This project proposes empowering women in the Manyatta area of Kisumu, Kenya through inclusive development policies and strategies. Currently, women make up 75% of the informal workforce but lack organization, resources, and access to land and capital. The proposal includes forming a Women's Collective to foster economic collaboration, gaining legal recognition and funding support. A key strategy is implementing a gender inclusionary development policy where 10% of new development land and buildings are owned by the Collective. This would bridge gaps between women, the economy and access to land. The proposal would also transform land by building infrastructure, connecting social spaces and creating inclusive socio-economic zones for commercial, production and support activities.
2. II
02.GENDER INCLUSIONARY DEVELOPMENT // KISUMU , KENYA
TACTICAL MUTATION // NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK 0101.
05
12
17
21
REVIVING THROUGH DEPENDENCIES // NICOSIA, CYPRUS 03.
04.ADDING AND DEDUCTING // NICOSIA, CYPRUS
ALL IS FLUX, NOTHING STAYS STILL // LARNACA, CYPRUS 05.
3. 01
BID
INTROVERTED,
CENTRALIZED
INVESTMENT
DISCONNECTED CITY
INTROVERTED
BENEFIT of FEW
RISK of BANKRUPTCY
LESS DURABILITY
MORE SECURITY
In the CITY
RENOVATING
vacant shops
RENTING spaces
from residences
CREATIVE CLASS
new industry
RE-ZONING
change of regulations
creating MIX-USE
buildings
BEAUTIFYING the
streets
improving
ACCESSES
BID
+
ORGANIZATION
FUNDING
+
Regional
Competitive
Advantages of
ARTS AND
CULTURE
+
CREATIVE
INDUSTRIES
COLLECTIVE
BENEFITS
RELIABILITY &
DURABILITY
DIVERSE JOB
MARKET
CREATIVE CLASS
CREATING
NARRATIVES
CHANGING the
IMAGE of the CITY
RESULTS
RESULTS
PROJECT BRIEF: New Rochelle
has the potential of becoming a
regional attraction and a lively
community. To achieve this the city
needstoreexamineitsassetsandits
centralizeddevelopmentmodel.The
Tactical Mutations Project creates
integrated multifunctional districts
with complimentary programs,
representing the city’s historic
entertainment culture. The districts
aim to draw diverse demographics
to the downtown area and create a
more well distributed and vibrant
development.
New Rochelle has a long history
of artistic and cultural activities.
Along with many enthusiastic artists
and local entrepreneurs who are
very interested in growth of their
city. While documenting the local
activities, it is noticeable that the
city is not taking full advantage of
the strong identity it possesses.
Additionally key revenue generating
areas of downtown New Rochelle
were weakened by a highly
centralized and introverted city
attraction, New Roc City, targeting
a niche market of mostly young
population.
By utilizing the existing assets,
local shops and businesses, we
propose to create small districts
in downtown area within walking
distances from each other. The
proposed strategy is to expand the
existing pedestrian traffic from the
New Roc City to the surrounding
units. Furthermore, to strengthen
therevenuegeneration,localartists,
businesses and entrepreneurs
are invited through incentives to
participate in the development.
The proposed development has a
superior objective that is to create
diversity in the area thus attracting
greater demographics. The later
phases concentrate on expanding
the activities toward the north side,
residential area, and the Hudson
Park which is one of the few public
accessleftalongthewaterfront.
TACTICAL MUTATION
01
New Rochelle//NYC
ASSET RE-EXAMINATION
New Roc City is an asset to bring more
visitors to retrofitted retails that are
currently under minded as assets.
RECONFIGURING THE INVESTMENT MODEL
Gated Community
Yacht Clubs
Golf Clubs
Reserve Parks
INCOME
RACE
RECALIBRATING DEVELOPMENT MODELS
STUDIO II // Fall Semester 2013 // Columbia University
Supervised by: Lee Altman, Skye Duncan, Dongsei Kim, Sandro Marpillero
Partners: Dimitra Papageorgiou, Joel Rios, Silvia Vercher and Yimeng Sun
4. 02
Downtown, suburbs and water-
front will be connected by de-
velopment of four new thematic
districts. Strategically phased de-
velopment decreases the level of
financial risk for stakeholders. The
firsttwophases,PhaseI:Entertain-
ment District and Phase II: Theatre
District, are the very first revenue
generating units to revitalize
the local economy and theatrical
heritage of this area. The next two
phases, Phase III: Waterfront Trail
and Phase IV: Business District,
will connect the waterfront area to
thebusinessdistrict,thatislocated
next to the train station.
