GHD1x_2021_Module_3_Shuhstar_dwelling_cluster-video

Summary

Kamran Diba's architectural approach in Shushtar New Town emphasizes low-rise dwellings inspired by traditional Iranian architecture, promoting a humane community. Each house features a courtyard that fosters cultural identity and social interaction, organized into flexible living spaces that adapt to family needs. The layout encourages future growth and merging of units, avoiding the stigma of low-income housing. Streets are designed for optimal shading and airflow, with communal spaces fostering neighborly connections. This thoughtful design integrates economic, social, and architectural growth, creating a vibrant and cohesive living environment.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Kamran Diba believes high-rise buildings do not foster humane communities.
• 🏡 Shushtar New Town features low-rise dwellings inspired by traditional Iranian architecture.
• 📏 Each plot in Shushtar measures 180 square meters, with some exceptions for smaller houses.
• 🌞 All homes include a courtyard that serves as an 'open-to-the-sky' room, reflecting Iranian cultural identity.
• 🚪 The houses are designed with two zones: the private familial area ('Andaruni') and the social area ('Biruni').
• 🔄 The concept of 'the room as a flexible unit' is utilized, allowing for multipurpose living spaces.
• 🌿 Dwellings have roof terraces for sleeping, enhancing the living experience.
• 🏗️ The design accommodates economic and social growth, avoiding the stigma of low-income housing.
• 🌬️ The layout includes east-west oriented streets, facilitating natural shading and wind circulation.
• 🌳 Public-private spaces are created in front of the houses, promoting community interaction.

Q & A

What is Kamran Diba's view on high-rise buildings?

Kamran Diba believes that high-rise buildings are incompatible with creating a humane community.

What dwelling type did Kamran Diba use in Shushtar New Town?

He used a low-rise dwelling type, inspired by the traditional architecture of Shushtar.

What is the size of the plots in Shushtar New Town?

The plot sizes are generally 180 square metres, with some exceptions for smaller houses.

What is the significance of courtyards in the dwellings?

Each dwelling includes a courtyard that functions as an 'open-to-the-sky' room, reflecting the cultural identity of Iranians and allowing inhabitants to manage sunlight.

How are private and social areas structured in the houses?

The houses consist of two zones: the private familial area called 'Andaruni' and the social relations area known as 'Biruni', linked through the courtyard.

What is different about the concept of rooms in Shushtar compared to Western houses?

In Shushtar, the room is viewed as a flexible unit rather than a fixed function space like living or dining rooms, allowing for multipurpose use.

What features do all dwellings have for growth?

All dwellings include a roof terrace for sleeping and can accommodate growth over time, allowing for neighboring units to combine into larger homes.

How are the houses oriented to benefit from natural elements?

The houses are oriented to face either south or north, which aids in shading and captures the prevailing north wind.

What design elements break the monotony of the housing units?

Planned irregularities such as differences in street levels, setbacks of facades, and first floors bridging over the street help break up the monotony.

What type of public space is created in front of the dwellings?

A private sense of public space is created where houses meet the street, allowing for community interaction and children's play.