DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: SITE PLAN

From the last review, it was suggested that a much bigger site would be needed in order to maximise the maize production potential of the project. The site plan below shows how the three main parts of the project are connected. The vocational blocks of buildings are closer to the the street at the bottom right and the educational blocks which are separated between male and female are located further into the fields. The central space is the main public space for the entire village and it is what connects literally connects the educational blocks to the vocational ones as all paths lead to this space.

Site plan development 

VISUAL SKETCHES AND KEY SECTION

I have been working on what could be the most appropriate presentation style for the maize farming secondary school project and I've decided that I would go for a hand drawn and sketch-like presentation format. This is a very original approach I feel and it would best befit the design thesis project.

The first view I worked on is one that captures as much of the school complex as possible, which is, from the  girls' section of classrooms and it shows a bit of the main central library/public space and also a little bit of the processing buildings at the back.

In doing this, I first traced the outline of the buildings from a model made in Revit and then I sketched over it, afterwards, I fixed it a bit on Photoshop and added a bit of material textures to very specific parts. It's just a mock up but there would have to be improvements on certain aspects like perspective angles and consistency of line weights. It was fun to do and I look forward to the final presentation.

Base sketch of view

Finished view

I started to look at the central space/public library in detail and I made a section to show how the dome-like structure comes together. The structure is one which is completely open underneath and the function of the space could be very diverse from school assemblies to village meetings to weddings and so on. While the space on the upper level is a public library which can be accessed by both the students of the school and the members of the community. The highlight of the structure is the plastic bottle mud wall system which I have been exploring since the beginning of the project, however in this case, the plastic bottles are made into a dome-like structure through which light can come in a very interesting way and create an ambient atmosphere for the users of the space.

Cross section of public library

STORYBOARD UPDATE

There has been just a few modifications to the storyboard for the narrative of the design thesis project. There is now more emphasis on the background activities that occur in each of the scenes. This would help in getting across effectively, how the diverse spaces of the maize farming secondary school works.

Updated storyboard.

MIXED REALITY STORYBOARD

This is the first storyboard proposal for the mixed reality part of the digital design module which is directly linked with the design thesis project. The aim is to successfully augment the virtual model of the design thesis with the real time aspects such as people and site.

Storyboard.

SITE ANALYSIS AND PLANNING

The next stage of the design was to begin to look at the site in context and how the proposed building design could fit in with it's surrounding. A standard site model was made in order to study the topographical characteristics of the portion of the site and the relationship between the existing buildings and the landscape.

Site model

Site plan panel for review

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The main considerations when approaching the design are directly related with the goal of having a biophilic, low-cost, and environmentally friendly design with high quality spaces that fulfill or respond to the needs of the community. Others include gender segregation in internal spaces due to the Islamic background of the village. I started the design process by exploring the aforementioned areas through model making.

These explorations were what informed the first proposal for an integrated design for the maize processing secondary school. Below is the sketch of the plan and a rough sketch of the initial thoughts on the materials, form and character of elevations. In this plan, the fields where farming activities are scheduled to take place is what connects and at the same time divides the two typologies of functions which are the educational and the processing/vocational functions. The processing spaces are closer to the main street while the educational spaces are farther away and closer to existing residential blocks.

Sketch plan

MUBIDARC-DESIGN: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN THESIS

MUBIDARC-DESIGN: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN THESIS: Danbushiya village, Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria This design thesis is about the state of the basic and sec...

EXPLORATION 3: EARTH-TYPE CONSTRUCTIONS

The third prototype is focused on pure earth construction which could be used for both bricks and plastering depending on the ratio of the adobe mixes. In plastering, the potential rendering of patterns to represent the Islamic region of the site was explored. Following up from the findings of the last explorations, the raw clay used in these prototypes went through some form of processing in order to make finer finishes and reduce cracks.

EXPLORATIONS 1 & 2 UPDATE

There were a few observations and considerations that emerged after making the prototypes for the wall and structure. In the case of the plastic bottle wall, cracks were spotted as a potential shortcoming of the earth construction and the next explorations or prototypes would try to solve that. Secondly, it could potentially be washed out by rain.

Update from plastic bottle wall prototype.

In the second prototype, processed clay was used and cracks were not present. This began to suggest that the raw clay sourced from the site would need to go through some kind of processing on site before being used for construction. Also, the sketch by the side is an update of the section of the wall, the initial idea for the footing of the wall was a gabion wall, however due to fire considerations, it was thought that this may not be the best method as  fire could melt out the mesh holding the stones in place and that could eventually lead to the collapse of the wall. 

