Spectrum

1. The main concept of our design thinking was to create a friendly environment to help resident students education process through social learning programs. In this case the residential necessities comes first, we need to provide an environment which our residents can call home and feel they belong to it. Studies show that Student accommodation physical characteristics can greatly affect students commitment to eachother, supportive patterns and community involvement. This idea will create a solidarity atmosphere between people and space that can maximize social interaction between individuals and therefore can lead to a vibrant community.

For developing such a sense of attachment to place, we decided to define a hierarchy of private and public zones which we called SPECTRUM. This program would benefit high flexibility options due to the ever changing nature of human behavior.

2. The Residential complex is connected to city layer via implementing a pubic zone. The zone includes a local market for selling student products to help the economic cycle of project, a Gallery for artwork exhibition, a library for both private and public use and a Café for social interaction. These functions help our design to communicate better with the city and the society, specially the existing universities in the area which their students can have access to this complex and interact with Spectrum residents.

This zone is followed by a set of more private spaces that only serves the residents. These include an Adminstrative section, Medical services, Two Workshops and a recreation yard which can host large gatherings such as ceremonies and theater performances.

3. The final outcome is a result of combining multiple design principles all together. Spectrum provides a wide range of open space layers for whether private or public use .Private terraces, Block yards and public yards all help to create a context for social interaction in different scales. They are the heart of the project, whether someone wants to drink their coffee in private or interact with their neighbors during lunchtime, everyone can enjoy exploring different dimensions of this creative space.

Furthermore Climate considerations  show that these yards are a suitable solution to the challenging climate factors. They help natural ventilation to flow throw units and optimize the shading condition. In addition we oriented the complex towards Northeast and formed the mass in a way to absorb Amihan monsoon and repel Habagat monsoon. Amihan refers to the Northeast monsoon with cool breezes, slight rainfall, low humidity and less threatening sunshine occurring from October to April. Habagat is the Southwest monsoon with lots of rainfall, high humidity, strong sunshine, Typhoons and Seasonal Floods occurring from May to October.

 Also the modular window panels help the shading condition while they are open. Finally the residential layers are moved up to protect them from seasonal flood.

4. The structural system of modules is designed in a modular manner itself in order to reduce construction costs in every possible aspect.Also this technique provides a base for future expansion if needed. The Base structure layer is made of a concrete structure (Columns and Beams) on a gird of 6*6 for each separate block, and two bamboo meshes on top which will support the weight of two floors

Solo and twin modules interior are seperated from surroundings via placing light modular panels (with bamboo structure) rather than having separate roof and ceilings.These panels are hooked to the ceiling and floor mesh and can be removed or replaced easily. The panels are designed in multiple formats as to provide proper walling options based on the location each panel is installed. These options include a set of window panels (These panels are installed based on the interior function, whether it’s a bed window, a kitchen window or simple full length windows for better airflow), doors, solid panels and pivoting panels which can connect the interior with open space

5. Units are designed in a way to provide suitable living conditions for spectrum residents. Twin units are designed with the benefit of flexible furniture that help optimizing space usage. These include foldable dining table and beds to meet the ergonomic standards. Also these units have a small kitchenette for washing dishes and warming meals. In case of cooking, ample common kitchens are provided on each block yard that help socializing during meal times.

Solo units benefit a better floor area, therefore are provided with a suitable full kitchen, an attached bathroom, separate bed and workspace and opportunity for hosting guests.