EMERGENCY HOUSING MEXICO

UNIT: Modular Functional Elements as Structure

Our investigation began with looking at current architectural and spatial elements that share common dimensions that deal directly with the human scale and its relation to space. We arrived at the door and the bed, both roughly three feet in width, and this served as a launching point for our design. Using three feet as the guiding principle, we constructed a three foot by three foot grid to encompass the required 18 meter squared room. This then would allow dozens of possible configurations for bed, door, and storage placement. The growing strategy is to double the unit in order to add the bathroom or kitchen and become a neighborhood. Additionally, within the house there would be a series of elements that would form a kit of parts. These elements are bunk beds, shelving, and tables, built together into several assemblies which also act as the main structural elements for supporting the house. Therefore program was informing structure and vice versa, and the final plan layouts were chosen for their ability to negotiate the two. This negotiation is aided with a simple yet elegant column design comprising of two plywood sheets and 2x4 spacers. Since the structural system is a one way system, it allows for the 2x4’s holding up the beds, shelving, and roof members to “slide” in, allowing for easier and simpler construction, with the added benefit that future extensions or additions can be built very easily. Another critical component was how to access the higher shelves or beds, and the solution that was reached was a series of louvers spaced far enough apart such that it doubles as a ladder. This allows for more controlled light penetration and ventilation, while also being functional.