Adaptable Sedimentation | A Lagos Nigeria Study

Adam Louis, Alyx Robinson, Cody Jones, Dillon Gogarty, Li Tianze, and Tim Goheen

ADAPTABLE SEDIMENTATION:LAGOS, NIGERIA

A STUDY BY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Phase I - IntroductionPages 04 - 07

Mapping PhasePages 08 - 24

Indexing PhasePages 26 - 53

Meshing PhasePages 54 - 61

Final MeshPages 62 - 63

Phase I - ConclusionPages 64 - 65

ModelPages 66 - 69

Phase II - IntroductionPages 70 - 75

ConnectivityPages 76 - 79

Area TypesPages 80 - 83

PrototypePages 84 - 93

Prototype ModelPages 94 - 95

Final ConclusionPages 96 - 97

LAGOS, NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

The country of Nigeria lies in the crook of Africa, and is home to many different regions and climates. This project specifically focuses on the coastal city of Lagos, found in the state of Lagos. It is the second largest city in Africa, both in size and population. As a coastal nation and city, Lagos thrives in a symbiosis between the water, the people and the landscape.

The city of Lagos is faced by several major issues: a lack of infrastructure, constant flooding, and a serious issue with pollution. These issues all have a different cause and effect relationship with each other, and the study of these things eventually will lead to the suggestion of a prototype to “solve” some of the problems.

The lack of infrastructure affects several aspects of the city and the population in Lagos, from the inefficient waste management system that exists to the lack of quality road ways. Though the State is tasked with the pick-up and disposal of waste and sanitation, the system does not work outside of the “planned” areas of the city, and sometimes not even there. When it is picked up, the waste is taken to the main sanitation site in the northern portion of the mainland or the smaller secondary sites found around the mainland and on the eastern portion of Lagos Island. Due to the proximity of these waste sites, residents of undeveloped areas are often forced to dispose of their waste in the rivers, Lagoon or the surrounding landscape, damaging the environment, the water sources and their settlements. Due to the nature in which the informal settlements often crop up in, they lack the infrastructure that is found within the city itself, though this is not an issue only in these areas. They lack paved roads, electricity, sewage systems, plumbed water, and the like.

The flooding that happens along the coast is a constant threat to the settlements that have developed there, and the informal roadways and settlements are often damaged or completely destroyed. The flooding also causes the polluted water to rise into the landscape and settlements, further polluting the groundwater and in-land water sources. It can also cause sickness amongst the population, as the water has been known to sit for weeks at a time, due to the lack of topography.

Based on these things and other sources, the development of a concept of these informal settlements as “sediment” evolved, for they are much like the sediment which is forced to settle on the shores of the rivers which run through the city.

LAGOS, NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

There does remain a portion of the state and city where these conditions are not as extreme, and where infrastructure does indeed coexist with the people. These locations exist primarily in the planned areas of the city, normally found in proximity to where the business and industry districts, hospitals, police stations, sanitation routes and jobs exist. In between these “planned” locations is where the informal villages would settle, furthering the concept of the “sediment village”.

As these “New Arrivals” move from the rural regions of Nigeria and into the city center of Lagos, they often end up settling in these impromptu areas because they are available, due to the conditions found there.

In the lands surrounding Lagos, there are three main soil types: gleysols, psamment and nitisols. These soils, aided by the topography and constant flooding cause constant changes to the landscape. Though this results in good farming conditions in some areas, when combined with other existing factors this often leads to areas that become completely “unusable” by normal standards. The final soil types from the area can be found in the Rafia and Mangrove swamps that form the areas surrounding Lagos city. All these factors affect the people of Lagos by forming a kind of social hierarchy, which becomes based on area. This means that the New Arrivals are often forced into these “unusable” areas to try and create their homes and neighborhoods, which leads to the construction of unstable housing foundations and a lack of quality roadways.

All the things that have been discussed, from the dominating presence of the water in the area to the soil types which dictate usable lands, led the study to focus on the things which will be introduced in the Mapping Phase. The concept of “sediment villages” will be predominant throughout the study, and lends a certain correlation between the city and state of Lagos, as well as the inhabitants and the informal villages that they create.

LAGOS, NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

MAPPING

To begin, the research was focused on information and data from the city of Lagos and the surrounding areas that was predominant and easily accessible. Early information was often taken from satellite images of the area, which allowed for the identification and mapping of things considered important – like the informal settlements which dot the landscape. Also considered was what a “build-able slope” might be considered, and though it was decided that <15* was acceptable, it was also discovered that this does not apply to Lagos and the flat topography found in the area (where the majority of slopes in the area were <6*).

The next point of emphasis was the water that surrounds the city and general area, found in the Lagoon and its two main rivers, the Obo and Obun. The Lagoon is subject to tides, the rivers which empty into it, as well as the rain run off that reaches it. The constant flooding in the area is a direct result of these factors, combined with the flatness of the topography. It is also important to discuss the pollution levels of the Lagoon and rivers, due to the lack of infrastructure found in many areas of the city, as well as the heavy industrial areas that are located there.

Other preliminary concepts and directions that will also be studied during this phase include: surrounding land use, road types, the flora and fauna found in the area, construction types and the like.

ARRIVAL VILLAGES

MAPPING

This map of Nigeria shows the city of Lagos as the “Arrival City”, a concept that explains the sudden and extreme boom in population that is happening in numerous cities across the world.

Here, it shows the city of Lagos as the migratory destination for numerous villages scattered across the state of Nigeria. These people move out of their villages and travel towards the city in hopes of finding better lives for themselves and their families. They are often forced to seek out work in the city due to conditions in their home villages, which limits their ability to raise and support families.

LAGOS

Ogun

Oyo

Kwara

Osun

Ekati

Edo

DeltaAbia

Imo

Anambria

NIGERIA

image 1

image 1A map of Lagos, as the “Arrival City” for the greater area of Nigeria.

