Jemima Harrison

Generational Village in Kyojima, Tokyo

Architecture - BA/MA (Hons)

Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

jemimaharrison2002@hotmail.co.uk

Carp-Dragon-Snake-Dance Portfolio

Architectural Dissertation: Vernacular Reinvention and Retention on Islands

Follow:

Exhibition

The following pages were curated from the overall design proposal to be exhibited as key drawings. They aim to consider the building within four scenarios; when dancing, when meandering, when nestled and when metabolised. while these drawings offer insight into the design methodology, the full portfolio link is available at the top of the page. In addition to this, my architectural dissertation is also available, as it draws upon relative topics of designing for local cultures and threats when considering vernacular architecture across different climates.

When dancing

Technical Section and Detail // Considering the tectonic response building response at two scales. The larger scale reveals the structural hierarchy expanding from the central rigid concrete cores, from which the more flexible timber building structure grows. The steel roof mass wraps the front facade of the building, and acts both as a seismic weight and also a tactical barrier for flame, and chimney for smoke. Looking closely, the bespoke system of flexible fixings placed above each column between the roof and building structure allow for the roof mass to move independently and act as a damper.

When Meandering

Ground plan and upper storeys // The village of minkas which create the ground floor plan create interesting routes through which to meander, in an attempt to retain the whimsical character of the roji in Kyojima. Bustling routes and organic spaces aim to cater for both the elderly occupants on this accessible level, providing sensory diversity and social opportunity with residents from above storeys. Communal gardens and the day centre provide adequate space for youth groups, skill classes, events for the residents and wider community. These spaces offer tranquillity for users seeking company and respite for family who may struggle to balance caring and work. The planting considers native plants which will thrive throughout the complex, placed suitably for individual sunlight requirements.

When Nestled

Proposal in context // The generational village sits within the softest of the yolk in Kyojima, where densely packed housing and winding lanes create an animated yet hazardous environment. The proposal replaces a series of flagpole sites, which have no direct street access, and offers safer living and egress within one large programme. The sloping roof satisfies the local ‘right to sunshine’ law which imposes angled façades to minimise overshadowing in built up areas. Punctures through the building create balconies, terraces and pockets for users to occupy allows for this angled facade to still benefit the residents and engage with the street.

When Metabolised

Abstracted elevations // Storeys emerge as individual, but coordinate together much like layers of a rainforest, forest floor, under-story, canopy, emergent. When things metabolise they can either build up or break down, processes known as catabolism and anabolism. The generational village builds up from the minkas on the forest floor, growing outwards in footprint at each level. Punctures and light wells break down into the emergent layer from above, and so the entire form has metabolised. The central storeys are the most dense in plan, acting as the ‘canopy layer,’ where metabolised void allows for light to reach areas of deep plan.

Videos

The following videos refer to earlier experimental processes undertaken within a group to understand and draw strategies from earlier arhcitecture in Japan. A physical shaketable offered tangible interaction to mimic building movement.