Sustainable Architecture Design: A Flood-Resilient Neighborhood in Lisbon

This project "CIAZEDE RIAZ - OHANA" envisions a flood-resilient neighborhood in Lisbon, integrating eco-friendly flood solutions like a sponge system and bio-swales. The design prioritizes concentric residential units surrounding shared green spaces, balancing privacy with community. Sustainable practices, including oyster farming, promote biodiversity and economic growth, creating an adaptable model for future development.

Design Concept

The core concept focuses on sustainable architecture design that addresses the challenges of rising sea levels while enhancing the social, economic, and cultural vitality of the community. The trapezoidal site geometry, vulnerability to coastal flooding, and Lisbon's waterfront identity form the foundation of the design.

Key Features:

1. Sponge System: A multifunctional solution for flood management, incorporating a central depression, bio-swales, and an organic, cave-like underground structure.
2. Concentric Housing Layout: Harmoniously blending built form and landscape for a thriving community alongside nature.
3. Eco-Friendly Materials: Utilizing locally sourced wood, bamboo, and permeable paving for sustainability.

Spatial Organization

Architectural Level:

• Housing units are arranged concentrically with two dwelling types (30 sqm and 60 sqm).
• Larger units are at ground level; smaller units above ensure optimal sunlight and ventilation.

Site Level:

• The acute-angled edge of the site channels floodwater toward the central depression, lined with bio-swales for water filtration and energy reduction.

Urban Level:

• A primary diagonal guides floodwaters and pedestrian flow, integrating a community marketplace for year-round functionality.

Sustainable Strategies

• Passive Design Solutions: Emphasis on bio-swales, permeable materials, and water-friendly architecture.
• Biodiversity Initiatives: Introducing oyster farming to boost economic and cultural relevance.
• Community Spaces: Dual-purpose areas for flood management and social activities.

Material Selection

• Residential Units: Framed with locally sourced wood and bamboo; insulated with natural fibers.
• Public Pathways: Designed with permeable paving to manage rainwater infiltration.
• Sponge Structure: Built with semipermeable materials like natural stone and reclaimed concrete for effective water percolation.

Modular Expansion

The design's modularity allows replication in other flood-prone areas. The concentric housing clusters and sponge system are scalable, adaptable to different topographies, and expandable for future population growth. Vertical additions of 30 sqm units and oyster farming initiatives enhance the project's versatility.

Future Evolution

The neighborhood is envisioned as a self-sustaining, resilient community. Mature bio-swales and forested areas will enhance ecological value and flood resilience. Housing units are designed to incorporate advancements like solar panels and green roofs, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Recognition

This project, submitted by Ravisha Vanjari, Nidhi Joshi, and Padmawati Thakre, earned the People's Choice Award entry for the Ohana initiative. It exemplifies sustainable architecture design and community engagement, paving the way for resilient urban development.

Visuals and Analysis:

1. Site Analysis: Highlighting the unique topography and hydrological patterns of the site.
2. Design Iterations: Evolution of flood-resilient strategies.
3. Sponge System Visuals: Depicting before, during, and after flood scenarios.
4. Housing Layouts: Concentric arrangement for optimized functionality and aesthetics.
5. Urban Integration: Community-focused spaces and sustainable marketplace zones.

By embracing nature-based interventions, this project serves as a model of sustainable architecture design, combining resilience with community-centric urban living.