On-Site Participation for Proto-Architectural Assemblies Encompassing Technology and Human Improvisation: “Fish Trap” and “Orchid” Architectural Interventions

Peter Buš,Shi-Yen Wu,Ayça Tartar

doi:10.1155/2020/4505064

Abstract

This research investigates the notion of builders’ on-site engagement to physically build architectural interventions based on their demands, spatial requirements, and collaborative improvisation enhanced with the principles of uniqueness and bespoke solutions which are previously explored in computational models. The paper compares and discusses two physical installations as proto-architectural assemblies testing two different designs and building approaches: the top-down predefined designers’ scenario contrary to bottom-up unpredictable improvisation. It encompasses a building strategy based on the discrete precut components assembled by builders themselves in situ. The paper evaluates both strategies in a qualitative observation and comparison defining advantages and limitations of the top-down design strategy in comparison with the decentralised bottom-up building system built by the builders themselves. As such, it outlines the position of a designer within the bottom-up building processes on-site. The paper argues that improvisation and builders’ direct engagement on-site lead to solutions that better reflect human needs and low-tech building principles incorporated can deliver unpredictable but convenient spatial scenarios.

Highlights

Is research study aims to reveal limitations and to outline a position of a designer in collaborative building processes as well as a position of self-builders to investigate potentials to support productivity and efficiency in building and construction sectors. e built installations serve as a testbed for top-down design and building process in comparison with the improvisation and collaborative design strategies leading to two proto-architectural objects, possibly applicable as embedded urban interventions as artistic installations in a public space. e working hypothesis was outlined as follows: the building process based on bottom-up negotiations and improvisation of builders will lead to more flexible and open-ended design solutions adaptable to various conditions and with unique visual qualities and unpredictable design outcomes
Complexity scenarios by themselves. is applies especially in the cities with informal settlements, such as Rio de Janeiro, Medellın, or many other cities across the continents. e presence of informal settlements in cities is prevalent in many countries, especially those coping with increased population and urban growth, migration, and poverty where end-users, citizens, and urban communities have an urgent need to build a home or a shelter in a short period of time [3]
One of the building methods where citizens and self-builders are involved within the building processes is application of kit-ofparts systems as discrete components, which are precut or prefabricated in the factory, delivered on-site, and assembled by self-builders themselves [4]

Summary

Introduction

E working hypothesis was outlined as follows: the building process based on bottom-up negotiations and improvisation of builders will lead to more flexible and open-ended design solutions adaptable to various conditions and with unique visual qualities and unpredictable design outcomes. 2. Methodological Approaches of the Conducted Study is research study aims to explore and investigate the notion of building strategies based on contribution of selfbuilders, testing two methodological approaches—the predefined scenario from precut kit-of-parts system to assemble predesigned pavilion in contrast with more improvised, nonplanned, stochastic, bottom-up, and open-ended approach to assemble a structure from predefined discrete components.

Results

Conclusion