Design Concept , Principles & Policies for the Renovation of Azimpur Govt. Housing

Image: Conceptual section of Azimpur Govt. Housing (Muhammad Golam Sami'2022)

By analyzing all of our problems, we have gone through a methodological and analytical framework and we have figured out the principles and policies to establish our goals. The results and findings regarding the policy-making for design development are stated below.

1 . Sustainable Functional Adaptability:

Sustainable, functional adaptability is a crucial consideration in high-rise government housing design, as it ensures that the buildings can adapt to the changing needs of residents and the surrounding environment over time. Here are some key principles and strategies that can be employed to achieve sustainable, functional adaptability in high-rise government housing design:

Flexibility in layout and space planning: Design buildings with flexible layouts that can be easily adapted to meet the changing needs of residents, such as through the use of movable partitions, modular units, and multi-functional spaces.

Sustainable building materials: Use environmentally sustainable building materials and construction methods that are durable, low-maintenance, and withstand frequent use, wear, and tear.

Energy-efficient systems: Incorporate energy-efficient systems and technologies into the design of the buildings, such as solar panels, smart lighting and HVAC systems, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Universal design principles: Incorporate universal design principles into the buildings to ensure they are accessible and usable for people of all ages and abilities, such as through ramps, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms.

Community engagement: Engage with residents and the surrounding community in the design and planning process to ensure that the buildings meet their needs and are designed to foster a sense of community and social interaction.

By incorporating these principles and strategies into the design of high-rise government housing, architects and designers can create buildings that are adaptable, sustainable, and able to meet the changing needs of residents and the surrounding environment over time.

2 . Structural Conceptualization:

Replacing the traditional post-lintel system with a shear wall column system in a high-rise residential building can be a cost-effective and space-efficient solution. Here are some structural conceptualizations that can be considered for this type of building design:

Shear Wall Column System: This vertical load-bearing system consists of reinforced concrete columns and shear walls. The shear walls resist lateral loads and provide stability to the building, while the columns support the weight of the building. This system can eliminate the need for traditional post-lintel systems, allowing for more efficient use of space.

Composite Structure System: This system combines different materials such as concrete and steel to provide optimal structural performance. It can be designed with shear wall columns as the primary structural elements to reduce the amount of steel needed, which can help to reduce costs and provide greater flexibility in space utilization.

Diagrid System: This unique structural system uses diagonal members to form a grid-like structure. The diagonal members are connected to columns at each floor level, creating a continuous load path that distributes loads evenly throughout the building. This system can provide increased strength and stiffness while also allowing for more open floor plans and increased use of natural light.

Hybrid System: A hybrid structural system combines multiple structural systems to achieve the desired performance objectives. For example, a hybrid system could incorporate a shear wall column system with a diagrid system to provide lateral stability and space utilization flexibility.

When selecting a structural system for a high-rise residential building, factors such as cost, performance, and space utilization must be considered. By utilizing a shear wall column system, composite structure system, diagrid system, or hybrid system, designers can create cost-effective and efficient structures that meet residents' needs while also maximizing space utilization.

3 . Horizontal Development:

When designing a high-rise housing complex, it is important to consider integrating public recreational and community spaces to promote social interaction and well-being among residents. One way to achieve this is through the horizontal development of public recreational and community spaces in the center of the housing complex while maintaining a balance between the height and spacing of each high-rise residential building. Here are some architectural design principles that can be employed to achieve this:

Waterbody Equity: Incorporating a waterbody into the center of the housing complex can help to create a calming and serene environment for residents. To maintain waterbody equity, the size of the waterbody should be proportionate to the size of the housing complex, and each high-rise residential building should have a view of the waterbody.

Height and Spacing Ratio: To ensure a balanced and harmonious design, each high-rise residential building should maintain a consistent height and spacing ratio. This can be achieved through the use of modular or repetitive design elements, such as identical floor plans or façade treatments.

Integration of Public Spaces: Public recreational and community spaces should be integrated seamlessly into the housing complex's design, creating a natural flow between the buildings and the public spaces. This can be achieved through the use of open courtyards, landscaped gardens, and walkways that connect each building to the central community space.

Accessibility: All public spaces and facilities should be designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. This can be achieved through the use of ramps, lifts, and other accessibility features that comply with local building codes and regulations.

Sustainability: The design of the housing complex should incorporate sustainable features such as green roofs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce the environmental impact of the complex and promote a sustainable way of living.

By incorporating these architectural design principles into the horizontal development of a high-rise housing complex, designers can create a harmonious and balanced environment that promotes social interaction, well-being, and sustainability among residents.

4 . Plan And Design Level Findings & Consideration:

Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants. It can be used to create air vortexes in the center space of a high-rise housing complex to promote natural ventilation and air circulation. Here are some architectural design principles that can be employed to create a central community space with a peripheral vehicular way and incorporate evapotranspiration into the design:

Central Community Space: The central community space should be designed as an open area accessible to all residents. It can be surrounded by low-rise buildings or greenery to create a sense of enclosure and privacy while also allowing for natural light and ventilation.

