"POST DISASTER TOKYO", JAPAN WORKSHOP
building blocks for localized building typologies
studio wohnbau + titech tokyo, technische universität wien, 2009
Proposes a low-tech brick (a polycarbonate shell encasing a thermal core) that, upon arriving tessellated in containers to disaster areas, would then be locally zip-tied together to a multitude of others – to form habitation volumes and patterns that respectfully reflect the particular customs and familial structuresa low-tech brick (a polycarbonate shell encasing a thermal core) that, upon arriving tessellated in containers to disaster areas, would then be locally zip-tied together to a multitude of others – to form habitation volumes and patterns that respectfully reflect the particular customs and familial structures. They encase a precisely engineered and extendable tech core that provides food preparation and sanitation facilities.
" As in the body of a Paprika, my house's ceiling, walls, floors and compound windows (even the interior furniture and the outside surrounding landscape) are no longer separate entities, but flow entirely from one another. To this purpose, my approach to structure (the denominator building block) is actually a low-tech make-anything tool for architects (a translucent plastic shell with an insulating core), for them to work with directly on site with each family in part, however they together consider best, formally or socially. Once a house is obsolete, one breaks it up into its pieces, to be rebuilt differently someplace else in the world. The way l plan to add to the notion of tailored living spaces is by providing a more than decent level of comfort inside. Securing essential utilities by means of a generous prefabricated kitchen unit and wet room, helps out in the transition to a comfortable lifestyle. Transportation capabilities and after-disaster building sites are typically limited, therefore the expanding and retractable kitchen and wet room enables the recovery of 3.8 sqm. when not in use. In case of a 20 sqm. house (one/ two residents) this translates into the gain of a working space, of a bigger living room, or of a bed space for their overnight guests. Family and friends matter, and should be welcomed properly and comfortably." - 2009 Project Description
