lattice structures for low cost housing in Karachi Pakistan

O m a i r T a n v e e r| 1

“Exploring the potential of lattice structures for

low cost housing in Karachi”

By

Omair Tanveer

Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture

2014


“Exploring the potential of lattice structures for low cost housing in

Karachi”

By

Omair Tanveer

This thesis submitted is partial fulfillment of requirements for the

degree of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE, from Indus Valley

School of Art and Architecture.

Supervisor(s): Suneela Ahmed

Internal Advisors: Arshad Faruqi

Gemma Sharpe

Department of Architecture

Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture

Karachi, Pakistan

2014


“Exploring the potential of lattice structures for low cost housing in

Karachi”


Acknowledgments

I am greatly thankful to my dissertation advisor Suneela Ahmed for her

utmost support, Mr. Saleem Thariani for his valuable lessons, my parents and

friends who have been an immense support.


Abstract

This dissertation looks at the possibility of designing and implementing low-cost

lattice structures in order to provide housing to people with low income. The

impact of poverty results in the form of low cost settlements and an urban decay.

My aim as an architect is to help people to find an alternate solution to housing in

low income settlements. The research question that I am looking into explores the

idea of using lattice geodesic hemispheres made out of recycled material and least

expensive construction methods for substitutive accommodation. My dissertation

gives an over view of what lattice structures are, their structural properties and

their use. The research methodology is directed towards the experiences of people

living in a low cost housing community, therefore the target of my interviews were

people living at Issa Nagri. I experienced their concerns in conversation. I was

looking for need and want for a better settlement. Most of the valuable information

came from Mr. Saleem Thariani who advised the least expensive construction to

complete the low cost module.


Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

Introduction 7-12

Literature review 12-33

Characteristics of lattice-structures 13-14

Use of lattice-structures 14-19

Efficiency and function of the lattice geodesic structure 19-21

Forces at work 21

Advantages of lattice structures 22-23

Construction and assembly 24-25

Geometry 25-27

The largest Geodesic domes 27

Use of material 29-30

The structure 30-33

Research Methodology 34-37

Analysis and Observations 37-42

Conclusion 43-47

Appendices

Interview 1 48-50

Interview 2 50-53

Interview 3 53-55

Interview 4 55-56

Interview 5 56-58

Interview 6 58

Site Images 59-60

Bibliography 61


Introduction & background

Aim and purpose

Why write a dissertation on this topic? I think in a place like Pakistan a developing nation the

poverty is a salient feature of a crippled economy. It would not be wrong to say that we should

be looking at cheaper means of construction find new and improved methods of construction in

order to utilize spaces more efficiently. May be the solution can be sought in creating light

weight closures for people. As an architect we see poverty and homelessness a problem in an

urban fabric and try to find solutions to the best of our capabilities. Then we look for similar case

studies, one which best possibly solves a spatial problem and fixes a contextual or functional

problem. In 2006, the government estimate was 23.9 % of the population lived below the poverty

line but the independent organizations assessed the figure in the range of 25.7 - 28.3 per cent. 1

My dissertation is aims to help those who are in distress. Pakistan has a population of 170

million people of which 26.6 million live in low cost housing settlements; that are 48 % of our

population.

My dissertation aims provide a better living in unreasonable conditions, so I am breaking down

my essay in a manner which gives an over view of the situation at Issa Nagri and find the best

possible lattice structures in order to suggest low cost housing modules. This documentation

includes analysis of a dense low cost settlement in Karachi and suggested temporary structures.

1 "World bank, UNDP question poverty estimates in Pakistan". OneWorld.net (South Asia). Retrieved 2008-05-04.

( last Accessed 12th

march 2014)

http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/135153/1/1893


Understanding lattice-framework

These light weight lattice structures can allow us to create low costing structures which can be

used to accommodate people.

The geodesic dome („a spherical or partial-spherical shell structure or lattice shell based on a

network of great circles (geodesics) on the surface of a sphere. The geodesics intersect to

form triangular elements that have local triangular rigidity and also distribute the stress across

the structure. When completed to form a complete sphere, it is a geodesic sphere‟)2 is an

example of a lattice structure („in mineralogy, study of minerals and crystallography, study of

crystals.

Crystal structures have a unique arrangement of atoms or molecules in

a crystalline liquid or solid. a crystal structure is composed of a pattern, a set of atoms arranged

in a particular way, and a lattice exhibiting long-range order and symmetry.3‟).

As long as I can remember I have always been fascinated by the simple structures in chemistry,

simple shapes of molecules, such as the ionic lattice of sodium chloride (fig.1) or the hexagonal

lattice network of graphite (fig.2). The patterns intrigued me to such an extent that I could not

resist asking myself that can there be a use of these patterns and configurations on the macro

scale?

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic_dome ( last Accessed 12

th March 2014)

3 Solid State Physics (2nd Edition), J.R. Hook, H.E. Hall, Manchester Physics Series, John Wiley & Sons, 2010

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin-shell_structure

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_circle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphere

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangular

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(physics)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineralogy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystallography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecule

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic_dome


Fig 1 4 fig.2

5

The term lattice means „an open framework made of strips of metal, wood, or similar material

overlapped or overlaid in a regular, usually crisscross pattern. A structure, such as a window,

screen, or trellis, made of or containing such a framework, something, such as a decorative motif

or heraldic bearing that resembles an open, patterned framework. A regular, periodic

configuration of points, particles, or objects throughout an area or a space, especially the

arrangement of ions or molecules in a crystalline solid‟6

My dissertation is a tool that I wish to utilize to for a few purposes, I have previously mentioned

in my proposal that the idea is to create a liaison between architecture and chemistry, an attempt

to fuse ideas together as mentioned before in the case of geodesic domes, the geodesic dome has

been inspired from the carbon 60 naturally occurring molecule(figure 3) which has been

translated into an architectural structure hence an architectural space I seek to explore if these

ideas can be applied to different naturally occurring and manmade molecules by understanding

how the geodesic dome (figure 4) works.

4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sodium_chloride_crystal.png ( last accessed 12

th March 2014)

5 http://www.nano-enhanced-wholesale-technologies.com/faq/carbon-forms.htm ( last accessed 12

th March 2014)

6 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lattice, The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth

Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin

Company. ( last accessed 12th

March 2014)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sodium_chloride_crystal.png

http://www.nano-enhanced-wholesale-technologies.com/faq/carbon-forms.htm

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lattice

http://www.eref-trade.hmco.com/

http://www.eref-trade.hmco.com/


Figure.3 7 Figure.4

8

If the connection is possible then lattices in chemistry can be used to produce light weight lattice

structures which can be lived in, maybe offer a new horizon of low cost deigns, as an architect

give hope to people. My approach towards this essay would be very academic based on

amalgamation of ideas in the first stage I would be looking at an existing case study the geodesic

dome and deconstruct it from its origin to its mechanics, then look for lattice structures in

chemistry and see if light weight structures can be derived from these.

