EPHEMERAL STRUCTURES: An exploration of ephemeral structures in aspects of 'Firmness, Commodity and Delight' (structure, function and aesthetics

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTUREMANIPAL UNIVERSITY

Dissertation Paper November 2014

EPHEMERAL STRUCTURES: An exploration ofephemeral structures in aspects of‘Firmness, Commodity and Delight’

(structure, function and aesthetics)Anuvrat Dasa*

aManipal University, Manipal, 576104, India

Abstract

The concept of ephemerality has much to teach us about planning and design, onflow management, rapid deployment and also about adjustment and elasticity. Thisstudy aims at understanding this by first categorising the various types ofephemeral structures based on their use and technologies through various casestudies. The research methodology employed in this paper also strives to becomprehensive in the sense of covering a wide range of topics on thequalitative, managerial, contextual fronts. The scope of discussion includesbasics and general concepts on the investigated subjects.In employing the adopted methodology of research, the paper commences by aliterature review which aims to set the basic terms and concepts. As thesubjects keep on unfolding, the concept of ephemerality is elaborated throughcase studies. The paper finally proceeds to analysing a number of qualitativeaspects related to the design and construction of ephemeral structures.Keywords: Ephemeral structures; temporary structures; portable structures

1. Introduction

Ephemeral, the word comes from the Greek word ephemeros, meaning

‘lasting just one day.’ Ephemeral structures have been around

since mankind first existed. Before agriculture, humans lived as

hunters and gatherers. They followed the wild herds and the good

weather. Their architecture provided a modicum of comfort while

allowing maximum mobility, freedom and flexibility. These simple

structures were temporary, portable and ephemeral.

Such examples are seen even today on a daily basis as portaloos,

portakabins, exhibition stands, sports event seating, kiosks,

fairground rides, marquees, temporary workshops, warehouses and

commercial and industrial units, pontoons.

2. Literature

The author Brian D Chappel in his research paper ‘Ephemeral

Architecture: Towards a Definition’ tries to arrive at a

definition of the word ephemeral in context to architecture. Over

the years architecture has been looked at as something that is

permanent. But the very first contribution to architecture was a

tent; this was back when humans followed the nomadic culture. Yet

temporary structures are not fully recognized as a form of

architecture. So the author attempts to highlight the growing role

of ephemeral architecture and its implications, but before doing

so he first tries to define it and comes up with the following

definition:

EPHEMERAL ARCHITECTURE

“A class of building designed to be distinguished by impermanence, and its physicaldeparture from the site.”

3. MethodologyBased on the various functions of ephemeral structures one or twocase studies are taken to compare the materials and technologyused in each of them. Under functions three categories wereidentified:

Emergency Natural

Floods Earthquake Cyclone

Man- made Political strife

Events Fairs and festival Sports Exhibition Performance Markets

Defence And, under the category of technology and materials:

Portable structures Deployable structures Demountable structures

4. Data collection

a. Emergency

Natural and man-made disasters as well as changes in climaticconditions are rendering temporary shelters as holding strategiesor short-term solutions with more frequent occurrence. In thissection we will discuss how disasters are a constant source forthe production of temporary structures comparing cases anddiscussing diverse strategies.

b. Events

In this section we will look at case studies related with temporalsettings erected for hosting temporary events that tend to be ofhigh intensity and short duration. Events are constantlyincreasing in scale as well as frequency, and, in consequence, theerection of temporary built structures for short periods of timeto congregate big crowds of people.

c. Defense

The military have a long tradition of planning and implementingcamps all over the world with a high level of efficiency andtechnic. In this session we will look at different cases ofmilitary bases all over the world in order to understand potentiallessons to be extracted and apply to other cases of ephemeralsettlements.

d. Portable structures

A portable structure is designed and built to be movable rather than permanently located. A common modern design is sometimes called a modular building, but portable buildings can be differentin that they are more often used temporarily and taken away later.

e. Deployable structures

A deployable structure is one that can be transformed, with the addition of an energy input, from a closed stage or compact configuration to a predetermined, stable expanded form.

f. Demountable structures

Structures that are able to be dismantled or removed from its setting and readily reassembled or repositioned.

5. Analysis

6. ResultFrom the various case studies and analysis, It can be said thatephemeral structures are:

Quicker to build – Because they don’t need foundations, andalso since all the parts can be quickly made (if they arenot already in stock), temporary structures are exceedinglyquick to erect and dismantle.

Much cheaper than a conventional building – Shorter leadtimes in the planning, designing and building stages, andthe lower costs of components used in the construction willsave you a great deal of money when compared against aconventional building whether you rent or buy outright.

Versatility – It is very easy to change the configuration ofthe structure, or add to it at a later date. It is also veryeasy to relocate it, or dismantle it.

7. ConclusionEphemeral structures describe a system compatible with the

modern pace of change, and works in conjunction with traditionalpermanent architecture. Ephemeral structures do not portend theimminent end of permanence in architecture. Permanence remainsintrinsic to architecture even in light of the endless talk abouta virtual world. At the very least, we still need a place for allthose servers. There is a time and place for these differentarchitectural viewpoints, and this document attempts to highlightthe growing role of EA and its implications. In order to fully andproperly discuss, design, direct and utilize ephemeralarchitecture, we first need to define it. Towards that end, thisdocument tries to identify most of its applications and currenttrend.In conclusion, Ephemeral structures has much to teach us aboutplanning and design, on flow management, rapid deployment and alsoabout adjustment and elasticity, this can be a desirablearchitectural solution to build economical and flexiblearchitecture.

Acknowledgements

I am using this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this dissertation project. I am thankful for their guidance, invaluable constructive criticism and friendly advice during the project work. I am sincerely grateful to them for sharing their truthful and illuminating views on a number of issues related to the project.I would also like to thank my project guide Ar. Sonali Chitgopkar for the useful comments, remarks and engagement through the learning processof this dissertation and all the people who provided me with the facilities being required and conductive conditions for my dissertation project.At last I would like to thank my parents for their support and guidance.

References

1. Abierta, I.-P. F. (n.d.). Retrieved from constant contact: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1110653940188-30/Modest+Proposition++2+091512Final.pdf

2. Chappel, B. D. (2010, 11 26). Ephemeral Architecture. Retrieved from Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/44042590/Ephemeral-Architecture

3.  anammanzo.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/ephemeral-architecture/4. www.mna-stands.com/filosofia/arquitectura-efimera_en.html5. dictionary.reference.com/browse/ephemeral6. theopenshed.com/tossed/ephemeral-architecture-a-stage-set-design-investigation/7. synthetica.ca/live-from berlin/2012/11/11/aydmor0qf0keauiz1bsmul4yplpft2