Hourglass

Img 1: Depleting atmosphere - Air Pollution due to industries.

Premise

The origin and existence of earth date back to 4.543 billion years, and about 3.5 billion years ago life appeared on the planet. Since then the survival, birth and extinction of species and living beings have taken place as a natural process in due course.

After 200-300,000 years of our presence on the planet, we have evolved and raced ahead of other species in no time. In an inevitable evolution to survive and thrive, humans (homo sapiens) have come to the age of advanced technology and lifestyle which is still looking for growth. In this trail of the progress we have caused the past century’s warming of the earth, by releasing gases that trap heat energy in the atmosphere.

These gases, known as greenhouse gases are now at their highest levels than they have been in the past 800,000 years.

 

Img 2: City Skyline merged in toxic Smog.

Buildup

These greenhouse gases cause a rise in the Earth’s overall temperature causing “Global Warming”. It has caused the temperature to rise by only a few degrees in figures but what we have overlooked is that a vast amount of heat is required to increase the overall temperature of oceans, landmass and the Earth.

This gradual increment in temperature has now paced up to an alarming level where the natural calamities like droughts, floods, cyclones etc have increased by staggering numbers.

The forest fire that started in Brazil, Lebanon and Indonesia are some of the most recent incidents and a live example of mass destruction caused by human lead activities. It was widely shared through digital media and caught the attention of the crowd immediately, unfurling a wave of protests and uprisings.

 

Img 3: Amazon Forest Fire, Brazil 2019.

Issue

Various scientists and Climate Activists have now claimed that the planet has reached its threshold of sustaining life and it is the tipping point of a mass collapse. It has been triggered by climate change that has been happening over the decades.

The impending threat of human extinction is now said to be turning into a reality. Global Organizations and Countries individually have started taking measures and making policies to curb the effects and reduce their carbon footprint, emission of gases, and move towards a sustainable future.

Since the damage has been done chronically the initiative to undo the damage must also be at the same pace and efficiency, so how do we create a sense of awareness and prepare for a future that does not diminish soon.

Can a physically built memoir of the earth help create a sense of awakening?

 

Img 4: Direct impact of Global Warming - Melting Glaciers.

Brief of the competition

Global warming, pollution, and the subsequent damage to the environment that occurs were broadly identified in the 19TH Century when the temperatures were rising dramatically. Yet, the measures to control the same has not been sufficient enough to reduce their content in the atmosphere.

People are often unaware of the role their actions play on daily basis that affects the environment directly or indirectly. Hence, actions that can actually make a difference are still unidentified. The long-lasting impact of environmental threats is also not experienced by all equally. Therefore the responsibility of an individual is thus hidden due to lack of knowledge and unawareness.

Brief: In an attempt to create a worldwide acknowledgement of the planet’s deterioration the participants must envision a memorial for the Earth.

This memorial would be more than a monument. It can be a dynamic reminder of great changes taking place across the world and at the same time be an object for the future of human civilization.

 

Objectives

       

Intent: Choosing a facet of climate change and curating an architectural message around it.

Monumental: The ideological or the physical scale of the monument should address global audiences.

Conscious footprint: As construction of this memorial will also displace environment, the effort should reflect consciousness.

Timeless: The building should be envisioned for generations to come.

The following objectives can be a point of beginning to conceive this design. Participants can assume their own contexts and users before initiating their design process.

 

Img 5: Pyramids of Giza.

Egypt

Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa. The Nile River valley and delta was the home of one of the principal civilizations of the ancient world, that settled shortly after Mesopotamia in the farther east, it was the site to one of the world’s earliest urban and literate societies. Pharaonic Egypt thrived for some 3,000 years through a series of native dynasties that were interspersed with brief periods of foreign rule. It has also been a hub for tourists intrigued to visit the pyramids of Giza and numerous other archaeological sites and temples, that provide a window into the culture of some of the first human civilizations.

 

Img 6: Macro Map of Site

Site Plan

The location chosen for Earth Memorial is close to the archeological site of Pyramids of Giza that has an influx of about 14.7 million tourists every year. The Grand Egyptian Museum which is still under construction is being built to house 100,000 precious artefacts of Egypt’s rich and long history, it is due to open in another 2 years. The museum overlooks the pyramids and is expected to increase tourism for their region. The site’s proximity to such a prominent location makes it accessible for a wider audience.

• Location : 29°59'53.3"N 31° 06'25.1"E
• Area : ~24190 m2
• Ground Coverage : 25%

 

Img7: Site Plan

 

Judging Criteria

The entries will be judged by an international jury of the competition on the following criterions:

 

About Unfuse

Unfuse serves as a unit for Uni in the field of Architecture. It intends to break the fusion of traditional design barriers and methodologies by making it a platform for experimentation and conceptual exchange of ideas in architecture, urbanism, society, culture and ecology. It is a research initiative dedicated to providing opportunities for designers from all domains to explore ideas that go beyond the boundaries of architectural discipline and enrich our built environment; thereby opening up possibilities for promotion of architectural thought at a global level.

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