emergency operations center
Africa
kaira looro architecture competition
2020
2020
team - Laura Korach, Natalia Szczepaniak, Olga Ślepowrońska
The idea of the project is to give infinite possibilities to solve future crises and answer complex community problems. Despite the perpendicular lines froming a rigid and defines grid, a module-based plan is easy to compose freely and modify in any way. The building is designed on the basis of a single 3x3 meters module. Each of them can serve as an independent structure but can also merge in groups. Bamboo walls can seperate each room or create a hood over a shaded alley. The hollow in the middle of an alley allows for storage of rainwater.
The modules acommodete three main functions: assistance, management and organisation, storage and logistics. The first one provides medical and psychological air along with monitoring services. In the management and organisation section there are offices, meeting rooms and restrooms. The last funtion is reserved for storage of necessary materials and equipment. Such solution permits the building to adapt to the needs of the emergency thus enabling the organisation to achieve its utmost efficiency.
The proposal for the project of the Emergency Operations Center aims to create an easy and flexible structure that adapts to any given crisis. For that reason a modular grid was applied. In this manner the building can be easily adjusted to the area for instance by creating small courtyards where the trees grow. The segments can be scattered or compact depending on the nature of the emergency. The module accommodates all the functions required : medical and psychological assistance, offices, restrooms, reception, storage spaces etc. Each of those can be arranged in a way that fits the needs of the crisis. Furthermore, this solution enables the building to expand when the need occurs by adding supplementary modules to the structure.
The materials used in this project are natural and complement local tradition. Clay bricks, bamboo and wood are all sustainable and can be found on premises. All the elements are connected using traditional methods making the structure easy to mount and dismantle.
The materials used in this project are natural and complement local tradition. Clay bricks, bamboo and wood are all sustainable and can be found on premises. All the elements are connected using traditional methods making the structure easy to mount and dismantle. The brick poles are situated on the intersections of the square grid. They carry the weight of the bamboo roof as well as serve as a construction of the walls. As a result, the plan is open and flexible. The openwork walls protect the inside from direct sunlight and can be placed to suit particular demands. The slightly tilted roof is raised above the construction which enables natural ventilation. The structure is semi-permanent which means that the brick poles can be used after the emergency is terminated. Due to their modular spread, they can act as a construction of another building or transform to a place where local communities can gather.
