In 2005, the Indonesian Island, Nias was struck by a combination tsunami and earthquake. The disaster killed hundreds and destroying 90% of what little built structures they had. Thousands of islanders were displaced and children were orphaned. In 2007, the Catholic relief organization Caritas Osterreich, and the design team from the school of Architecture at Vienna University of Technology in Austria, teamed up to create a recreation center for these orphans. It was built May 2007 on the northeast coast of the island and was titled “Nias Design-Build Project.” For eight weeks, the team worked with the local people and became a part of their communityThe team was presented with the task of creating a 2,000-square foot hall which would accommodate the children’s various recreational interests while serving as a meeting and dining place while remaining playfully dynamic and physically transformative. And all of which was to be done within a strict 58,000 budget on a difficult topographical landscape.
Through the use of sliding doors and folding walls, the building was segmented yet gave the flexibility to become an open plan. Running through the body of the building is a long atrium which follows the downward slope of the rocky hill it sits upon. This atrium acts as a communal sitting and play area, auditorium, and stairway while also providing a circulation of air to keep the children comfortable while playing. At the lowest point of the atrium is the music room which can be opened up to the surrounding area, extending the space further for use during theatrical productions. Located at the very top of the atrium is the library which can be opened up to look down upon the music room, lending itself to additional seating, as well as air circulation. 
The entire space is taken advantage of with ladders, nooks, and jumping areas. The entire space is turned into a play area, rather than creating a separate play room. In this way, it was possible to actually make the play room larger rather than having to squeeze it into some smaller available space. Also, this encourages these burdened children to incorporate fun and optimism into everyday activities rather than setting it aside for a different time. This project acts as a symbol of a hopeful future for the children and entire community of the Nias Island survivors.
Do you think some clients are in greater need of design than others? As a designer, do you feel that some projects are more valuable than others? Can you think of any other examples of designs which have played such a strong role in the development of a community, perhaps someplace closer to home?
Yes, I think some clients are in greater need of help than others. Most times, the ones that are in greater need are those that have suffered a major natural disaster, such as this. They rely on neighboring states and communities to contribute their time and money to restore a healthy living atmosphere for them. Another example of a natural disaster is Hurricane Katrina. It was really nice to see how the entire country recognized their need and it took priority in everyones lives and concerns. With everyones contributions, the people were able to help rebuild their lives. It was not just buildings and their house that was destroyed; it was their "feeling of home".
ReplyDeleteAs a designer, I would like to work on projects similar to this that would really make a difference. This may not be a high class design with expensive materials, but it is a well thought out design especially for kids. This space provides the children with a place to romp and interact with other children in a safe but exciting way. The ladders, steps, nooks, and varying floor heights encourage the children to behave in a certain way. It encourages exploration and playfulness.
I rather believe that design projects are all valuable because as designers we all have to create experience in a space for clients, and those experiences can never be traded with anything in the world. Design projects are always unique yet they are equally valuable in their own way. However, I do believe that certain clients need design more than others because they never feel those experiences. Those children in Nias Island never had the opportunity to experience home and fun activities. It is crucial for children from anywhere in the world to play and be active as a part of growing up. Therefore, designers have important role in providing those experiences through design that encourages children to be themselves, to be free and comfortable, and to actively interact with their surroundings. This will also allow chidren to develop friendships and a sense of community within the space. The open play room in this recreation center in Nias Island provides a space for children to play around in without feeling restricted as well as aloows them to have louder communications. Diagonal lines are shown on the slanted ceiling, stairs, window treatment, and the overall sloped interior space, which bring a dynamic feel that encourage children be more active in the space.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a very interesting blog to me. My personal goal in life is to get my masters in architecture and work in third world countries or even countries throughout Africa. I do believe that there are people who are have a much greater need for design than others. One foundation which I have always been interested in is Invisible Children. This organization focuses on helping young child from Africa who are forced to fight as soldiers. One of the great things they do, is go to different villages and build new structures for schools. This personally is something I would love to do in the future. Taking all that I will learn from school and apply it to those less fortunate would be such an amazing way to spend the rest of my life. I also find the specific design of this structure to be very interesting. I think the way they changed the concept of a play room and played with the concept of sliding doors allows for a very successful space.
ReplyDeleteI believe that ALL design projects are valuable and important. What many people don’t realize is that designers are not merely decorators who pick out pillows and draperies; they are so much more. The more I study and learn about design, the more I realize myself that designers play a key role in their clients’ lives. As Parahita mentioned, designers create experiences within a space that can produce feelings, resurrect memories, and truly change lives. I think that a simple design that brings joy an old couple, for example, is just a valuable as rebuilding a home for a hurricane Katrina victim. If a design changes or affects a person’s life, who can argue with the value or importance of that design? When I think of designs that have played a strong role in a community I instantly think of Ty Pennington and Extreme Home Makeover. No matter the challenge Ty and his team always produce a design that warms the family’s hearts and brings tears of joy. Although that may sound cliché, Ty’s designs inspire community involvement and impact the lives of numerous people.
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe that every design project is important in some way shape or form, it must be said that they have widely varying effects on the users, there are numerous different levels of appreciation of spaces, many different goals of the designs, and address a variety of areas within society. Some designs are meant to improve economics through the promotion of products and companies, some are meant to provide places of relaxation or leisure, some are specialized for certain age age or social groups, and some are meant to improve education. All of these categories can be interpreted and appreciated in different ways. Those who are less fortunate would probably appreciate a new school or other facility more than those who already have adequate facilities. Therefore, although good design is important in all areas, it generally makes a bigger, more noticeable change or improvement in the lives of those who are less fortunate, like the Indonesian children.
ReplyDeleteAnother, more day-to-day good example of the impact of design on the lives of struggling communities is in the construction of civic centers or marketplaces where people can meet, sell goods, and take part in community events, all of which boost morale and help to provide a healthy environment in which to live.
I would have to agree with Jenna, every project is important because it does have the opportunity to positively affect the users, but I do have a hard time saying that a space that might bring back memories to an old couple or inspire another person is more important than giving someone a sanitary space to live. Or to design a space that can save the lives of its users. To me there is a hierarchy of importance. Thats not to take away from the positive outcomes of a different space of the more fortunate.
ReplyDeleteAn example of a space that encourages community could be a local park, where there's a play ground for kids, soccer fields for team games, and a picnic area for family or couples.
YES! Some clients are in much greater need of design than others. Design can be thought about in a multitude of ways. For example some people think interior design is purely decorating a space, in this case i believe projects like the one above are the clients in greater need. As a designer i do believe there are some projects that are more valuable than others. I do not mean to say that some projects do not mean anything. I believe that all projects have worth but some are worth more than others. It depends on the scale of the project, the clients, and even the issues that need addressing. Some examples of designs that have played a strong role in the development of community in my hometown have a lot to do with community service. The first thing that pops into my head are the habitat for humanities projects i have worked on in the past. Not only do these promote a sense of community for the people who receive the homes, the workers that spend hours upon hours building the structures form a community among themselves and with the families being provided for as well.
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