Sand Dunes + Parametric + Vertical Architecture
Recap from the previous post; an enjoying model making session to identify spaces, light and shadow quality; as well as the quality of air for natural ventilation.
In what way can this project be classified as a Parametric Architecture? How to transform it into a vertical city? Can this vertical city be a habitable space for living organisms?
To start off, the first question will be what is parametric? Parametric (based on architecture) is relating to a process (parameters/algorithmic); often obtained through using various tools or data; translating the process together with the tools stated as parameters (algorithmic) and forms a unique style called Parametricism.
The parameters; known as algorithmic will be used between design intent and design response to achieve vertical architecture. Design element that will be used between design intent and design response will be based on the solidified sand dunes. As a recap of the process of making solidified sand dunes; tiny sand particles going through the harnessing of microbial activity by inducing carbonate precipitation to solidify the sand; turning it into a large sandstone.
Parametric Architecture happens at the process before inducing carbonate precipitation into the sand dune, making it to transform from a tiny sand particles into a huge solid structural sandstone; because habitable space will be created through injecting giant balloons into the dunes. Excessive sands that will be removed, transforming into a habitable space; can be removed either by hand or wind; turning it into an underground architecture.
Underground architecture has several important features that cannot be overlooked in order to create habitable spaces. These features will also be part of the several parameters to create Parametricism Architecture. This includes:
Creating an underground river filled wells for daily usage
Creating staircase between transition of levels
Creating a large shaft; likely used as the primary well for residents underground and on the ground surface and stone doors in each level
Protecting the underground city from surface threats. All of these features have to done before the inducing of carbonate precipitation because sand particles are still their small, light and weak properties.
As mentioned from the previous post, Edward Glaeser argues that 'cities cannot build out but build up instead based on capitalist doctrines of hyper-density'. Besides that, the height of the sand dunes varies; thus the issue of hyper-density will not be able to be resolved. Therefore, merging of medium rise together with underground architecture will be the best solution for hyper-density in the dessert.
A case study on the largest ancient underground city in Turkey's Cappadocia region; will be used as a reference towards the solidified sand dunes. This remarkable underground city called Derinkuyu house 20,000 people in 18 stories of living quarters, shops and escape routes. It is one of the jewels of Turkish archaeological wonderland. The underground tunnel initially has a passage of 7km. It was then only planned and analyzed when the underground city was discovered.
Derinkuyu was being dugged over 250 feet below Earth's surface and boasts numerous tunnels, halls, meeting rooms, wells and passage ways. Inside the underground ecosystem, it can sustain thousands of people, replete with air shafts and water channels. Locals likely retreated to its depths, experts suspect, whenever armies or invaders approached during those turbulent times, and waited out the danger like a turtle in its shell.
There are 36 other underground cities in the Cappadocia region. There were safe places where Christians spread the new faith secretly and to worship freely away from persecution.
First and second floors house the missionary school, baptism pool, kitchen, food depots, bed rooms, dining rooms, wine cellars and stables.
Third and fourth floor will the hiding places, tunnels as well as depots for weapons. When the town is being attacked, people will escape through these tunnels.
Millstone doors are used between tunnels to prevent an attack into the tunnels; could block from the inside with these millstone and people would descend to their shelters. These millstone doors could not be opened from the inside, acting like a fire door.
Derinkuyu has 52 air shafts (70-85 meters depth) being dug downwards towards the water table. This is where the availability of fresh air takes place; being segregated to all floors.
The large area reserved for storage in such a limited area appears to indicate the need to support a large population underground. The mystery of who built it and why remains. The region of Cappadocia is well known around the world for its underground cities; the above ground is equally impressive.
The landscape is peppered with ancient volcanic stone chimneys, known as 'fairy chimneys'.
Based on the above case study of the underground city's habitable spaces, it can be applied in the solidified sand dune architecture. The parameters (algorithm) to create such parametric will be as follows:
SAND DUNES + PARAMETRIC + VERTICAL ARCHITECTURE
provides a solution to desertification in the Sahara desert; vulnerability in an attempt to de-polarize the natural and built environment by incorporating the sand dunes - weaving together intensive human development and resilient desert ecologies.
Maximize Nature's Lifeguard
Make use of the issue of desertification; sand dunes, transform dune fields into a solid permanent structure that will be able to promote environmentally responsible development. Dunes can be stabilized by plant structures, help to mitigate storm and create habitat for the living organism in the desert.
Provide Resilient Energy Sources
Capturing the kinetic energy of winds from the connected habitable spaces, bringing natural ventilation throughout the underground city.
Create Integrated Architecture
Integrating architecture into the dune field anchors both the social and ecological functions of Sand Dunes. A scalloped architectural shall protects the local community from the desertification, integrates commercial activity into the dune and provides a foundation for sand accumulation.
No comments:
Post a Comment