LAGOS, NIGERIA

MAPPING

These images show the reference maps that will be used to call out specific areas being discussed throughout the research, but will also be used to introduce the area itself.

image 1A map view of Nigeria, with the state of Lagos highlighted in the bottom corner.

image 2A zoomed in view of Lagos as an area, with the city of Lagos highlighted.

image 3The city of Lagos, with the area of interest (Ilado Island) highlighted.

image 4A zoomed view of Ilado Island.

image 1 image 2

image 3 image 4

MAKOKO & FLOODING

MAPPING

image 1A real world example of river flooding through the streets of Lagos.

image 2A mapping diagram that shows the raising levels of the river when it floods.

The rivers in the area of Makoko are notorious for their tendency to swell with water and flood over the banks, due to the lack of slope found in the topography. This combined with the lack of water run off and road maintenance allows the water to run rampant, and use road ways as channels to run further in-land.

image 1

FLOOD DISTANCE 528ft 351ft 387ft

image 2

MAPPINGARRIVAL CITY DIAGRAM

image 1image 1Arrival City Diagram

Major Areas of People moving

Moving Flows

During the 15th century, more than millions slaves and people are exported and imported to Lagos due to the unique geographic position, sitting on the edge of Africa and connecting the US, Europe, South America and Middle East. Lagos then rapidly turns into a massive populated city by shaping the city itself. Within the state, cities keep breaking down and forcing to the south coast.

FLORA & FAUNA

MAPPING

image 1Flora Dispersion mapping diagram.

Nature has a large impact in every community, both in beneficial and detrimental ways. By mapping the dispersion of usable resources (such as trees, and shrubs), there could possibly be some benefit seen to the community surrounding those areas.

Taliparti TilacieumHawaii Sea Hibiscus

Rhizophora RacemosaRed Mangrove

Avicennia AfricanBlack Mangrove

Raphia AfricanaAfrican Palm Tree

SPECIES

image 1

CONSTRUCTION TYPOLOGY

MAPPING

image 1Many village houses are built on stilts to avoid flooding.

image 2As development proceeds and populations grow a base infrastructure also expands and construction materials and methods increase in quality.

These are the following construction types that were deduced from viewing a combination of photographs and satellite images. Metal Roof Construction

Wood FrameGroups of CMU Buildingswith Metal Roofs

Building Type Cluster Types

Thatched Roof Wood Frame Groups of Buildings with Courtyards

Large Structure Metal RoofCMU

Clusters of Similar Buildings Generic

Under ConstructionIncomplete

Clusters of Buildings UnderConstruction

Building With Courtyard

Small Utility or Storage

image 1 image 2

LAND USE

MAPPING

image 1Land Use on Ilado Island, Tin-Can Island, and Snake Island.

TIN-CAN ISLAND

SNAKE ISLAND

ILADO ISLAND

IndustryDeveloped Land Exposed Soil Forest or Dense Vegetation Light Vegetation

image 1

LAND USE CATEGORY

The focus led to the mapping of how the land was used throughout the localized region of Lagos, primarily focusing on Tin Can Island, Snake Island and Ilado Island. For the combined area, the mapping consisted of Industry, Dense Vegetation, Light Vegetation, Developed Land and Exposed Soil. The purpose of this mapping process was to locate areas that are appropriate for expansion, which would include the Low Vegetation and Developed Land as important considerations.

MAPPING

The road networks became a very important aspect in the study of the flows in the city of Lagos. The study evolved from the organization of roads based on levels of connectivity (from highways, to major roads, to minor roads, and continuing on down), to the study of the “block” and how it and the spaces that it created were organized. Based on the “Streets & Patterns” reading by Stephen Marshall, the blocks were then organized further into types (of the A-D variety).

image 1The combined and complete road types across the island of Ilado.

image 2The combined and complete road types across the city of Lagos.

image 1

image 2

COMPLETE ROAD NETWORK

HIGHWAYS

MAPPING

image 1The road networks broken down; the first part of the road networks are the highways. image 1

MAJOR ROADS

MAPPING

image 1Showing the “major roads” across Ilado island. These are mainly footpaths across the island, and pathways between the clusters themselves.

image 2Showing the major roads across Lagos city.

image 1

image 2

MINOR ROADS

MAPPING

image 1Showing the minor roads across Ilado island. We considered the extension of the major roads to be the minor roads.

image 2Showing the minor roads across the city of Lagos. These are often related to or the same as blocks, but the study considered them differently.

image 1

image 2

BLOCKS

MAPPING

image 1Showing the “blocks” across Ilado island. These were the major footpaths across the island, as seen on Google Earth.

image 2The blocks in Lagos city. These were considered blocks because of the relationship they had to one another, the spaces they created, and the relationship they hold to the neighborhoods.

image 1

image 2

ROAD TYPES

MAPPING

image 1An example image of an “A” type road network. “A type roads are irregular, with small angular streets that are mostly short/crooked, and vary in width but go in every direction.”

image 2The “A” type roads found in Lagos.

image 3An example image of a “B” type road network.“Regular, orthogonal, and rectilinear streets of consistent width, moving in two directions.”

image 4All of the “B” type roads found in Lagos.

image 5An example of a “C” type road network.“A mix of regularity and irregularity in streets, of a typically consistent width; with curved or rectilinear formations, which meet at right angles.”

image 6The “C” type roads found within Lagos.

image 7An example of a “D” type road network. “D types are based on a consistent road geometry, with curvilinear or rectilinear formations that meet at right angles.”

image 8The “D” type roads found within Lagos.

**Information and images regarding road types from Stephen Marshall’s “Streets & Patterns”

image 1

image 2

image 3image 4

image 5

image 6

image 7

image 8

TRANSPORTATION

MAPPING

image 1A map of the city of Lagos, with the major transportation lines marked out on it. The three ports and airport are marked out, along with the two major bus stops that serve the greater area. image 1

Airport Ports Major Bus RoutesMajor Bus Stops

This map shows the major transportation routes and stops throughout the city of Lagos, and the immediate surrounding area. The dashed line represents the major bus routes through the city, and although these are not the only routes that exist within the transportation system, they are the “main” routes. Also shown, as black boxes, are the main bus depots. Not included are the numerous stops found along the route, and other routes. The three ports are marked at the bottom of the page, and the larger airport is marked towards the middle of mainland Lagos.

This is important, because it shows the disconnect that occurs outside of the dense city center, where most of the informal living settlements arise. There are transportation routes that go near some of the larger slum areas, but they are not afforded the same kind of access as the other “planned” parts of the city.