RECALIBRATING DEVELOPMENT MODELS
Galleris, Studios
& Housing for
Performers & Artists
Entertainment
Center
Apartments
Offices
Connecting Districts strategically through activated routes
New RocCultural Center
Marquee
Outdoor
Rooftop
Cinema
Vertical Garden
Gallery
Garden
Library Green
Park
New Pavement
Bicycle Lane
Pedestrian Arteries
Outdoor Sitting
Area
Renovated
Restaurants
Facing the
Square
Extended
Pavement
Retrofitted
Store Fronts
New Residential &
Office Buildings
Retrofitted Vacant
Retails
Retrofitted Store Fronts Extended
Pavement
IV: Business District I:EntertainmentDistrict
III:WaterfrontTrailDistrictII: Theater District
THEATER DISTRICT
PHASING & IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
ESTABLISHING NEW RELATIONS, CREATING COMPLIMENTARY DISTRICTS
New Buildings
Residential
Studios
Galleries
I II III IV
Pedestrian
Beautification
Pedestrian
Green
Rooftop
SkatePlaza
Outdoor
Performance
Drive-in
Cinema
Theaters
Restaurants
Elevated
Parkinglots
Cultural
Center
Elevated
Parkinglots
Residential
Offices
Studios
Retail
Performance
Spaces
Waterfront
Recreation
park
Waterfront
Gardens
Rezoning&
Increasing
FAR
Densified
Residential
Underused
Buildings
VacantRetail
tobeusedfor
DanceClasses
Restaurants
&Galleries
Outdoor
Galleries/Plaza
StudyAreas
&Outdoor
Cinema
Public Access Area
Retrofitted Buildings
Gardens and Vegetation
CLUSTERS
“The Tactical Mutations’ gradual phasing minimizes the investment’s risk and
secures the project’s continuation.”
5. 03
Peripheral Scenery Show-
case & Garden
Outdoor &
Indoor
Theaters
Artists’ Housing
Galleries
Studios
Cafe
Connecting the
Area to Main St.
Mom & Pop Stores
Small Art Galleries
Craft Shops
Multi-Performance
Spaces
Vertical Expansion of Parking Cultural Center Retrofitted Vacant Retails
Walkway
Rehearsal Area
Artists’ Lounge
Multipurpose
Rooms
Artists’ GardenSkate Plaza
Scenery
Workshop
Green Rooftop Bar
Coffee Shops
CulturalCenter
Stores
Classrooms
Drive-in
Cinema
Gardens
Administration
Offices
New
Walkways Galleries
Restau-
rantsTowards New Roc
Towards Waterfront
towards Library
Green & Train
Station
I.
II.
III.
NEW ANCHOR
I. Active Streetscape: Through
BID and nonprofit organizations,
retrofitting vacant retails along
main street to create vibrant
streetscape. II. Retrofitting under-
used and under-performing
properties: City funding and BID.
III. 3. New Construction: A city
funded cultural center and mix
use buildings for visiting artists
and performers with additional
complementary programs.
LAYERSOFPROGRAMSFORENTERTAINMENTANDTHEATERDISTRICTS
ADDEDPROGRAMSANDAREASALONGWITHSTAKEHOLDERS
CULTURALCENTER
Pedestrian Zone Cultural Center Retail
Bike Lane Mixed-Use High Rise Education
Entertainment Public Space Multi-Storey Parking
23960 SF 42076 SF 42872 SF
38628 SF 63205 SF 10763 SF
61472 SF 5202835 SF 34541 SF
4% 7% 8%
14% 11% 2%
11% 36% 7%
Location/
Downtown Area, NR.
Project Area/
558980 SF
Gross Building Area/
193460 SF
Stakeholders/
NRCA/ NRAA/ City Council of
New Rochelle/ Monroe College/
College of NR
ENTERTAINMENT & THEATER DISTRICTS
CONSOLIDATING THE EXISTING PROGRAMS
6. 04
Existing:
Limited benefits
1
1
1
1
6
2
2
3
5
4
Proposed:
Expanded benefits
Cultural Center
SUBURB &
SHORE LINE
MAIN ST. 37
minutes to Manhattan
CEDAR ST. 21 minutes
to WHITE PLAINS
32minutes
toManhattan
NORTH
AVE. 17
minutestoYONKERS
MEMORIALHIGHWAY
HUGUENOT ST.
