From Surface to Volume

Project idea

The project introduces an innovative, dual-purpose community facility designed to rapidly adapt to urban emergencies. On normal days, the structure serves as a standard sports hall with a flat timber floor. However, in times of crisis, it undergoes a complete metamorphosis, transforming from a recreational court into a medical clinic within 48 hours. The core of this design is a concealed, ground-integrated modular system that operates on a "from surface to volume" principle. The entire transformation is fully man-powered and requires absolutely no tools. The kinetic wooden floor planks conceal a structural frame that can be manually raised 90 degrees into an upright position. This lifting process is highly efficient, utilizing a shock absorber support system that reduces the lifting load and provides necessary cross-bracing. Once raised, the frames are securely fixed in place using mechanical locking joints. The structural integrity is ensured by square-shaped mortises that prevent rotation, while rubber polymer bumpers reduce friction and guarantee a tight fit. Following the frame deployment, a roll-down antibacterial medical canvas mechanism encloses the space to form a volume. Finally, modular medical furniture—such as cots, stands, and carts—is placed within the enclosed area. Through the sequential deployment of these modular systems, the dormant structure hidden beneath the athletic surface successfully converts into universally accessible, sterile, and safe life-support modules and independent patient rooms.

Project description

Abstract & Concept Overview
The Timber Resilience Hub is an architectural response to the urgent need for adaptable disaster relief infrastructure. Located in Istanbul, the project operates as a dual-purpose community anchor. Under everyday conditions, the building serves as a vibrant public sports facility featuring a dynamic, adaptive facade. However, in times of crisis, the structure undergoes a complete metamorphosis, transforming from a recreational court into a fully operational medical clinic within just 48 hours. The Transformation: From Surface to Volume
The core innovation of the project lies in its seamless "from surface to volume" transformation principle. Hidden beneath the flat, warm wood sports floor is a dormant, ground-integrated kinetic system. Crucially, the entire transformation process is designed to be fully man-powered and completely tool-free. The access panels of the kinetic floor planks open to reveal thin wooden frames. These retracted frames are manually raised 90 degrees into an active, upright position via an integrated hinge mechanism. Structural and Technical Details
The deployment of the system is engineered for rapid assembly, safety, and efficiency: Lifting Mechanics: A built-in shock absorber support system drastically reduces the lifting load and provides essential cross-bracing for the structural frames. Locking Joints: The damped structural frame is fixed securely in place using a mechanical locking joint. A square-shaped mortise effectively prevents rotation, while a rubber polymer bumper reduces friction and ensures a tight, stable fit. Sterile Enclosure: Once the kinetic frame is elevated, a roll-down canvas mechanism deploys an antibacterial medical canvas to enclose the space. Interior Fit-out: The newly formed volume is then equipped with essential modular medical furniture, including cots, stands, and carts. Conclusion
Through the sequential deployment of these concealed modular systems, independent patient rooms are rapidly established. The metamorphosis of the structure hidden beneath the surface provides universally accessible, sterile, and safe life-support modules. The Timber Resilience Hub redefines emergency architecture, ensuring that communities possess a resilient infrastructure capable of adapting instantly to preserve life during urban crises.

Technical information

Technical Specifications & Structural DetailsTransformation ParametersDeployment Time: 48 Hours. Assembly Method: 100% Man-powered, tool-free transformation. System Type: Kinetic sports floor to patient cubicle system. Spatial Principle: "From Surface to Volume". Kinetic Floor & Frame SystemPhase 1 - Dormant State: The sports floor remains completely flat, with the kinetic floor planks closed. The thin kinetic frame is fully retracted beneath the floor level. The access panels of the concealed modular, ground-integrated system remain closed. Phase 2 - Deployment: The structural frames are activated via a hinge mechanism. The damped structural frame is manually rotated to a 90-degree upright position. Phase 3 - Volume Formation: Once the frame is active, a roll-down canvas mechanism is utilized to create the formed patient cubicle. The volume is then furnished with modular medical furniture, including cots, stands, and carts. Joints & Mechanical DetailsLocking Mechanism: The frame is securely fixed in its upright position using a mechanical locking joint. Anti-Rotation: A square-shaped mortise is designed into the joint to prevent unwanted rotation of the structural supports. Friction Control: A rubber polymer bumper is integrated into the connection to reduce friction and ensure a tight, stable fit. Load Management: A built-in shock absorber support system is implemented. This critical component reduces the manual lifting load and provides necessary cross-bracing for structural integrity. Material SpecificationsBase Surface: Sports Floor constructed from Warm Wood. Structure: Frame constructed from Thin Wood. Enclosure: Antibacterial Medical Canvas (Interior Blue/White). System ExpansionModularity: Through the sequential deployment of these modular ground-integrated systems, multiple independent patient rooms can be established across the facility.

Documentation

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