Hybrid Hydrology Masterplan & Other Wet Social Aggregates

Year 5 Final Project
Part of ‘Monsoon Assemblages’- European Research Grant (DS18, 2016)

Hadleigh - close-up rear elevation

Water Scarcity

The scheme aims to encourage a self-sufficient approach to living within a layered infrastructure which integrates local hydrology and monsoon seasonal changes. Currently, the main concern around the site of Pallikaranai marsh in Chennai represents the acute water shortage and inefficient water supply by the local government.

Droplets, Spheres and Vertical Ery Concepts

The main concept of the proposal evolved by looking at microscopical properties of water. Throughout this explorations and experiments of geometry finding, the sphere became an active form for my project.

A water droplet (a sphere) is an extremely delicate object whose form reflects fluctuations in the relationships between an inside and an outside environment. Its surface tension, deformations & break-ups reveal an active interface, similar to biological cell-division. It is comparable to the human vulnerability in the face of inherent monsoon instability and unpredictability.

The proposed system works similarly to a vertical Ery network, simulating a ‘delayed’ droplet, a series of moments and ‘sections’, where each catchment bowl acts as a node, under which wet social aggregates are created for the local community.

The Water Farm Scheme

The proposal performs as elevated micro-water sheds that separate the storm water and mitigate the effects of the monsoon.

The project slows down the movement of rainwater for better recharge of the aquifer and prevention of flooding; by spilling out excess water, managing its flow direction and finally directing it to the marsh area.

The resulting masterplan imagines the creation of 5 ‘liquid’ episodes.
1. The Water Farm Tower – collects rain (Harvesting)
2. Wet Digestor – treatment and filtration of grey water (Filtration)
3. Liquid Vassells – storage & tanks of water distribution (Distribution)
4. Thaneer Platform – social engagement and ‘accumulation’ of activities
5. Re-Charging Pools- Aquifer re-charge sink holes

Simulation
Previously, two separate houses, the property dates probably C17. Two-storey timber-framed and plastered, roofs tiled; cross-wing south end with projecting upper storey on the front on curved brackets, it is located in the small market town of Hadleigh. In 1880, the site appeared on historic maps for the first time, remaining with a similar footprint until 1970. “Hunters” was the home of Glyn Morgan, who has been described as one of the most original painters of the last century.