INDA 2017 2018 DEX: DEX 18: Brian McGrath Site 1

DEX 18: Brian McGrath, Chiang Mai

Nunthikorn Satirachat (Mint) & Auraya French (Aura)

This workshop was collaboration between INDA and Parsons students.

Within this workshop we were given the task of recording and researching one of four chosen sites. Each of these sites ran along the Mae Kaung River and consisted of a temple, a village and a weir, our chosen site was SanSi village (Site1). When compared to the other sites, site1 was closest in proximity to the Chiang Mai city.

Overall Site 1 - SanSi Village to the weir

(Red marks - Wat SanSi and Weir)

On the first day of this workshop, we had done a walking survey of the sites and made comparisons of each, identifying the similarities and differences. During this walking survey information about the orientation, spatial relationships, landscape, social activities, Wat (monastery) compound, the road to Mae Kuang (river/weir), weir and irrigation canal.

site mapping

SanSi village main road leading to the weir

Zoom in map of weir

Area - Weir 1A

Area - Weir 1B

Water ways

Sketch of the water gate at weir 1A

Sketch of water canal on weir 1A

Section sketch of weir 1A

Section sketch of weir 1B

Weir measurements

Surrounding area analysis

Within this workshop we had a rapid assessment drawing task in which we were asked to design a Sala at the site where the weir was located. Our Sala design by the weir 1B was designed as a place that would allow the people of the village to gather and make drinks such as tea. The fire that would boil the tea would be fueled using the rubbish from the surrounding area (i.e. shrubs, husks etc.), this way the Sala would also be providing the local community with a "waste disposal" service.

Sketch of sala position area

Diagram of bench position options in sala

Rapid overall sketch of Sala

Sketch of sala on site

Plan and elevation detail of functions in the Sala

Section detail of functions in the Sala

Variations of possible Sala shapes

The final task we were given was to design a community Sala for the SanSi Village. We were given the opportunity to talk directly to the headman of the village and ask him questions about the lifestyle of the village people as well as the features and services that a community Sala would need to provide (Storage, a kitchen, space large enough to hold community meetings/gatherings) While making a survey of the village we had plotted three sites in which a community Sala could be designed.

Models of the three Salas and drawings

The first site was an empty plot of land that was positioned in between a new apartment block and an Indigo factory. The design of this Sala consists of a shaded seating area that surrounds the perimeter of the central space that would be used as a kitchen/storage/meeting area. This central space would be shaded/separated using curtain partitions that would be provided by the neighboring Indigo factory.

Sala 1 Plan and front elevation

Bench and roof detail

The second site was at the location of an abandoned residence. The design of this Sala would make use of the already existing structure, modifications that would be that of the separated roof heights and the area towards the front entrance that would be made into an elevated platform to allow space for storage underneath and a seating/meeting space above.

Sala 2 Plan and side elevation

Entrance of the designed Sala

Side view of the Sala

The third site was at a plot of land that was for sale, the plot of land was long and irregularly shaped with a wall surrounding it. The Sala that had been designed at this site made use of the existing walls, and was open at either end with a roofing system that was made up of multiple roofs that were at different heights and angles.