TRASH SITES & SLUMS

MAPPING

image 1A map of the city of Lagos, where the informal housing clusters are shown in relationship to the major waste dump sites. The sizes of the circle gradient is in relationship to the size of the dump site.

image 1

Informal Housing areasTrash Sites

image 1This diagram map shows the location of the major water depots found in the greater Lagos area. The dashed lines represent the paths that the water takes, and the circles around the points represent the walking distance to reach the water depot. image 1

WATER DEPOTS & WALKING DISTANCES

MAPPING

Water Transport Lines Walking distance to individual water depots

This map is a diagrammatic representation of the water depots found in the greater Lagos area, and their direct routes. Each circle represents a distance from a central point, which is the water depot, as a diameter. This distance is being considered a casual walking distance, at ½ a mile. As some of the depots are close to each other, their walking distances overlap and create a larger circle. The routes depicted by the dashed lines are the simplified version of the actual routes that water would take, if it were being piped through the system and to Lagos Island. This is important, due to the fact that the “safe” water available in the city is often piped in. For 11% of the population, it is piped > 1km, and for the other 89% of the population it is piped < 1km. It is thought that only 60% of the city population has access to “safe” water.

TYPICAL INFORMAL HOUSING CONDITION

MAPPING

Image 1As Lagos expands the space available within the city decreases and rent prices escalate. Government continues to push out squatters and illegal housing. The result is that arrival cities fill up the areas in between the “cracks” with informal housing. These communities are typically set back from the street, area smaller, more randomly organized, and of poor quality materials.

Image 2The crisis is further escalated as these few spots that many people settle into are areas that were open because they were less desirable. They are prone to flooding, are often locations of garbage dumping, and are less accessible.

The positive side of this is that these people are the strong willed, the brave, and the resourceful. This results in subcultures that thrive on innovative small business ventures that make the most of the resources available. Solutions to quality of these communities start with supporting this subculture.

Selecting the arrival city region of focus required analysis of where the poor settle within Lagos. This led to the decision to select an area on the southern edge of the city for further study.

Informal HousingFormal HousingLEGEND Major Streets Garbage Dumps Waterway Minor StreetsFlood Zone

image 1

image 2

INTRODUCTION

INDEXING

The next phase, Indexing, evolves from the previous phase by studying the relationships between the different groups of information that were mapped. The focus of the project then turns to the informal housing areas known as Makoko (on the coastal side of the mainland) and Ilado Island (found south of the mainland). In these villages, the water continues to play an important role in shaping the clusters and the infrastructure found there. Seen in both areas and other spaces across Lagos, the flooding determines the gradient of housing types and the hierarchy of social standings. Between the flooding, swamp lands and dense city fabric, the desirable building areas are extremely limited. Access between Ilado island and the mainland is limited to a single dock and the ferry system, as well as personal docks and boat use, both of which cluster on the northern central side of the island. This further effects the building zones on the island, as one must live within walking distance of the coast to have access off the island. At present, this has heavily affected the flow on the island. This concept can be seen in the paths across the island, and the alleys that carve out the villages.

BUILDING PROXIMITIES TO RIVER

INDEXING

The areas of the Island which contain the highest density of informal settlements are extremely close to the rivers and other forms of water. Due to this proximity, the housing is in danger of being damaged or destroyed by the flooding. Entire sections of the villages are washed away on a semi-regular basis, requiring the inhabitants to start over and rebuild. Due to this, it was decided that immediate proximity to the river is not necessary.

image 1This diagram map of the island represents the proximity of the buildings to the river, and grades their distance by safety.

POOL HEIGHT 250ft 250ft to 500ft 250ft to 500ft

image 1

1/4mi

DENSITY OF SLUMS

INDEXING

image 1This picture shows an area in Makoko, where the informal housing is extremely dense and very close to the danger of the waters.

image 2A diagram map showing the density of the informal housing clusters, marking houses that are within a 50 foot proximity of 5 or more other houses.

The high density of the informal housing clusters on the island causes the residents of the area to be tightly packed together. Due to this, any incident (fires, floods) effect many buildings in the area, instead of just singular units.

FLOOD HEIGHT Housing with 5 or more buildings within 50 feet

image 2

image 1

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RAIN RUN OFF

INDEXING

Due to the lack of topography found across the city of Lagos and Ilado island, the rain has little option to “run off” the land and into the rivers. This causes the water to pool across the Island, which can become quite hazardous due to the lack of infrastructure also found on the island. The combination of the flooding and the water pooling seriously restricts the amount of buildable area found.

image 1This map diagram represents the run off lines and their relationship to where the water pools on the Island.

image 2Shows the run off pools by themselves, without the run off lines.

POOL HEIGHT 1ft 2ft 3ft

image 2

image 1

Lines of Water Run Off

FLOODING DISTANCES

INDEXING

The only real difference found between the flooding on the mainland and the flooding on the island lies in the fact that the island is completely surrounded by water. The rivers flood annually, and in the instance that they rise 3 or more feet, almost all of the coastal settlements would be displaced and damaged.

image 1This diagram map shows the amount of the island that would be covered if the river were to flood 1 foot, 2 feet or 3 feet.

FLOOD HEIGHT 1ft 2ft 3ft

image 1

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CONTOUR ELEVATION GRADIENT and RELATIVE HIGH GROUND

INDEXING

By creating a contour gradient from the high to low point this forms another way of analyzing the favorable higher ground on the island.

image 1Showing the mid elevation cut-off where it may be considered safe building grounds.

image 2This further differentiates the land elevation by showing the highest points in green and land at the cut-off level of safety in yellow. image 2

image 1

LAND ELEVATION Dangerous Low Zone Low End of Safe Zone High Ground

ZONES Forest Light Vegetation or Exposed Developed Safe Building Area Already Occupied Safe Building Area

LAND USE and SAFE LAND ELEVATION

INDEXING

The island is 61 percent forest, 24 percent developed land, and 15 percent light vegetation or exposed soil.

image 2

image 1

image 1Land Use

image 2Land use and safe building area index.

