TOPOGRAPHY: ELEVATION & SLOPE

WHY IS RESPONDING TO TOPOGRAPHY IMPORTANT IN SITE PLANNING?

  • Position, Shape, and Orientation of Building:

    • Understanding the topography is crucial in determining how to position, shape, and orient a building within a site.

  • Cost, Drainage, and Stability:

    • Topography directly affects the cost of construction, drainage systems, and the overall stability of the structure.

  • Architecture-Landscape Harmony:

    • Proper handling of topographical features results in harmony between architecture and landscape.

  • Philosophical Note:

    • "Good design does not force nature to adapt, but invites buildings to adapt to nature." - This emphasizes an adaptive approach over a confrontational one in design.

TOPOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

  • Contour Maps:

    • Recognize contour lines which represent elevations on a map.

  • Slope Analysis:

    • Classify slopes into categories:

    • 0–3%: Flat

    • 3–8%: Moderate Slope

    • 8–15%: Quite Steep

    • >15%: Steep

  • 3D Models:

    • Utilize 3D models to better understand the shape and characteristics of the soil and terrain.

BASIC DESIGN STRATEGY TO CONTOUR

  1. Mengikuti Kontur (Following Contours)

  2. Terasering (Terracing)

  3. Panggung (Raised Structure)

  4. Membenam ke Tanah (Buried into Ground)

  5. Menonjol sebagai Landmark (Stand Out as a Landmark of Contrast)

  • Connections to Techniques:

    • Cut and Fill: A land movement technique to create a level area.

    • Stilts: Structures elevated on columns to follow natural contours.

    • Earth-Sheltered Buildings: Structures embedded into the earth.

CONTOUR FOLLOWING

  • Description:

    • Buildings adapted to fit the natural contours of the land.

  • Construction Approach:

    • Utilizes minimal cut and fill, generally resulting in split-level designs.

  • Advantages:

    • Blends harmoniously with the landscape, resulting in minimal ecological disturbance.

  • Example:

    • A house situated on a hillside or a villa designed to follow the contours of the land.

CUT AND FILL / TERASERING

  • Definition:

    • Forming flat terraces on medium to steep slopes for building sites.

  • Construction Techniques:

    • Requires the implementation of retaining walls and effective drainage systems.

  • Advantages:

    • Creates usable flat areas for development.

  • Challenges:

    • Associated with high construction costs and a significant risk of erosion.

STILTS

  • Structure Description:

    • The building is supported by columns, allowing the natural contours of the ground to remain undisturbed.

  • Advantages:

    • Maintains native soil integrity while providing safety in steep or coastal regions.

  • Example:

    • Traditional stilt houses found in the archipelago regions and tropical architecture situated on slopes.

'BURIED' INTO THE GROUND (EARTH-SHELTERED)

  • Description:

    • Buildings either partially or entirely embedded into the natural contour of the site.

  • Function:

    • Ground walls act as thermal insulation.

  • Advantages:

    • Energy-efficient, stable temperatures, and protection from extreme climatic conditions.

STAND OUT AS A LANDMARK OF CONTRAST

  • Description:

    • The building contrasts with the existing contours, becoming a visual focal point of the site.

  • Advantages:

    • Supports regional identity and adds symbolic aesthetic value.

  • Example:

    • Casa Malaparte in Capri, Italy, renowned for its striking minimalist design against the landscape.

DETERMINING FACTORS FOR CHOOSING A STRATEGY

  1. Degree of Slope:

  2. Soil Type and Stability:

  3. Climate and Wind Direction:

  4. Function and Space Requirements:

  5. Aesthetic and Symbolic Value:

  6. Environmental Aspects:

ARCHITECTURE–LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION

  • Local Vegetation:

    • Utilize local flora to mitigate erosion and promote harmony with the landscape.

  • Natural Drainage:

    • Ensure that natural drainage patterns remain functional and effective.

  • Combined Elements:

    • Integrate features such as retaining walls, gabion walls, and terraced gardens.

  • Form-Slope-View Connection:

    • Design should effectively connect form, slope, and views to create a cohesive aesthetic.

CONCLUSION

  • Design Strategy:

    • Strategies directed at contouring are not merely techniques but represent a dialogue between architecture and landscape.

  • Understanding and Respect:

    • Recognizing the shape and nuances of the land is essential, and strategies should respect the natural topography.

  • Utilizing Contours:

    • Accepting contours as opportunities for innovative design solutions.

QUIZ

  1. Question: Which strategy is best suited for hilly conditions like many places in Indonesia?

  2. Question: What are the disadvantages of a stilt building model in an area that is at risk of flooding?