THE CULTURAL EDGE – HYBRID (an Experimental Redefinition through Hybridization @ Rathnapura – Sri Lanka)

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

In architecture, hybridization is the process of creating new and distinctive environments by fusing various Cultures, Situations, Practices, Typologies, and Functions. Hybridization can be used as a method to bring together a variety of users and activities with better inclusivity and accessibility in the context of developing sensitive public spaces. Urban hybridization is a potent instrument for developing cohesive and dynamic environments by integrating several important topics associated with design, such as cultural characteristics, sensitive areas, gem-related living culture, seasonal functions, and tourism activities.

The primary goal of this project is to address a set of characterized difficulties related to a vulnerable public space (City centre-Rathnapura, Sri Lanka) and how architecture implements solutions to known today and unknown futures, enabling different hybrids. Design will improve the resilience of the public space, and economic sustainability; directing human flows into a flexible platform; enabling different cultural links between hostesses and visitors; being adaptable to different situations and times, and offering spaces for opportunities by implementing solutions based on various hybridization strategies.

On an experimental ground, the project sets a precedent on successfully overcoming characterized challenges related to a vulnerable city center (Rathnapura – Sri Lanka). In the near future, all city centers will need a hybrid flexible space with basic facilities to adapt to respond unknown future and the known today.

Project description

Context: Rathnapura has a unique identity:
• Historic, Heritage and Traditional Culture – Cultural Events (Perahera, Adams peak season, Sabaragamuwa culture)
• Seasonal Culture – Tourism Activities
• City Culture - Gem Industry Related Living Culture.
• River Culture | Living Under a Threat | Flood Season - Annual Flooding | May – July, September – December (2-5,7 days’ time)
Kalu River – 12m (MSL) Water Level
1. Normal Flood – 18.3m (MSL) Minor Flood – 20.1m (MSL) Annually
2. Major Flood – 21.3m (MSL) 10 Years
3. Critical Flood – 24.4m Over (MSL) Last 22 Years - More than 50 Flood events

Architectural Position - “HYBRIDIZATION” as a tool to manifest resilience of a vulnerable public space.

Hybridization in architecture refers to the blending of different Cultures, Situations, Practices, forms, and functions to create new and unique spaces. In the context of creating vulnerable public spaces, hybridization can be used as a tool to bring together variety of users and activities with improved inclusivity and accessibility. Overall design approach is offering a flexible and adaptable design approach that can withstand a range of challenges, while also providing an enjoyable and engaging experience for users.

Design:

Intervention is a Phenomenon of Space and Time, and emerging issues require novel strategies for architecture and urban design. To release tension, architects should increase the adaptability and responsiveness of physical space, such as building that can be expanded, life spaces that can be adapted, modular spatial solutions, and new ephemeral infrastructure. blend different cultural attributes, such as art, music, and cuisine, into a cohesive and unique experience.
• The clock tower showcases time to live (laiv). And the proposed tower (disaster alert) here is the icon of time to live (liv). it is a focal point for the city and village as well.
• Bridges connectors that also work as escape routes,
• 5 typological buildings in one place as a connected scheme development, those are flexible platform, visitor core, refreshment and service core and ephemeral canopies to serve temporary functions for the whole city square.
• Elevations shows, circulations are enhanced to Get more Human flow into public platform.

1. The flexible cultural platform: that forms the main building should be highlighted over other building elements because its spaces change over time and human flows vary depending on the function and a plinth-like design strategy to save the ground floor from floods and its welcomes people to the building while emphasizing the city’s spontaneous activity flow. It is timely changing hybrid space but primarily it is as an open-air theatre opening to the river view. convertible platform for gem markets upper level, exhibitions, and cultural activities etc. Retractable window façade can be functioned flexibly. For example, when there is an event Below, this floor act as a balcony deck. second Floor functions mainly as gem and jewellery workshops and reading pockets. This External bridge connects with the Dutch precinct and becomes a safe escape route during flood seasons. This floor also can act as an evacuation space. Third floor rentable spaces for private education. This floor can be converted as a flood evacuation space.

2. Visitor core: Ground level Gem and jewellery shops. Dormitory Bedside array with common kitchen and minibar. Adjoined roof terrace functions as a breathing recreational space that opens to the view river bend. Accommodation floor one and two have all rooms convertible as single, double, deluxe, and family arrangements. interior design has modular walls that convert as sofas beds and other furniture helpful to convert as needed.

3. Refreshment core: experience with the river bend with infinity retention pond, outdoor dining deck, extended eatery space that can also be converted as a community cooking space and stores in flooding season.

4. Service core: medical centre and pharmacy, the control module of water purification system from rainwater harvesting, public washroom, Disaster management and analysing core. And provides an extension to the village bridge while connecting as a secondary escape route. And disaster warning alert system and facility management and knowledge distributor about the disaster

Accessible public spaces/ parks to include public washrooms, water, accessible play areas and seating that cater to the needs of different users and situations.

Living culture: provide opportunities for residents and tourists alike to experience and learn about Gem-related Living culture and provide spaces for gem markets. Promote Tourism: Motel, amenities such as cafes, gem and jewellery shops, and kiosks, combine programme with tourists' destinations, and accommodation that provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience. Interior spaces could be adapted according to the situation.

Adaptable different seasons and weather conditions (Pilgrimage Seasons, Flooding season). include covered areas, Transformable layouts, evacuation spaces, safety, basic needs, and facilities water collecting and purification system that cater to the needs of users throughout the year.
The design program intends to create spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs and preferences of different users and situations. Moreover, it targets in promoting means of economic development, fund sources for adapt situations and cultural exchange, creating a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment.

Technical information

All permanent roof structures are zinc-alum. PV panels are installed for building energy production. impermanent roofs that are named as ephemeral canopies (5), the main ephemeral structure shading the open-air theater area. Secondary Ephemeral structures for temporary spaces can be created by people pulling, pushing, or Riding to activate the mechanisms.

Construction design system: hybrid spaces and architectural interventions should be adaptable and should apply sustainable and robust design strategies during construction. So, the buildings are designed under the “kit of parts” concept, which is faster and more dynamic to construct. Every Structural component is assembled with a creatively designed 3rd elemental joint.

The whole building has an order in materials. This is to ensure the flood resistance of the whole building. Materials progress from the concrete footing to the steel main column, timber column, and beams. Foundations, retaining walls are built onsite with local labor. Skilled labor is hired to construct the prefabricated structural kits, interior kits, including modulars, Partition Walls, fenestrations, Storage walls, Bedroom Modulars, and furniture. This ensures dynamic spaces, Affordability, and low tech, including simple railing and ball bearing mechanisms.

Documentation

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