Indirect Relation Direct Relation
The reception area is too big compared to the area of the house, also because it is not used. The bathroom area is too small compared to the number of users and the space. The outdoor area is appropriate in size, but it is not well used. Conclusion:
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Advantages
Given the relatively small number of children, the owner of the place
Disadvantages
The orphanage does not have any means of transportation, and its location
is considered the mother, and the surrogate mothers are like nannies,
does not provide any walking distance sporting clubs or any outdoor
therefore there is an atmosphere of a family and warmth in the place.
facilities, that is why the children are isolated from the society, because the
The children are feeling more secure, knowing that this is their
only time they get in contact with the outer world is when they go to
permanent home.
school or when they go to trips, which does not happen frequently because
The location of the orphanage is near their school.
of the problem of transportation. The plan of the apartment is divided into two levels, which is dangerous for the children, who are running and playing all the time. Also this division makes some places of the house not well used such as the reception area. (view plan) The outdoor area in the place is not well used at all because the floor is all covered by ceramic tiles so it is not safe for the young children who fall all the time, it is also not shaded so it is hard to go out in the day light. The dining room/study room is very small compared to the number of children. Some girls have early signs of talents such as drawing, but unfortunately the space does not have any facilities that could help them develop or discover these talents. The furniture colors and walls do not suit young children. Ex: furniture color of the living room, not appealing for children.
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Solutions
Plan Adjusted
Turn the large outdoor area into garden with shaded seating areas, this will provide a pleasant outdoor space for the children to play, and also a nice view for their bedrooms as most of the bedrooms are overlooking this outdoor space. Make all the apartment one level. The small office that is beside the dining room is barely used, therefore it is better to make the office and the dining room a single large room. (view plan). The reception area is not used by the children because it contains the main office, so if there was a separation between the reception and the office, the reception can be a play room for the children, or a studio where they will learn arts and develop their talents. The children are isolated from the society therefore we should either change their location near a sporting club, or use the opposite land that the orphanage owns as a public garden for children, which will also provide fund for the orphanage. Fix the central garden of the area, and turn the garbage dumping space to a garden, which will enhance the quality of the surrounding and will make the orphanage appreciated by the community they live in.
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iii. International Case Study: SOS Children’s Village in Amman, Jordan I chose this particular institution to base my international case study on because: It is located in Jordan, which is an Arab country therefore most of the social and religious traditions that we have in Egypt will be found there, as a result to that, they will be facing the same social constraints and advantages that I will be facing when designing. SOS villages for orphans are international institutions that are found all over the world; they have specific design criteria and they are known to be very successful. Although SOS is a large institution and its projects are large scale projects, while my project is oriented towards a smaller number of users, but SOS villages have managed to create the closest thing to a family life to her children, which is the main concern in my design. Most of its family houses are either one floor or two floors compact building which is what I am intending to do in my design.
Users’ profile The SOS village is a shelter and home for a large number of children, varying in age groups. Each house accommodates around 9 children, boys and girls and different age groups.
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The theatre building, where they have all sorts of entertainment for their closed society
Children’s school, where they spend most of their day under the supervision of their teachers and also under the supervision of a psychiatric.
Outdoor stage/ roman theatre.
Example of the landscape/ vegetation in the site. “Our Home” Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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Example of a two story height family house.
Children from different age groups and genders (one family), watching TV in the living room area. Shows the bond in the family life.
Entrance of the family house.
A surrogate mother sitting with her children on the dining room table, helping them with their homework. “Our Home� Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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Architectural Analysis Context and surrounding: Typical Family House
SOS village is located in Amman, Jordan. It is a very large piece of land, where there are 12 small
Guests and Admin building
family houses (one floor houses or two floors depending on the number of children and their age)
Services building
in a large landscape, each house containing approximately eight-nine children (brothers and sisters) and one surrogate mother. The village has all the facility needed for this community to stand on its own: Sports facilities, educational facilities and entertainment theatre. Around the children’s
Sports Facilities
village, there are the houses of youth, where the SOS youth move into, after they reach a certain age (21 years old). In these houses, they learn to be Main Gate
Kindergarten
independent and engage in the society, while still getting some help from the SOS village where they grew up.