Figure 5 here the angle is 180 degrees because a pair of electrons from the carbon atoms is

shared by 2 pairs of electrons from the carbon atom.

7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Buckminsterfullerene.svg, Structure of the buckminsterfullerene ( last accessed

18th

March 2014) 8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Epcot07.jpg, Picture from Disney World. Taken by member of WDW Magic

Forums in September, 2007 ( last accessed 18th

March 2014)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Buckminsterfullerene.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Epcot07.jpg


Figure 59

Figure 6 10

figure 6 We can compare from the octahedron arrangement, the example of the molecule sf6,

overlapping both the images reveals that both structures are the same, the arrangement and

number of vertices are the same therefore the organization and angles are also the same,

9 http://ibchem.com/IB/ibnotes/full/bon_htm/4.2.htm ( last accessed 18

th March 2014)

10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_geometry ( last accessed 18th

March 2014)

http://ibchem.com/IB/ibnotes/full/bon_htm/4.2.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_geometry


therefore there are possible solutions to efficient and economical means of architecture

deployable structures can be derived from chemical lattices and converted into architectural

spaces therefore may be low cost housing projects can be inspired using these methods.

Literature review

The literature review outlines existing possibilities of low cost large and small scale lattice

structures along with their mechanisms. It also discusses the pros and cons of using these

structures.

In this paper, „Overview of highly flexible , deployable lattice structures used in architecture and

civil engineering undergoing large displacements‟,(YBL journal of built environment volume 1

issue 1 (2013). Noemi Friedman & Adnan Ibrahimbegovic talk about „an extensive but not

exhaustive review on different transformable systems retractable roofs, deployable and

retractable pantographic lattice systems, pop-up and snap-through type structures, tensegrity

structures‟11

As mentioned in the introduction 23.9 % of Pakistan‟s population is under the poverty line and

therefore we need a solution to cost effective living spaces and communal spaces maybe the

11

Friedman, Noemi & Ibrahimbegovic, Adnan „overview of highly flexible, deployable lattice structures used in

architecture and civil engineering undergoing large displacements, YBL journal of built environment, vol.1-issue1-

(1)


solution lies in deployable flexible structures,‟ Using structures that are packed by imposing

large elastic deformations and by involving

Instability phenomenon self-deploying (pop-up) systems can be effectively used.

These structures can serve for a fast constructional method that has extreme importance in air-

space structures but can serve well for provisory architecture and military installations, as well‟12

therefore these structured can be used in rough terrains and tough situations such as the 2005

earthquake in Pakistan.

Characteristics of lattice-structures

Despite the similar characteristic of the equilibrium paths there is a major difference between

self-locking and self-deploying structures. For self-locking pantographic system the deployed

and the packed configurations correspond to a stable, strain-free state due to the special

geometric configuration resulting in a stable form.13

The author is discussing the rigidity of a

self-locking and self-deployable structure they say that if the geometric configuration is stable

and can withstand stress and strain then the structure will be in a state of equilibrium.

12

Friedman, Noemi & Ibrahimbegovic, Adnan „overview of highly flexibledeployable lattice structures used in


(1).p-86 13



(1).p-87


Deployable Tensegrity Structures „The experimental system, called tensegrity, was born at the

end of the 1940s from the artistic exploration of K. Snelson and Buckminster fuller‟s goal of

creating maximal efficiency structures. Snelson called his tensegrity sculptures the “floating

compression” system, while the word “tensegrity” (from tensile integrity) is coined by Fuller.

This spatial truss system‟s elements can be separated to purely compressed and purely tensile

components. With this separation the tensioned members can be as light weight as current

material technology allows, resulting extremely light, economical and less visually intrusive

structures.‟ The authors in this paragraph are referring to lattice structures, that are

interconnected and are based on geometric configurations that regulate the forces in a nullifying

state (equilibrium) when the author is referring to fuller he is referring to Buckminster fuller the

mind behind the geodesic dome, the structure of buckminsterfullerene molecule acts as a spatial

truss when the form is perceived in the form of a geodesic dome. The author also gives a notice

to explain that these structures are efficient in two ways, efficient in the use of space and in a

state of equilibrium when exposed to stress and strain.

Use of lattice-structures

The simplest tensegrity unit is the tensegrity tripod (Fig.7a) and other tensegrity networks can be

derived from geodesic polyhedra (Fig .7b). Assembling these units‟ planar and spherical

structures can be created; therefore they can be used for walls, floors and roofs or bridges. The

idea to have only tendons connected to struts is a very innovative concept of this type of

structures. It results extremely simple joints, but difficulties are imposed when trying to connect


these exotic structures with conventional architectural structures as e.g. cladding in the case of a

dome.14

Figure 7 15

The authors explain that complicated structures can be designed from using modular units and

therefore they are giving examples of tensigrity units derived from these polyhydric structures so

part science and part architecture a fusion in design can be observed, in the paragraph above the

author also mentions that these tensegrity structures can generate polyhydric geodesic domes ,

below is an example of a small geodesic dome space which is deployable portable and the design

is based on a truss network.

14



(1).p-87

15



(1).p-87


Figure 8 16

3D spatial structures are extremely efficient. However the difficulties with installation (big

amount of scaffolding, labor and time) often highly decrease this efficiency. This drawback can

be significantly reduced with the unique structural pantographic system called the Pantadome

System invented by M. Kawaguchi and will be herein explained in accordance with. The

principle of this structural system is to make a dome or a conical space frame unstable for a

period of the construction so that it is “foldable” during its erection. This can be done by

temporarily taking out the members lying on the peripheral circle. 17

The author is explaining

that these systems require a lot of effort to construct but there are solutions to such problems they

are giving an example of the pantadome system which is a lattice dome and can be folded and

deployed without the use of heavy gear such as hydraulics and cranes. The internal pressure of

16

http://www.geodesics-unlimited.com/ ( last accessed 23rd

March 2014) 17

Friedman, Noemi & Ibrahimbegovic, Adnan „overview of highly flexible deployable lattice structures used in


(1).p-90

http://www.geodesics-unlimited.com/


this structure is increased air is blown into it and eventually the structure becomes rigid and

stands without any external support. „The advantage of using such a system is that all power

lines and water cables can be concealed within the structure and deployed with the structure at

the same time‟18

.

Figure 9. 19

Pantadome

18



(1).p-90

19



(1).p-90


Here are some examples of lattice folding modules,

Figure 10 20

20



(1).p-91


Some salient properties of these lattice structures is that they are rigid when in an expanded state

they are compressible to the point that portability does not become a problem figure 10a is an

example of a pyramidal lattice in its expanded state and its compressed form the structural

rigidity exists because of the design of the structure there are four right angled triangles

connected to a central stem the base is tied up using a cable therefore it is every element that

makes up this structure and plays a role in its stability these are modules which can be used in

various combinations to create structures of different scales .

Figure 10b is an example of an octahedral structure in its expanded and its collapsed state.

Efficiency and function of lattice geodesic structures.

