Form Follows Climate 2020

Premise 

Img 1: Harsh climate that our future cities would face - An impression

The first man-made structure was a basic shelter built for protection, made from the materials available in the vicinity. In time, these structures became more refined and humans began constructing a widespread built environment. Its impact on the environment was fairly less due to a limited population, therefore, it did not impact noticeably and was not measured. 

After centuries now, humans and their actions have left an irreversible mark on the planet, its resources and its inhabitants. We consume valuable resources at breakneck speed from a skewed perspective of the near future. 

Such practices were unleashed in the race of advancement and are now a threat to human existence. It has led to the depletion of resources, irreversible damage to the environment, pollution, waste generation and climate change.  

Sustainable Architecture

Img 2: Achieve a greener future

With the development in technology and growth in economies, the standard of living improved, stating more demanding requirements on health and comfort, the urge to control indoor temperatures increased. To resolve this, mechanical control systems were implemented. 

The designs for the built environment were hence conceived by providing these “necessary” facilities that eventually set up a convention of standards for all the buildings built henceforth. What we failed to realize is that a structure that is insensitive to the environment costs much more to the planet in the long run than we can imagine. The relevance of such buildings in a sustainable future, constructed without the context of climate and other environmental factors (site, material availability etc.) would become obsolete. 

How can we as designers re-think this notion for a sustainable future, to set new standards that create an impact?

Shift

 Img 3: Building facade that has surrendered to external cooling methods.

The standards of having a pleasant environment have set a convention for all infrastructures that are being built now. The requirements have reflected on the designs as well, forcing them to resort to mechanical/artificial methods of cooling/heating. 

To re-state the rigid grade that has been set to achieve the requirements, we need to explore the design dimensions that play with climate and environment as central facets in design. Such ideas aim at reduced primary energy use in comparison with conventional structures. 

It incorporates passive and active techniques in the construction and planning to develop spaces that can inherently keep the surroundings to comfortable temperatures. These can also be a combination of strategies subjective to the type of climate the infrastructure resides in. 

A shift to alternative methods for the way our designs are conceived is required, it may be aimed at designing one sustainable infrastructure at a time, aspiring to set new standards altogether.

 

Most buildings in an urban scenario take mechanized heating/cooling for granted and do not take into account the actual local climate in the context of today. 

How can buildings today actually be sustainable and climate-responsive while reducing dependence on these systems which are depleting energy and planet in the long run?

 

Challenge

Design Challenge: The challenge here is to design a public use daycare facility-Creche for kids in an urban area for about 100 kids aged 0-7 Years. 

The design strategies adapted for this infrastructure must be complacent with any one of the local climates as chosen by the participant (as listed on pg 9). The building codes/regulations must be followed according to the chosen location. They can include these objectives in the beginning and add other objectives as per their design. The design outcome must respond to not only people and their surroundings but also to nature.  

• Planning: Efficient planning execution.
• Form: Form and orientation of the structure with respect to climatic data chosen 
• Function: Programmes adapted must be reasoned with the urban context of the site. 
• Material: Choice of material, and its application for better designs.

Site 

Area: 3278 m2 

Height limit: 12 m (39.37ft)

Ground Coverage : 25% 

FAR (Floor Area Ratio) : 1 

Minimum Built up Area : 2650 m2 

The site can be considered as empty, where the type and amount of vegetation is subjective to each design. 

The above image is a rendition of a generic urban streetscape in a central district of a city, surrounded by commercial and government offices, eateries, and retail stores in its neighbourhood. 

The presence of offices in close proximity makes it approachable for parents/visitors to access the facility before or after their working hours. A plot area of about 3278 m2 has been marked, where the participants can begin to conceive their structure.