Vacant
Retail
15Unitsin
DownTown
Area,2013
Library
Green
Concerts &
Events
NEW
ANCHOR
CULTURAL
CENTER
MIX USE
Parking
Out-door Cinema
Open Storage
Event venue
Elevated Gardens
MIX USE
Apartment
Housing
Galleries
Shared Offices
NEW ROC
CITY
1.3 Million
visitors per year
currently
OLD
THEATERS
-Loew’s Theaters
-Proctorts
Theater
-Town Theater
Existing Anchors
Activated Areas
Proposed Units
Retrofitted units
The design strategy intends to
create walkable distances between
different activities. In doing so the
distances were measured and the
longest walk from entertainment
district to the theater district
was estimated 9 minutes. From
theatre district to the Hudson
Park is 20 minutes by walk and
7 minutes by bicycle as we are
proposing a bike path connecting
all districts together. These careful
measurements are used in order
to stitch together the proposed
and existing activities through
pedestrian access. Additionally by
beautifyingMainst.andotherroads
connecting the districts together
we promote the pedestrian traffic
that will help bringing revenue for
local businesses.
Decentralization in the scale of the building, the case of
new cultural center.
Decentralization in the scale of district, the case of new
entertainment district.
EXPANDING THE EXTENT OF INFLUENCE
THROUGH DECENTRALIZING PROGRAMS AND RECONSIDERING DISTANCES
OVERALL VIEW OF THE TWO DISTRICT AND THEIR COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS
View of Main Street
04
7. 05
MARIA -60 YRS
ENHANCING THE COMMERCIAL
ZONE
COURTYARD SUPPORT SYSTEM
Inclusionary Policies
Social economic Enterprise
Interdependency
OptionsforwomenofKisumu
Start having savings
Adult schooling
Children stay in school
Kondele Market
Chief’s House
Manyatta Primary
School
Kibos Rd
MARIA - 30 YRS
Work
Education
Discretionary Time
FamilyChores
Work
Education
Personal
Time
FamilyHousehold Chores
WOMEN’SCOLLECTIVESTODAY
2015 2014 2020 2030 2045
PROJECT BRIEF: Women in
Manyatta have suffered from socio-
political marginalization and limited
access to formal jobs. Infact the whole
community is missing out on many
oportunities due to this gender
segregation. However, women have
been able to carve out a formidable
position for themselves in the informal
sector. Our research highlights that
womenarethemaindrivingforceofthe
micro-economy in Manyatta, making
themcriticaldriversforsocio-economic
development in Kisumu. Critical to the
growingrecognitionandacceptanceof
womenassocio-economiccontributors
and generators are current facts that
place women as 75% of Kisumu’s
informal workforce which, in turn,
constitutes 20% of the city’s GDP.
As Manyatta responds to Kisumu’s
increasedurbanization,thereisacritical
window of opportunity in which it is
possible to empower women who can
develop the entire community. This
opportunitycanensurethatthepeople
and government of Kisumu begin to
view women as key socio-economic
contributorstothecity’sworkforce.This
projectproposesputtingwomenasthe
centerofredesigningthedevelopment
ofsocialspaces,housingtypologiesand
the public policies that will define the
socio-economic identity of Manyatta’s
future.
GENDER INCLUSIONARY DEVELOPMENT
Kisumu//Kenya
OCCUPANCY-BASED OWNERSHIP AS A MEAN FOR SOCIAL TRANSGRESSION
STUDIO III // Spring Semester 2014 // Columbia University
Supervised by: Geeta Mehta, Richard Plunz, Petra Kempf, Kate Orff, Victor F. Body-Lawsom, Michael Conard
Partners: Juliana Azem, Priscila Coli and Sunjana Thirumala Sridhar
02
INFORMAL
ECONOMY
DEVELOPMENT
POLICIES
FORMAL
ECONOMY
KEY TO SOCIO-
ECONOMIC
DENSIFICATION OF
MANYATTA
TOMORROWYESTERDAY TODAY
8. 06
From the smallest scale of space
[the interstitial area between
houses] to the larger commercial
spaces on and along the road, we
have observed women selling,
cooking, taking care of children
etc. While women account for
control over two-thirds of the
market, they do not have the
facilities to improve or enhance
their business. A predominant
proportion of their merchandise
consists of perishable products,
and with limited or no access
to storage, which often results
in wasted products/inefficient
selling methods. Additionally
their access to training, formal
capital and credit is limited and
this gap is heightened by a lack
of organization in procurement
and selling. In most low-income
households, the “women’s
work” (childbearing and caring
responsibilities) guarantees the
maintenance and reproduction
of the formal and informal labour
force. Women of Manyatta are
often found carrying out their
household chores in the open
spaces. However, while they use
thesamespace,theyperformtheir
duties independently, without
cooperation and organization.