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Site Zoning
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Plan analysis for a typical two floors family building (two families share this house):
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One building shared by two families, Each family has its own private area (appartement) containing: 4 bedrooms. 4 bathrooms. One living room/ dining room. A small storage room. And each two families are overlooking the same outdoor area. Zoning of an apartment plan for one family
Private area
Facilities/
Garden
Services Indirect Relation Direct Relation
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Conclusion Advantages Every child belongs to a family. Every child grows with respect (children participate in making
Disadvantages The SOS children’s village provides a closed community for the children, which will make it harder for them to cope with the outer
decisions that affect their own lives), sense of security and sense of
world and be independent. This also does not face the problem that
belonging provided to him by his surrogate mother, his family and
orphans are not accepted in our in society and therefore are treated
the SOS community.
equally to other children but with better circumstances.
The space has all the facilities that it needs. There is a fair amount of outdoor spaces and good vegetation.
SOS village contains encourages its children to develop all sorts of talents though their theatre/ entertainment building, which helps in shaping their future.
One building accommodating two families helps build an inside community where each family enjoys the sense of having neighbors that can help them out in time of need.
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iv. Getting to Know My User A.
Second Visit to Dar el Rehab Orphanage
Our first visit to Dar el rehab was all about the architectural features of the orphanage also a bit informative about their lifestyle, as we went in a large group (11 students) and we spent most of our time in examining the place and with the main surrogate mother who is also the owner (Mrs. Moshira). That is why I had to visit the place for the second time to get to know more each and every girl. My friend and I, we went to the orphanage on a school day after they had all finished their home-works, we spent some quality time with them, talked about all sorts of things and we even baked cookies. This experience helped me to get familiar more of their physical and emotional needs.
Physical needs The girls have a lot of energy, that they need to express somehow,
Psychological needs They are isolated from their surrounding as they only feel
there was a lot of running around in the place, jumping on beds,
secure inside their home, and they are very naïve when it comes
and even going out (to the outdoor area) and in constantly. The
to their experiences with the society and the outer world.
apartment has some short cuts, but the girls always seem to prefer the longer way. From this, I noticed that the girls need a lot of open space, they enjoy running around, so the inner space should be safe and prepared for that. Some of the girls tend to like sitting alone sometimes, as some of them are very loud and others are more quite therefore there must be a place where one can go and enjoy some personal space, and this will be needed more and more as they grow up
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B.Orphans’ Day Location: Heliopolis Sporting Club in shorouk. Number of orphanages who participated in that day: 3 orphanages. Number of orphans: 50 children Age of the children: 5-9 years old FTP (For the People) organization held an orphans’ day on Friday 17th of September 2009. Their aim was to create a friendly atmosphere for the orphans, and also to entertain them. There were all sorts of games for the children to enjoy: face painting, foot-ball matches, dancing, trampolines etc... This was a great opportunity for me to get to know these children and try to imagine how they think and how they perceive the world around them in order to get more familiar with their needs.
Informal Interviews 1. Me: "Hi, would you like to draw something on your face?" Child 1:" No, thank you" Child 2 (running towards us after hearing me asking the first child):" Yes!" Me:"What would you like to draw?" Child 2: "Exactly like what is drawn on this box (referring to the colors box)" Child 1(very enthusiastic, unlike the first time I asked him): "I want you to draw on my face too!" Me: "What would you like to draw?" Child 1(pointing on his friend): "Exactly like what you drawn his face". “Our Home” Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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2. Me:"What is your favorite color?" Child A:"I don't know" Me (addressing child B):"what is your favorite color?" Child B (after showing him all the colors and almost insisting that he chooses one): "Green". Child A (watching us): "Green !". - Typical scenarios happened when they were supposed to choose a game to play, or in their choice of their dinner.
Observation: - Most of the children cling to what we give them so hard, such as toys or snacks; they don't agree to share even if it's with us. - Most of them want to take as many as they can even if they don't need to have that much snacks, they only stop wanting when they are not capable of carrying anymore. (Unlike children in Dar el Rehab Orphanage)
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Conclusion: From the informal interviews: -The children do not seem to have clear statements about what they want or what they need. They are not used to be given a choice, or to decide on their own. At first I thought that this was because of their young age, but when I interviewed other children in the same age but with better circumstances, they knew what they exactly wanted, they had very clear statements about what they want to eat, play with, and even with whom they would like to play and where. From the observation of their behavior: - The children were not feeling secure, therefore, they were trying to get as much as they can NOW because they do not trust tomorrow. Not wanting to share and clinging to the materials rather than enjoying playing with it, also indicates the feeling of insecurity. Psychological Problems indicated: - Insecurity. - Lack of personal space and sense of individually (not treated as individuals but as a group).
