DROPS OF HARMONY CONCEPT
As what the norm has been telling us, sacred architecture is the same as religious architecture. In our understanding, sacred architecture also incorporates spaces which enables human to dwell in their mind, to access their inner self, to reflect. Be it individually or in group, privately or publicly due to the diversity of human mind.
SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS
In this design, we are planning to collaborate with Warka Water as their creativity and innocation have proven to be very effective and efficient in Africa.
LEVELING
We have reserved some area for the incorporation of the mentioned technology as well in our architecture. Aside from collecting water, it will teach the villagers how to harvest water, how to use it wisely and its other smart uses.
There are 3 kinds of relationships between subjects. Relationship between man with God, man with man and man with environment. These 3 relationships are similar in different ways. The classification also places each relationship into layers in the site based on noise level.
SPACES AND PROGRAM
RAMP DN
DN RAMP DN
SACRED ARCHITECTURE = RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE + ?
UP
The architecture is divided into 2 levels to cater for these programs. Sacred space, water harvesting and memorial is in a silent, bigger and unified box. Whereas public toilet, community kitchen and classrooms are each sheltered in little individual noisier boxes.
RAMP UP
Each space and program proposed are based on the 3 relationships mentioned above and will be affected by noise level in the site. There are a total of 6 programs that will be distributed around the site.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT THE SITE
The site is located in Tanaf, Senegal, Africa. The height of the surrounding building does not exceed 6 meters and having very little building dedicated for sacred activities.
THE BOUNDARY AND ORIENTATION
Having a site of 600 square meters, the only allowable build-up area is 300 square meters. A space allocation ratio of 70% : 30% is made to sunder spaces of different character. The orientation of the building also strictly follows North Point.
THE LAYERING
Based on the zoning and space planning, the architecture is divided into 2 layers to firstly answer to the local disaster, flood; secondly, to blend-in to the site while maintaining its iconic identity. At the same time, allowing full circulation at the ground level from all direction.
THE COMPARTMENTATION
THE RAISE
The Silent Block (Big) will be divided into 3 blocks, each with slightly different function: 2 multipurpose activity hall with one facing the east and the other facing the west and a buffer zone, the path of light.
Edge of the blocks are raised to welcome light from certain angle to honor the activities that will be held inside as well as to add visual drama to the architecture itself.
THE GREEN
Suitable trees will be planted in the vicinity to boost the mood and to block certain views in order to accentuate other angles as well as to block sunlight which is too direct to the building. The trees also act as a guide into the building.
THE WATER HARVESTING MECHANISM
By using the latest technology, Warka Water Harvesting system, The structure is able to sustain itself and its surrounding neighbour with water. The reservoir is located at the bottom of the building to save space and to store rainwater when present.
THE STRUCTURE
The main structural system is made out of the strongest wood avaible in the vicinity to provide both balance and durability to the building and ease of construction.
THE FACADE
Using the most popular material on site, thatch, the design is much more native to the site and the mechanism of the thatch panels allow air to flow through and eases maintenance, much more convenient than the traditional thatch roof.
THE ARCHITECTURE
The intention of this structure is not only to accomodate sacred activities, however to cater more on social activities that draw people together such as public toilet, public classroom, social gathering spot and so on.
SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE THE BODY In time when the mind is the weakest, the body will take control and thus matter will be more dominant compared to energy.
PATH OF LIGHT
THE SOUL
WARKA WATER HARVESTING
THE MIND
A buffer zone between 2 blocks consisting of views and a place for tiny breather.
A space that accentuates the soul, being the most sacred and spiritual, the space is also a place where man is able to feel the greater being.
Fog harvesting water molecules as well as rainwater harvesting will sustain the village of clean water usage.
In the dawn, the mind is more dominant and will be controlling the body. The energy within the mind radiates greater than the matter.
THATCH PANEL FACADE Using the most commonly used material, thatch, installed on panels to allow better air flow and ease of maintenance.
TRANSPARENT CORRUGATED SHEET Parts built with this material are meant to be transparent to public and at the same time provides view to the village.
OPEN COMMUNITY PLAZA Enables the villagers to have more communal activities such as bonfire to strengthen the community.
MEMORIAL WALK Situated along the access to the sacred spaces to remind the villagers of their lost ones and to embrace death openly.
WATER RESERVOIR
Water collected from rain or fog will be stored inside the reservoir underneath the building to accommodate villagers’ daily usage.