In this section of my literature review I will briefly be reviewing the efficiency and function of

the geodesic domes. When we talk about efficiency in terms of architecture, it refers to many

aspects of design, majorly concerning the questions how efficiently can space be utilized? How

functional is the solution? Buckminster fuller spent most of the early 20th

century to answer these

questions. His major contribution to architecture was in terms of, „applying modern

technological know-how to shelter construction, making shelter more comfortable and efficient

and making shelter more economically available to a greater number of people.‟21

In 1944 the United States of America was facing an economic breakdown due to which there was

shortage of affordable housing. The government knew that Buckminster had designed a

21

http://www.bfi.org, „Bucky‟s big idea (geodesic dome)‟ © Buckminster Fuller Institute, 2010

Design and Development by Cedomir Kovacev and Ann Morris‟, (Accessed on 23rd

March 2014)

http://www.kovachev.net/

http://www.thepassionoftheprogrammer.com/


prototype house a single family dwelling which could be installed or deployed as easily as

installing a telephone. The materials used were the same which were used to build war-time

airplanes. These houses were known as the houses of the future.

There were two reasons why these prototype houses were possible. Firstly the material was not

an issue at this point in time; left over scrap material from the war could be used to make these

houses. This was solving many problems, reuse of material for something better in return. It was

thoughtful of Buckminster fuller and his genius approach towards problem solving that wastage

was reused which resulted in a feasible economical solution. It was also a favorable solution

because in conventional construction methods designs work against the principal of gravity,

which utilizes more material and reinforcement. In the case of geodesic dome that is not the case,

these structures use the principal of tension instead of compression. About these homes, Fuller

writes in 1928, "These new homes are structured after the natural system of humans and trees

with a central stem or backbone, from which all else is independently hung, utilizing gravity

instead of opposing it. This results in a construction similar to an airplane, light, taut, and

profoundly strong."22

22

http://www.bfi.org., ( last accessed 23rd

March 2014)

http://www.bfi.org/


Figure 11 23

figure 12 24

Forces at work

The concepts behind the dome, how the dome works can be explained by simple force

application and in terms of geometry. When it comes to resolution of forces the triangle wins

because of its ability to withstand force. If force is applied to a rectangle due to compression it

buckles as explained by figure 12. In the case of a triangle the force applied is broken down

equally and transmitted along its diagonal members and nullified at the vertices. Therefore the

triangle is the best geometric shape to generate a geodesic dome. Fuller also incorporates the

idea‟ doing more with less‟ in his work he emphasized that a spherical structure made from

triangles would have unparalleled strength. The sphere works on the principal doing more with

less, the structure encloses the largest volume in ratio to its least amount of surface are which

results in saving cost on materials and the space occupied in the most in this scenario. Fuller

introduced the idea that when the sphere's diameter is doubled it will quadruple its square

footage and produce eight times the volume.

23

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_geodesic_ei.html , (last Accessed 27th

April 2014) 24

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_geodesic_ei.html , ( last Accessed 27th

April 2014)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_geodesic_ei.html



Advantages of lattice structures

The geodesic sphere is one of the most efficient spaces; it allows air to circulate freely through

the volume. Therefore there is no obstruction in heating or cooling. In addition large clear span

spaces can be built which can act as communal halls and on a smaller scale dwelling spaces

which are cost effective and strong.

More specifically, the dome is energy efficient for many reasons:

Its decreased surface area requires less building materials. The geodesic dome is a lattice

framework therefore it requires only its skeleton to support its self; there is no need of filling in

the voids for support purposes. However the voids can be lined with PTFE and ETFE membrane

in order to minimize heat loss to the surroundings, thus making the space habitable for plantation

and people such in the case of the Eden project.

Exposure to cold in the winter and heat in the summer is decreased because; the spherical form

allows the least surface area per unit of volume. As compared to flat roof surfaces the amount of

space exposed to the sun is reduced.

The concave interior creates a natural airflow throughout the dome with the help of return air

ducts, the voids in the skeleton can be converted into air ducts to increase or decrease airflow,

the temperature and ventilation can be regulated and controlled according to need.


Extreme wind turbulence is lessened, because wind flows smoothly around the dome. The

spherical form as compared to cube or rectilinear form is much more aerodynamic. The air drag

is reduced to a minimum, and air is bent around the curvature therefore the turbulence decreased.

This phenomenon can be seen in figure 13 and 14.

Figure 13 25

figure 14 26

It acts like a type of giant down-pointing headlight reflector and reflects and concentrates interior

heat. This helps prevent radiant heat loss. The concave interior volume encapsulates warm air

and reduces heat loss and vice versa heat penetration is reduced.

The net annual energy savings for a dome owner is 30% less than normal rectilinear homes

according to the Oregon Dome Co. This is quite an improvement and helps save the environment

from wasted energy. Domes have been designed by Bucky and others to withstand high winds

and extreme temperatures as seen in the Polar Regions.

25

http://vwt.beamweb.co.uk/files/Info.html, (last Accessed 27th

April 2014) 26

www.sigmarockets.com (last Accessed 27th

April 2014)

http://vwt.beamweb.co.uk/files/Info.html

http://www.sigmarockets.com/


Construction and assembly

The author explains that that the sphere has the maximum volume as compared to its surface

area. Therefore the most efficient form is a sphere; if a low cost structure is to be created one

should consider a form whose shape approaches the sphere. Most construction materials come as

straight pieces and adding curvature to them might result in additive cost. The spheres are

constructed using individual members such as struts connected as triangles. There are many other

geometric configurations that can be explored to make geodesic domes but the most cost

effective ones are which are built using triangles. Quadrilaterals and complex polygons can also

be incorporated into a geodesic dome. „The struts can flex if the meeting ends are not completely

rigid. If the structure is only composed of triangles it can be made completely rigid‟27

. One final

consideration is that the triangles in the structure should be closest to an equilateral triangle so

that the forces regulate evenly in the structure, all struts uses should be approximately the same

length so that bending is avoided28

.

27

In this article, the author briefly discusses the engineering considerations and perfect and imperfect design

solutions for geodesic domes. „geodesic dome „by Tom Davis‟‟ [email protected]

http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles, September 15, 2004-p-1

28 In this article, the author briefly discusses the engineering considerations and perfect and imperfect design

solutions for geodesic domes. „geodesic dome „by Tom Davis‟‟ [email protected]

http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles, September 15, 2004, p-1


Figure 15 29

figure16 30

In figure 15 , a fully constructed bamboo strut geodesic dome is displayed, a 40 foot Diameter

dome, with 4-5 Ft Bamboo Struts, this becomes a livable area of 1300 square feet; this space is

suitable enough for a small living family. In figure 16 the connecting joints can be seen, the

struts can be fixed in a hexagonal fashion to achieve the geodesic geometry.

Geometry

In the second chapter of this paper the author says that a perfect solution will be composed of

triangles that are equilateral, all of the same size and at equal angles. He states that this situation

can be achieved by three mathematical forms, the tetrahedron, the octahedron and the

icosahedron. Figure 17.iillustrates these forms.

