Urban[sch]isms

6. Definition of a node

6.1 Definition of agricultural node [Img. 01]

From the definition of a cluster and understanding of the permeability issues, we can start to construct a new mixing node for the new corridors.
The following example of the process of construction is done on the local agricultural node.
First, there are generic rules and relations that each of the local nodes have to follow, depending on the node:
• We are creating a local public node, where agriculture starts to mix with services and dwelling.
• The node has to be contained so that the mixing programs do not spill into the surrounding fabric, with that a critical mass is ensured.
• It has to include the street to connect the agricultural production with the rest of the environment.
• It should be permeable toward agriculture and less permeable toward the built fabric.
Second, it is necessary to define the elements and parts of the agricultural process, that are spatially not so demanding and can be detached from agricultural land.
These elements can be than put together in a node as generators of public space - generators of the new urbanity.

Agricultural elements:
• hydroponics,
• allotments,
• rice milling process
• crop storage and, preparation
• tools storage.

Additional elements:
• Local food market,
• Global food redistribution center.

6.2. Elements of |r|urban public space

6.2.1. Hydroponics system and water cycle: [Img. 02]

To deploy hydroponics as new urban elements, we have to understand how they work and what are their components.
The growth and seed germination areas are positioned so to create a transition between agricultural land and the built fabric (new corridor). The storage area is put into the corridor acting as the most public element of the hydroponics system.

6.2.2. Food production cycle: [Img. 03]

To define the mixing node, the organization and workflow of the processes has to be understood.
An example of such a process is depicted here - an organizational principle of food production cycle that is connected to local distribution (market) and global distribution (wholesale).
The systems are kept separated so that the global distribution does not obstruct the local market activities.
The hydroponics act as mediatory element to make this separation possible.

6.2.3. Allotment | hydroponic | storage system: [Img. 04]

Allotments and hydroponics need treated water and are therefore organized together.
Hydroponics ramps up toward the corridor creating a smooth transition between the agriculture and the built.
Allotments work also as routing elements for global distribution of food.
There are different ways of organizing the storage part hence creating different spatial conditions.

6.3. Public armature of a node [Img. 05]

On the basis of described systems ‘public’ (production oriented) armature of the node is constructed.
Because of transverse permeability of the nodes, a secondary infrastructure can begin to emerge, that connects the nodes across the agricultural land.
One of the advantages is that all the products that are generated in the local corridor can be shifted into the regional corridor and distributed from there.

6.4. Communal living model [Img. 06, 07]

To further define the agricultural node and the surrounding fabric, housing and dwelling customs are taken in as design parameters.
These peri-urban areas have strong tradition of communal living. Historically developed fabric is usually structured to maximize the social interaction, with very differentiated, gradated and interconnected open space.
Contemporary (western) living models combined with economical exploitation is rendering the diversity of urban space non-existent.
The Social interaction diagram is staying the same, but the Urban organization diagram has shifted to that of a Nuclear living model.
The result of this mix between Chinese tradition and Western ambition is that current typologies, built up versions of old villages, discontinue the tradition of communal living. They do not offer any good way of organizing space and are taking away the public space, where the main facets of daily life are still being conducted.
The only open space left is the street that is turning into a living room.
The fabric built-up creates also a permeability problems and isolation the individual parts.

6.5. Designing community, permeability and density

6.5.1. Permeability and public space: [Img. 08]

To accommodate for the permeability and social public component, the self developed ‘urban village’ typology has to be reexamined.
The aim of the new spatial organization is to accommodate for the gradation of public space, permeability and bigger density than the traditional village.
Furthermore, the new typology has to integrate the agricultural production elements as parts of the new urban experience.

6.5.2. Modification of geometrical system: [Img. 09, 10, 11]

Dwelling typology with integrated longitudinal passage, hydroponics and parking under the building.
Duplication in section, condensing the organization. Creating lateral connectivity through the structure.
Further exploration into densification of the element.