Translating Patterns

The design proposal aims to create place rather than only space. The goal is to develop a sense of belonging which enriches the personal identity of the occupants by involving them in the process of inhabiting their common courtyards. The analysis of Site 2 in Tema showed how, despite the irregularity of the existing extensions, a certain linearity is kept creating “streets” which connect some small pocket spaces. Thus, the strategy aims to structurize the general street layout while providing a succession of semi-private enclosures.

“Let us be true to our own pattern of behaviour and not to some vision of a more dignified, but perhaps make-believe, behaviour.” - G. Paulsson.

For us, it is very important from the beginning to understand how people inhabit their courtyard. Hence, and investigation was held on temporal analysis of extensions, type of courtyards and their proportions.The courtyard is the spatial structure of the project and is where most of the collective activities take place, from cooking and laundry to meetings and rest. The proportions of built vs. open space are conceived to have a good amount of daylight ventilation and shading during different moments of the day. The spatial definition is given by the tree, which does so horizontally by enclosing the visual and vertically by providing a ceiling of branches. In addition, locals in Community 1 expressed the importance of trees: the space around a tree is respected as an individual and personal reflection area.