Urban Hardboard

Students: Baseta Efilena, Galaktiou Katerina
Supervisors: Papalexopoulos Dimitris
School of Architecture n.t.u.a
November 2011

The reason for the subject of this diploma thesis is the citizens need for being activated in open spaces (public or private) either for entertaining or for discussing-solving problems. Some activities that have been recently noticed in open space are the following: public discussions in squares, outdoor exhibitions in empty lots, theatrical performances on streets, graffiti on walls, concerts in squares, dancers on walkways etc. The main objective was the creation of a multipurpose "tool" which encourages social interaction, communication and self-expression in the "city".

The proposed structure in this diploma thesis aims to create space that can host every possible citizen's action/activity. They can place the construction at the desirable point and leave it there for the required period. In order to comply with the aforementioned requirements, the structure should be transformable/flexible and transferable from one point to another without leaving any traces. Additionally, primary design parameters were: the light weight and simplicity of the structure which leads to easy assembly and disassembly by unskilled labor in one day and b) cost effective frame construction and deployment of recycled materials as cover, in order to achieve low construction cost.

The construction consists of flat surfaces and it is able to form: a) wall as sound-protection, as drawing panel, as protection from weather conditions etc., b) floor and tier when seats are appended, c) roof in order to protect from weather conditions and d) every possible combination of the aforementioned. Moreover, the construction constitutes a unit, which can either stand alone or be combined with other identical units, creating space.

Here in, one possible application of the construction is presented. It is placed in Metaxourgeio district, where heterogeneous population lives trying to express themselves. Furthermore, contributing elements for this choice were the intense regional cultural characteristics and the plethora of empty lots, where the construction is placed.
Seven empty lots were chosen. All of them have different proportions and different alignment to the roads around, in order to present several different examples of the possible structure formations.

Examples_
1.     Info Point_3 free sides
Cover materials: Rubber rolls and Fabric

2.    Post it_2 free vertical sides
Cover materials: Blackboard and Metallic grate

3.    Market/Workshop_2 free opposite sides
Cover materials: Plastic bags and Metallic grate

4.    Projection_ small side free_ small lot
Cover materials: Fabric and Plywood

5.    Lecture_ large side free_ small lot
Cover materials: Cork Panels and Plywood

6.    Exhibition_ small side free_ large lot
Cover materials: Bubble wrap and Plexiglas

7.    Performances_ large side free_ large lot
Cover materials: Honeycomb cardboard, Fabric and Plywood

The construction details were really difficult to be resolved because every part of it had to be transformable. A range of different metallic joints and stabilizers provided the solution. The parts have been designed (scale 1:1) so as the assembly time is minimized.

Finally, as far as the installation of the construction is concerned, firstly the frame pieces are overlaid on the ground and then they are lifted manually by a pulley. A crane is not required because the construction pieces are light enough to be manipulated by five persons.