The new idea for the footing of the wall is for it to be mounted on earth bricks which are finished with stones for reinforcement. This would be thicker than the plastic wall themselves and would add thermal mass to the building and also be more resistant to fire than the gabion walls.

Sketch update from prototype 2

CALENDAR ANALYSIS

This design thesis proposes a new education typology in a different geographical context to that of the UK, therefore, it was necessary to do a study of present seasonal, school and farming calendar in order to begin to articulate how the farming calendar could be integrated with the schooling calendar, in other words, how vocational activities could be integrated with educational activities in one calendar year.

The study also involved the process of maize farming and processing in stages and how those stage begin to suggest a daily, weekly and seasonal routine. The table below shows both the existing and proposed calendar including the vocational processes. It also gives the different climatic conditions of the site, their effects on the site and potential environmental strategies.

Table Calendars, process and Environmental studies

Graphical representation of existing calendar of climatic conditions, farming and schooling

Graphical representation of proposed integrated calendar for the project.

SITE-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS

By looking at the site from different satellite  maps which had different copyright years, I was able to study the site from different perspectives and the physical changes that have taken place on the site over time. The maps were from bing, google maps and google earth respectively and in a chronological order and the studies were on the somewhat historical changes on the connectivity, the fields, vegetation and buildings in and around the site.

What was discovered was that paths became actual roads that defined the site overtime, the site'e field boundaries became more fragmented and this could be interpreted as individual selling portions of their land, the vegetation decreased and the buildings increased and spread in some areas more than others, additionally, there are some buildings which have not been inhabited or completed up till date, these are the abandoned ones.

Routes and Grains analysis

Building and vegetation analysis

Overlay of analysis to understand areas of the fields that have been untouched, potential roads, and the trace of buildings' and vegetation on site

KEY SPACE

The initial idea of a key space in the project is a central area such as a courtyard for not just the students of the school but for the village community as well. One of the driving forces behind this project is the use of appropriate technology to achieve a low cost construction, this could also be interpreted in one way as the use of less spaces for more functions.

Due to the presence of the north eastern winds and the need to cool down most of the spaces, especially in the afternoons, the sketch below illustrates how classrooms can be arranged around a courtyard in a disintegrated manner in order to allow the breeze through and also these same class rooms become transitional spaces that can operate as both indoor and indoor/outdoor space that could potentially become a back sit for the courtyard in the event of any kind of gathering or performance.

Courtyard as school and community space 

site landscape

The panoramic  view below shows the landscape of the site and its context, including vegetation types and heights and also the dwellings around the site and their characteristics. The view pans from the West to the South in a clockwise direction and the topography of the site is such that it just slopes very gently from the North West to the South East. 

Landscape panorama of site.

EXPLORATION: Environmental

The second exploration was a combination of conceptual ideas for the structures of the columns and walls, the environmental strategy of not attaching the top of the walls to the roof in order to achieve cross ventilation especially in that climate and the use of these spaces which have multiple functions such as classrooms, meetings rooms etc. 

This material used to sculpt this model was clay, this was done in response to or as a follow up to the first exploration which, due to the big granules of clay and the rapid drying had serious cracks on them. The explorations will continue to perfect this earth construction system through appropriate research and inquiry.

Sketches and model for exploration

Documentary: Michael Reynolds 'Garbage warrior'

This documentary was very inspiring in terms of re-use of waste/unwanted materials for building construction. As a result, the projects were low cost but highly efficient. This is another example of the approach I intend to take towards the design thesis project. Again, very inspiring!

                                          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNYFlcV9R1w

DIGITAL DESIGN

AUGMENTED REALITY

Augmented reality in architecture can simply be referred to as the merge between virtual and real objects. The design thesis project will be the focus project for the Digital Architectural Design module. It consist of three options namely, virtual reality, parametric modelling and building information modelling. For my thesis, I have chosen the first option which is virtual reality because I think it would be the best medium of explaining the narrative behind my project.
The project will involve creating a storyboard in which there will be a mix of real time video recordings with the virtual model. One aspect of mixed reality that I have taken interest in is augmented reality where people can view a virtual model or object in real time. It is a fantastic opportunity I think for architects to inform their clients in an engaging way how they would experience their spaces in real time. Below's a video highlighting what aspects I might be exploring.

                                          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzD1g-mhRB8

FACADE EXPLORATION

The architectural approach of the thesis the strategic use of appropriate materials and technology in response to the regional attributes of the site. From the examples of the Plastic bottled walls in Kaduna state, Nigeria and the Clay pot casting in Gando, Burkina Faso, I  decided to make a prototype for a wall which makes use of the plastic bottles to create a solid external partition (filled with sand), allow passage of light (not filled) and air (sliced open at ends) and screen from the sandy winds. 

