PARASITE /ˈparəsʌɪt/
The word parasite as often used is a very repulsive term, but when put to the right use can transform into a beautiful symbiotic relationship. Parasitic architecture is a new era in architecture and can be the solution to most Urban density problems of today.
Simply put, parasitic architecture is defined as a building that is attached or built onto an existing larger structure. It is developed to solve common city problems such as congestion and suffocation in urban areas which is the need of the hour in our country.
"Architecture, if designed and used correctly can be an empowering tool. It can provide many different elements to one's life, security, warmth, protection and even a sense of well being."
- James Furner
Finding land is the biggest problem of affordable housing, along with socio - economic norms that tie up the community, it is getting harder by the day to establish new grounds for construction. Land masses are used to construct towering structures and other low rise profiles and thereby reducing the availability of usable land, this then leads to depletion of land otherwise kept for resources. Parasitic architecture not only accommodates the existing population but also helps reduce the already inundated congestion.
As a parasite, what if this new form of architecture
relied on a host, for structure, services and access?
grew around an existing structural architectural element?
served as an agent of social change that promoted architecture to service unbiased of class?
From homeless to the rich, parasitic architecture provides quick benefits to both, proving that architecture goes beyond class and the fragile norms with which the society is held up. Numerous modular iterations can be made to harbor the parasitic buildings onto pre-existing ones in order to equip the host with an organic profit. For instance, the new construction can be done in a manner where it provides relief to the host in terms of climate responsive elements, or in terms of materials, or even in terms of economic bearing.
The host and the additional structure can both uphold the cultural aspects and bring about a utopian ideology where the old and new co-exist and reap the benefits equally. It opens the doors to a plethora of forms and structures that can be manipulated innumerably.
The choice of materials, the above ground landscape, the brutalist structures all together create a functional and aesthetic contradiction, which not only is a solution but also an added value towards humanitarian efforts and accommodation. Yes, India is populous and it is the need of the hour to start rethinking solution to better lifestyle and accommodation in the most profitable and simple manner possible.
The Indian legislation currently does not make it easy to reinterpret this form of architecture freely, with compound restrictions and height limits, it makes it hard to imbibe the real characteristics of this architectural stream.
"These projects, and many more innovative projects, can force us to rethink priorities, legislation and established dogma."
- Abellenas
Parasitic architecture not only defines solutions but also provides a platform where structural challenges can be dealt with in the most innovative form. It is the most economic and eco-friendly solution to most urban congestion as it dilutes the efforts to construct an element from scratch.
In the Indian context, right from the slums of Dharavi to the Hiranandani towers, such a form of architecture can be adapted to exploit even the minimum space to the maximum extent, such forms can also be applied along the markets of India and be made temporary, reducing foot traffic, pollution and congestion. Vertical constructions that are founded upon other structures can be incorporated in a manner where the added portion can be manipulated.
Viewpoints, hanging gardens, higher storey markets and commercials, cafes and restaurants that unfold outside, projected museums and art stations, mobile homes for the homeless are a few ideas from the top of my head that can be brought about through this unconventional parasitic form, in reality although, this will take many years to get implemented. Variations and aesthetics applied, this could be the future of construction and architecture.
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