ZONES Forest in Safe Building Area Developed at RiskForest as Buffer Safe Building Area Already Occupied Safe Building Area

LAND USE and SAFE LAND ELEVATION

INDEXING

Further exploration of this index relationship shows areas that should be built up and areas where forest regions act as buffers in flood risk zones.

image 1

image 1Land to safe building area index with added details.

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NEIGHBORHOODS

INDEXING

The study of neighborhoods evolved as a consideration of how and why people settle as they do, considering tendencies. The self-organization that occurs on the maps shows this type of patterning which leads us to surmise that like settles with like, to form these communities within communities. The lines between the “geometric center” of each block represents the proximity to one another, and shows the relationship that exists there.

image 1Image of the island as a whole, with the smaller images highlighted on it for context.

image 2The Northern Neighborhood

image 3 The Central Neighborhood

image 4The Southern Neighborhood image 1

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INDEXINGNEIGHBORHOODS ZOOMED VIEWS

image 4

image 3

image 2

DISTANCE TO PUBLIC SPACES

INDEXING

0’-100’ 100’-250’ 250’-500’ 500’+DISTANCE

image 1This map represents the distance between the houses and the public gathering spaces, which were discerned from Google Earth images. image 1

The study of how and why people settle the way that they do evolved to include the consideration of the spaces that are formed by those settlements. These kinds of spaces that are created could serve a public function, like town squares, markets and other kinds of open public spaces where people could gather. Across the island, the proximities of buildings and residences to these necessary open spaces were measured. Everything that was considered a close distance was within <100 feet, while anything too far away was >500 feet.

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DISTANCE TO MAIN DOCK

INDEXING

0’-833’ 833’-1666’ 1666’-2500’ 2500’-5000’ 5000’+DISTANCE

image 1This diagram map highlights the distance from the individual clusters (and gradients within those) to the main egress off the island, the ferry dock.

image 1

As the dock and Ferry route is the main way off and onto the island, it acts as an “anchor point” for the island. The informal villages expand from this point and the closer the proximity, the better the land. Due to the size of the island, most of the villages are within moderate walking distance. This excludes the northern point, which is somewhat segregated from the rest of the communities on the island.

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POPULATION GROWTH ON ILADO ISLAND

INDEXING

9.3%

10.8%

9.6%

% 9%2000130.4 Square Miles

YEARGROWTH AREA

2000 - 2006144.8 Square Miles

2006 - 2013129.5 Square Miles

Indicator of Average Annual Growth Rate

Total Average Annual GrowthRate Per Year

6.2%

image 1A satellite image of Ilado island from 2000



image 4A close up of image 1



image 7The index diagram map of the island growth between 2000 and 2013

Without accurate population data, the growth rate of Ilado island can be measured by the developed and developing areas. The boundaries of the developed areas were traced from the satellite images shown from 2000, 2006 and 2013 to form a growth rate that were then averaged to a yearly rate and represented on the map.

image 1 image 2 image 3


image 7

DISTANCE TO NEAREST PATH BY CONSTRUCTION TYPE

INDEXING

To analyze construction type trends we indexed the relationship between construction type and the nearest path. This furthers our comprehension of the way the settlements are expanding.

image 1Showing the construction type with the average closest distance to the nearest path in each region. image 1

DISTANCE TO NEAREST PATH BY CONSTRUCTION TYPE: EXTRACTED DATA

SOUTHWEST

FEET FROM PATH 0 20 40 60 80 100 120

NORTHWEST

SOUTH

NORTH

NORTHEAST 1

NORTHEAST 2

chart 1

The average distance is a reference point for where intervention in connectivity would be beneficial.

chart 1Extracted data from rhino showing average feet from paths based on construction type, the average of each region, and the average of the whole island.

chart 2Describes the relation of the total building samples from each region. A shallow slope indicates smaller change in distance within sample a steep slope indicates that a few buildings are significantly farther away.

image 1Representational lines of the distances from buildings to the nearest path. Shows polarization toward nearest paths.

Metal Roof Thatched/Old Metal Roof New Metal Roof Under ConstructionCONSTRUCTION TYPE Average of Region Average of IslandMedian of Island

FEET FROM PATH

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGS

200

400

600

800

1000

NE

1

SW

41 204 295 643 830 1898

NW

S

N NE

2

chart 2

INDEXING

image 1

DISTANCE TO NEAREST PATH BY CONSTRUCTION TYPE: REGIONS

CONSTRUCTION TYPE

0

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

200

400

600

800

1000

1250

14

4

19

15

47 212

19

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGS

DISTANCEIN FEET

DISTANCEIN FEET

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGS

chart 1

chart 2image 2

image 1

image 1 and chart 1Shows relationship of construction types to nearest paths for the northwest region.

image 2 and chart 2Shows relationship of construction types to nearest paths for the southeast region.

Metal Roof Thatched/Old Metal Roof New Metal Roof Under Construction

INDEXING

Metal Roof Thatched/Old Metal Roof New Metal Roof Under ConstructionCONSTRUCTION TYPE

0

0

50

50

100

100

150

150

200

200

250

250

300

300

350

350

400

450

72

27

105

84

149

142

501

287

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGS

DISTANCEIN FEET

DISTANCEIN FEET

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGSimage 2

image 1 chart 1

chart 2

image 1 and chart 1Shows relationship of construction types to nearest paths for the north region.

image 2 and chart 2Shows relationship of construction types to nearest paths for the south region.


INDEXING

Metal Roof Thatched/Old Metal Roof New Metal Roof Under ConstructionCONSTRUCTION TYPE

0

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

104 648

30

1143

34,35

1895

102

DISTANCEIN FEET

DISTANCEIN FEET

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGS

SAMPLE OF BUILDINGSimage 2

image 1 chart 1

chart 2

image 1 and chart 1Shows relationship of construction types to nearest paths for the far northeast region.

image 2 and chart 2Shows relationship of construction types to nearest paths for the smaller northeast region.


INDEXING

CONSTRUCTION TYPES

INDEXING

To derive usable construction type information, satellite imagery were traced of all the buildings on the island.

