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E-merging Design and Research 

Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | MSc Spatial Design: Architecture and Cities | Term 2 Elective Module

Vertic-scape: Staging an infrastructure of hybrid assemblages

Studio-based individual project 


Urbanisation versus Bio-diversity loss

Rocinha, one of the most urbanised of Rio’s favelas, is overtaking the surrounding landscape, despite the efforts to contain this growth. With the surrounding nature being the favela’s ‘’other’’, a gap is observed between what is considered as formed and what as functional landscape (Corner, 2006). The consequences of original vegetation removal determine biodiversity loss, land degradation, increasing incidences of erosion and negative impacts on water bodies. Moreover, the lack of green spaces in its interior, coupled with inadequate waste management, put public health at risk.

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Intruding Green – Vertical Field Conditions

Vertic-scape is a proposal to ‘hack’ the high-speed urbanisation process by introducing a series of hybrid assemblages in the vertical public spaces that will save resources and reuse existing waste. Allen’s field condition theory is integral to the project, as it implies an architecture that leaves space for change and improvisation (1999). The proposed system consists of a flexible reclaimed steel scaffolding module and aims to introduce various units, with minimal interference to its surroundings. 

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Processes over time – A collective vision

The strategy unfolds in three phases. The first phase concerns a process of initiation, where urban agriculture for the community is implemented, and commerce in combination with playing and gathering activities are proposed in an identified area of a closely linked network of ‘local’ and ‘global’ space respectively. The second phase involves the expansion of this set of activities in close proximity vertical spaces. Finally, the third phase draws on the permanent implementation of the system, focusing on future appropriation of derelict and educational buildings. 

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Legacy 

Space Syntax Methodology and Analytical Design | MSc Spatial Design: Architecture and Cities | Term 1

Temporality:
The meaning of time in the park

Group Project 

 

Located at an area which is currently the central focus of London’s rapid growth eastwards, our site included the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Center and Fish Island central, while the River Lea and the green landscape corridor made up most of its part.

 

The Legacy plan aims to promote and deliver physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the park and in the surrounding area (London Legacy, 2015), while focuses on two different types of uses for the park; a local use for the north and a global use for the south side. The project draws on these two uses through the concept of temporality. How can a long term success of the facilities already in-place be established through the suggested local and global uses?

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In order to understand how the different parts of the park work, Space Syntax combined with socio-economic data, accessibility, land use and lighting analysis, gateways observation, movement tracing and snapshots were conducted across different scales. Responding to key findings, potential interventions are proposed aiming to unify the fragmented north and south sides, relate to local and global spatial networks, create links to facilitate movement, extend vertically the landscape, and enhance visibility. 

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The project was conducted in collaboration with Putri Dwimirnani, Pedro Gil, Ye Lu and Ruoheng Pan.

 

 

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