What is Parasitic architecture? Identified as an additional structure attached to an already existing larger structure that uses utilities from the host structure. However, this architectural approach has helped to resolve many urban community problems and gaps. For example, unaffordable rents and unavailability of space. Also, provide respite from the heat generated due to overcrowding in the urban area. Parasites in architecture consist of parasitic pods, extensions, installations, apartments, and interventions that depend on host structures, for instance. The parasite architecture exhibits an unusually high profile and visibility and, such installations on a building represent a functional use of the space surrounding it or, are employed in cases undefined and narrow spaces and, are generally considered as an intervention into the public area. Hence justifying the name, are is a list of 10 Examples of Parasitic Architecture around the World.
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1. The Cube in Brussels, Belgium
The Cube is a restaurant in the form of a modular pavilion. This cube is easily attachable and detachable from any building. However, the module designed by Park ass is appropriate for all kinds of climatic conditions and geography. The large and open interiors of the restaurant emphasize an open kitchen and have one large dining table. Moreover, that can be moved by raising it to the ceiling and create a lounge space that can be used when people are not dining.
2. Ipervasi, Nicosia, Cyprus
The Ipervasi was designed by the architects Constantinos Kalisperas and Niko Kourouissis utilizing an old telecommunications UN trailer seen in Nicosia Cyprus. The projection of the numbers allows people to communicate with the structure without obstructing the flow of light from the surface. The industrial and rusty looking container pointing out of a structure in a nearly decaying street that is easily visible to people. The structure was built as a comparison for the ongoing revolution in Cyprus upon the crisis of panic, uncertainty, and redeployment of correspondences and forces.
3. Parasitic CN Tower, Canada
Meanwhile, the Quadrangle has introduced a design for wooden parasitic pods that will be connected to the CN tower. Each pod contains a floor and a ceiling and side walls including trusses that provide insulation. Moreover, the modular pods permit for a variety of configurations that can enable various lifestyles and individual choices.
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4. Homes for the Homeless, UK
Architect James Furzer has designed modular temporary houses for the homeless. These homes are connected freestanding on the sides of existing structures. He also started a campaign on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to support the prototype.
Meanwhile, the lightweight pods consist of a sleeping floor made of timber and fold-down seating. Which can be joined to the external walls of existing structures in London to create a series of late refuges to clarify.
5. Havre 77, Mexico
This parasite or prosthesis placed above all the old three-story brick apartment. The designers are Francisco Pardo and Julio Amezcua. Meanwhile, the material used in this parasite structure steel and concrete. Hence, this structure consists of large glazing and overlooks the central courtyard of the house.
6. The Pocket of Active Resistance, France
The designer of The Pocket of Active Resistance is Stephen Malka. It is a modular housing system that attaches to the interior walls of Arche de la Défense. Moreover, the shelters are connected to the interior walls of the building using ramps and scaffolding. And these modules join collectively to create bigger spaces. They look a bit rough and toylike due to their construction using recycled materials, and each module would cost around 3000 Euros.
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7. Slow Uprising, Italy
Firstly, the Slow Uprising settlement was built by the Ja Studio Inc. under an Italian highway. Secondly, Ja Studio Inc has put a proposal to reuse a decommissioned road innovatively by creating shelter on slanted ramps under the bridge. Thus, this settlement helps to build connections between major junctions of the city, above deep valleys and hairpin roads.
8. Architects’ Prefab Parasite
Australian architect Lana Calder designed Architects’ Prefab parasite. Which completely designed using a parametric digital modeling system. Moreover, all the components of the parasite structure consist of structural systems, facades, cladding, floor levels, and stairs. They are combined and computed into a single digital model. The parametric digital modeling assists in offering dynamism for the parasite to adapt to the various locations. As a result, these dynamic offerings could be potentially occupied.
9. Oase No.7
The Documenta 5 Exhibition that happened in Kassel, in the year 1972, developed Oase No.7.
- Oase No. 7 includes
- Firstly, a transparent sphere with a diameter of 8 meters
- Secondly, ramp built of standard tubular steel sections
That project outwards through the window from the interiors of the building into the transparent sphere. A tubular steel ring was connected to the ramp, at a short distance from the façade. Meanwhile, this ring acts as the external support for the PVC foil shell that helps inflate the sphere when inflated using an air pump.
10. The Parasite Office, Moscow
The location of the Parasite is Moscow. The architect is Za Bor architects. The year of its construction is the year 2011. Meanwhile, the designers have tried to employ inhabited areas of the city. This freestanding parasite structure is placed in a narrow passageway between the buildings. As a result, it symbolizes an organic evolution in joining up the two separate buildings on either side.
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