ASPIRATIONAL OBJECTIVES
his project has identified a unique
dynamic between women, land
occupation and the socioeco-
nomic conditions. By reallocating
the time spent by women, modify-
ing the existing cycle of business
and combining this with the new
constitution laws can lead to the
development of Kisumu - socially,
economically and physically.
DISCOVERING THE CRITICAL DYNAMIC
WOMEN
ECONOMY LAND
Land supports economic activities but
lacks infrastructure to generate more
value
Women are individually in charge of
daily chores
Women: 75% of the informal jobs
The most visible occupants of the various scales of space in Manyatta are its women.
Economics occupancyIntimate occupancy Social occupancy
9. 07
CATALYST: INDIVIDUAL BENEFITTHROUGH COLLECTIVE IMPACT
+
BUILD UP
ASSETS
TRAINING/
INFORMATION
WOMEN’S
COLLECTIVE
Market catalyst
Kondelle market
Women’s collective
Who and benefits
Catalyst expansion
Kisumu markets
Seeds
Commercial zone
Membership
Collective enterprise
Governance structure
Shared resources
Social capital
Flexibility of activities
Degree of formality
WOMEN
WORKERS
2| FORM WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE
STRATEGIC POSITION
Kondelle Market Catalyst - 2/3 women
WOMEN COLLECTIVE
Commercial Zone
CREATE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE
+
DISSEMINATE INFORMATION
CATALYST
Foster economic collaboration in
business process
FOUR STRATEGIES AS A RESULT OF THE MAIN DYNAMIC
1| GENDER INCLUSIONARY DEVELOPMENT POLICY
10% of the ground floor of new developments is owned and maintained by the women’s collective.
This policy intends to bridge the gap between access to land, economy by women and the new constitution.
10. 08
COMMERCIAL ZONE
Commercial + Production + Support
•Reinforce the commercial corridor
• Expand infrastructure
• Support social/community institutions
PRODUCTION ZONE
Commercial + Production + Support
• Secondary commercial corridor
• Promote production
• Extend the commercial zones
SUPPORT ZONE
Production + Support
• Interior sites
• Support activities, e.g.: day-cares
• Integrate economic and social activities
4| CREATE INCLUSIONARY SOCIO-ECONOMIC ZONE
Commercial+Production+Support
Women
Collective
Kisumu County
Government
National Housing
Corporation
Millennium
Cities Initiative
UN Habitat
KENSUP
KIWASCOCORDAID
Landowners Business
Persons
STAKEHOLDERS
SELF-HELP GROUPS
GOVERNMENT
INVESTORS
INDIVIDUALS
3| LAND TRANSFORMATION
Land pool + Build infrastructure + connect social spaces
INFRASTRUCTURE,TAX INCENTIVES, INCLUSIONARY POLICY
Enhance Public Space,Trigger Economic Growth, Create space for Infrastructure
GOVERNMENT
10% OF LAND TO GOVERNMENT + 10% TO THE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE
Loans, Infrastructure, Legal Recognition
LANDOWNERS
FUNDING
Interest, Property
INVESTORS
ADMINISTRATE AND MAINTAIN SPACE, GENERATE INCOME (SoCCs)
Collective Land ownership
Existing
Public Space Open Private Space Private
Proposed
Public Space Semi-Public Space Private
Open Private Space
11. 09
THE FRAMEWORK: COMMUNITY CENTRIC FORM-BASED ZONING
LC LARGE COURTYARD
24-44 families compound =courtyard
15% of building mass area
PC PUBLIC COURTYARD
Shading and sitting areas,commerce and
services on surrounding ground level
UNIT SIZETRANSFORMING THE TRADITIONAL
COMPOUND
BUILDING MASS COMBINATIONS
SC SINGLE COMMERCIAL
Mix use expansion to the courtyard;
shaded arcade facing the streets
CR COMMERCIAL ROAD
Bike lane 1,5m | Sidewalk 5m
Buildings 2m setback
Sidewalk 3m
