The 3rd DBEW

International Design Competition

Description: Hana (flower) - living units
Just as the organic form of a flower reveals both beauty and efficiency, so does our concept of the triple helix combined with the triple height living areas. We call this HANA which sums up the unity of the flower with its tightly curled and interwoven petals. The architectural and spatial idea understands the necessity for both the petal (or living unit), to be placed in relationship to its adjoining petals (or other living units) to compose a beautiful structure of solid and void. The face of the building is established as both continuous and articulated by this simple means. It makes architecture the presence of both a single organism as well as a combination of interrelated and repeated organisms.
Kuki (stem) - tower
The central shaft contains the communal vertical circulation and servicing needs of the inhabitants. Power, heat and light is transmitted by arteries within the core to each unit. Each repeated section is identical but rotated to form continuous stairways and lift shafts direct to each living area. From below, mains drainage connections and water borehole technologies provide clean filtered water, and dispose of waste. From above rainwater is harvested and stored in underground tanks for grey water recycling, whilst rooftop photovoltaic cells capture the sunlight and turn it into electricity. A structure that follows natural lines and yet is technically compact and strong to resist wind and earthquake.
The number 3 (three)
A concept that extends in three dimensions to bring together space, light and form. A solution of thirds, 1/3 for the individual to have a space of their own, 2/3 for the family to live together in a generous space, 3/3 for the space to combine with others to form an interlocking matrix of space and structure with internal and external living areas. The mathematical purity of the number 3 both 3x3x3 and 3/3/3 gives us a starting point for designing a technical solution to the problem of three people. (i) Living together as a family, (ii) living as an individual, (iii) living as a civic member of the community. We have insight into how three people can combine in a living space, and how that space needs to be structured for both economy and flexible use.

Japanese Design Competition
Location
Japan
DBEW
Dates 2002 2003
Cost N/A