vertical steps, sloped mechanisms, switchbacks, cable cars, etc. are not practical in most cases. Movement on the ridges as well as along the valleys is no problem - only on the sloped ter- rain do economic and physical limita- tions develop.
Movement between the levels, or when attempting to change levels, has not been solved in a simple, inexpen- sive manner. Much expense and a very involved process are needed.
Maintenance has to confront the ever apparent gravity aspect of slopes. Outdoor moving equipment of any kind is penalised by the slope.
ero-
Inherent in slopes is the increased tendency towards weathering sion from wind, snow, and water for- ces. Any slope structure is subjected to the weathering effects multiplied by the gravity factor of the slope and the channeling effects of precipitation. As a general rule, the less disturbance of the soil surface, the less tendency to aggravate weathering conditions. With present construction methods, much of the soil surface is disturbed and left subject to severe erosion problems. Erosion tends to remove the weak soil layers from the top of the slope, ex- posing stronger soil strata, which can be exploited for foundations.
Linked with the psychological fac- tors, the position of a structure on a slope symbolically influences its situa tional relationship: at peak - domina- tion effect; on slope regressive, blending effect; at foot - protective effect.
Slopes may be either of earth or rock conditions, or a mixture of the two. Basic to slopes which are earth or part earth is the tendency to erode; this is also prevalent in rock areas where slippage of rock plates occurs. Parts of California exhibit soil instabi- lity conditions; yearly vast tracts of houses in these areas suffer under slip page conditions. In general, founda- tions are an expensive item of build- ings; on slopes, foundation costs are increased even more. Foundation work is consequently much more expensive and complicated for high load condi- tions as found in multi-storey struc- tures. If the slope is composed of relatively poor soil as to mechanical strength, then the inherent instability is multiplied by the slope factor. On rock slopes, foundations are more fea- sible, but in many cases the rock shelves are also canted causing footing complexities.
Far East BUILDER, September 1971
steep slopes
slight slopes
level land
>25%
MULTI FAMILY HOUSING EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES BUSINESS COMMERCIAL
HOTELS
MEDICAL FACILITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES
STORAGE
PARKING
PARKS
< 25%
INDUSTRIAL
AGRICULTURE
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT
Some people exhibit fears of steep slope dwellings because of latent inhi- bitions like falling, vertigo, etc. Although not a major problem after acclimatisation to high rise structure, it should be considered in steep slope construction. The adage of Jack and Jill is well ingrained in cultures.
Closely allied to circulation are the problems of moving equipment for construction purposes. Heavy excava- tion, hoisting and transportation equipment are physically difficult to manoeuvre on sloped terrain. Extraor- dinary expenses occur when building in confined slope areas.
The natural stability of the soil is also impaired after a construction pro- ject with standard methods. A large percentage of the total cost is then spent on re-landscaping the slope to prevent erosion and to approximate the original conditons.
Potentials
Most types of activities can be as- sumed by areas that are not dependent on level land conditions. Particularly for urban types of functions, the exis- tence of level land is not primary for many of the activities which are pre- dominant in urban areas.
A new concept of space is more valid. Space refers to three dimen- sional aspects and is not limited by the narrow restriction of land in terms of strictly buildable land. Given practical construction techniques and concepts for building on heretofore unusable areas, there are no physical obstacles to prevent the utilisation of steep slope areas for most urban uses. The valuable flat land, in terms of availabi- lity and use requirements, may be left for activities dependent on level areas for their existence.
An approach
0-5%
SPORTFIELDS
TRANSIT INTERFACE
The approach here presented pro- vides for a building to be located on a narrow strip of the slope in the direc- tion of its maximum gradient. The bulk of the building is composed of two volumes: the major portion posi- tioned on the slope with the other volume positioned on the level section of the ground which prevents the ma- jor volume on the slope from sliding.
There are three inherent and inter- related aspects of the concept: struc- ture, circulation and construction. Cir- culation requirements allow the use of standard mechanical equipment with- out the reliance on expensive systems. The structure system takes advantage of the interaction between sloped and horizontal parts of subsoil supporting capacities, and allows the maximum bearing potential of the subsoil to be utilised. Many current methods of con- struction are easily adapted for use on slope sites. Only small modifications are necessary for most systems; the use of prefabricated concrete elements, lightweight steel systems, and even un- usual structural composites are all avai- lable to the designer. Heavy equipment is not needed on the slope areas during construction. The slope is not despoil- ed by construction procedures. Impli- cations of the interrelated aspects in- clude minimum disturbances to eco- logical balance.
Structural
Soil condition: The resistive capaci ty of the soils in general is much great- er for loads acting perpendicularly to the exterior surface. This factor is one of the prime basis of the presented concept. The special configuration of the building allows the loads to act
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