Buildings 2m setback
PS PEDESTRIAN STREET
6m
Expandable
modules: 3x3m
2,5m
RH RESIDENTIAL COURTYARD
Ground level housing units to be
expandable up to 3m
Men Family
2x x
SECTION 4 - INTERNAL COURTYARD
sr + lc + pp + sc
3x
SECTION 3 - PUBLIC COURTYARD
PP + sr + cr + sc
2x
SECTION 1 - COMMERCIAL COURTYARD
cC + cr + RP
x
SECTION 2 - PRODUCTION COURTYARD
SC + sr + rp
FORM-BASED ZONING APPLIED TO THE SITE
2
1
3
4
12. 10
Communal Courtyards
CREATING NEW DIALOGUE BETWEEN PARTIES
TEST SITE // PRODUCTION COURTYARDS
FUTURE SCENARIO; MAJOR PLAYERS
LAND OWNERS WHO AGREE
TO COLLABORATE
WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE IS
ESTABLISHED
POSITIVE GOVERNMENT
INVOLVEMENT
CONSOLIDATION OF SOCIAL SPACES // IDENTIFYING THE PATTERN
Existing Proposed
Private
communal spaces Public Spaces Access PathsSemi private spaces
13. 11
Commercial road
TEST SITE // COMMERCIAL ZONE
Itisproposedthatexistingcommercial
corridors in Manyatta be enhanced
for increased visibility of commercial
spaces and ease of access by multiple
transportmodes[boda-bodastations,
unloading stations, pedestrian
movement etc]. Improved design
of spaces where women sell and
work can increase productivity,
promote a healthier and economically
strengthened lifestyle, and provide an
environment for women families and
thecommunityatlarge.
ENHANCED FACILITIES IN THE STREET ENHANCED COMMERCE
Expanding Market
Store Fronts and Sidewalks
Shared by Multiple Business Owners
Additional Spaces for the Vendors
Bicycle Roads for ease of Transportation
Stations for Different Modes of Transportation
Facilitating the Ground Surface
14. 12
PROJECT BRIEF: The Athalassa
Park is the largest, most important
green ground of greater Nicosia.
Nevertheless, due to lack of proper
planning, few parts of the park are
actually used. A belt of residential
surrounds Athalassa, housing
middle-income class while little
facilities is provided in the park for
the families living close by. Through
REVIVING THROUGH DEPENDENCIES
Nicosia//Cyprus
IDENTIFYING POSSIBILITIES
finding connection between existing
elements and opportunities within
and outside of the park, this project
aimsatrevitalizingthearea.
First challenge was to manage the
great scale of the park and find a
centralcharacterforit.Afteraseriesof
investigation, it was discovered that a
good opportunity for the park was to
house some of the activities from UN
Nicosiadogshelterandprivatesectors
such as Nicosia rehabilitation center.
Theseorganizationswereallinneedof
openspacesandnaturalenvironment
and are currently located in central
part of the city with high real estate
value.Oncethepossiblecollaborators
were identified sub-areas, connected
byactivepathswerecreatedtohouse
thenewprograms.
STUDIO // Fall & Spring Semester, Sustainable Unit 2010 // University of Nicosia
Supervised by: Dr. Petros Lapithis & Anna Papadopoulou
RestingPath
Dense/talltrees
Shorttrees/shrubberiesTalltrees/shrubberies
PrivatelandsCampingarea
Trainingarea
Dogpark
RehabilitationCenterTrainingguidedogs
AnimalClinic
03
15. 13
I // JOURNEY AS DESTINATION
The connecting paths are all
facilitated with simple features
for shading, resting and fencing,
making them a flexible element
connecting visually and physically
the subareas together. Local
materials and simple construction
technique was also an important
part of designing the connecting
paths. Vine leaves are used as
additional shading element since
thesoilinthespecificareawasvery
appropriate for such plantation.