Construction procedure of sand-filled plastic bottle walls

 The materials used were sand (dry cat litter clay), water, empty plastic bottles (size depends on thickness of wall), funnel (folded sheet of paper), basin or board, mixing bowl and a sharp edge to slice bottles for the open ended sides.
This is the first exploration, however, the observation was that as the moist clay dries off, cracks appear due to the absorption of water. The challenge with regards to the explorations would be to figure out ways in which the cracks could be mitigated and completely avoided. Another challenge would be, the approach to the issue of heavy rainfall bearing in mind that this type of wall construction is an earth construction, therefore, there are high tendencies of washing-offs and settling.

Visual representation of plastic bottle wall idea

BOOK REVIEW

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE AND REGIONAL DESIGN: Cultural Process and Environmental response. By Kingston Wm. Heath

source: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vernacular-Architecture-Regional-Design-Environmental/dp/0750659335

This book is more or less similar in nature to Lessons from Vernacular Architecture, however, it focuses more on vernacular architecture as a means of interpreting in-depth understanding of the characteristics of a regional setting. It includes chapters which are basically case studies of vernacular projects in various regions of the world. 

There are two cases in this book that I would like to make reference to, the first of which is new Housing for rickshaw drivers in a community known as Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. The process involved a team of workers including architects and planners and it also involved the Centre for Development (CEDMA) Tamil Nadu, India. The objectives of the project were to understand the social,cultural and economic characteristics of the community where the drivers lived with their families and in doing so, to understand the people of that community, their beliefs and practices.

Community members in vellore where all asked their opinions in regular design meetings regarding the planning of spaces. The design of home units was modular in the sense that it could be re-used and it was informed by the cultural and social analysis of the people and also, their contribution. The architecture of these housing units had to respond to the cultural complexities of Vellore hence some customs had to be respected, for example, toilets are usually not under the same block/roof as the other living areas unlike what in western cultures where toilets are integrated with the living areas.

The second case is that of the Visitor’s Interpretive centre in Namibia, also known as the Rock art centre which was designed by architect Nina Maritz who specialises in making the best use of local materials and recycled materials in her designs but is still able to design buildings with character and elegance. 

The nature of the site is rocky, therefore, the architect decided to make the building blend with its surrounding and the materials used for its construction include rocks gotten from the site, recycled steel oil drums for the roofing slates and some walls, steel which is fabricated and clay bricks which are produced locally. 

The is no form of cement or concrete used for the buildings construction, instead rocks are used to make gabion walls which act as the main supporting structure of the building. The curved surfaces of the recycled oil drums sliced in two and used for the roofing slates and their tops are utilised in some walls with some holes in them which create an interesting atmosphere.

The most valuable lesson learnt from this books is the fact that architectural responses are made to the very specific region and culture and this would be the most appropriate way of approaching the design in Danbushiya.

Architecture for Humanity

source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd2YJ9Jk6-E

I think this type of approach is the most appropriate for my design thesis, In other words, my approach is a humanitarian approach where by I would seek to make the most out of what I like to term as 'hidden resources' to produce an appropriate, sustainable yet elegant design.
The advantages of this approach are numerous. I particularly find very interesting the contribution and the involvement of the clients (the villagers) from the video, I think it develops an emotional level of attachment to what is built and it's existence is much more appreciated than if it were built by outside contractors. 

BOOK REVIEW

Image source: http://www.routledge.com/architecture/blog/category/professional/

This book, edited by Willi Weber and Simos Yannas is basically about the relationship between vernacular architecture and climate in other words how vernacular architecture responds to climate. The books has 2 parts and 14 chapters all of which are papers and case studies derived from essays of conference proceedings for the twenty third (23rd) Passive and Low energy architecture (PLEA) conference in Geneva which went with the theme; Clever Design, Affordable Comfort.

What interests me about this book is the very first chapter which is practically a case study of the small island and Santorini, Greece. The author in this chapter, Thanos Stasinopoulos studies the vernacular architecture of the island use of available minimal resources in terms of building materials to achieve maximum comfort in terms of the response to the climate.

It is suggested in this chapter that since the time of ancient Greece, there have always been four elements of nature namely fire, earth, air and water and that these elements have all played a major role in the vernacular architecture of Santorini. For example, The walls are constructed with red and black lava stone and then covered with plaster, This is part of the earth element. Since the island is one which was one prone to volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash with properties similar to cement are used to cast mortar for thicker and stronger walls. (Weber and Yannas, 2014:19)

Naturally sourced red lava stone for masonry construction (Weber and Yannas, 2014:19)

It also provides that water is sourced primarily from the rain and the traditional system used is such that the roofs of the buildings are used to collect rainwater and the water is then channeled through routes which are frequently disinfected with a piece of naturally sourced limestone, the water itself is also disinfected with limestone. The roofing system is usually in form of a vault where the roof structure is connected mainly to two opposite thick external walls in order to achieve long span of construction.