29

http://www.geodesics-unlimited.com/artworks-dome.htm ( last Accessed 1st May 2014)

30 http://www.insideoutstructures.com/Bamboo_GeoDome_Inside_Out_Structures.pdf ( Last Accessed 3

rd May

2014)

http://www.geodesics-unlimited.com/artworks-dome.htm

http://www.insideoutstructures.com/Bamboo_GeoDome_Inside_Out_Structures.pdf


Fig 17 31

Tetrahedron octahedron icosahedron

The simplest approach to a geodesic dome is to subdivide the triangles into one of the platonic

solids32

. Any of the three solids can be used can be used to make a geodesic dome. The simplest

approach amongst these platonic forms would be the icosahedron, because of its ease of division

into triangles and achieving the closest spherical form. „Every triangle can be further divided into

4,9,16 or another perfect square numbers‟33

. The subdivision is illustrated in figure 18

31

„geodesic dome „by Tom Davis‟‟ [email protected] http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles, September 15,

2004,p-2 32

geodesic dome „by Tom Davis‟‟ [email protected] http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles, September 15,

2004,p-2 33

geodesic dome „by Tom Davis‟‟ [email protected] http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles, September 15,

2004,p-3


Figure 18 34

By now we know that it is possible to create these small dwellings using nothing more than

either metal waste or bamboos which are locally available in Pakistan and sold in commercial

wood markets and scrap markets in Karachi. The questions regarding the efficiency of the form

have shown positive signs, regarding utility of space and cost savings, geodesic domes can be a

solution towards low cost housing in Pakistan.

34

„geodesic dome „by Tom Davis‟‟ [email protected] http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles, September 15,

2004,p-2


Figure 19 35

The largest Geodesic domes

As the previous case study the example taken into account is of a small scale geodesic

hemispherical dome. The geodesic hemispherical roof of the Eden project is an example of a

large scale construction.

35

In this article, „How the Eden Project Works „by Tom Harris‟,

http://science.howstuffworks.com/conservationists/eden.htm/printable,

The author briefly discusses how the Eden project works and provides an introduction to the design, construction

and use geodesic dome in the project.


Figure 20 36

figure 21 37

Use of material

The function of the green house (figure 20) is to trap heat in its volume so that the volume inside

the dome becomes habitable for living; the sun heats the trapped air inside much more quickly

than the surroundings and heat loss is prevented using insulation materials. A strong, lightweight

and transparent known as ETFE (figure 21) is used to insulate the dome. ETFE weighs less than

1 % of a piece of glass with the same volume. It is also a better insulator than glass, and it is

much more resistant to the weathering effects of sunlight38

36

„How the Eden Project Works „by Tom Harris‟,

http://science.howstuffworks.com/conservationists/eden.htm/printable,p-2

37



38




The designers have used ETFE by giving it a form of sturdy pillows; each made with three layers

of ETFE39

. It is folded in layers and welded together. Air is pumped in between the layers for

better insulation without decreasing the amount of sunlight that shines through. These pillows

can be adjusted according to need for desirable regulation and change of temperature. On a hotter

day the air in between the layers can be reduced to allow more cooling, and on a cooler day the

air can be increased for better insulation and lesser heat loss.

Eden's designers attached pillows together to form geodesic domes. In this sort of structure,

many flat panels, formed into triangles, pentagons, hexagons or other polygons, are pieced

together to form a curved surface40

. This design is remarkable because none of the individual

pieces are curved at all, but they come together to form a rounded structure. Each pillow is

attached to a web of interlocking steel tubes. There are two layers of every dome, one with

hexagonal and pentagonal panels and the other one with triangular panels. In the complete Eden

structure there are 625 hexagons, 16 pentagons and 190 triangles.

The structure

The steel grid (figure 22) of the geodesic dome is very strong and rigid, relative to its weight.

The structure is geometrically stable (figure 23). The weight of the complete dome is about 667

tons, which is dispersed evenly throughout the structure so that no vertical members are needed

39

How the Eden Project Works „by Tom Harris‟,

http://science.howstuffworks.com/conservationists/eden.htm/printable,p-6 40




to hold it upright. The space underneath is a clear space for plantation. The weight of the

structure is directed to its sturdy foundation necklace which is an underground concrete wall

tying up the structure at its perimeter.

Figure 22 41

figure 23 42

Designing and execution of such a large dome was not an easy task, firstly the perfect geometry

was a problem, which shapes would lead to the closest dome? For that designers had to use

software in order to find the closest solution, how to fix the shapes, join them together, all this

process was carried out using sophisticated computer software. The computer generated precise

3-d model of the domes, which were fed into a production line computer. The process was

systemized for efficiency the computers would command machines to cut steel beams to specific

needs. The crew worked on the assembly of the domes.

41



42




One advantage of the geodesic domes shape is that it can easily adapt to most ground surfaces43

.

The entire load of the structure is transferred from its structural members to the peripheral

underground ring holding it together so such a form can be placed anywhere where the soil

allows construction, think of the dome as a deployable tent which can be adjusted according to

its surroundings. The Eden project in particular has been placed in a south facing manner so that

it catches the best sunlight for the longest time period. The Eden project is considered to be a

breakthrough in sustainable living, a habitat which can be built in nearly any situation, provides

shelter and is an economical solution towards adaptability. The project offers the possibility to

artificially construct ecosystems, the possibility to grow plants from different climatic zones in a

different region of a world is indeed a remarkable movement towards sustainability.

Lattice structures provide us with an economical solution towards low cost housing. It is not

necessary for people to make their living spaces out of mud and clay. These materials are also

not frequently available in Karachi and therefore people make their dwellings out of left over

materials they can find. This sort of an arrangement would provide a shelter to a family but

would result in a flawed design where there are no considerations with respect to rain fall,

drainage and the context is neglected which results in an urban chaos.

This solution may also lead us to a better future, land is precious and its better utility will lead to

a positive change in the way people live. There is a need for an urgent solution because 68 % of

43




our community is in the low income category which fights for 1 % of living space available.

Karachi‟s population at 18 million and say it is growing at 2%, even that figure comes to

360,000 more people a year.44

Figure 24 45

44

http://tribune.com.pk/story/663817/low-income, housing when prices go through the roof you can forget about

owning one ( last accessed 7th

May 2014) 45

http://tribune.com.pk/story/663817/low-income, housing when prices go through the roof you can forget about

owning one ( last accessed 7th

May 2014)

http://tribune.com.pk/story/663817/low-income

http://tribune.com.pk/story/663817/low-income


Research methodology

My aim of visit was to see and experience the sort of life the occupants were living, may it be for

a design purpose or the purpose of writing and documenting, it is primary to understand and

connect to those who are living in such conditions, in order to realize, see and feel, where and

how my suggestions and interventions can work. I have been suggesting the use of lattice

structures of low cost housing in Pakistan which will help cost reduction annually by 30 %. The

structures can be of two types, temporary deployable structures and geodesic hemispheres which

can be easily assembles and provide accommodation for families earning within the low cost

bracket.