Natural ventilation, shading in
summer time and defuse sun in
winter time is provided through
the morphology of the elements
Sitting area Shaded area
Covered
Diffused Light
Exposed area Fences
Longitudinal Section of the pathway structure
RESTING PATH
16. 14
The second area to be developed
was the animal clinic. Similar to the
resting path, this structure was also
designed out of prefabricated parts,
easilyerectable,allowingformaximum
flexibility of spaces. Additionally the
specific design of the units allows for
natural ventilation in summer and use
ofsolarheatinwinter.Alltheunitsofthe
clinic are connected through the main
canopywhichisaresultofprefabricated
unitsthatincludes louvers,Photovoltaic
elements, ETFE sheets and custom
designsconnections.
II // COMPONENTS VS. STATIC OBJECTS
Multiple probability of arrangement
June 21st
Sept 21st
Bioclimatic concept, presenting the performance of the louvers for natural heating and cooling system
Longitudinal Section of one of the possible arrangement
PREFABRICATED STRUCTURE ELEMENTS
1. ETFE Sheeting
2. Photovoltaic Elements
3. Steel Section 50 x 4 mm
Membranes Steel frame Units Columns Steel mesh
Floor frame
ANIMAL CLINIC
17. 15
III // EXCHANGING SENSES
FIRST OFFICIAL DOG PARK IN NICOSIA
v
v
v
v
t
t
k
k
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
Another important part of the park
was the first official dog park for
Nicosia. The main concept of the
park was based on dog’s five senses
and the possibilities of owners to
experience these senses similar to
how their pets do. After creating
a north-south grid for the area,
strategic locations were selected for
five pavilions, based on the natural
environment of the area and the
density of vegetation. Additionally
observationtowerswerealsocreated
to enhanced the experience. All the
pavilions are designed based on
manipulating a basic cube of 3x3x3
m, created out of a grid of 1x1x1 m
steelframe.
Panoramic pavilion
Sound pavilion
Digging pavilion
Mirror pavilion
Smelling pavilion
Orientation pavilion
Toilets
Toilet Orientation pavilion Food kiosk
Mirror pavilion Digging pavilion Sound pavilion
Food kiosk
18. 16
Outdoor exhibition and plazaPlaygroundUnits open to the main covered access
The rehabilitation center has a
direct connection to the changes
of the season in the area. This
concept was mainly achieved
through breaking down the main
volumeofthebuildingintosmaller
units. Additionally all parts of the
structure are design to be moved
and readjusted based on views,
weather condition and density of
vegetation in different seasons.
The closed units are more fixed
compare to previous structures.
Nevertheless all the wall units
and windows can be gathered in
core areas between units in order
to create maximum exposure and
expansiontotheoutdoorarea.The
building units are elevated and
individually located on columns
and the whole area is connected
through the main canopy and the
elevated floor platform.
IV // GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS
REHABILITATION CENTER
Minimizing damages to the landscape
Movable layers of wall components allows the closed spaces to open up on both sides to the existing natural environment
Breaking down the volumes
Elevated floor platform
Steel grid flooring
Programmatic units
Vertical structures
Movable membranes/ Canopy
Membrane canopy steel grid
Louvers, double membranes
19. 17
ADDING AND DEDUCTING
Nicosia//Cyprus
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
PLUG-INSYSTEM,ADDINGANDDEDUCTINGOFFICEUNITS
The main requirement for the
competitionwastocreateprivateand
public offices for the new building of
Cyprus News Agency. The issue of
adding and deducting offices was
very critical for the development
of the main concept. During the
schematic design process, the group
explored many possibilities for the
structure to allow for arrangement
flexibilitywhileestablishingrelations
between different programs with
in the building. The result was to
createanaccesscorridorasthemain
structural core, connecting units
to both sides. Another part of the
concept was to allow the exterior
of the building to represent the
activities happening inside the, thus
individual façade design for each
unit became very important. For the
largestunitofthebuilding,thenews
room, a mesh façade was designed
to maximize natural light without
disturbance for the users inside
whilecreatinganinterestinglighting
effectforthestreetview.
Professional work // 2010 // M.C. Phocas Architects-Engineers
Team members: M. C. Phocas, Maria Matheou & Giorgos Kyriazis
Axonometricviewofthemainskeleton Plug-insystemoftheunits
04
21. 19
Isometricsectionshowingthenaturalwindcirculationinthebuilding
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN
Winter March Summer
One of the most important aspect of
the building was to be sustainable.