The next step was to distinguish between observable variations of construction types. Categories were decided as follows: Thatched and old metal roofs (which were difficult to distinguish between) Metal roofsNewer metal roofsBuildings under construction

The differentiation between building areas were then converted to circles of the same area as their base building contour. This makes it easier to compare the sizes between buildings.

image 1Mapping of buildings, achieved by tracing Google Earth satellite images from 2013.

image 2Buildings differentiated by construction type, shown with actual shape.

image 3Close up section of Image 2

image 4Construction type is represented with a circle with the same areas as the initial polygon shape, and accomplished with Grasshopper definitions.

image 5Close up of Image 4

image 1

image 4 image 5

Thatched RoofsNew ConstructionCONSTRUCTION TYPE New Metal Roofs Metal Roofs

image 3image 2

CONSTRUCTION TYPES BY AREA & REGION

INDEXING

The construction type by building area can be used to distinguish multiple social hierarchical settlement patterns. The construction type may be based on time since establishment, distance from resources or distance from major roads. Construction types per region have trends which indicate the typical social status of the inhabitants, and where people will tend to settle upon arrival to the island.

Notable trends include the following: Higher quality homes tend to be in longer established, further from the coast, and further from easily accessible resources. There is a greater quantity of thatched or metal roofs in the northeast corner, which also has the nearest proximity to the coast.

pie chart 1Total building area by region, based on Rhino area calculations

pie charts 2-6Portions of each construction type per region by area, also from Rhino area calculations

image 1Final Construction types represented by relative area and the centroid of each building

Metal RoofNorthwest

Thatched/Old Metal RoofNorth Center

New Metal RoofNortheast

Under ConstructionSouth

UtilityOutlying

image 1

Total Building Area by Region

45%

14%

23%

14%4%

pie chart 1

NortheastNorth Center

OutliersSouth

Northwest

1011070 SF 526118 SF 101000 SF332130 SF320631 SF

pie charts 2-6

CONSTRUCTION TYPEREGIONS FOR pie chart 1

Construction Types by Area

Thatched RoofsNew ConstructionCONSTRUCTION TYPE New Metal Roofs Metal Roofs

CONSTRUCTION TYPE WITH METABALLS

INDEXING

By utilizing a metabolic Grasshopper definition, areas of concentration of a particular construction types were then denoted.

images 1 - 4The series of metaballs based on construction type. image 2 image 4

image 1 image 3

INDEXINGCONSTRUCTION TYPE WITH METABALLS: FINAL

image 1

images 1The series of metaballs as the resulting compilation of overlays.

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FLOWS: HOUSING TO DOCK

INDEXING

The main access to the island is from a ferry and a single dock found in the central section. The dock leads to a row of market buildings and then expands to residential housing.

The flows shown are the derived from the Closest Walk in Grasshopper, to the main dock from each section of the island.

image 1Shows the relationship between the flows, and the shortest walk from the informal housing clusters to the single dock located in the north central part of the island image 1

Flow Paths1/4mi

INDEXINGFLOWS: HOUSING TO DOCK ZOOMED VIEWS

North Central Cluster North Eastern Cluster

Southern ClusterWestern Cluster

FLOWS: BLOCKS & CLUSTERS

INDEXING

Within each informal housing cluster, blocks were estimated based on the distance between houses and what was surmised could be considered an “alleyway” or path.

Shortest Walk was used to draw from the center of each block to the main target of each individual section.

image 1Shows the relationship between the created blocks and the clusters as a whole.

image 1

Flow Paths Blocks1/4mi

INDEXINGFLOWS: BLOCKS & CLUSTERSZOOMED VIEWS


Western Cluster Southern Cluster

FLOWS: SHORTEST WALK & CLUSTERS

INDEXING

This last flow highlighted the shortest walk from the center of each block to the main target area of each section. The shortest walk followed the grid of paths throughout the island

The final flow highlighted the Shortest Walk from the center of each block to the surrounding clusters.

image 1This image shows the relationship between the clusters on the island, and how they would be related by the Shortest Walk Grasshopper definition.

image 1

Flow Paths1/4mi

INDEXING


Western Cluster Southern Cluster

FLOWS: SHORTEST WALK & CLUSTERSZOOMED VIEWS

INTRODUCTION

MESHING

So far, the processes completed could all be considered “layers” for the final portion of this study. Mapping arose from the collection of data, and Indexing arose from the combination of those maps. Meshing revolves around the same additive concept and process, because the combination of certain groups of information allows us to make informed decisions about the island, and draw conclusions that would not normally be possible or realistic. These conclusions include the understanding of what could now be considered “build-able” areas on the island, based on the information that is being combined.

The idea behind this phase for our group was to create three separate mini-meshes from each section of study (Environmental, Flows and Programs). The final step is to combine these mini-meshes into a final mesh, to achieve the final “build-able” areas.

INTRODUCTION OF INDEXES BEING USED

MESHING

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Image 1Shows the Distance to River index

Image 2Shows the Rain water Run off and Pooling index

Image 3Shows the Flooding index

image 4Shows the population expansion index diagram.

image 5 - 7Shows the flows index maps.

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MESH 1: INDEXES USED

MESHING

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image 1Shows the Distance to River index

image 2Shows the Rain water Run off and Pooling index

image 3Shows the Flooding index

MESHINGMESH 1: COMPLETED

This first mesh was generated through the combination of the Distance to River, Water Run Off & Pools and Flooding indexes. Because water plays such a pivotal role in the lives of the coastal people, it was decided that the particular study deserved a mesh to itself.

This mesh considers the proximity to the water on the coast and the low slope areas where water pools, as well as the levels of flooding that occurs and which areas it moves into.

The combination of the housing proximity as well as the water on and near the island create natural areas of non-build ability that area very poor for use. These areas are also the areas of high use, and it is impacting the use of the island for the residents very negatively. The information also shows the safe areas outside of the impact of the water, and thus areas of safe use for future settlements.

image 1The combined Distance to River, Rain water Pooling & Run off and the Flooding indexes to create this mesh

FLOOD & POOL HEIGHTPROXIMITY TO RIVER

1ftLess than 250ft

2ft250ft to 500ft

3ft500ft or more

1/4mi

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MESHINGMESH 2: INDEXES USED

image 1Shows the Population Expansion index

image 2-4Shows the three Flow indexes

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image 1Shows the combined flow indexes, laid over the Population Expansion over Time indexes to create this mesh

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Flow Paths Blocks

The second “mesh” shows the combined sets of flow types with the population, as it expanded over time. The intention of this mesh is to show the relationship between movement in each village cluster and how the density affects that, and the movement between the village clusters (if there is any). This is combined with the concept of village cluster expansion as a “flow” in its own sense, and how it represents the movement of a community and how the individuals make their spaces within that community.