Vaulted roof structure which allows for the proper drainage of rainwater which is then channeled through the  narrow route beside the stairway to storage location. (Weber and Yannas, 2014:21).

One other aspect of this the transportation of materials which is done by the use of donkeys due to the very steep nature of the island and for that reason, there are many stairways.

In conclusion I find the case of Santorini Island very interesting as there is maximum use of the local natural resources available and the construction of these buildings have a very low negative effect on the environment. I only focused on the natural resources and local materials, however the vaulted roofs, thick masonry, smooth plaster and small size window openings say a lot about the identity of the vernacular architecture of the island. I think the philosophy of making use of resources available to reduce both negative environmental impact and cost can be implemented in my thesis project. Another area of focus and further research is the water collection, storage and circulation system, how this could be achieved in a similar but more innovative way using River Kaduna.

INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN THESIS

Danbushiya village, Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria

This design thesis is about the state of the basic and secondary education system in the rural areas of northern Nigeria and as an architectural response to the issues raised, it proposes a new typology of education which integrates formal education with the skills/interest of the people of the site in question.

The proposal is a maize processing facility building in the small village of Danbushiya, Igabi Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The proposed project seeks to respond appropriately to the growing issues related to basic primary and secondary education in the rural areas of Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. 

There are numerous physical issues related to education in the whole country, however, the very important issue which this project seeks to respond to is that of high level of illiteracy among the youth of these rural areas, this is usually as a consequence of non-attendance and low enrolment rates in the primary and secondary schools available.

Due to the unfavourable economic situations, pupils are forced to forfeit schooling in order to find some kind of vocation that can generate sufficient income to help themselves and their families survive. In other words, they cannot afford to go to school thereby rendering them uneducated by default. This in turn means that education and vocation in the eyes of these pupils are two separate things and one cannot be done without compromising or terminating the other.

The main objective of this design project is to, through in-depth research, determine the best possible way to integrate secondary education and vocation so that school-aged pupils in the rural area of Danbushiya can have the full benefits which come from participating in both activities.

The idea of proposing a maize processing facility emanates from a site analysis conducted in Danbushiya village. The building is proposed to be linked to the maize farming area of the village and would also have integrated vocational and educational spaces where pupils can work and learn.

It is a high expectation that this proposed project will be environmentally, socially and economically beneficial to the small village of Danbushiya, its surrounding villages and Kaduna State as a whole and also that the government would consider the implementation of such kinds of projects across the other local governments in order to increase the literacy levels in the states and more importantly broaden the opportunities of the inhabitants of these rural areas. 

Location of Danbushiya village along with neighbouring villages and the urban area.

The proposal showing the issues, resources, approach and expected outcome of the project implementation

Urban analysis of the village showing main areas

Analysis of chosen site (Presently a maize farm area)

The advantages this typology of building would yield for both the village and prospective users are numerous and the economic strategy of this proposal recognises the fact that the people or parents of Danbushiya do not have sufficient means to sponsor their children to secondary school, not to mention the materials for primary schools. Therefore, payment of fees in this secondary school/maize processing plant would be in the form of appropriate and adequately allocated labour and in return, standard level of secondary education for the pupils which would meet the standard of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). This would be a fantastic opportunity, based on the natural resources available, for the village to introduce processing and even branding in order to give them an economic advantage, create jobs for the people and create an identity for themselves as pioneers of such a project.

By doing this, the pupils at the end of their studies would have acquired both vocational and educational qualifications and with that, they have what they require to either seek a full time job at the facility or become instructors to the next generation or seek a job elsewhere or further their education.

The approach to the design and construction of this project is one which takes very much into consideration the resources available for the actual implementation of the project. In an effort to avoid high cost which eventually leads to abandonment, reduce negative environmental impacts and achieve a natural but elegant design, three major approaches are being considered namely, waste recycling for innovative building materials, cost effective appropriate construction technology and biophilic (nature-inspired) design approach.

Wall construction with the use of recycled plastic bottles in Kaduna State, Nigeria. source: http://greennigeria.wordpress.com/tag/nigerias-plastic-bottle-house/  

Images showing reading space of a library in Gando, Burkina Faso which was done using sliced clay pots and was transported to the site by the villagers. Image source: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/diebedo-francis-kere-public-library-in-gando/