Since the offices used in the main
ground level area were to be active
24 hours a day, it was very essential
to lower the cost for heating and
cooling in order to maintain the low
budget policy that the company
follows.Bylocatingthemaincorridor
in the direction of summer wind,
natural ventilation can occur during
summer time. Double facade was
used on south side of the building
to collect heat in winter and release
heat in summer. Additionally the
windows facing south are shaded
for summer sun and are exposed for
winter sun. In the process of design,
in-depth analysis was done on the
materials and lighting conditions
to make sure that the offices can
provide a comfortable condition for
users all year long without having to
usevastamountofelectricity.
Sun-pathdiagramshowingtheshadedareaduringwinter,summerandmarch.
Analysis of the natural lighting level
Distribution of the temperature level
Analysis of the thermal comfort level
22. 20
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR VIEWS
Interiorviewoftheunitshangingfromtheceiling Exteriorviewofthemeshfacade Interior view of the main corridor, open to the
groundflooroffices
Theviewofthefacadeatnighttime
Backsideofthebuildingshowingtheprivateofficeunits
23. 21
Urban voids
Industrial areas
Residential area
Mix residential/commercial
Most active area (mix use)
ALL IS FLUX, NOTHING STAYS STILL
REGENERATING LARNACA THROUGH RE-EXAMINING URBAN STRATEGIES
Larnaca//Cyprus
Howcancertaindesignorstrategybe
site specific and yet flexible enough
to respond to the ever changing
contextofthecity?ThecityofLarnaca
has gone through many changes in
the last two decades. Most efforts
were in the direction of vitalizing
the city and bringing back the social
life the city use to offer to the locals.
Nevertheless most projects did not
fulfill this task and in fact added
to the existing issue of seasonality
if activities in the city. The initial
research started from the impact of
city planning on coastal cities such
asLarnaca,withspecialemphasison
the realization of possible strategies,
in order to activate the city for locals
and outsiders throughout the entire
year. The study reviews the need
for the redevelopment of the city
based on the analysis of three main
factors; overall planning strategy,
relationship of the locals with the
city fabric and the connection
between land and water. By doing
so, important factors that need to
beconsideredaspartofanyrelevant
urban strategy for such coastal
cities, are addressed. Subsequently
a testing site, which in this case is
the industrial area, is selected to
determine the list of design factors,
leading to possible suggestions
for the specific site. The proposed
strategies and design possibilities
discussed in Larnaca’s case can be
relevant to other small historic cities
in the Mediterranean Basin as well.
Through empirical observations,
theoretical research and series of
interviews with local residents and
officials, the main strategy was to
expand activities from the only
publicly used area of the costal zone
alongtheseashore.Additionalsteps
wastocreateperpendicularaccesses
to the coastal zone, reconnecting
thecityto thesea.Threemainscales
were considered for analysis, The
city scale, neighborhood scale and a
testingsitealongtheindustrialshore
line. Later on a design proposal was
madefortheindustrialsite.
FINAL THESIS DIPLOMA WORK // 2010-2011 // University of Nicosia
Supervised by: Mrs. Maria Hadjisoteriou, Ms. MarkellaMenikou, Mr. Yiorgos Hadjichristou
& Dr. Marios C. Phocas
Process of Reactivating the city
Forgotten activities of the coastal area;
Sunday walk of the locals and market
days on the coastal zone.
The growth of the city in relation to natural morphology of the coastal zone, man-
made industrial areas and salt lake on south side of the city.
05
24. 22
Pipes
Walls along the coastal zone
Commercial beach
Artificial edges for boats
WHAT SHAPES THE EDGES?
What is left today...
Abandoned factories
Graffiti by the Youth Organization
Boundaries in all forms
Old industrial areas
Crowded only in summer time
Coastal erosion
Summer resorts
During the last 50 years, the city
of Larnaca went through excessive
developments, nevertheless mostly
in a direction pleasant to the benefit
of private investors. The growth of
the city has been out of proportion
since there was many changes
in the policies selected for the
development. As a result not only
the city itself scattered vastly into
theoutskirtbutalsothecoastalarea
went through series of changes not
beneficial to the natural and social
environment.Forexampleasaresult
of newly developed marine area,
many old neighborhoods along the
coastal zone, faced major erosions.
Also the accesses along the coastal
zone, especially for pedestrians,
are interrupted constantly by
boundaries, disconnecting the city
from the sea. Due to these sensitive
issues, analysis were done mostly
on the coastal zone, to evaluate the
physical and social factors, shaping
thearea.
