Initial Design Strategy and Chosen Typology
Figure 1.1: Design Strategy and Typology
The design approach combines a top-down and bottom-up methodology into a hybrid design.
Top-Down: Focuses on using height to achieve the desired residential densities while integrating ecosystems into the design to balance human habitation with nature.
Bottom-Up: Starts with the aggregation of cores, residential units, and ecosystems, adapting to the site’s topography to create a cohesive structure.
Key Typology: Mixed Use Residential complex featuring residential towers, amenity spaces with elevated parks.
Topological Map
Figure 2.1: Topological Map
Our design concept integrates ecosystems as a central element, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urban living. The development is structured around ecosystems of varying sizes that act as focal points, both horizontally and vertically, within the complex.
The development relies on two types of cores, which act as the primary structural support. These cores serve multiple functions, including circulation, services, and anchoring the structural system. Around these cores, residential units are strategically attached, maximizing their access to natural light, ventilation, and views of the ecosystems.
Ecosystems are not limited to ground levels; they extend vertically, placed atop certain levels. This creates a multi-tiered green environment, blurring the line between built form and nature.
Residential units are modularly attached around the cores, with their design optimized to ensure that a significant proportion of units have direct views of the ecosystems. Their placement also balances privacy, access to amenities, and proximity to natural features, creating a comfortable and nature-oriented living experience.
Challenges
Figure 3.1: Group Challenge 1: Energy output of PV Panels based on Radiation Analysis
- Radiation Analysis and PV Panel Placement:
- We conducted a detailed radiation analysis to identify areas receiving the highest solar radiation.
- Based on this analysis, photovoltaic (PV) panels were strategically placed to maximise energy capture.
- Sun-Tracking PV Panels:
- To further enhance energy efficiency, the PV panels were programmed to follow the sun’s direction throughout the day.
- This dynamic adaptation ensured consistent energy production even as the sun’s position changed.
- Energy Calculation Across Iterations:
- For each design iteration, we calculated the energy produced by the PV panels based on their placement and sun-tracking efficiency.
- These calculations informed subsequent design refinements, enabling a feedback loop that optimized energy performance for each environmental context.
Figure 3.2: Challenge 2, Views to the Ecosystems
Maximising the views of apartments to the surrounding ecosystems is a key design challenge.
We aimed to enhance the quality of life for residents while promoting a stronger connection to nature. This goal involves strategic planning of the building’s massing and height variations to ensure that the maximum number of residential units have unobstructed views of the natural landscapes or ecosystem features.
Figure 3.3: Common Challenges
The design includes multiple types of units, categorized by size, function, and placement, to address the diverse needs of residents.
The goal was to balance residential, amenity, and ecosystem spaces, as reflected in the distribution pie charts. For example:
- 40% Ecosystem to integrate nature.
- 35% Residential Units to provide adequate living space.
- 25% Amenity Units to enhance quality of life.
The plot area and total number of floors were optimized to achieve the desired residential density while maintaining open and green spaces.
Ecosystems
Figure 4.1: Ecosystems
Climate-Specific Ecosystems:
The design includes ecosystems tailored to three major climate zones: Tropical, Polar, and Temperate. This ensures that vegetation is suited to its specific environmental conditions.
Radiation and Solar Needs:
- Vegetation placement considers solar radiation levels at different heights and orientations of the structure.
- Each plant species is chosen for its adaptability to the radiation received, with higher-radiation zones hosting plants requiring more sunlight, and lower-radiation zones populated with shade-tolerant species.
Vertical and Horizontal Integration:
- The ecosystems are distributed vertically across levels and horizontally based on available light, optimizing conditions for each type of vegetation.
- Photovoltaic (PV) Panels are also incorporated in areas receiving maximum radiation to generate renewable energy.
This approach ensures that ecosystems are aesthetic and also functional, enhancing biodiversity, microclimate regulation, and energy efficiency while adapting to varying environmental conditions.
Modules
We have designed seven modular units tailored for two distinct core types: a larger core and a standard core. Each unit’s dimensions are fully adjustable and can be manipulated using a slider, allowing for flexibility based on user preferences.
The design integrates a kit-of-parts approach, where specific kits—such as façade kits, furniture kits, and roof shading kits—can be added or plugged into the modules based on the unit’s topology and user configuration. This adaptability ensures that the modules meet diverse needs while maintaining a cohesive design language.
Workflow
Instantiation of the Building
Plans
The circular layout of the units maximizes outdoor views, ensuring that all units benefit from an optimal connection to their surroundings. This configuration enhances indoor thermal comfort by leveraging natural ventilation and shading strategies. For units located in cooler climates or shaded spaces, users have the option to omit the façade kit to further optimize human comfort.
The design prioritizes basic human needs—light, comfort, and adaptability—while allowing users to customize their living experience based on their environment and specific requirements. This modular and user-centric approach ensures both functional and aesthetic harmony.
10 Permutations
Visualizations