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v. Conclusion Common Problems Noticed in Different Orphanages Most of the orphanages do not provide a family life for the children, while this should be their main goal. As a result to that, the orphans do not feel secure, and that gap form not having a parent to care for them still remains. The orphans are not treated as individuals when it comes to their human needs; the orphanages do not consider the issue of personal space, which creates psychological problems for the children. The orphans are rarely engaged in the society, they are not raised to be independent individuals who can face the outer world on their own and build their own life. Most orphanages do not provide appropriate outdoor spaces for the children to enjoy the nature.
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vi.
Architectural Programming
Human Needs Addressed in “Our Home” Design The User: 20 girls (different age brackets) and 8 surrogate mothers.
Social interaction/ engaging in the society Personal space and personalization of spaces. Shelter/ Home. Family life. Sense of security and sense of belonging.
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Goals and Objectives The main purpose of “Our Home” is to address psychological and physical needs observed in the orphanages visited and especially Dar-el Rehab, because “Our Home” project will be a customized home/orphanage for these girls. It aims to fulfill their needs keeping a flexible plan to change according to their changing needs, it will also allow for any future extension to allow the cycle of the orphanage to continue. “Our Home” will be a landmark, capturing people’s attention to the orphanages problem in Egypt, it will also allow the people to appreciate and accept orphanages and orphans in the society, as this project will be built on an empty piece of land that is a garbage dump, and it will have a bakery/café attached to it, which will act as a funding project for the orphanage and it will also serve the need of the neighborhood. Therefore the orphanage will not need any donations; moreover, it will act like a family business for the girls making them feel more secure about their future and allowing them to interact with the society. Not only that, but also the community will appreciate the orphanage through the parking project that the orphanage will provide, which will act as a secondary funding project. As a result, these girls will be prepared to be independent and face the outer world on their own not being afraid from that rejection that they could face when dealing with the society. As for its architectural features it will have outdoor gardens and open spaces that are also private providing a nice view, and allowing natural light and ventilation in the spaces. It will also have personalized spaces for the girls, which will allow them to feel that sense of home and it will consider their need of personal space encouraging each and every one of them to develop a unique character and strong personality which is one of the keys of having a successful life.
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The Context and Surrounding
The parking project (secondary funding)
The chosen site Area of the site = 880 m^2.
Zoning of the surrounding, illustrating the relationship between the main street, side streets and central garden to the site.
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This is the empty piece of land where “Our Home” project will take place.
The land is surrounded by residential buildings, and is overlooking two side streets (safe to cross)
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Garbage dump and parking space
This area right beside the chosen site is where a lot of cars park because there is shortage in parking spaces in this neighborhood. But as you can see the cars parking is all surrounded by garbage and the area is not well equipped. Therefore, this land will be transformed into a multi story parking well equipped and will serve as a secondary funding project for “Our Home” and a service for the neighborhood which will make the idea of an orphanage in the neighborhood acceptable and appreciated.
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Potentials of the site:
The central garden
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It is right next to their home therefore, the girls will not feel the emotional stress that can occur from leaving the home where they were raised. The girls will not have to change their school which they are attached to. By changing this piece of land (a garbage dump) into an appealing architectural site where there is a lot of greenery the orphanage will be appreciated by the community. There is an empty land across the street that belongs to Dar el Rehab which will be the funding project of the orphanage (bakery and super-market [two things that the neighborhood does not have, and need]). The orphanage will take the responsibility of making a campaign to encourage the people living in this neighborhood to fix the large central garden. This will also help the orphans of “Our Home” orphanage to be engaged in their society, and to take actions rather than being passive about their less-fortunate life. Good circulation of air, because the northern side of the land is not blocked by any buildings, and the southern side too, so the air can circulate freely and there will be a fair amount of natural light to the space. And since it is in the corner of two side streets and is overlooking a large garden, the low rise building’s privacy will not be violated by the high rise buildings surrounding it. Having a parking on the other side will prevent the building of any high rise building in that space, therefore the land has three sides that are completely private.
