Symbiosis
Symbiosis proposes a design for earthquake-resistance structures in Sichuan, China. The plan upgrades irrigation, energy, and waste systems without compromising existing landscape and architecture.
The theme of the EP Exhibit 2016 is It Takes a Community. Selected projects showcase the best work from young designers highlighting community impact and engagement.
The site is located in remote farming area in Sichuan, China. The village is seriously damaged because of the earthquake on 2008. We proposed to create self-sufficient sustainable communities with earthquake resistant structure in that area.
By following the existing slope, terraced site planning and landscape design incorporates the natural landscape and village. Lush forest is proposed on the existing bare slope to form as a green belt surrounds the site. Historic buildings are preserved and renovated as the facilities for cultural and local activities. The old architectures remind people of old-day village life and create the sense of welcoming in public space. Historic zone, eco-village, terraced agriculture fields, hillside forest are united and unfold in a scenic-like setting.
Biogas will be the main source for energy in the village. The animal and human manure mixed with crops, green waste is led to underground biogas digester to produce gas. Then gas is utilized for household cooking, lighting and heating. Each individual unit in the village will have its own biogas digester, at the same time both of them connect to the common energy grid. Then the whole village will share and under this grid system, allow redundancy electricity transfer to the other neighbors. Finally, the output waste of biodigester is the perfect fertilizer for terraced agriculture fields. This self-sufficient clean system relies on site available recycled materials.
The existing steep slope may cause incidence of mud-flow and flood. Our design proposed a zigzag water flow path to convey water at very slow velocity. All the runoff on the site and from higher slope is collected. Linear water filtration systems catch and filter storm water runoff through planting beds and natural filtration systems to cleanse the storm water. The filtered water is led to a series of canals, rain gardens and ponds. During major storm events, water can be stored in storage containers, ponds and led to terraced agriculture fields. While at dry season, the stored water can mitigate the drought effect.
