Jiarong Lyu

Sustainable shelter targeting overpopulation and disasters

Started May 19, 2023

Abstract or project description

To design an affordable and efficient solution for renovating slums and decrepit buildings in densely populated regions, that incorporates cheaper, natural materials and the traditional construction technique of Dougong, in order to increase earthquake resistance of the building. The overall goal is to design a safe, high-rise apartment complex that can be efficiently built to address the housing crisis and the cost of housing for slum dwellers. Structure and safety will be the major focus of this project which will be tested through paper models, software models etc, and performance will be assessed with wind and seismic tests. In addition, material choice is very important in its compatibility with Dougong, cost and maintenance requirements, assessed through research and advice from Architects. Another factor for success will be the space and energy efficiency of the building, to provide enough spaces for public areas and less costly energy resources. Space efficiency can be achieved with careful planning using floor plans and 3D models, while energy efficiency can be increased with research and integration of sustainable design features. The integration of Dougong in modern buildings will be the main theory aspect of the project, as it is my subject of exploration and a crucial step to using materials efficiently.