Competition . Living walls . Mouldability . Self-sufficient . Village

“LIVING WALLS”

Countryside Dilemmas - New Rural Planning.

Located in the south of China in Yunnan stands the ashes of the last primitive tribe the country. The 400 years of history of the Wengding village was consumed by the flames. Once a tourist attraction, the village is left with only 4 houses and has to face a displacement of its population.   

The Living wall, a floating haven made of concrete was designed with the foresight of adapting to change between land and waterscapes, where the dynamic masterplan is built across time, seasons and tides. The perceived heaviness of the walls suggests impenetrable strength yet are open to the elements with their mouldability. With the concept of the moveable walls, the village becomes ever changing. The possibility of creating new spaces is within the reach of each house owner.    

While the walls give the numerous shaping possibilities, they also create the man and nature connection which is neglected in many buildings.     

Living within the community entails a new link to the water and land. Through seasonal agriculture, ecological and socio-material care, the aim of the living wall is to create a self-sufficient city. While urbans or rural are often affected by floods. The levelling of the houses and walls direct the rainwater for agriculture and aquaponic uses along with the usual domestic use. An underwater solar panel is set up and the houses are surrounded by greens.   

To help the economy of the site, lodging for tourists are available. With all these aspects considered, it is believed that the village concept we proposed shall tackle the existing problem villages face and provide a better and safer quality of life. 

Group Project with Harshita, Tsiory and Niva