Transys: From dormant to dynamic built environments

Project idea

The traditional approach to building design has been to create permanent structures that are capable for lasting decades and centuries. . The built environment is an ever-evolving entity that is shaped by a variety of social and economic factors which makes permanent structures obsolete. Therefore, Building service life is believed to be far less than the potential capacity of construction material integrity. This has led to a range of serious issues, including the, increased carbon emissions and global warming, depletion of natural resources and habitat destruction due to rapid building removal and construction. Instead, we should focus on designing buildings that can be easily disassembled and reused, reconfigured, relocated & recycled.

In the context of evolving built environment, “Transmutation” could be defined as building transition from one building to one or several other buildings at the end of its service life by reusing some or all building components of the original building. Approach known as Design for Disassembly (DfD) could be used as a tool for the task, which emphasizes the use of modular, prefabricated components that can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed.

Project description

A prototype wave energy power plant is selected to explore the above design position, as it is a building program that has a short life span and would be considerably difficult to converted in to another function, after its service life. Building systems are designed for the utilitarian purpose of the building, to be efficient, economical and durable. A secondary building is proposed as a regional knowledge center for the encourage school children for the sciences which will demonstrate how the same utilitarian building components can be reused and re arranged in a way to construct a more sophisticated and Elegant structure.

Technical information

Pier system is designed as self stabilised precast RCC modules that can be adaptable for future requirements, to be able to increase or decrease the length of the pier, relocation, as well as adaptable into dynamic depths of the sea level. Pier components could be repurposed as foundation systems, a different pier system or a infrasturcture as an example a bridge. Surface attenuators that are connected to the pier system would generate electricity by moving relative to the ocean currents.

As the building is a structure with short life span, building components and systems are designed to be utilitarian, economical yet durable to resist harsh weather and ocean conditions. Structural systems is designed to be disassembled as well as to be adjustable in 9mx6m and 9mx9m configurations and based on the 3m grid acommodated by the local construction industry.

Roof System is designed as a precasr modular components. Other Structural Joineries and framing is done with Aluminium alloy as a durable, rust-free material. Cement fibre is used for the facade as an economical yet highly durable material. Floor covering is done with aluminum chequer plates, and interior wall system is covered with plywood panels.

Documentation

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