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Design Criteria All bedrooms must have its own privacy and if possible a nice view and placed on the northern side of the site. Bathrooms and kitchen should be placed in the southern side of the house. Maximum use of spaces. Engage the outdoor and indoor spaces. Combine the fixed parts of the plan for maximum flexibility. Use a simple grid to ensure the largest column span for flexibility. Activities related to each other should be placed near each other, for example, dining room and kitchen. Japanese partitions, instead of fixed walls if possible. Ceiling higher than the usual, allowing/ expecting future expansions of building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in floor and ceiling.
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Ergonomics
Work table. Dining table Sleeping
Minimum spaces between two walls (corridor)
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Activity Systems Kitchenette, where the surrogate mothers will be cooking along with the girls who are interested in cooking. It can also contain a small dining table. Min area for the kitchenette (max 3 users)= 2.5 m^2
Kitchen: The Main Kitchen where the house Cook will be
Min Area of the kitchen = 14 m^2
cooking with the help of the surrogate mothers or the staff.
Flexibility in Design Dining room accommodating 20 users: Min area= 40 m^2
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Bedrooms
Bedroom for two, each having his/her separate private place, thanks to the partition wall in the middle of the room.
Bedroom for two users. Min area= 13 m^2
Area= 14 m^2 (Flexible Design)
Bathrooms
The arrangement of furniture in this room gives each person his/her privacy because the beds are located in opposite directions and on different sides of the room.
Bedroom for two, with space for closets and attached to a bathroom and shower. Area of the bedroom= 12.5 m^2 Area of the bedroom+ bathroom area= 22 m^2
Bathroom with a sink and a square shower. “Our Home� Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
Area= 3.2 m^2
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Elements and Solutions Some of the features included in the orphanages: Unusual building design (irregular skyline, different materials on the façade, the use of bold colors {view mood board}), different from its surrounding to attain the goal of being a landmark. Large garden and open space but in the same time private and sheltered so that the user will feel secure and their personal space will not be violated. It will have an outlet/ small project (ex: bakery, public library, gallery room etc…), that will provide fund for the place and will engage it in the society. It will also make the girls feel that they have a family business, which will enhance the family bond between them and their surrogate mothers. The girls will be engaged in a way or another in this business, so they will have a touch of reality and some experience with the outer world that they will have to face shortly on their own. It will have personalized spaces for each girl, or for each couple of girls, depending on their needs. Natural ventilation, wind catchers, and cross ventilations, especially in the kitchen area. Natural light in the rooms, while taking care not to violate the privacy of the spaces. Privacy in the main façade (view mood board 1). Roof garden (making use of all the spaces in the orphanage). Multipurpose rooms for the best use of spaces (view mood board 3).
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Space Program Sheet Space
Function and
User
Spatial Relations
molecular activity Office (20 m^2)
Work space for the
Environmental Quality
The owner.
Direct relation to the
Natural light, well
owner and receives
entrance and the
ventilated and overlooking
guests.
bathroom, indirect
some greenery.
relation to the outdoor area and the private area. Dining room (40 m^2)
Kitchen ( 14 m^2)
Eating breakfast, dinner
The girls with their
Direct relation to the
Natural light, well
and supper.
surrogate mothers.
kitchen, the bathroom,
ventilated and overlooking
and the outdoor space.
some greenery.
Cross ventilated.
Cooking for the entire
The cook and
Direct relation to the
house.
sometimes the surrogate
food storage room and
mothers.
the dining room. Having one entrance from the staff lobby and an outlet to the dining room.
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Kitchenette + small cook books library (2.5 m^2)
Cooking snacks and
The girls with the
Direct relation to the
Well ventilated (southern
quick meals. It will also
surrogate mothers.
living room and the
side of the house).
help the 4 girls (Sherifa,
bathroom.
Shahinaz, Hend and Noura) who showed an interest in cooking practice their hobby. Living room
Socializing, watching
The girls and the
Direct relation to the
Natural light and
(min of 25 m^2)
TV, playing, resting and
surrogate mothers.
kitchenette, bathroom
ventilation. View on the
and indirect to the
outdoor garden.
relaxing.
bedrooms.
Library (30 m^2)
Reading, relaxing and
The girls and the
Direct relation to the
Natural light, spacious,
enjoying personal space.
surrogate mothers.
outdoor area and the
comfortable and has a nice
bathroom.
view.
