“Aoelian architecture“
This design thesis investigates the impact of wind on sand movement in a hot desert environment. The analysis and research focuses on the impact of sand accumulation in an urban context of the town of M’hamid El Ghizlane. M’hamid is at risk of being engulfed by sand and with more sand on the move due to desertification, which is further exacerbated by climate change, the risk is only increasing. Combined with the idea of using digital tools and additive manufacturing, this project seeks to set a precedent for a new type of construction and architectural language that celebrates the impact of this extreme environment. This project seeks to set a precedent for building on the edge of town to combat this problem of desertification.
The project has stemmed from the close observation of a series of investigations carried out in the desert and the concept of placing an object in the sand and analysing the impact of the wind around it. This proposal seeks to inhabit sand mitigation for use as a primary school on a site that is exposed to the prevailing winds and experiences regular sand storms which has resulted in complete invasion of sand and consequent abandonment of the existing buildings. The architecture explores opportunities in the existing sand accumulation and looks at both the benefits of deflecting new sand or embracing further accumulation. The resulting architecture is derived from the local wind patterns and provides a unique setting for children to learn through experiencing the natural forces of the earth that operate at a global scale.
Ground Floor Plan and Sections
Outdoor Playground
Windscoop Library View
Windscoop Section
CONTACT EMAIL: escourfield@gmail.com
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-scourfield/
Curated by Thomas Thwaites