The ‘Metabolism’ Theory & Inspiration

Now Future

Metabolism was a post-war Japanese architectural movement that fused ideas about architectural megastructures with those of organic biological growth. The project applys this theory in Tarawa. As the sea level rising is inevitable, the metabolism among original and new modules will be applied via urban design approaches to increase people’s adaptation towards climate change.

A huge vertical volume is working for amenity space and functional space shared by all units, which contains function spaces shared by all units. The unit volume grows vertically. Eventually the old volumes will be replaced by the new volumes.

The island is a matrix, where units grow around. As sea levels rise, coastlines move inward. The units grow inward, and the original volumes is replaced by new ones.

The Metabolic Unit and Combination

Metabolic Toolbox

Gas Tank

Water Catch & Purify System

Solar Energy Generator

Wind Energy Generator

Farm Greenhouse

Betio---Commercial Centre

Betio is on the westernmost of Tarawa island. It is the downtown area of the island, which contains commercials, banks, enterprises, schools, energy generators, hospitals and government offices. The project aims to broaden the space of energy generators and commercials in this area.

Restaurant

Exhibition

Performance Stage

Shop

Gym

Street vendors Workshop

Bairiki---Public Affairs

Bairiki is in the east of Betio. The President’s office, State House, national stadium and church are on this part of the island. The project aims to broaden the space for national activities, such as general elections, state dinners and so on, and hotels for foreign officials and travellers.

Family Hall

Bedroom Unit

Family Unit

Bikenibeu---Massive Residential Spot

Bikenibeu is in the east of the island.It is a place with a high density of residences and also farm lands.The project aims to make more residential places farm lands.

Tribe Unit

Insert different programs, ranging from energy, agriculture, public activities and family activities, into the cube units and combinate them into family units, then combinate such units into a bigger tribe unit.

RESERVOIR LAYER WITH OPTIONAL AGGREGATE

MOISTURE RETENTION LAYER

AERATION LAYER

THERMAL INSULATION

FRAINAGE LAYER

ROOT BARRIER

PROTECTION COURSE

WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE

This drawing depicts the commercial and transportation center of the project. Residents deliver goods here to sell. This node is also a self-sufficient system with water harvesting, water purification and power generation equipment. The hanging planting space can also be used to grow vegetables.

The project intends to maintain the relationship between the environment around them and people’s daily life, the wooden material is implemented to make space for the rural life in the project while the original walls are mostly composed of stones. In the study of the Gothic cross-shaped monastery, the cross-shaped plan layout was retained.

The site is a picturesque place surrounded by meadows and rivers, residents have an idyllic and peaceful life here.

Therefore, wood as a people-friendly material is chosen first in the project and echoes with the darker and old ruins. When the cross-shaped layout of the ancient Gothic monastery is kept in this project, new programs are introduced into the ancient building as modern bookstores, exhibitions, restaurants and performances. Time passed by, and people can still feel the romance of classical architecture as well as enjoy the modern life.