LEGEND 2000 Developed Area

2000 - 2006Developed Area

2006 - 2013Developed Area

1/4mi

MESH 3: INDEXES USED

MESHING

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image 1The index showing safe building zones based on mean relative contour elevation on the island.

image 2The land use index for 2013.

image 3Combined indexes of land use and safe building zones.

image 4Index of relationship between community gathering spots and major pathways.


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This mesh differs from the others by taking land use into account as well as community gather points to distinguish between optimal and less optimal but still desirable zones for expansion. It also indicates the existing developed regions that are at risk and could benefit from built up terrain. Finally it shows areas that already have a buffer from flooding of mangrove trees or forest.

image 1Shows the combined land use, relative contour elevation, major roads, and nodes in a mesh.

ZONES Safe Building Area Developed at RiskForest as Buffer Optimal Building Area Major Paths 1/4 mi. Radius from CommunityGathering Places

1/4mi

FINAL MESH: INDIVIDUAL LAYERS

MESHING

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image 1The combined Distance to River, Rain water Pooling & Run off and the Flooding indexes to create this mesh. This forms the “Environmental” mesh.

image 2Shows the combined flow indexes, laid over the Population Expansion over Time indexes to create this mesh. This forms the “Flows” mesh.

image 3Shows the combined land use, safe construction zone, major roads, and public gathering places forming the “Land Use” mesh.

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MESHINGFINAL MESH: COMPLETED

Flow PathsFLOOD & POOL HEIGHT

PROXIMITY TO RIVER1ftLess than 250ft

2ft250ft to 500ft

3ft500ft or more

As mentioned, this final mesh is the result of the combination of three mini-meshes which focused on the Environment, the Flows (of people and their created environments) and the Programmatic data which was found for the island. This removes the areas that would be considered unsuitable for construction of a prototype, and highlights numerous areas across the island that are suitable, but offer different challenges and positive attributes for consideration.

image 1image 1Shows the combined meshes on the previous page which led to the final mesh on the next two pages.

1/4mi

CONCLUSION

After the completion of the Meshing phase and the “Final Mesh”, the areas that were shown to be available for development were taken under consideration for the next phase of the project. The next phase involves the development of a prototype intervention, which would then take under consideration the major site influences, whether they be positive or negative.

Essentially, the goal is to design a “solution” to the issues that were raised in this study while considering the locale and population and their needs. The main driving goals include the development of a sanitary and safe living conditions, while fostering the density and community aspects that are already found in the village clusters on the island. Continuing to consider the construction typologies found in the area will create a cultural cohesion, while allowing the new arrivals some control over the construction of their own homes.

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FINAL MESH ZONES Unusable Zones Usable Zones Connection Flows

image 1The resulting unusable land from the three previous meshes.

image 2The resulting usable land from the preceding meshes.

CONCLUSION

FINAL MESH ZONES Optimal Expansion Zone Safe Expansion Zone

The resulting optimal and safe zones formed from all the results of the earlier meshes.

final mesh

1/4mi

FINAL MESH

Explanation

MODEL

Our model ran into many complex problems that required a simple solution. The goal of the model was to, in three dimensions, model the overlay of indexes and weave the areas. In this process we need a transparent material that would be cut able yet rigid. The resultant material was 0.10” Acrylic that was originally in an 8’X4’ sheet that we had assistance from Ace Hardware in the cutting process down to 1’X2’ pieces. This was then ran through the laser cutter to shape to Ilado Island and the water off site.

The next problem was supporting the layers, as such we needed a base and risers and supports. In this we used 3/4” plywood and 1/4” Steel weld wire that was originally in a 6’ length that was cut down to 8 ½” lengths. The plywood was cut from a 2’X4’ sheet into two 1’X2’ pieces that were laminated together and planed smooth on the edges. The steel was cut with a dremal and vice then ground smooth on the edges and rounded on one point for the ease of sliding our meshes over. The Spacers were achieved using 5/16” inner diameter brass pipe that was cut to a 1 ½” length with a torsion cutter. This came up with a problem in itself. The cutter would crimp the ends of the pipe making it to narrow to fit over the rod. The resultant solution was to slowly cut the pipe and grind out the bevel.

The process from there was to create a blank makete of our mesh and to drill holes through the first layer of acrylic. As Adam and Cody started, it became apparent that the pins we were to use for the model were too small for the holes we had drilled, and we needed to fill and glue the pins in place. Another problem arose when we tested glues on a broken piece. The Super glue from Hodgens frosted the acrylic when it dried, was hard to stop from spreading but was the quickest to dry. Tacky glue proved to be the thickest material that would hold the pin upright, however it took 30 minutes to dry and was not adhered to the pin. We tried acrylic glue, however the dry time was the longest, it was the thickest and easiest to stand up a pin in, yet it was hard to get into our drill hole and do cleanly. The answer was for us to use Tacky glue. This was a long arduous process that we worked through. After Adam and Cody’s layer was finished the idea was presented to heat the pins and melt them into the acrylic. This was the best option. As the remaining meshes were made, less problems arose with the melting process. The threading is all that was remaining. And that went smoothly.

PROCESS

MODEL

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image 1Grinding.

image 2Buffing brass.

image 3Weaves and pins showing initial difficulty of glue not holding.

image 4Erecting risers with layer as guide.

image 5Practicing with layers.

image 6Heating pins with flame was discovered to be the most effective method of pin insertion.

image 7Setting heated pins.

image 8Threading process using spacers.

image 9Construction typology weave.

FINAL IMAGES

MODEL

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image 1Mesh 1 model.

image 2Mesh 2 model.

image 3Stacked mesh models.

image 4Elevation of model.

image 5Closeup elevation.

image 6Close up construction & density.

image 7 Layering.

