Type:
Community Center
LOCATION:
rural regions of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, India
STATUS:
Comeptition
DATE:
2024
Awards:
Archstorming community center for india finalist
COLLABORATORS:
Uwu team: danny ortega, anna lim, nicholas houser, bumjin kim
This project reimagines the rural community center as a flexible and expandable space that can evolve with the needs of Kodidoddi. Built on a modular grid system measuring 3.2 meters by 6.4 meters, the design allows for reconfiguration and growth over time. Each module functions independently while contributing to a larger whole, creating spaces for education, social gatherings, and recreation. As the community expands, additional modules can seamlessly integrate into the structure, ensuring that the center remains dynamic and responsive to its users.
Sustainability is at the core of this project. By utilizing locally sourced materials such as bamboo, concrete blocks, and kadappa stone, the design reduces environmental impact while supporting regional construction methods. A rainwater collection system integrated into the roof structure ensures efficient water management, reinforcing the project’s commitment to self-sufficiency. More than just a physical space, the center fosters community engagement and creates opportunities for collaboration, learning, and shared experiences. Its expandable and participatory design serves as a prototype for rural development, empowering villages to shape their own built environments while maintaining a cohesive and culturally responsive architectural identity.
ADAPTABILITY
The Community Center is designed to adapt to the diverse requirements of different village's site boundary conditions. the modular approach, being activated by a strategic grid, enables each community center to be tailored to its specific environment and cultural contexts. Modules can be arranged to form various spatial configurations, allowing the building to serve multiple purposes on each site, from educational and nursery facilities to social and recreational spaces.
Expandability
A key feature of our design is its expandability. As the population of Kodidoddi and other villages grows, or as their needs change, additional modules can be seamlessly integrated into the existing structure. This phased expansion can occur without disrupting daily operations, ensuring continuous service to the community. The interconnected intermittent roof system supports this scalability, while maintaining a normative roof system for each module, providing a cohesive aesthetic and functional unity across the entire structure as the community center expands & grows.
Flexibility
This flexibility ensures that the Community Center remains a dynamic hub of community activity, capable of evolving alongside the community it serves. The main multi purpose room space can be divided into multiple zonings, depending on what the needs are of the current day. The movable walls all these space to be configured into different sized & quantity of zones, creating temporary spaces when needed for different community groups and events.
Sustainable Construction
Sustainability is at the core of our design philosophy. Using locally sourced materials reduces transportation costs and environmental impact, while familiar construction techniques ensure that the building is easy to maintain and repair. The modular design also minimizes waste, as modules can be prefabricated off-site and assembled on site, streamlining the construction process. For example, locally sourced bamboo, concrete blocks, and kadappa stone can be utilized to maintain ecological balance and cultural relevance. Additionally, rainwater collection systems integrated into the roof design capture rainwater, which is then filtered and stored for various uses such as irrigation, flushing toilets, and even potable water after adequate treatment. This not only reduces the demand on local water supplies but also promotes sustainable water management practices.
Sustainability is at the core of our design philosophy. Using locally sourced materials reduces transportation costs and environmental impact, while familiar construction techniques ensure that the building is easy to maintain and repair. The modular design also minimizes waste, as modules can be prefabricated off-site and assembled on site, streamlining the construction process. For example, locally sourced bamboo, concrete blocks, and kadappa stone can be utilized to maintain ecological balance and cultural relevance. Additionally, rainwater collection systems integrated into the roof design capture rainwater, which is then filtered and stored for various uses such as irrigation, flushing toilets, and even potable water after adequate treatment. This not only reduces the demand on local water supplies but also promotes sustainable water management practices.
Our proposal for the Community Center in Kodidoddi is not merely a building but a catalyst for social cohesion and development. By focusing on adaptability, flexibility, expandability, and sustainability, our design provides a robust framework that can be replicated across different villages. This approach ensures that each Community Center is a beacon of hope and progress, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering communities to thrive. Through this initiative, we aim to create a lasting impact, transforming isolated villages into vibrant, connected communities.
