Structural Designer
StructureMode
Client Name
Help the Cambodian Children, Bomnong L’or Centre
Location
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Orkidstudio
Proserve Ltd
Local people - 50% female who were paid for their time.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
These new school and community buildings were erected by a largely unskilled workforce of Orkidstudio volunteers and local people in eight weeks, during monsoon season. The centre uses a “Fabric formwork” design - a simple and robust construction method for casting reinforced concrete beams and columns. StructureMode researched and tested the technique both physically and using computer analysis, before producing 3D sequencing diagrams to illustrate and simplify the construction process.
Judge's comment: The judges enjoyed this practical application of a fabric formwork system for concrete. While it did not use all the potential benefits of self-shaped structure, it did overcome all the practical challenges of anchoring the sometimes large tensions in the fabric itself using basic carpentry available in this remote location.
Judge's comment: