„Conceptual Project of the Homelessness Prevention Center in Tychy Adaptation of part of the existing building"

Silesian University of Technology

Project idea

The idea of the project is to provide a solution that significantly increases and speeding up the process of exiting homelessness. Based on research conducted on four shelters catering to the discussed social group, it has been determined that, on average, approximately 15% of users achieve self-reliance from these shelters. This result is not satisfactory. The author assumes that individuals residing in the proposed building should achieve self-reliance at a rate of at least 50%. Therefore, it is necessary for the residents to work and learn self-sufficiency on-site.

Project description

This engineering thesis presents the conceptual design of a center to combat homelessness. The main objective of this study is to create a place for joint work and training housing that will improve the living conditions and material situation of people experiencing homelessness and refugees. The description presents the rationale for the selection of the topic, the idea of the project and the adopted spatial and structural solutions. The project is based on spatial analysis and the Local Development Plan. In order to create a well-functioning space, an analysis of similar examples from other places in the world was carried out, as well as interviews with employees of institutions that help this social group.

Technical information

The building is classified as a medium-rise building and is categorized as fire protection class IV for the residential part (first and second floors) with a fire resistance rating of "C", and fire protection class I for the commercial part located on the ground floor, with a fire resistance rating of "B". The length of the evacuation route does not exceed 40m. Due to the building's location, the fire access route is already provided through a pedestrian-vehicle corridor located at the front facade of the building. Fire protection equipment such as fire extinguishers, hydrants, and fire hoses are provided in the building. Additionally, the adapted building is separated from adjacent buildings by a fire separation wall. The analyzed part of the building originally had an evacuation route from the adjacent "Sports Hall". To avoid mixing the evacuation of 300 people from the "Sports Hall" with the users of the adapted building, a separate additional evacuation stairwell is proposed for the "Sports Hall" and is located as close as possible to the part of the building where the "Sports Hall" is situated. [7]

Additional fire protection measures include:
-Smoke detection systems and audible alarm systems
-Fire zones
-Sprinklers
-Walls and doors with appropriate fire resistance ratings separating fire zones

The installations designed in the building include:
-Electrical installations - partially implemented
-Heating installation - supplied through pipelines from the district heating plant
-Water supply installation - not connected to the network
-Sanitary sewerage system - sanitary sewage connections not completed. Partially laid pipes in technical channels or under the floor.
-Stormwater drainage system - downpipes installed under the floor or in technical channels.
-Lightning protection system - located on the attic walls. [1]

Additionally, the following installation solutions were adopted:
-Air conditioning
-Ventilation - mechanical ventilation system connected to the fan room located in the basement of the building
-Photovoltaic installations
-Green walls
-Gas installation - for stoves and heating appliances

Adopted building structure
The building is constructed in a reinforced concrete structure with elements of aerated concrete. During the expansion of the building, adjustments were made to the existing structural elements, which include:
-Monolithic reinforced concrete columns,
-Monolithic reinforced concrete walls,
-Load-bearing walls made of aerated concrete blocks,
-Monolithic reinforced concrete floor slabs,
-Monolithic reinforced concrete staircases,
-Concrete elevator shaft separated from the structure of the building. [6]

Additionally, the following structural and material solutions were adopted:
-Additional reinforced concrete columns with a diameter of 30 cm were added, expanding the internal structure of the building to axis E,
-Steel balconies were designed,
-A terrace was designed on a concrete slab.

Documentation

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