Peripheral Vehicular Way: The peripheral vehicular way should be designed as a circular road that surrounds the central community space. This will provide easy access for vehicles while also creating a barrier between the central community space and the surrounding high-rise residential buildings.

Evapotranspiration: To incorporate evapotranspiration into the design, vegetation should be planted in the central community space. The plants will absorb moisture from the soil and transpire it into the air, creating a natural cooling effect that promotes air circulation and ventilation.

Space Height Ratio: By designing the central community space in the center of the housing complex, it will solve the space height ratio problem as each residential building will have a similar exposure to the central community space.

Sustainable Design: The design of the housing complex should incorporate sustainable features such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and recycled materials to reduce its environmental impact and promote a sustainable way of life.

By incorporating these architectural design principles, designers can create a high-rise housing complex that promotes natural ventilation, air circulation, and community engagement while also addressing issues such as space height ratio and vehicular access.

5 . Community Space Design:

When designing a green community space and recreation area at the center of a high-rise residential housing complex, it is important to consider several architectural design features that promote social interaction, well-being, and sustainability. Here are some key features to consider:

Landscape Design: The green community space should be designed to provide a variety of landscapes, such as lawns, gardens, and trees, to create a natural and relaxing environment. The landscape design should be sustainable, using native plants, drip irrigation, and permeable paving to reduce water use and runoff.

Recreational Facilities: The recreation area should include facilities that promote physical activity and social interaction, such as a playground, fitness center, and sports courts. These facilities should be designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.

Seating and Gathering Spaces: The green community space should include seating and gathering spaces, such as benches, picnic tables, and outdoor seating areas, to encourage social interaction and community engagement.

Water Features: Incorporating water features, such as fountains or small pools, into the green community space can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere while also promoting sustainability through water recycling and conservation.

Sustainable Design: The design of the green community space should incorporate sustainable features, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting facilities, to reduce the environmental impact of the complex and promote a sustainable way of living.

Access and Connectivity: The green community space should be designed to be easily accessible to all residents, with multiple entrances and connections to surrounding areas. The space should also be well-connected to the rest of the housing complex, with pedestrian walkways and bike paths.

By incorporating these architectural design features into the green community space and recreation area at the center of a high-rise residential housing complex, designers can create a vibrant and sustainable community space that promotes social interaction, well-being, and environmental stewardship among residents.

6 . Scaling up the community features:

When scaling up the architectural features of low-rise residential buildings with a courtyard in the center to a high-rise large residential complex, it is important to consider the specific needs and constraints of the community and the surrounding environment. Here are some key considerations for designing a large high-rise residential complex with a central community space and amenities while also maintaining equitable access to a waterbody:

Site Analysis: The site should be analyzed carefully to understand its natural and built environment and the needs of the surrounding community. Factors to consider include climate, topography, local ecology, transportation, and infrastructure.

Vertical Courtyard Design: The central community space should be designed as a vertical courtyard with greenery and water features to provide residents a natural and relaxing environment. The design should allow for natural light and ventilation while providing residents privacy and security.

Amenities and Recreation: The central community space should include a range of amenities and recreation facilities, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, sports courts, and community gardens. These facilities should be accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.

Sustainable Design: The design of the high-rise residential complex should incorporate sustainable features, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs, to reduce the environmental impact of the complex and promote a sustainable way of living.

Waterbody Equity: To maintain equitable access to a waterbody, the design should incorporate features that promote water conservation and minimize pollution, such as rain gardens and permeable paving. The waterbody should be designed to be accessible to all residents, with multiple entrances and connections to the central community space.

Community Engagement: The design should prioritize community engagement and participation, with opportunities for residents to provide feedback and collaborate with designers and builders throughout the design and construction process.

By incorporating these considerations into the design of a large high-rise residential complex with a central community space and amenities, designers can create a vibrant and sustainable community that supports the needs of the population while also maintaining equitable access to a waterbody.

Meet The Author

Muhammad Golam Sami

B. Arch, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh Architect | Futurist | Sustainable Design Expert

Operational Head, ADORA Studios, Bangladesh

Founder, samism.org

Lecturer, Department of Architecture

Northern University of Business & Technology

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Related PROJECTS

Revising The Renovation of Azimpur Govt. Housing , Dhaka - 1205

This project aims to provide a friendly framework for the future renovation or regeneration of these housing units in Bangladesh, taking into account the climatic and social factors that compel them to analyze the past, present, and future effects of this radical change in government housing, along with providing a structured policy for establishing government prototypes that enable government housing projects to be more sustainable and eliminate adverse effects.

Image: Azimpur Govt. Housing Renovation Visual at Bird's Eye

Location: Dhaka-1205; Year: 2023