I have visited Issa Nagri to photograph the state in which people are currently living. This

process allowed me to directly interact with people and understand their needs and requirements

first hand. It gave a better idea of the state in which people have been living and the scale and

spread of these spaces. It also made me see that people want change and are acceptable towards

the idea of a correction. I conducted interviews in order to attain a clearer vision of the economic

situation and the psychological stress in which people are living.

My excursion to Issa Nagri took me to a space which I had not experienced before, but most

importantly I was able to interact with people who were living in a completely different world.


The first impression of the space is not a soothing sight. There is an overpowering pungent smell

of sewerage as you enter into Issa Nagri through a narrow alley.

I used an unstructured approach towards the conversation and let people speak out their

experiences connected to this space. I think the problems need to be understood on an emotional

level as well as economical, in order to provide a solution towards housing and efficient space

utility. The qualitative analysis is structured as a series of questions relating to living problems in

the area and aiming to highlight flaws of local construction, which helped in determining the

quantity or list of problems faced by people. The low income category earns from a monthly

amount of rupees 1000 to rupees 30000 only. I asked basic questions such as how much is a

family earning per month? Determine average monthly expenses and savings. What changes do

they think can lead to a better lifestyle? Attempt to know the problems better in order to suggest

a better theoretical solution towards living. The cost verses the affordability, it is crucial to take

the quantity of people agreeing for a change as well as identifying the number of members in a

family with income.

My aim was to meet an expert on structure design in order to suggest materials that can be used

in construction and determine which materials should be considered which will be suitable for

Karachi‟s climate. In summers the heat can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius and in winters it

might fall to as cold as 7 degrees Celsius, therefore it is a major challenge to provide the right

materials for the shelter. The structure uses strut to bolt connections and hexagonal joints

therefore it is important that the joinery is understood in detail. The struts used or any other

recycled materials used will have to be treated to prolong their lifespan. Therefore I am using


unstructured method such as an open argument to deduce the practical implementation of the use

of lattice structures for low cost housing.

The discussion with Mr. Saleem Thariani (architect and structural engineer) includes

fundamental questions based on form and structure, his perception and analysis of geodesic

structures and utility of materials. How can the structures be made more economical? What are

his thoughts towards the construction methods? Can the structures be mass produced and discuss

the time frame required to construct one prototype? May be plastic and polymer pipes can also

be used for construction as they don‟t decay as quickly as possible, even bamboo construction is

possible, which materials take the best form and stresses?

Mr. Saleem was also helpful in suggesting alternate construction methods to erect a suitable

dwelling, he also suggested that there will be problems of space utility in a geodesic hemisphere;

therefore I should also take into consideration barrel vaults and parabolic forms. His suggestions

about the use of material for covering the lattices were of great help as the materials he suggested

were locally available and could be used to provide roofing for the low cost modules.

My methods of data collection included audio and video recordings, writing and transcribing

text, written interviews and photography according to need. I audio recorded all interviews and

conversations so that all data is accessible and available for conversion to text. The language

chosen for interviewing senior architects was English and Urdu for interviewing people who

cannot converse in English. The Urdu text will be translated into English for documentation; my

conversations with the people of Issa Nagri were in Urdu, I found most of the people living there


to be Punjabi speaking. It was difficult to explain to them my ideas and concepts therefore I had

to use images to convey my thoughts.

Analysis and Observations

As I moved through Issa Nagri I saw people standing at the corners of the thin alleys, I gathered

up a small crowd trying to talk to them in order to understand what the salient problems of the

area were, and how did they perceive this space? The aim of this exercise was to see how people

would react to possible change and would they even be open to the idea of using lattice

structures to reduce their living cost. I asked them basic questions such as if they were

comfortable with their dwelling places or if they faced problems as these were not designed?

Does the roof leak during rain? Are there any ventilation problems? Is sunlight a problem? After

talking about their homes I would ask them some questions regarding the locality such as, what

are the salient problems in the area. Do you think if I provide an alternate solution towards low

cost housing which is appropriately designed and reduces living costs by 30 % would you say it

would be feasible? But most of my conversation was unstructured and I was keener on listening

to people as they expressed their point of views.

My first interview was with Mr. James Watt, he was the owner of Jesus and Mary school. He

introduced me to Issa Nagri by highlighting the problems.


“From your point of view what are the salient problems within the locality”?

The basic problem that we have in accordance to living is the availability of drinking

water and the drainage system. This is because we have clean water and sewerage water

lines running together so the water is smelly.46

He highlighted that the space was too congested and had been built un-planned, which had

disastrous effects in the future; there is a high rate of stomach diseases within the locality. James

also said “The closest dispensaries are at Lalukhet number ten and civil hospital.”47

He

highlighted a cause and effect problem for me, a chain reaction and a direct relation between

poverty, pollution and illness. There is a lack of infrastructure and basic needs are a problem

within the site. My conversation after an introduction to the site gradually sided towards the use

of lattice structures for low cost housing.

Do you think this system where people design and construct their homes is alright”?

It is not appropriate but this place is already on lease but yet it is a low cost settlement,

because it is a low cost settlement there is no plan for this site so people live as they

please. If the number of people living in one house increases they try to add more rooms

to their homes.48

46

James Watt interviewed 30th March 2014. 47


James Watt interviewed 30th March 2014.


Issa Nagri was not designed or planned it came into being as a result of need and want therefore

the houses are not of any standard and are experiments of the owners , they add to them

according to their use and availability of space. James said.” They follow a lifestyle as lived by

their elders”.49

It is because of these salient problems Issa Nagri is categorized as a low cost

income settlement. I kept on asking basic questions in succession in order to build a deeper

conversation in order to have an insight view on understanding how people would react to the

idea of low cost housing, which could be temporary or semi-permanent.

According to James he has been working for the betterment of Issa Nagri for a long time he says

, „I also practice as a homeopathic doctor in addition to that I own multiple institutions further I

have been working closely with NGOs. I started this institute with two disabled children. In this

area we have a welfare trust known as Dar –ul- Rehmat we have worked with children with

disabilities and primary health because in this region there are no government schools.‟

”Are people willing to adapt towards betterment”?

(James Watt)”They do accept, but we talking about acceptance, its more about the

resources available if, the recourses are available people would be accepting change”.

49

James Watt interviewed 30th March 2014.


