“URBAN FORTRESS”
Urban fortress offers a monolithic urban form that counter the sprawling nature of single family houses.
Containers (each 8’-6”x8’-6”x20’) stacked up not more than three storey high arranged in a row end up with a linear block. Four of these linear blocks form the perimeter of a landscaped courtyard. Containers enable ease of construction and flexibility in modular arrangement. Two kinds of modules (6 or 9 containers combination) can accommodate to 1-3-bedrooms of living units. Green roof serves the dual purpose of private garden and insulation for the interior of the container.
Fortress as perfect square
The site can accommodate three urban fortresses with capacity among 50 to 70 families. The east fortress is the most porous in response to the connection between the train station and the universities together with the CBD. The perimeter also creates a street wall that forms a livable street.
A sense of community and security is the virtue of the enclosed fortress. Various groups of containers are scattered strategically among open spaces known as the “Follies”. Follies are where programs are introduced, e.g. playground, clinic, schools, retails or garage etc.
The living community and programs available coexist in a dynamic equilibrium that a self-sustainable community can be maintained. Efficiency is also an advantage when density is made possible by the compact container rows.
Urban fortress not only resemble the physical form of the Chinese Mahjong but also share the wit in skill, strategy, and interaction within community just as the exciting game play offers.
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