STORAGE CONTAINER HOMES:PHASE TWO

Alyx RobinsonDillon Gogarty

PHASE II

INTRODUCTION

Advancing from the research and analysis that happened in the first phase of this project, Phase II tackles the actual prototypical suggestions that we have developed. Our solution includes not only creating a network of connectivity across the island, but the intention to foster a healthier relationship with the water and coastlines. Finally, the solution will arrive at a prototype home design, from the neighborhood and cluster scale. The intention here is to provide some kind of accessible, cheap home designs for the population of Lagos and to create a scale and purpose to provide the informal housing villages with.

RULES

OBJECTIVE

Rule 1. To provide connectivity to other areas across the island

Rule 2. To bring water into the selected site

Rule 3. To solve the flooding and pooling problems that occur across the island

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image 1 & 2Shows no connection between the two central populated area and the northern peak. These are actual images of Illado island 4 years apart.

image 2This is an image of Illado island from 2008 where island flooding can actually be seen.

MESH

SELECTED AREA

To begin the second phase of our Lagos project, we used the completed meshes from Phase I to help decide the most acceptable areas for intervention on the island.

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image 1Bottom layer is an outline of the island itself.

Second layer shows the “buildable” areas on the island, outlined in red.

The third layer shows the populations and built areas that currently exist on the island.

The top layer shows the flows that exist on the island.

MESH

SELECTED AREA

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image 1Shows the axonometric on the previous page, combined. It also highlights the general area we chose to study, based on several factors. First, it provides the best connectivity between the central and edge populated areas. Second, it provides a space that exhibits all of the issues and parameters that exist elsewhere on the island.

image 2Shows the combined layers, laid over top of an actual map image of the island.

BRANCHING CANAL SYSTEM

CONNECTIVITY

To begin, we found two geometric centers within our selected area. The more central node was selected, as it provided the best connectivity between the existing populations on the site.

We then found the shortest paths from the existing populated areas through the geometry to the node. Through this node, we ran a canal from one side of the island to the other, essentially bisecting it to allow the flow of water through the area.

To further focus, we selected the Northern half of the canal area to begin prototyping. By running Shortest Walk, Branching systems and Flows, we were able to develop layers of water fingers that extend out from the canal and into the surrounding area. This will allow more of the waterfront access that is highly sought after in Lagos, as well as bringing water into closer proximity with all of the areas that we will develop.

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image 1Shows finding the geometric centers of the area.

image 2Shows the geometric centers of the space.

image 3Shows the shortest paths from one from the perimeter of the geometry.

BRANCHING CANAL SYSTEM

CONNECTIVITY

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image 4Shows the canal, running the same route as the shortest path, then bisecting the space.

image 5Shows the canal with the addition of water fingers.

ROAD NETWORKS

CONNECTIVITY

After the canal and connecting fingers were developed, we then turned to the road system through the area. The existing flows across the island are mostly footpaths, and the only real connection between the central, North East and South West areas are found along the coast.

To combine our area with the other areas effectively, we need to establish a road network that fully integrates the existing flows and movement patterns already seen on the island.

These patterns and networks were developed much as the canals had been, running Flows, Shortest Walk and Branching on the area in order to develop an acceptable network. This network is based off of the road studies in the previous phase.

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image 1Shows the addition of the major roads to the canal.

image 2Shows the addition of the minor roads, connecting the major roads to the spaces created by the water fingers and canal.

image 3Shows the addition of blocks throughout the created spaces, connecting through the minor roads.

image 4Shows the final addition of movement, as pathways between the blocks and minor roads directly to the canal and water fingers.

ROAD NETWORKS

CONNECTIVITY

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image 5Shows the completed road network system.

DENSITY

AREA TYPES

Upon completion of the connectivity types, we turned to the population of the spaces created.

The spaces found in between the water fingers are being considered a “neighborhood” level, and are being treated as having different functions, in relationship to the central node. The first level, closest to the coast, is being treated as single-family housing space.

The second level is being considered a combination of single-family and multi-family housing space.

The final level, the closest to the central node, is being considered multi-family housing and mixed-use building space.The intention of these neighborhoods is to try and remove the density from the coast, where flooding is likely to destroy and damage the homes. Instead, we hope to create a kind of downtown concentration around the initial central node. By increasing the density in that area, while still providing the much needed access to water, it removes the immediate proximity to the flood zones.

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image 1Shows the final road network system.

image 2Shows the addition of modules to the first low-density “neighborhood”.

image 3Shows the addition of modules to the second medium-density “neighborhood”.

image 4Shows the addition of modules to the third high-density “neighborhood”.

DENSITY

AREA TYPES

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image 5Shows the completed densification of the selected area, based on the individual neighborhood.

DENSITY

AREA TYPES

When populating the neighborhoods and blocks in our network, we had specific rules to follow to create a specified space in the center of the block. In the low density area, our rule was to only have one storage container placed on the perimeter of the block and setback 5 feet. There was to be spacing between the containers to allow many access points to the center of the neighborhood. The space then created an area which could be transformed into a courtyard or green, grassy common space for the inhabitants.

The same rules applied to the medium-density zone, but were slightly altered. The blocks near the main road and the blocks near the canal were to become multi-family homes. We succeeded in this by combining two storage container homes, creating a larger interior space. The center space of the blocks were to be the same as the previous; green common areas or courtyard spaces.

In the high-density area, the modules that lined the all the roads and main roads were two combined containers. Off the main roads, there was a second layer of 3 containers stacked inside the block system. The modules that lined the canal systems were actually 3 containers placed in a variety of patterns, and using a larger container as a base. Also, we created a market space near the bridge that connects the two high-density zones (not shown).

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image 1Shows the area created by the low-density rules.

image 2Shows the area created in the medium-density zone.

image 2Shows the area created in the high-density zone, as well as the varying block sizes.

DENSITY

AREA TYPES

This is a section cut of Area 3, showing the relationship between the canal and the variety of modules found in this neighborhood. The proximity of the homes to the canal is a very important part of removing the emphasis on the relationship to the coast, but maintaining the much needed relationship to the water.

