The Ghost Settlement
Overhead view of the Settlement from a new Phnom Penh.
The Ghost Settlement
In the way of data, many homes in Phnom Penh do not exist. They are like ghosts, present and absent at the same time. My architectural response is a commentary on this condition, an exercise in world creation and a negotiation of my interests in technological environments and improvisation in architecture.
In a speculated scenario Phnom Penh has become a dense corporate jungle. The remaining ghost inhabitants thrive in a limbo state, an infrastructure that harnesses wind, rain and tide to conceal itself in a cloud of artificial mist. My architecture mirrors the uncertainty of their forgotten lifestyle: ambiguous in its existence. It is defined by conjunctural spaces, ephemeral elements, and improvised performances.
The Cardinal Tamagotchi
The genesis of the project: an environmental prototype that responds to wind direction. A digital compass informs the Arduino micro controller which direction the weather vane is pointing and the air pumps inflate the corresponding inflatable. Its heart beats slowly.
Hierarchy of Elements
-1: System of Mist Generation
0: The Skeleton
1: Ephemeral Housing
2: Field of Improvisation
Design Considerations
Inspiration is drawn from both the Cambodian vernacular and elements of DIY living.
Plan
Jute fabric is stretched between the steel bars to create a textured webbing. The skeleton allows harvesters to circulate the entire settlement.
Harvester
An environmental prototype that harvests vacant houses to construct the Settlement gate.
Section
The method of generating the artificial mist alternates seasonally between the use of rain water, wind and the tide.
Settlement Activity
Overview of some activities that take place in the Settlement.
View From River
A visualisation of the Settlement from Tonle Sap River during the monsoon season.
