THE HEAR & NOW
Health & Wellbeing
Medley of Conditions |
Artefact 9.7 Below | Zoning sketch section
The ‘Taking Note’ museum will reflect the character of informal Cairo, see artefact 3.11, and build off the existing context to improve user experience. This choice creates tension as inclusivity, contextual haphazard design, and healthy controlled environments need to be gifted in tandem.
My tectonic response embraces the patchwork vernacular. To provide appropriate conditions I will consider the programme as a set of individuals within one team. Spatial conditions will emulate their content.
Physical Refuge |
Artefact 9.8 Right | Biophilic design strategy
Biodiversity in Cairo is not a priority due to limited space, water and money. The Nile, 2.5km from site, see artefact 7.8, is the only water source and precipitation is rare. Locals aren’t benefitting from the restorative nature of biophilic design.
Plants native to desert climates will be grown in a protected plot of land to provide a refuge for locals.
Grey Water Irrigation |
Artefact 9.9 Left | Grey water could sustain a small oasis
Material Zoning |
Artefact 9.10 Right | Patchwork materials palette
Interweaving zones will create a sense of visual accessibility and connection between public and private. However, environmental conditions and security need to be retained. Materiality will subtly define individual spaces and be located to passively protect more fragile environments.
Material choice promotes the use of local sources, craftspeople and inclusive construction techniques. The final design must be buildable without a crane due to limited road infrastructure in Historic Cairo, see 7.9.
Pollution |
Artefact 9.11 Below | Seeking out a quiet and unpolluted site
Noise and air pollution in Cairo is very high, see 2.12. Public spaces average 90dB - the noise of a factory (Arpi, 2008).
Using a decibel meter I identified a quiet site where the informal could be ‘listened to’. A thin access road limits noise and lowers localised air pollution as cars cannot enter. However, mechanical ventilation will be needed in work spaces when pollution is high and threatens health.
Human Facilities |
Artefact 9.12 Right | Mixed mode ventilation & filtration strategy
Giving occupants control improves satisfaction (Uttley, 2013). Therefore, in the research facility mixed mode ventilation and air filtration will provide healthy adaptable working conditions. Hempcrete walls coated in lime paint will provide a therapeutic natural finish whilst also absorbing CO2 through a natural carbonation process and further reducing the risk of harm to occupants (Flores, 2021).
Non-Human Environments |
Artefact 9.13 Above | Varying archival requirements
For the wellbeing of the artefacts archives will need to maintain the appropriate humidities and temperatures. Thick concrete thermal mass will reduce the need for mechanical ventilation to regulate conditions.