Mr. Samih Ali

There are many factors to consider when creating a resilient structure that belongs to such a sensitive environment. By creating a more fluid design, we can reduce the turbulence caused by the opposing waves and current. Likewise, to increase stability we need to lower the centre of gravity as low as possible. This can be achieved by utilising the bottom part of the hull as water container, since storing fluids are more effective in irregular odd shapes and volumes. Moreover, to promote natural growth of living organisms we can rough up the surface and give it more contours which will provide more surface area.

30th March 2022

Plans, Sections, Sketches, Models...

Today was full of Inspiration, Knowledge and Ideas. The class started off with an informative lecture about Disaster Responsive Architecture, which highlighted the different aspects we should be thinking about while designing these floating structures to resist disasters.

After which we presented our work. We as a group managed to produce multiple conceptual plans working out the zoning and arrangement of the spaces in relation to the lagoon context and island location. We utilized the existing zones of the island to locate our harbor and sea sports zones to collaborate and connect with each other. Furthermore identified the depths of the lagoon area and designated possible aquacultre and salt harvesting zones. The residential, communal and commercial zones were located more towards the centre.

We tested the stability and structure of our floating houses through model experiments in a tank of water. We progressed towards developing a stable and functional hull and increased the scale of our models as we kept achieving successful models on smaller scales. However, there is still room for more ideas and opportunities.

Lastly our sectional diagrams created to represent social and spacial interactions as well as the main abstract functionality of the settlement with the island in terms of economy, accommodation and environment.

Next up is more models on larger scales and more worked out values of our main income source alongside more detailed spatial graphics.

Lets keep the GRIND UP!

@dhynaaa @shafew007 @maaimstf @maashamstf @notshaffa @hdhna @suherr @samhasalym @samihali

27th March 2022, Sunday

Oh what a day! Carried out a Masterplan Workshop; both rigorous and exciting. Moreover it turned out to be fruitful. What did we accomplish?

Masterplan Location & SWOT

In groups of three, we picked out three different locations for each of our masterplans from within the vast lagoon of F.Nilandhoo.

Produced a SWOT analysis for our designated locations, identifying the different aspects and factors that we should be aware of as we continue our design.

Main Income Source for Masterplan

Determined the various possible economic directions we can explore to generate an income that can sustain the masterplan settlement as an entity and community. Ultimately choosing one option to be the main income source.

Our group chose 'Salt Harvesting' as a main income source, due to its intriguing potential.

Theme and Conceptual Zoning Model

The theme our group decided to give our masterplan is "Bissaaveli", in dhivehi refers to a saltwater pond surrounded by a strip of sand. An attempt to connect our theme to our possible income source and livelihood, 'Salt Harvesting'.

We also developed a conceptual model featuring the main zones that our masterplan would require in terms of our location and distance from the main island.

All of these will become more developed and refined and as they do I shall share them with you here. ;)