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Arts and Crafts room (18 m^2)
Learning arts and crafts, The girls, arts and crafts Direct Relation to the developing talents.
Well ventilated and
teachers.
bathroom.
natural light.
The younger sector of
Direct relation to the
Cozy, safe, spacious.
the kids, under the
bathroom and the
Natural light and well
supervision of the
bedroom.
ventilated and overlooks
(Mariam, Ashrakat and Amal). Spending the spare doing something useful (small products) and being creative.
Play room (18 m^2)
Playing.
mothers.
Study Room
Studying (individual
(20 m^2)
and in groups)
The girls.
the roof garden.
Direct relation to the
Spacious and has a fair
bedroom.
amount of natural light. The furniture arrangement will allow personal space. Movable light furniture which will allow its easy displacement to give them the option if they want to study in groups.
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Bedroom
Sleeping / playing, and
(14 m^2)
sometimes studying.
The girls and the surrogate mothers.
Direct relation to the bathroom.
Cozy, personalized and spacious allowing personal space. Natural light and ventilation.
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The Customized Spaces Kitchenette with a small cook books library for Sherifa, Shahinaz, Hend and Noura who are interested in cooking. This will help them learn about cooking in depth and develop their hobby into something more useful for them in the long run for example: opening their own restaurant. Arts and crafts room for Mariam, Amal and Ashrakat, these three girls have a promising artistic talent all they need is a well equipped space to work in and some professional guidance that they can have from the weekly art classes that will be given to them in this room . Providing them with this unique space will encourage them to develop their talent and encourage other girls to discover their talents too. Ghada and Mai seem to have a quiet personality, and they enjoy having personal space, therefore, they will have larger spaces in their bedrooms overlooking the roof garden, they can make use of the library and the main outdoor area too, to reflect on their own thoughts and ideas and enjoy that personal space that they miss in their current home. As for Sahar, she likes writing and reading; therefore in her bedroom she will have a special place for writing that has a nice view to inspire her. Sherifa and Ashrakat seem to have a very active personality, but unfortunately they have never played any sports, so I could not specify which type of sport they would like or would excel in, but hopefully through the two funding projects of the orphanage, the orphanage will be able to buy a bus that can transport the girls to the nearby club, which is el Ahly club. Where they can play all sorts of sports. The design of the orphanage will have safe outdoor spaces that will also help the girls to express this energy. As for the other girls who did not show a special need for a certain space, they will have a chance to enjoy the other facilities of the house (library, outdoor spaces, arts and crafts room, work at the bakery and go to the sporting club), and will share the personalized spaces with their sisters, helping them to discover their talents and their unique needs. And when they do, thanks to the flexible plan of the orphanage these needs can be fulfilled.
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Bubble Diagram (Three Floors Compact Building)
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Zoning Diagram
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Site: Sun-wind orientation
Sun Orientation
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Spatial Relations Matrix
Spatial Percentages
Bedrooms Living Rooms Kitchen and kitchenettes Bathrooms Guests Area Staff Area
The spaces with the largest percentage area are: The bedrooms, the living rooms, the outdoor gardens and the bathroom. For these are among the most important components of the orphanage, and will be used by large number of users at the same time.
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A brief on Flexible Architecture Leading architects: Le Corbusier: in his book “Le Modulor”, Le Corbusier aimed to standardize n architectural unit, where it will be used in residential buildings, and can be mass-produced he called this invention “L’Espri Nouveau”. The Japanese Architect: Ikebe Kiyoshi Kiyoshi’s aim was to create an architectural module based on the flexible nature of people’s lifestyles and social conditions. His module was also based and related to mathematical equations as he believed that “mathematics is beauty”. His module was also based on: - The space needed for each person. - The relation between people and objects. - Emphasis on the complexity of the human nature. - Freedom in design. - The dimensions of the module was based on the human culture, need for space and activity. The Creation of a Module System in Japan: - A module based on the placement and the dimensions of the tatami mat. - A module based on the distance between columns.
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Some of the Characteristics of flexible design:
1. Adaptable: Walls and partitions easy to move and reposition. Ex: Japanese houses
Sliding walls or partitions, having the option to divide the spaces and giving each space its privacy while maintaining the aesthetic value of the place.
Dining area, open on the kitchen area open on the outdoor area, giving the room a spacious feeling, openness and more natural light.
