map of bangkok illustrated by cindy george, indra prasasto, kaitlyn schwalber & tirta teguh
The newly design kink spring( size of a fist) will be able to hold a gigajoule of power which quadruples the capacity weigh ratio of any other springs on the market.
The SpringLife Factory, located at the Farang Manufacturing District, have been enjoying monopoly in the energy industry in the last few years. Under the leadership of Mr. Anderson, the demand for kink springs have increased exponentially. This was possible after the breakthrough of a kink spring invented by the late Yates, where its small-scale size holds a gigajoule of power. The spring quadruples the capacity-weight ratio of any other springs on the market and is the most portable power since gasoline. However, the production has been limited due to the old infrastructure of the factory. The number of megodonts in the current factory do not support the intensive electricity usage needed to cope with the large amount of production. Electricity were often being cut off due to the rebellious nature of the megodonts. Such inconsistency of electricity supply have caused massive losses for the SpringLife Factory. Also, the harsh environment in the factory makes productivity of its worker much lower than desired. The current condition of the factory is so bad that the workers have to wear triple filter masks. Often, their bodies are covered in sweat and pale powder which is extremely poisonous. The poor maintenance of the factory throughout the years have also caused rusting to happen within the equipment. Therefore, an autonomous factory is needed to support the exponential demand of kink springs. The new design proposes a modular vertical tower that could grow overtime. The factory will be a machine for a profitable and efficient production. By providing housing for the workers above the factory, the SpringLife Factory could offer a higher quality of life for its inhabitants. It will be a benchmark for the 23rd century factory. Through various design proposal, a new relationship between the workers and production will be established.
above: axonometric digram showing the different layers of programs within the SpringLife Factory.
The proposed autonomous factory would require a renovation of the existing SpringLife Factory. It will be a palimpsest of the existing site; building above the urban fabric. The new design consist of four main parts: the public space, the electric generator, the factory, and worker’s apartment. Each section of the facility would work simultaneously to ensure a more productive and healthier environment for its workers and users.
The entire building will be raised above the street level to ensure security within the building. At the same time, it gives the building an opportunity to create a threshold area between the public and the private. The raised platform will be crucial at times of flooding too as it will prevent saltwater from damaging any of the facility and equipment in the building. Vegetation will be grown around the façade as green coverings can significantly reduce pollutants in the air. This could also reduce the indoor temperature of the building significantly too. A green façade would give the public the impression that SpringLife’s products are more environmentally sound and cares about the wellbeing of its workers and users. Huge Fans will be attached to the façade of the building too to ensure a better ventilation in the factory; workers can work in the factory more comfortably.
Above the factory will be the worker’s living apartment. It consists of a modular system (each unit has a dimension of 12.5’ x 12.5’ x 10’) that could be added or removed when needed. The benefit of using the modular system are flexibility is programs and design, and reduction in cost. A central courtyard will be needed in the apartment building for vertical circulation, as well as to create a stack effect to cool down the building. Two cranes will be above the apartment units at all times to expedite the process of adding and subtracting. Various programs can be added to the apartment units to improve the well-being of the workers such as a food hall and a hospital. The factory will be more than just a factory. It will be a place where workers can inhabit and grow together with the infrastructure.
section of autonomous factory
elevation of autonomous factory
the public space
By demolishing the existing high walled fortress on the ground floor, it will be able to invite the people around the perimeter of the factory. This will be a sign of trust between the factory and the public. Various public activities can happen in this area, such as a market, a festival or celebration. The field of columns, both physically and symbolically links to transparency and honesty; values that the SpringLife factory advocate. The façade of the ground floor uses traditional Thai ornamentation to give the public a sense of familiarity. The goal of the design of the ground floor is to cultivate trust and confidence among the public towards SpringLife’s products. Other than being a public space, it is also the only access to the SpringLife Factory. Three elevators ( 1 big elevator for the maneuver of the megodonts and equipment and 2 smaller ones for the staff members to use) will be placed in the center of the field of columns to ensure security within the factory. Workers must be granted permission when leaving the factory.
the electric generator
The megodonts comprise the living heart of the factory’s drive system, providing energy for conveyor lines, venting fans and manufacturing machinery. However, due to its rebellious nature, and to prevent any property damage caused by the creature, a space must be designed to inculcate discipline. Instead of using the older power spindles where the megodont would tread around in circles, a small cylindrical space was designed to allow the megodonts to generate electricity efficiently in isolation. It will be space not only for work, but for eating, sleeping and resting. A better use of space have enabled 8 megadonts to be generating energy at a time , instead of 4 in the past. The cylindrical space has operable doors too to prevent any external interruption to cause distraction. The isolated space will reduce the number of mahouts needed to manage the creature, as it is an extremely dangerous job. Such design would encourage the megodonts to greater labor.
the factory
Inspired by the panopticon, the office’s observation window is able to overlook the entire manufacturing process. This could ensure a smoother and more efficient production process. By using the godown typology, the factory will be an open space where various programs could be added or removed over time. Everything varying from the production of springs to algae to quality assurance will happen in this space. With the help of the huge ventilation fans and green façade on the exterior, the working environment will improve significantly compared to the older factory. With the new design, the workers will be able work 12 hours shifts daily rather than 8; boosting productivity in production
the worker's apartment
The housing units consist of a modular system of 12.5’ x 12.5’ x 10’ that could be interchangeable depending on the user’s needs. The apartment maximizes space to increase efficiency and profitability. Double decker beds will be used for every unit and a simple closet will be shared among the workers. Although the sleeping units might be small, various programs will be provided to ensure a more comfortable living. A hospital will be provided to treat any workers who are ill; sometimes, preventing the spread of any viruses. A food hall will be provided to ensure the workers are getting the proper nutrients after a long day at work. Furthermore, a childcare will assist families with kids to ensure their 14-hour shifts will not be disrupted. A central courtyard will be needed in the apartment building for vertical circulation, as well as to create a stack effect to cool down the building. The SpringLife factory will be able to provide the needs of the workers in a single building and would reduce the need of leaving the building.
The autonomous factory will be able to support the exponential demand of kink springs. By providing housing for the workers above the factory, the SpringLife Factory could offer a higher quality of life for its inhabitants. The four sections of the factory will work simultaneously, and will be a role model in efficiency and productivity for factories in the 23rd century.