STORAGE CONTAINERS

PROTOTYPES

For our actual prototyping, we began to research the kinds of homes that are found on Illado island and in the surrounding city of Lagos. Most of the informal housing clusters use a wide variety of material to construct their homes with, as it is based on what can be found, and what families can afford. Sticks, CMU blocks, thatched or metal roofs are common. Our intention was to provide a kind of modular construction, which would give the people of Lagos control over their homes, while maintaining an easy, accessible and reusable kind of construction.

Our answer was found across the river, on Tin Can Island. As one of the largest ports for imports/exports in Nigeria, the city of Lagos is home to three ports. One of these resides on Tin Can Island, and is the closest of the three in proximity to Illado island.

Found on Tin Can Island are rows upon rows of storage containers, shipping to and from Lagos, containing numerous kinds of goods. After the storage containers have served enough time and are “retired”, they are sent overseas to be melted down into scrap metal.We are proposing the use of these retired storage containers as modular homes, due to the access and availability, and possibilities for design that they present.

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image 1, 2, & 3Show the actual storage containers on Tin Can Island.

image 4Shows the proximity of the port on Tin Can Island to the mouth of the canal that we have proposed.

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STORAGE CONTAINER HOMES

PROTOTYPES

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image 1Shows the three different sizes of storage containers that we are considering “common”, and that we would suggest use of.The largest, at 40’ long would provide ample space for a large family on the island.The middle sized container would be considered a space for a moderate sized family, or an addition.The smallest container is being considered for the use of stalls in the marketplaces, or modular additions to existing structures.


PROTOTYPES

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image 2In addition to the removal of surface area to avoid creating an oven-like atmosphere on the interiors, it is also suggested that the homes feature some kind of shading device. This image shows a shading device that covers 25%, 50% and 75% of the total surface area.These shades are also suggested to be made out of the removed pieces of the storage containers.

image 3Considering the climate of Lagos, it was decided that it would be best to have a matrix-style study of the ways that these conditions could be dealt with. This particular image shows what 15-75% of the surface area of a container being removed would look like. The intention of removing this much surface area would be to provide as much open air and cross winds, as well as the least amount of metal, so that the homes would not become ovens in the heat.The study is shown in two parts, with numerous options. The first section of the image is the % of the surface area of only the walls. The second section is the % of the surface area, including the roof.

image 4Based on the local construction types and due to the likelihood of flooding, we designed several types of “built up” foundations that could be used.The top features the structural components of a similarly sized storage container. This would be suggested to replace the commonly used stilt-style foundation, using sticks as posts. These could prove precarious and unstable, considering the weight of the containers. The bottom features a perimeter-style CMU foundation. The perimeter-style foundation is used over a slab-type due to the kinds of soil found in the area, as well as the constant flooding.


PROTOTYPES

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image 1This image shows the combinations of two containers, based on three different rule sets.The first column shows the combinations of stacking, and includes all three different container sizes.The second column shows the different kinds of edge connections that could exist, using all three container sizes.The final column shows a staggered connection about the middle, on a ground plane.

image 2This image shows several combinations of three containers, and combines the previous rule sets.The first sets include the stacking rule, as well as the rule about edge connections.The final set of combinations shows the stacking rule when combined with the staggered connection rule.


PROTOTYPES

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PLAN VIEW

PROTOTYPE

first floor first floor - private space

second floor second floor - private space

SECTIONS

PROTOTYPE

section 1

section 2

PROTOTYPE

STORAGE CONTAINER HOME and SHELTER

PROTOTYPE

PHYSICAL MODEL

PROTOTYPES

We decided to represent only a portion of our selected area in the physical model, to better be able to represent the storage container modules and their relationships to the designed area. The portion selected spans two of the “neighborhood” areas, to show the different densities found in between the different areas. The canal is represented with a layer of plexi, and the “land” is built up around that using museum board. The road network is etched into the museum board layer, as well as another layer of plexi above that. On top of this, we placed 1/4” square metal tubing, to represent our storage container modules. This was done to show the density of the area, as well as the scale of the homes in relationship to the open green spaces created, the road network, and the canal and water fingers.

LAGOS, NIGERIA PROTOTYPE

CONCLUSION

From the beginning of Phase I to this final portion, the study and development of a prototype for the informal housing situations that arise in Lagos (and specifically, on Illado island) has focused primarily on the relationships that arise from the landscape, the climate, the people and the cultural habits. From the constant flooding that occurs in the area, and how it effects the landscape and inhabitants, to the “sediment” style living situations that people create to pursue a better lifestyle, we have learned much about the need to understand a place, a people, and most importantly, the issues these factors face.

This was our attempt to conceive a solution, based on the factors that were studied throughout Phase I, as well as the designs that were created during Phase II. Using the understanding we gained from the beginning studies, with the emphasis placed on Connectivity and what we considered to be the major issues (permanent settlements, flooding, standing water, etc.), we provide these storage container homes, planned connectivity and canal spaces as our suggestion.

WORKS CITED

Page 01http://dilemmaxdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/lagos-nigeria-city-07.jpg

Page 04http://www.zonu.com/fullsize-en/2009-11-06-10875/Topographical-Map-of-Afri-ca.html

Page 05http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/5893814.jpg

Page 06http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/nigeria-lagos-water-communities-look-like-waterworld

Page 07http://urbanafrica.net/news/2013/07/19/fear-demolition-grips-lagos-slum-dwellers

Page 11http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvuV7EhqKvM/UIXQWz4i_iI/AAAAAAAAAGc/fgyPo-qmc5gc/s1600/nigeria-flood-story-top+%281%29.jpg

Page 14http://static.panoramio.com/photos/1920x1280/8667225.jpghttp://static.panoramio.com/photos/1920x1280/6478619.jpg

Page 28http://globalvoicesonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shanty-town-makoko-lagos-nigeria-375x210.jpg

Page 38image courtesy of google earth

Page 71http://media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2013/10/lagos_slum_2.jpg

Page 71image courtesy of google earth

Page 84http://www.porttechnology.org/images/sized/images/uploads/news/Maersk_ship2-600x0.jpghttp://sweetcrudereports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Tin-Can-Island-port-1.jpghttp://www.porttechnology.org/images/sized/images/uploads/news/Konecranes_RTGs_at_Sifax-600x0.JPG

Documents

Adaptable Sedimentation | A Lagos Nigeria Study