He emphasized that there are not many educational institutions in the area and he has been

working for a long time to educate people regarding health issued and how to live a clean

lifestyle, he has been teaching something as basic as boiling and filtering water before drinking

it. He also expresses that people in this region long for a positive change, if the government helps

and provides the appropriate funding things can take a turn for betterment. James has a firm

believe that knowledge is the fundamental core of problem solving, if people are educated to

build better houses they will learn and opt for alternate solutions. “Yes I think that your objective

is wonderful, but initially people need awareness.”50

From my conversation with James Watt I realised that lattice structures can be opted as an

alternate design solution to reduce the problem of congestion, as previously I have mentioned in

my literature review that „Fuller introduced the idea that when the sphere's diameter is doubled it

will quadruple its square footage and produce eight times the volume‟.51

The problem of

damaged power lines and spilling sewerage can be resolved using a pantadome „„The advantage

of using such a system is that all power lines and water cables can be concealed within the

structure and deployed with the structure at the same time‟.52

The net annual energy savings for a

dome owner is 30% less than normal rectilinear. A pantadome system which is a lattice dome

and can be folded and deployed without the use of heavy gear such as hydraulics and cranes.53

I was having conversations within a group therefore most of the people had the same opinions

about the space as James did, but amongst those was a man who had the experience to

comprehend my idea in a better way. This is because he had been working with contractors and

50


Forces at work , literature review ,p-20 52

Use of lattice structures, Literature review page-15 53

Use of lattice structures, literature review page -14


as a real estate agent for the locals. He added significantly to my documentation as he had a very

practical approach in terms of land acquisition, his name was Pervaiz Masood.

(Omair Tanveer).”Do you think that the construction should be done this way; do you

think people will invest in temporary structures”?

(Pervaiz Masood).”Yes people will invest in such a scheme but people here are not

nomadic. Therefore the structures have to be in one place, semi-temporary. The Christian

community is a static community. Our community started from Punjab and in cities where

they reside they own that place”.54

The important factor which Pervaiz highlighted was that these people were not nomadic

in nature, meaning that they were static in Issa Nagri. That is why they would prefer to

have a static place in which they could dwell. He said that the land was of value, other

than that their homes are not designed to any standardization. He said. “Everybody wants

their advantage, if people own the land, they have no problems living anywhere, you can

make these temporary structures for people but it is the land that has the value”.55

He

also suggested that Issa Nagri has evolved in a particular manner therefore we cannot

simplify what has been made but Issa Nagri was growing in population; therefore houses

that are made in the future can be made upon some organization. He spoke that the ideas

that I was suggesting as an architect can be incorporated into the site for future

extensions.

People complained of leaking roofs, problems of sunlight not entering and poor

ventilation and yet they had spent hefty amounts over constructions,

54

Pervaiz masood interviewed 30th

march 2014 55

Pervaiz masood interviewed 30th

march 2014


(Omair Tanveer). “Are you satisfied with the way homes are constructed?”

(Aamir Sangeet).” No I am not satisfied with the construction and we have to face many

problems when it rains. These homes are as they were built by our fathers and their

fathers”.56

(Omair Tanveer). “Do you think there is a problem with the construction method

within the area?”

(haroon bashir). “There are construction problems, because this construction is done by

local contractors as they offer packages to us, for example they would take rupees five

lakh and build a space”.57

(Omair Tanveer). “Are there any problems with the construction?”

Riaz “There are problems of light and ventilation.”58

My primary research suggests that people living in a low cost settlement are facing problems

which can be irradiated by the use of lattice structures, the geodesic sphere is one of the most

efficient spaces; it allows air to circulate freely through the volume59

, the voids in the skeleton

can be converted into air ducts to increase or decrease airflow,60

the same vents can be used as

light inlets.

56

Aamir Sangeet Interviewed, 30th

march 2014 57

Haroon Bashir Interviewed, 30th

march 2014 58

Riaz Interviewed , 30th

march 2014 59

Advantages of lattice structures , literature review , p-21 60

Advantages of lattice structures , literature review , p-21


Conclusion

I needed the help of an architect and civil engineer because the idea of a lattice structure to an

architect is a geodesic dome or a hemisphere, someone who is an architect and a civil engineer

can grasp and understand its utility to a greater depth. My first concerns were the problems in

implementation of construction of lattices, the first concern that Mr. Saleem highlighted were in

space utility. “Secondly curves are quick structures they are going to create a problem in

occupancy of space, because we are used to living in boxes, all our furniture is designed

accordingly.” Explained by fig 25

Figure 25 61

61

http://www.johnzerning.com/ ( last Accessed 10th

May 2014)

http://www.johnzerning.com/


In geodesic hemispheres it is difficult to occupy space; this is because we are familiar to in

occupying box like spaces therefore the agronomics of design makes the tables, chairs and other

household furniture in a boxlike volume. The surface area of a hemisphere is circular at base and

as it gradually moves upwards its radius decreases and converges at the point of origin therefore

occupancy problems might arise. “You will be losing at least 15 % of your space.”62

Secondly Mr. Saleem also comments on the use of the geodesic structure, “You see when you

have a membrane structure its very thin and very cheap, but here now to create the member is a

problem.” 63

In my previous case study (the Eden project) the material used as roof was PTFE

and ETFE; both are expensive materials and will have to be imported as they are not produced

locally. This would raise the cost of the living module therefore it is not a solution. He says that

there are alternate solutions to this structural barrier.

There will also be problems in cutting in openings because it is structurally difficult to make

openings in a circular form; slits would have to be cut out and the structure would have to be

internally cross braced , in order for openings to be made.

Mr. Saleem‟s conversation gradually deviated towards the advantages of the structure, “you will

have a very good drainage and daylight that‟s a major advantage. In your round shape you will

have good light which will dissipate with the curve, there are a few pluses and minuses.”64

He

also emphasizes that the space would be water resistant because of the slope or the outer

62

Saleem Thariani Interviewed 22nd

April, 2014. 63


April, 2014. 64


April, 2014.


curvature. In order to keep the internal temperature low the shell could be painted white which

would reflect 75 % of the heat.

What would be more suitable? In terms of form he suggested that the volume could also be in the

form of a parabolic vault he says “Parabola is natural curve which nature gives to you, a

parabolic curve is completely in compression, and hessian cloth (jute) can be used as a cover.

Thin bamboo can be used to make arches which will give you a living space of 10 to 12 feet. If

you use parabolic arches then you can use jute as a covering roof, you can put a layer of cement

and plaster on top of it which will result in a good roof. At least for ten to twelve years no

problem, this is how you can use a parabolic lattice roof”65

. Therefore a more economical

design solution with the least amount of maintenance would be possible.

Figure 26 66

65

Saleem Thariani, Interviewed 22nd

April, 2014. 66

http://www.food4rhino.com/project/rhinovault ( last Accessed 15th

May 2014)

http://www.food4rhino.com/project/rhinovault


Figure 27 67

figure 26 is an example of how the finished space might look like, the outer layer would be a

layer of plaster and figure 27 is an example if the internal under laying bamboo structure. This

solution would allow to reduce wastage of space as the form is less curvy the wastage space can

be utilized to a greater degree. As this structure is cross braced it can with stand window

openings. It is not as such that a geodesic hemisphere wouldn‟t, but the argument is about space

occupancy and utility which is better with a vaulted form.

