Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
Nowadays, we notice a tendency towards a template design approach regarding the physiognomy of designed buildings - it is difficult to point out a residential building in the city that is not a cuboid.
Using tried-and-true solutions, we close our thinking and do not go beyond the horizon that is safe for us, thus missing the opportunity to create a unique living environment. It seems justified to explore the potential inherent in development types other than those based on the perpendicular layout.
visualization
© Sara Mędrala
The lump of the pyramid has been known to us since antiquity and is most often associated with the symbol of Egypt. The essence of the work is to study the basic parameters of the lump in question in terms of its use in 21st century housing. Based on the extensive comparative analysis (historical analysis, reference object analysis, static-strength analysis, energy analysis and geometric analysis in relation to the usable area) of the classical pyramid solid with the inverted pyramid solid, the basic model in the form of the inverted pyramid solid was adopted for the further design stage.
visualization
© Sara Mędrala
The design task was to create a universal structure for residential development, however, from the analysis and research carried out, it is clear that it is necessary to separate two types of development - urban and non-urban environments differ significantly from each other and it is not possible to apply the same system in both cases.
Therefore, two structural models are created:
structural model
for urban spaces - MODEL I
A high building intensity ratio, a small area of green space and proximity to services are typical of urban areas. Residential modules are located close to each other, there is no need to introduce additional function - in the city we have everything at our fingertips. The development will be suspended from existing buildings and will take the form of green paths with separate individual gardens. The inverted pyramids will house an installation to purify urban air. The louvers with which the residential modules will be enclosed will reflect traffic noises.
Structural model for urban spaces - MODEL Il; projections and sections.
© Sara Mędrala
structural model
for non-urban spaces - MODEL II
In non-urban areas, due to the lower intensity of development, the newly designed structure will be shaped freely. It is necessary to introduce additional accompanying function. The newly designed structure, out of concern for the environment, will be separated from the ground and expanded only in the vertical direction. Connecting the structure with other centers will be possible only through a high-speed rail station, partially located underground.
Structural model for non-urban spaces - MODEL II; projections and sections
© Sara Mędrala
Both models are based on the use of the basic module of the inverted pyramid, and form a compact whole connected by a common urban idea, built on the basis of Christaller's theory of central centers, responding to the problems of urban expansion, environmental pollution, housing quality and the lack of green space in the city.
housing modules
© Sara Mędrala
One hundred percent respect for green space is only possible in one case - detaching the development from the ground surface. In addition, the truncation of the block at an angle of 60 degrees reduces the area of shading of the soil around the raised building, thus the designed module takes the shape of an inverted pyramid.
visualization
© Sara Mędrala
The flat base of the inverted pyramid can be used as a biologically active surface - an idea that not only respects green spaces, but also involves the creation of newly designed green structures.
office module
© Sara Mędrala
Juxtaposing the geometry of the inverted pyramid with the anthropometric conditions, it is worth noting that the lower space of the block is not intended for use, it will be used for equipment related to the technical and energy supply of the building.
Sara MĘDRALA
Illustrations: © Author