25. 23
2011
2015
2013
2017
After selecting two of the proposed
accesses perpendicular to the
coastal zone, an in-depth analysis
was done on the possible activities
that could happen in easch area.
To create a better understanding
of future prototypes, a comparison
was done between two extremely
different areas; Industrial zone and
old city center to define certain
principles for that would possibly
shape the design. The followings
conditions came across as essential
consideration:
-Adaptability of the structural
elements to changes of activities &
seasons
-Modularity and lightness of the
structural components
-Possibilities of open/semi-open/
outdoor/ fully enclosed spaces
-Permanent activation of platforms
throughcombiningseasonal,every
day and event activities
NEW WAYS OF BEING SITE SPECIFIC // MOVING BETWEEN SCALES
ELEMENTS THAT SHAPES THE DESIGN
Industrialsite//Availablespaces,noteasilyaccessible
ONEPOSSIBLEWAYOFPROGRESSION
COMPARINGTHETWOSITESALONGTHECOASTALZONE:
OLDCITYANDINDUSTRIALLAND
Historical site // limitation in number of available spaces
A
B
Industrial Zone Historical site
26. 24
Once some of the principles for
the design was clear, series of
experimentations were done on
finalizing the structural system.
Platforms of activities are the main
concept selected for the structure
allowingforcreationofpublicspaces
without differentiating when inside
ends and outside starts. A series of
sectional information , Meta cards,
weregatheredfromthecityandused
as references for the movements of
theplatforms.
META CARDS from/for the city
Inserting the units in between platforms, creating privately occupied spaces
SECTIONAL FORMATION
THE PLATFORMS
27. 25
A table of conditions was made to
create a catalogue for typology of
spaces and the experiences they can
provide. A possible combination of
platforms was made to be tested
on the side in regard to the existing
context and the relationship of the
platformstooneanother.
ONE POSSIBLE COMBINATION
SPATIAL CONDITIONS
28. 26
Based on different desired spatial
conditions , kinetic mechanisms
were design to provide variety of
movements for the platforms. The
result is a flexible structural system
that can be rearrange in many ways
toaccommodatedifferentactivities.
The lightness of the structure was a
critical factor in allowing individual
to modify the spaces. Additionally
the scale of modification varies from
asittingarrangement toacomplete
modification of the enclosed spaces
andcirculationelements.
THE PROTOTYPE
29. 27
ALL IS FLUX, NOTHING STAYS STILL
Adjustable canopies with sliding
PVCfabric
The system for adjusting the
angleofstairsandramps
The system for adjusting the
angleofcanopies
The connection between grids of
thefloorlevels
Adjustablecolumns,theedgesof
themaingrid
Adjustablecolumnsforthemain
gridofthegroundlevel
CREATING MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
U160
U160U120
Pneumatic
element
Modular green ele-
ments
2.5m/2.5m/15cm
4 cm
9 cm
30. 28
CONNECTING BACK TO THE SEA
Throughthedesignoftheplatforms,
a series of pathways are created
along and perpendicular to the sea
Thefoldingplatformswerearranged
in ways to respond to the duration
and type of activities to ensure the
activation of the area all year long
rather than seasonal activation
which is the current condition of the
site. The combination created here
is just one possible way of using the
structuralelementsalongthecost.
line, constantly framing the views
while creating different spatial
experiences.
1
1
2
3
2
3
THEMAINELEMENTSOFTHEDESIGN
Everyday Activities
Canopies
Roof Gardens
Enclosed Units
Vertical Structures
Gardens
Water Features
Bicycle Paths
Secondary Paths
Main Accesses
Folding Platforms
Entertaining Areas (Event)
Educational Areas
31. 29
MOMENTS IN BETWEEN THE PLATFORMS
3. The areas in-between the platforms are used for out-door event and everyday use such as camping, exhibitions,
exercise areas etc
2. The wall of one platform is the screen of another platform’s out-door Cinema
1. View of the coastal zone from the roof gardens
3
2 1
32. 30
ALWAYS IN USE, EVEN FROM FIRST PHASES
STAGESOFAPPLICATION
Due to the typology of the structure the
site can be immediately use by the locals
even if all the elements are not applied
yet. In past, there were cases in Larnaca
where such public space projects would
take years to be completed and by the
timetheprojectwasdone,thedesignwas
no longer adequate.
Phase two, Stage 3
