Week 1

Earthquake

An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

Here's a very informative video on how earthquakes are induced.
Most of the deadliest earthquakes occurs along the edge of two or more tectonic plate, the plates moves in different directions, and sometime they becomes locked in, and once it builds enough pressure, it suddenly becomes unlocked and release the stored up energy and causing destructive force.

Impact on human

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake or the Great Sichuan Earthquake, measured at 8.0 Ms and 7.9 Mw, and occurred at 02:28:01 PM China Standard Time at epicenter on Monday, the quake lasting for around 2 minutes, in the quake almost 80% of buildings were destroyed.

In the images of the aftermath, majority of the builds are reduced to debris, some of the apartment buildings seems to barely holding up, while the timber structures are completely destroyed.


Aftermath

Shipping Contained in Architecture

There are countless numbers of empty, unused shipping containers around the world just sitting on shipping docks taking up space. The reason for this is that it’s too expensive for a country to ship empty containers back to their origin. In most cases, it’s just cheaper to buy new containers from Asia. The result is an extremely high surplus of empty shipping containers

Advantages:

• Abundant in availability
• Low cost (as low as $900 each)
• Durable
• Strength
• Less time and work required to make it habitable
• Easily transported
• Less energy intensive compared to traditional construction

Disadvantages:

• The containers are coated with harmful chemicals for it withstand ocean transporting
• The internal timber flooring are sprayed with hazardous pesticides

To make it habitable

The entire structure needs to be sandblasted bare, floors need to be replaced, and openings need to be cut with a torch or fireman’s saw. The average container eventually produces nearly a thousand pounds of hazardous waste before it can be used as a structure. All of this, coupled with the fossil fuels required to move the container into place with heavy machinery, contribute significantly to its ecological footprint.

Modern Examples

PUMA City, Shipping Container Store

Shipping Container House / Studio H:T

Compare and Contrast

The external difference between the two structures are, Puma city embraces the aesthetic of shipping container, while the house uses timber cladding to surround the contain, almost hiding it away.

Internally puma city design is dictated by the dimensions of the containers, while the house uses the container as a core structure, and seems to be designed around the container.


Excerpts From The Sociological Review

"ideal home reveal that people from diverse backgrounds express a consistent preference for a free-standing house with a yard and occupied by a single family" p67

The needs and fulfillment of a home seems to be constant withing all human.


"Home is often described in the literature as a haven or refuge. It is depicted as a place and/or space where people can retreat and relax." p70

A home is a place where we seek comfort and provides us warmth and security.

Excerpts From Geographical Review

"The personalization of space is an assertion of identity and a means of ensuring stimulation." p383

A sense of personal identity interacts with our dwelling.


Reference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30SFfPvcss0
YouTube,. 'Animation-Earthquake Guide'. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Sichuan_earthquake
Wikipedia,. '2008 Sichuan Earthquake'. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.

http://www.archdaily.com/160892/the-pros-and-cons-of-cargo-container-architecture/
Pagnotta, Brian. 'The Pros And Cons Of Cargo Container Architecture'. ArchDaily. N.p., 2011. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.

http://www.archdaily.com/10620/puma-city-shipping-container-store-lot/
Basulto, David. 'PUMA City, Shipping Container Store / LOT-EK'. ArchDaily. N.p., 2008. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.

http://www.archdaily.com/222361/shipping-container-house-studio-ht/
ArchDaily,. 'Shipping Container House / Studio H:T'. N.p., 2012. Web. 3 Mar. 2015.