The exploration of this project intends to create a self-sufficient structure that functions as part of a communal area that connect, serve and unite the community of Tonlé Sap. All the mentioned issues will not be resolved if the people are not unified and well-informed. The design isn’t just a functional structure but also a symbol of development for the people of Tonlé Sap in a collaborative effort to promote life-long sustainable community and to instill positive social change.

 

The repetitive modular design targets easy installation and practice of traditional construction method of the local Khmer houses. Bamboo, reused plastic barrels and palm leaf wall cladding are constructed from readily available, local material and with minimal technological input which solar penal is installed as a gable roof of the rainwater storage tank. Research done indicate that bamboo structure’s weakest point is the joints which will crumple in time due to intensive stress exerted while carrying the live and dead load. Taking innovation from bamboo bicycle making projects, joints of the structure are made of hemp fiber reinforced epoxy which is strong, durable and lighter than steel joints. The offset bamboo platform of the modules also provides circulation and interaction between all the spaces.

 

The entire structure consists of two components: Multiple Detachable Pods and A Mothership. The detachable and higher mobility medical boat targets to outreach and cater the 1.2 million crowd in the most efficient way as possible. The pod is able to reach out to tight corners and shallow canals of the floating village. It will return to the mothership to replenish medical goods as well as forwarding medical data to the research team and hopefully predict and prevent any possible disease.

 

The mothership houses the educational, research and aquaponics platforms. The two educational multipurpose function hall in the ground floor are separated by a courtyard in between. These spaces provide a platform for providence of workshops and facilitation of social services that are needed to improve the quality of life of the people, especially those living in poverty. The proposed activities includes creative recycling workshop, reading classes, communal events as well as day care centers for the children of Tonlé Sap. Whereas the second floor houses the private research area.

 

Floating pools with aquaponics system is definitely the answer to unsustainable fishing as it act as fish hatchery and nursery to increase the survival rate of juvenile fishes before releasing back to the wild. The aquaponics ponds are close loop ecosystem where the aquatic plant’s root act as biological filters removing contamination and excess nutrients from the water. The purified water is then returned to the fishes. This system prevent further pollution of lake water from over fertilization and sediments. The hydroponic wastewater purification system also hope to educate the locals to practice sustainable fishing and planting which will benefit them in the long run. The purified water in the fishless pond can be treated and bottled into drinking water before given to the community involved.