ADAPTIVE DESIGN: A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
DISASTER RELIEF COMPLEX
The proposed complex provides a shelter for the people not only during the lowest points of their lives but even during their joyous moments— as the proposal serves more than one purpose. The proposed disaster relief complex is composed of fixed buildings with adaptive features and retractable expansion that makes the proposal multifunctional. It is divided in three zones namely: the Evacuation Center, the Emergency Operations Center, and the Multifunctional Building where the Retractable Expansion is also attached into. The Evacuation Center has an open layout for natural lighting and ventilation, as well as water features and indoor vegetation, as studies have shown that these are beneficial for the evacuees' emotional recuperation. Connecting the Evacuation Center and the Multifunctional Building is the Emergency Operations Center. Serving as a passage for both, the Emergency Operations Center is located on top for emphasis and over-all vision all throughout the development. On the other hand, the Multifunctional Building includes glass curtain walls that let in natural light and give the structure a sleek, contemporary design.
The Architectural Thesis is entitled “Adaptive Design: A Multi-functional Disaster Relief Complex in Urdaneta City” as it intends to fill the gaps in Disaster Response and Recovery of the City through Architecture. The researcher chose this kind of design strategy and approach as it expands the use of the proposed building and widens its horizon for the future. Some days are normal days, but bad days are unpredictable. Based on current events, where climate change or endless calamities is the most prevalent concern our world is facing, a building that can adapt to certain situations, to its environment, to its end-users, may it be through modern technology or manual human intervention, is an approach that will fill this study’s research gap.
THE RETRACTABLE EXPANSION
The retractable expansion of the multifunctional building has three kinetic components that make it move. First, it has rails at the base which were thermite-welded on site. Secondly, it has wheel assemblies that allow it to roll. Lastly, it has a kinetic drive system at the fixed building roof. Both the rails and the wheels allow the kinetic system on to drive the retractable expansion. Attached to this expansion are the adaptive pivoting windows that can be opened in various angles and the glass doors that move upwards when the expansion is embedded with the fixed building. This retractable expansion will serve as the multipurpose space of the complex. When nested, it gives an open space for various activities and events. When employed, it can serve as an indoor extension that may be useful for a variety of operations, such as methods of evacuation during disasters. Depending on what the community needs at a particular moment, this feature's adaptability opens up a variety of possibilities for utilization.
The accordion-like pivoting windows transform the facade in wave-like patterns when they are opened in certain ways, adding visual interest to what would otherwise simply be a steel and glass box. These windows also feature sensors that enable it to adjust the angle at which they deploy, blocking direct sunlight at specific times of day.
ARCHITECTURAL THESIS OF HAROLD PONCE