2. Open floor plan and free design: Ability to adapt to different users. “Our Home� Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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Living room, dining room and library. The separation between the spaces is through the library book shelves.
3. Movable: repositionable structures can be used in the outdoor areas, creating an extra room for different purposes, or tearing down a room to enjoy more outdoor spaces and open spaces. 4. Transformable: modular design, capable of adding or removing units, can also change form and color. Ex: The University of Phoenix Stadium. Architects: Eisenman Architects. Movable roof
Movable aluminum sheets(can be rolled out) to allow more sunlight
5. Responsive: Can respond and adapt to different circumstances such as interaction, usage and occupation (The way we live, flexible architecture). “Our Home� Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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vii. Concept “Fulfillment through adaptation and flexibility” “Our Home” is an orphanage where its habitants will enjoy family life and sense of security. The design of “Our Home” aims to satisfy the users’ needs, taking into consideration that these needs will be changing over time therefore the plan will be a flexible plan. It will allow any changes to happen to please the needs of the orphans, and encourage each one of them to develop a unique independent character by providing her with personalized spaces and personal space. This project also aspires to engage orphans in the society: The funding of the project will be a high quality service for the neighboring community, it will be a bakery attached to a grocery store and a multistory parking area as secondary funding. When this community realizes that these orphans are useful to them and not a burden on the society they will start appreciating them and respecting them. As a result to that, the orphans will be able to face this community with their head held high, feeling that they are needed, appreciated and cared for. Therefore, these kids will not fear to face the outer world. My users: 14 girls of Dar el Rehab, and I will add 6 infants to allow the continuity of my design, enhance sense of responsibility in the older girls as they will be helping in raising these infants at a certain age and also provide a unique sense of sisterhood where to older girls will take care of the younger ones, and the younger girls will give them back their love and appreciation. Why did I choose the 14 girls of Dar-el Rehab in particular to base my design criteria on? Since my mian design concept is to have a flexible plan that will change according to the needs of the users, it was better to have a specific real life user whom I can access easily and frequently, to study their behavior closely, get to know them in person so that the plan of my project with its fixed (constant) areas as well as its flexible (variable) areas all will be based on concrete information that I recieved from my user. Bearing in mind that, they are not the only users of the space, and that there will be other new young users introduced to the place therefore, some aspects in the plan will be generalized to please all users( for example the outdoor spaces and the privacy of the spaces) and to allow this concept to be adapted by other orphanages in Egypt, creating a new generation of architecture and a new percpective of orphanages and residential buildings. “Our Home” Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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Personal Space
Flexible
Sense of security
Family
Personalization of spaces
Engaged in the society
Generalized
Plan
Personalized
Fixed
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Mood Board 1
The Exterior (Landmark, compact and private) Irregular skylines
Different levels and sloping roof slab. A plan of a compact residential building
Attractive/unusual façade colors
Privacy in the façade overlooking the main street (blocks of concrete, less windows)
Compact houses
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Mood Board 2
Outdoor Spaces (view, privacy, vegetation)
Make the best use of spaces, by adding a roof garden
Private gardens that are also used as dining areas. (making the best use of spaces as it is a compact design in an urban context).
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Mood Board 3
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Interiors (Personal Space, natural light, personalization and best use of spaces) Personalized bedroom for two children, a boy and a girl, each half of the room has its identity and still the space is coherent
Family dining room and storage area
Natural light going in, while respecting the privacy of the space
Personalized working space
Making the best use of spaces Open space with multi-functions
Reading area (personal space) “Our Home� Design Project: Phase1- Research | El.Ibyari
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viii. References
Art and decoration magazine . Architectural Standard- Donald Watson- Time Saver Standard for Architectural Design. Contemporist: www.contemporist.com Japanese Touch for your House. The Japan Architect Magazine. Le Corbusier, Le Modular. King, Jong- Jim . Associate Professor Ryan Brouwer. College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan. NEXT 21: A Prototype Multi-Family Housing Complex. SOS Children’s Village in Jordan: http://www.sosjor.org/ The way we live: Flexible Architecture: http://thewaywelive.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/flexibility-in-architecture/ Visited sites: Dar El Rehab orphanage. Dar el Sondos for disabled orphans. Dar el Orman orphanage. Dar el Obour orphanage.
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