Zero Boundary Lines

This project proposes an alternative way of establishing vertical accommodations, by appreciating more diverse spatial values and architectural qualities. This project also addresses the environmental problem of dust pollution. A building is proposes, which takes both of these issues into account, and reacts on them through its design.

It is a known fact in nature, that ecosystems with a high level of diversity and variation is stronger, and more adaptable to change, than more homogeneous systems. Multiculturalism and the ability to comprehend complexity, is a high value, in terms of innovation and critical thinking. These realities also concern the spatial environments we inhabit. Lack of variation in spatial qualities, reduces our opportunities in regards to nurture a strong and diverse coexistence. In China entire areas of old houses are being removed in favor of forests of cloned high-rises, but what activities and spatial values are being abandoned on the ground, in the process of lifting up people and placing them on shelves? The shape, texture, size and location of our built environment has an impact on the airflow and climate of cities. Architects plays a role in the shaping of our built environment and maybe there is a potential for rethinking designs and use of the airflow of buildings to collect and separate dust from the air thus reduce urban dust-pollution? I have developed a device, which separates and contains airborne dust particles. I tested this device on locations in the city of Lanzhou, and used the gained knowledge in the development of my project This thesis proposes an alternative way of establishing vertical accommodations. By appreciating more diverse spatial values and architectural qualities, this proposal aims to provide for accommodation, not only by lifting up plain domestic need, but attempts to include and raise more traditional culture and street level environment into a vertical orientation. By doing this, these values are being preserved, but at the same time reconfigured to match future realities. The aim is to secure diversity in spatial environments. At the same time, this proposal addresses the environmental problem of dust pollution. The airborne dust pollution clearly compromises the qualities of the urban environment. This thesis proposes a building, which takes this problem into account and reacts on it through its design. This building will be sited in a central location of Lanzhou.