Both lattice structures vaulted and geodesic would prove to be a great help in low cost housing

schemes. May it be geodesic domes or lattice parabolic vaults, these semi-temporary structures

allow us to assemble dwellings quickly and maintain standardization. The understanding which I

learnt from this dissertation is that, people are living in the worst situations and they are willing

to adapt and hoping for change given the right tools a better low cost settlement is achieved.

People need better solutions and the core of the problem can only be resolved by educating them

and increasing their awareness. May it be lattices of chemical bonds or lattice frame works, these

67

http://bamboofencerdesign.dev.design-sherpa.com/sustainability/an-inspiring-bamboo-parabolic-arch- pavilion-in-

Taiwan/ ( last Accessed 17th

May 2014)

http://bamboofencerdesign.dev.design-sherpa.com/sustainability/an-inspiring-bamboo-parabolic-arch-%20pavilion-in-Taiwan/

http://bamboofencerdesign.dev.design-sherpa.com/sustainability/an-inspiring-bamboo-parabolic-arch-%20pavilion-in-Taiwan/


structures do provide with a cost reduction and energy consumption and provide a habitable

space, this might be the solution for people or a ray of hope and betterment. I understand that this

solution might be a far-fetched idea a futuristic approach but it shouldn‟t hold our community

back from experimenting and exploring new horizons.


Appendices

Interview 1

James Watt

Owner and head of Jesus and Mary school

(Omair Tanveer). “What is your name? Please tell me a little bit about yourself”.

(James Watt) “My name is James watt and I‟ve been living since 1961. I was not born here but I

have been living here since 1960-61 and my initial education is from Issa Nagri, I am a post

graduate and I‟ve done nursing, I also practice as a homeopathic doctor in addition to that I own

multiple institutions further I have been working closely with NGOs. I started this institute with

two disabled children. in this area we have a welfare trust known as Dar –ul- Rehmat we have

worked with children with disabilities and primary health because in this region there are no

government schools . The closest dispensaries are at Lalukhet number ten and civil hospital.

(Omair Tanveer). “From your point of view what are the salient problems within the locality”?

(James Watt). “The basic problem that we have in accordance to living is the availability of

drinking water and the drainage system. This is because we have clean water and sewerage water

lines running together so the water is smelly”.


(Omair Tanveer).”Do you think this system where people design and construct their homes is

alright”?

(Omair Tanveer). “It is not appropriate but this place is already on lease but yet it is a slum,

because it is a slum there is no plan for this site so people live as they please. If the number of

people living in one house increases they try to add on more room to their homes”.

(Omair Tanveer). “What is the monthly income for a family and how many members earn on an

average”?

(James Watt)”Minimum the earnings range between 6000 to 8000 rupees per month”.

(Omair Tanveer). “Do you think if I provide an alternate solution towards low cost housing

which is appropriately designed and reduces living costs by 30 % would you say it would be

feasible”?

(James Watt).”Have a few meetings with the people living here so that they can understand the

concept first because these are people who follow a traditional method towards living. They

follow a lifestyle as lived by their elders”.

(Omair Tanveer).”Are people willing to adapt towards betterment”?

(James Watt)”They do accept but we talking about acceptance its more about the resources

available if, the recourses are available people would be accepting change”.

(Omair Tanveer).”If I provide you a systematic design, a structure which you can assemble on

your own, deployable or non-deployable structure, do you think that there is potential in this

idea”?


(James Watt) “Yes I think that your objective is wonderful, but initially people need awareness.

The first time we started helping disabled children we started with two and now we are helping

60 to 70 children with disabilities. We found out that the water contaminants in this area were

causing children to be born with deficiencies and disabilities. Before we started there were no

systems of drainage present there was no awareness, people think that if we go to a doctor it will

cost more so people limit themselves to local remedies. We knew that people will do what they

want to do therefore we aimed to educate them. Inevitably they made the better choices”.

This interview is one of the most significant documentations which I recorded at the site; it

helped in understanding the dynamics of the space and highlights the problems of this area. The

most important element which is necessary for change is awareness, which comes from knowing.

Interview 2

Mr.Saleem Thariani

Civil engineer and architect

(Omair Tanveer).”The idea that I am working with is to provide low cost housing using the

possibility of lattice structures, what do you think about the idea and the use of material”?

(Mr.Saleem Thariani).”Sometime ago I came across an idea about transcending into space, so

how can you construct a living place in space? Very interesting! Brilliant thing! He suggested,

plastic tubes without air, flat, make it into a large roll and transport it, fill it up with sand there. It

will turn into a flat band, place some barb wire over it which will become the base and add

another layer on top. This man had built his own houses like this I‟ve personally spent some time


with in his constructs. They looked like igloo houses! There is sand there you will just have to

carry the plastic which has low weight and low cost. That was an intelligent solution, but it was

all right for that particular place”.

“If you tend to do that, fill up tubes of plastic with sand it‟s quite a job! In your case what I am

thinking is that, what is the material? Available in large quantities here, plus bamboo is not even

made here. Wood is also very expensive”.

(Omair Tanveer).”Right now the locals use unbaked bricks to construct their homes, what do you

think about that”?

(Mr.Saleem Thariani). “In Australia the people have come up with an ingenious solution, they

use fine silt and clay mixture, a standardized mix upon which many papers have been written.

They add a small quantity of cement to the mix so it turns into a block. You can use those blocks

for your design solution, it is a good insulating material”.

(Omair Tanveer).”What about structures which can be assembled and deployed”?

(Mr.Saleem Thariani).”What you are suggesting are semi-permanent structures, you either

propose those igloos! If you want to save money on the roof, if you want to keep a roof then you

would have to think about the material you want to use”.

“Parabola is natural curve which nature gives to you, a parabolic curve is completely in

compression, and hessian cloth (jute) can be used as a cover. Thin bamboo can be used to make

arches which will give you a living space of 10 to 12 feet. If you use parabolic arches then you

can use jute as a covering roof, you can put a layer of cement and plaster on top of it which will


result in a good roof. At least for ten to twelve years no problem, this is how you can use a

parabolic roof”.

(Omair Tanveer).”I have been to Issa Nagri recently and the residences there are unplanned,

there are problems of daylight coming into spaces, ventilation and rainwater seeping into houses.

The people are open to change they want better houses, what do you suggest?”.

(Mr.Saleem Thariani).”Therefore I am giving you economical solutions; my argument is not live

within the box, think! Lattice in architecture is something like a trellis or a pergola. The word

lattice is confining the thinking of the people who know English. You stated that this challenge is

a matter of cost rather than material, rather than a system being followed. You see when you

have a membrane structure its very thin and very cheap, but here now to create the member is a

problem. Secondly curves are quick structures they are going to create a problem in occupancy

of space, because we are used to living in boxes, all our furniture is designed accordingly. You

will be losing at least 15 % of your space, that‟s a sacrifice but you will have a very good

drainage and daylight that‟s a major advantage. In your round shape you will have good light

which will dissipate with the curve, there are a few pluses and minuses. Having a window in a

curve is no joke, you would have to provide it support, and cross bracing can be provided in

between the arches for openings. The structure will be water resistant as the water will slope

down the curve immediately. For example asbestos sheets are not waterproof but in this

particular case the parabolic arch shape is not going to leak. The problem for you is heat, the

solution is to paint the dwelling white, and 75 % of the heat will be reflected back. These are the

keys for your suggestion”.


