m a p u t o [ o f f i c e ] b l o c k

 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN [THREE] - CLIMATE DESIGN

 

[2011] CONCEPT _ the proposed building is placed as a sculpture on the site. it is a symbol of a new maputo and with the move of a hand, change takes place. its angle breaks the hard corner. softened by the existing ruins, the building lightly blends in and introduces itself to maputo and the surrounding concrete buildings. it will still utilize maputo’s most common used material, namely concrete, as main building material. The landscape will consist of planter boxes and a local trees. it will compliment the building and act as the main link between the new building and the existing ruins.

 

EXISTING RUINS _ the damaged ruins define the street edge and align with the neighboring buildings, therefore acting as a design catalyst and motivating the angle at which the building is placed. the existing building will create framed picture views of the new building and will be reserved as informal market space.

 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN _ a single longitudinal designed building, placed parallel to north. it allows for maximum natural ventilation and controlled sunlight to enter the building from at least three sides per floor. the structural grid is carried through all levels. as seen, concrete is the main building material in maputo. therefore, the structure consists mainly of concrete and uses minimal other materials. the core is the main access between floors and all services are grouped in it. in addition, it helps carry and distribute the weight of the structure. balconies, created by deep set windows and doors, allow for escape from the workspace. the verticality of the design allows more ground area for retail and recreational space.

 

MOVEMENT _ a public square in front of the building allows for heavy pedestrian traffic coming from the train station and market, escaping into a more quiet, slow and enjoyable space. it will be a green space from where people move back into the city, or enter into the retail space underneath the building. the public space is within walking distance from a large amount of varying nodes. movement to buildings across the street is also minimized and creates stagnant people. 

 

SUSTAINABILITY [GREEN REVOLUTION] _ a part of the roof is allocated for photovoltaic panels. activating the rooftop helps prevent heat radiation.  the building is orientated parallel to north with the shortest sides facing toward east and west. lime mortar (natural material recycled) will be used to plaster the walls. the office furniture is easily dismantled for re-use, storage and moving.  stormwater and grey water is collected from the roof and balconies and stored in attenuation tanks. ‘ABB’ automatic window, fire door and louvre opening systems will be used.  concrete, being the local material, acts as thermal conductor by absorbing the daily sunlight and preheating water pipes casted inside the concrete walls.