URBAN APPROACH TO HUMANITARIAN DESIGN : . [ THESIS - AGORA ]





The initial city plan, indicating the public vehicle types and points in which they create stops for public convenience; along with color coated zoning indications ( yellow- residential , pink- business/commercial , red-industrial , green- open green space for future organic extensions. ) As seen in the adjacent figure, the transport system is based on a series of stops and a variation of public vehicles.

The following image is of the road layouts and user types per zone. This is a key element in understanding the citizens which will be apart of this specific zone; in order to develop further the user types need to be determined, along with the vehicles used in these areas.

A zone is created in the center which makes a transitional space that offers qualities from surrounding zones.

This is the zone which will act as the catalyst and the connector between districts. The design challenge is to determine the right type of programmatic functions which would be idea for this particular space.

This diagram shows the process of how building on the filtration canal itself creates changes to the site; along with the opportunities which can come forth with the changes.

This figure is the first look at the wetland design; a simple grid like pattern which allows easy circulation and convenient access; from the site into the logistic zone.

This plan shows an updated increase on site context. Having integrated sensible programs around the site the programming process for the site design itself can begin.

In order to determine the right space allocation for each program type, a functional impact diagram has been created. This diagram is an analysis of the impact of people circulating through the specific function.

the area on top adjacent to the residential/commercial zones are proposed as spaces for local artisans and craftsman to create a variation of products. Which can either be sold on the upper level or used for building purposes.

This zoning area diagram is adjacent to the industrial part. Allowing functions such as utility repair and local craftsman work spaces.

This diagram showing if people were able to bring the financial opportunity into the site. It would provide them with employment opportunity and result in an overall financial gain; solely through the utilization of the wetlands.

As a result the spatial allocation is then translated into the overall floor plan of the design itself. Bringing to the life the “Agora” project; one which caters ultimately for the betterment of the community within this area. Taking into consideration, financial gain, employment, recreation, and transportation; achieving the design into a planning completion.

Bamboo cash crop has been placed on the outer parts of each vegetation space. Allowing it to be easily harvested and at the same time not disturbing the natural vegetation which is filtering the water.

Shown is a perspective of the logistics zone, a space which can allow goods to be transported into or out of the site zone.

A structure system was developed, one which minimizes permanent impact on the site itself, thus allowing it to be taken apart or changed according to the organics of growth which may occur over time during the development of this type of city.



"In order for hope to spark the mind; we must first plant the seed which bears the fruit of humanity."
Natural disasters have always been looked at as something which can only cause a negative impact on a community or a nation. In this project a new perspective is introduced; as to how one can churn something harmful and turn it into something beneficial.
Focusing on the flooding situations in Pakistan, a scenario planning method is applied to show both readers and designers several different ways these type of disasters can be tackled. Ultimately leading down a path which turns the force of nature into a stroke of opportunity; not only for the people affected, but for the overall community and the urban district, eventually making an impact on the nation itself.
This masterplan contains methods of how flood waters can be channeled throughout previously abandoned areas of the ‘Kashmore’ district of Pakistan; and bring those areas back to life, for agricultural growth and industrial development. Rendering over 85% of all flood related damages obsolete.