“There are two things here volume and the shape of the volume you are opting for a

hemispherical volume, where as you can go for a parabolic vault which is a more economical

solution which can be more amenable to human occupation, you will find more longitudinal

space to occupy. The vault is a much more pragmatic design”.

“You can also use a diamond mesh and spray plaster over the top, windows will be a problem

then again I would say this problem can be reduced by using a vault system”.

Interview 3

Pervaiz Masood

Real estate agent (Issa Nagri)

(Omair Tanveer).”What do you think about the local construction in Issa Nagri”?

(Pervaiz Masood).”When Issa Nagri started to take shape, people didn‟t have enough awareness

that people will own cars or the traffic will increase. Most of the people came here from

farmlands. These are poor people who taught their children in poor conditions. You will find

most of the children here to be metric pass students”.

(Omair Tanveer).”Do you think that the construction should be done this way; do you think

people will invest in temporary structures”?

(Pervaiz Masood).”Yes people will invest in such a scheme but people here are not nomadic.

Therefore the structures have to be in one place, semi-temporary. The Christian community is a


static community. Our community started from Punjab and in cities where they reside they own

that place”.

(Omair Tanveer).”Do you think that I can use the idea of temporary deployable structures in Issa

Nagri for extensions”?

(Pervaiz Masood).”Everybody wants their advantage, if people own the land, they have no

problems living anywhere, you can make these temporary structures for people but it is the land

that has the value”.

(Omair Tanveer).”Does your home any problems”?

(Pervaiz Masood).”There is no planning in our homes, and our area. It‟s an old area; the

problems are the same from the beginning. The gutter lines are not placed appropriately; my

home has the same problems that we have previously talked about”.

These three interviews are an essence to the idea of implementation on the use of lattice

structures, firstly the people are open to change and execute given ideas even if it makes a small

change. Secondly there are better solutions that the geodesic hemisphere and domical lattice

structures, for example in congested spaces and for economical construction bamboo made

parabolic arched dwellings can also be made. Thirdly and most important conclusion if my

debates is that, the land has value , these low cost income settlements have been leased for

ownership , people would live anywhere in any condition as long as they own a piece of land.


Low cost income settlements can be reduced and systemized for betterment; low cost housing

can be made which needs no maintenance for at least 12 years using lattice frames.

Interview 4

Riaz

Resident Issa Nagri

(Omair Tanveer). “What is your name”?

(Riaz) “My name is Riaz”.

(Omair Tanveer).”Do you live in this area?”

(Riaz).”Yes”

(Omair Tanveer).” For how long have you been living in this area”?

(Riaz). “For about forty years.”

(Omair Tanveer). “Have you constructed your home in Issa Nagri”?

(Riaz).“Yes.”


(Omair Tanveer). “How long did it take you to settle in this area”?

(Riaz).“I was born here, it‟s been that long, firstly our parents came here, and then we

constructed over their homes.”

(Omair Tanveer). “At first there was less construction”?

(Riaz). “Yes.”

(Omair Tanveer). “What if there is a possibility of an economical design”?

(Riaz). “If you can provide the benefits and cost reduction then people will opt for it.”

(Omair Tanveer).” Are there any problems with the construction?

(Riaz). “There are problems of light and ventilation.”

(Omair Tanveer).” Would people want to see these designs?

(Riaz). “Yes, people would want to see these designs and see if it provides a solution.”

(Omair Tanveer).” What is the salient problem in the area?

(Riaz). “There are problems with the water supply, the clean water mixes with the gutter water.”

Interview 5

Haroon Bashir

Resident Issa Nagri


(Omair Tanveer). “What is your name”?

(Haroon Bashir). “My name is Haroon Bashir”.

(Omair Tanveer). “For how long have you been living here”?

(Haroon Bashir). “Our family has been living here for about 40 t0 45 years”.

(Omair Tanveer). Are you content with the way people have designed or put together their

homes?

(Haroon Bashir). “I am not satisfied with the way these homes are built”.

(Omair Tanveer). Then how do you see this place?

(Haroon Bashir). “Firstly we have a serious drainage problem, there are gutters everywhere and

now they have started to fix them, there is no drinking water because the sewerage water mixes

with the clean water lines, and the children are not healthy here because of this pollution. There

are power shortages too”.

(Omair Tanveer). Do you think there is a problem with the construction method within the area?

(Haroon Bashir). “There are construction problems, because this construction is done by local

contractors as they offer packages to us, for example they would take rupees five lakh and build

a space”.

(Omair Tanveer). Would you opt for an alternate house/home if it is appropriately designed?

What are your thoughts about that?


(Haroon Bashir). “It is a very positive thought and I would want to tell other people about these

solutions which will bring a change”.

Interview 6

Aamir Sangeet

Resident Issa Nagri

(Omair Tanveer). What is your name?

(Aamir Sangeet) “My name is Aamir Sangeet”.

(Omair Tanveer). “Are you satisfied with the way homes are constructed”?

(Aamir Sangeet) “No I am not satisfied with the construction and we have to face many

problems when it rains. These homes are as they were built by our fathers and their fathers”.

(Omair Tanveer). What is the monthly income of your family?

(Aamir Sangeet) “We earn very less, fifteen thousand sometimes ten thousand”.

(Omair Tanveer). Would you live in a cost effective alternate home?

(Aamir Sangeet) “There are a lot of times when the ceilings fall away after rain fall, or they just

fall after some time. We would like an alternate solution if it is better”.


Site Images

Figure 28 68

Figure 29 69

Figure 28 shows the alleys of Issa Nagri , the congested space can be observed , in figure 29 we

can see that there are no proper roads and sewerage directly open on pathways, which are

obstructed by platforms. The irregular construction can be observed along with wires tangled

together.

68

Issa Nagri, Karachi. 30th March 2014. Photo: author’s own.

69 Issa Nagri, Karachi. 30

th March 2014. Photo: author’s own.


Figure 30 70

In figure 30 we can see the local construction methods , the space has a built yet unbuilt feel , the

dwellings are not completed with apt finishes andmaterials and are not built proior to sunlight

and wind direction. The spaces are very congested and vehicular movment is not possible.

Figure 3171

In figure 31 we can see the spilling of drainage from its pipe onto the pathway, the local

residents suffer frequently from diorreah and other stomach related diseases because of such

dreadful conditions .

70

Issa Nagri, Karachi. 30th March 2014. Photo: author’s own.

71 Issa Nagri, Karachi. 30

th March 2014. Photo: author’s own.


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Documents

lattice structures for low cost housing in Karachi Pakistan