The Tsunami: A Time For New Architechture?

Valis

You know after the tsunami, I started thinking about discussions and ideas our good friend jim_TX talks about sometimes. Maybe some of the architechtural damage could have been avoided by stuff that "went w/the flow" as it were. I was imagining islands covered w/domes instead of hut like or even regular style Asian buildings. These would seem fairly cheap and more impervious. Any architect peole out there have any thoughts on the subject?

Simon

Yes, but think of all the dome-related deaths from when they collapse?!

If you think domes are a good idea just do some searches for "millenium dome" ... that was the UKs millenium celebration or "big white elephant" as we now like to call it. Cost £1b ... usage about 2 weeks.

dh

I think if buildings along coastlines were constructed to function to cut through water like the upturned hull of a boat, and deflect and route it a certain way, I think that would be a move forward, but the foundation of the buildings would really have to be addressed, and certainly if it were domes, they would probably need to be to fixed to the bedrock to withstand the initial blast water.

I think wedge shapeed buildings would be better, as the water would just rush over them, even if they were a few stories high.

I think coupled with the above, and an early warning system it would also make sense to have underground basements which are tsunami proof.

rick1199

"I think coupled with the above, and an early warning system it would also make sense to have underground basements which are tsunami proof."

Er, wouldnt basments flood ? Surely you want to be above the water, not below it ?

Jim_TX

Simon said... "...dome-related deaths from when they collapse..."

Simon, I think that you need to do research on THESE Monolithic domes before you start spouting such nonsense as fact.

Take a look at the Monolithic web site - and notice the domes that survived the recent hurricane season in Florida. At least 3 monolithic domes took a direct hit from the hurricanes that blew through there. The occupants - were safe inside. Reporters and camera crew from NBC and MSNBC stayed as guests in one - so they could make reports about the hurricane.

Another dome - built in Iraq a few years ago... got hit by a 500 pound bomb. The bomb fell through the dome - and exploded - but the dome survived. It is still structurally sound, and they will be able to clear the rubble from within, patch the hole, and use the dome. (Try that with conventional housing!)

There are other - many - stories about domes - and their structural integrity. But!!! These are monolithic domes. Made of concrete, steel rebar and polyurethane foam for insulation (that exceeds R-60).

I personally went through the class last May - and learned how they are constructed - we actually built one as part of the weeklong class.

Regards,

Jim TX

72580

The whole idea looks pretty dome to me.

Winston Smith :>D

The much revered, but also maligned, architect Le Corbusier is known for his Machine Art/International Style of architecture.
He was forward thinking and typically ahead of his time. He did some residential work that is noteworthy today, but some consider him to be revolutionary in the area of Urban Planning.

His proposals were founded on the idea that greenspace should be preserved as much as possible.
To do this, he would work with a minimal footprint and go vertical, making a neighborhood run straight up rather than stretch it horizontally, using up valuable greenspace.
Buildings would be spaced out to allow for parks in between all buildings. The buildings themselves were forward thinking for a few reasons.

One, he would incorporate greenspace in top of all buildings to make up for the lost footprint of the building.

But the second point is that this greenspace wasn?t even lost, because he proposed to build the structures on piers.

His idea was that the piers would preserve the greenspace as much as possible.
The additional benefit addresses what is discussed here, minimizing flooding damage. I do not think that this was necessary his intent, but it would be the end result.

By maximizing greenspace, another benefit in relation to flooding would be that the waters would be absorbed by the greenspace faster than if it the waters were overcoming a full, concrete jungle.

I have never been a fan of geodesic domes. I find them an eyesore, would imagine a pain to construct, and a pain to keep air/water tight.
Tight in the scope of energy efficiency and rain tight. This doesn?t even begin to address stopping the flood waters from breaking the integrity of the structure.

Water exerts tremendous amounts of pressure and I would find it easier to design a structure that allowed water to pass through rather than to try and stop it.

I can?t find too much on the web RE: this idea, but here is one link on this regards:

http://tesugen.com/archives/04/06/corbus-city-of-tomorrow

This is a review of a apartment/hotel that is still in use:

http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/0-9/4travel/places-to-stay/france/le-corbusier/review.html

bethany4you

You're such a sqaure!

Sorry, I had to say it.

72580

Winston,

Corbu was brilliant. Sometimes anyway. Concrete never looked so good. I like the work of Louis Khan and Richard Meier as well.

Winston Smith :>D

Concrete never looked so good. I like the work of Louis Khan and Richard Meier as well.

I think concrete is an underutilized material in residential construction. There are new products on the residential market that take advantage of the array of benefits using concrete for floors and walls. Benefits like thermal massing, cantilevering floors with foam forms, in-floor and wall heat, acid staining floors, foam wall forms, the options are endless. Le Corbusier was well ahead of his time with this plastic building material.

I am a fan of Khan and Meier as well.

You didn't by chance see Khan's son's movie, "My Architect", have you? I would like to see that when it's on DVD.

The Tsunami: A Time For New Architechture?

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