ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO AGATA KORZENIEWSKA
MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
CONTENTS
FLUX EXHIBITION SPACE PROPOSAL (p.38) MILAN STUDY TRIP (p.10)
LAKA COMPETITION (p.3)
WORKSHOPS (p.24)
MANCHESTER AIRPORT SITE ANALYSIS (p.15)
PAVILION PROPOSAL (p.27)
2
LAKA
ARCHITECTURE THAT REACTS
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THE REASON WHY
SANDSTORMS AS MAJOR PROBLEM IN MANY AREAS
Global warming is an issue that is becoming more distinct in our day to day lives.With drastic environmental changes and out of season activity happening frequently around the world, architecture needs to not only withstand these changes, but also start reacting to it. Extreme weather plays a huge part in these changes with strong winds being a frequent problem on both a large and a small scale.
Sand storms create a large problem in drier climates, particularly in the Middle East. Although sparsely populated, these areas are still of great importance. Trade routes and people’s way of life depend on being able to travel through these areas safely, and sand storms can be a real danger to them. Focusing on the Bedouin trails of Jordan, where sand storms of varying magnitude can be a daily occurrence, we decided to come up with a design that would allow people to safely navigate these great expanses.
SANDSTORMS LOCATION
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INSPIRATIONS
NATURE AS DERIVING POINT OF THE DESIGN
Looking largely at how certain animals react to harsh environments and potential threats, our proposal is based on the ability to strengthen and adapt when necessary. Like the armadillo, our structure will take its required protective form only when needed. The shape itself is inspired by natural sand dunes, therefore suiting the environment perfectly. Strong winds and sand storms travelling across the dessert would naturally pass over the structure due to its aerodynamic shape, making it more stable with minimal effort. When not in use, the structure lies flat on the ground, inconspicuous and discrete.
The desert is one of the most uninhabitable climates that exists on our planet. However, our design enables practical, safe and efficient access to basic necessities when endangered as for now, such provision is inexistent. Therefore we believe that our proposal introduces and encourages further usage of smart materials to generate more eco-friendly, reactive and truly innovative architecture to hugely improve our future.
On a larger scale, our proposal is to erect multiple structures to mark out desert trails. The construction, also equipped with adapted triangular solar panels, provides the possibility for future electric cars and other electronics to be recharged during their journey through the desert. Multiple structures will enable people who are travelling to continue their journey uninterrupted. When sand storms threaten, they will be able to seek shelter in the nearest structure which will be clearly recognisable due to the prominence of the wind turbines against the sparse surroundings.
Inspired by the sand dune, we developed a form that is most efficient in terms of energy and is structurally stable on the sands.
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MATERIALITY The technology that enables this proposal to be a reality lies in the material. Over the past few years electro-active polymers have become increasingly appropriate as a material and this trend is likely to continue. In its original state the material is flexible and lightweight. However when a current is applied, the material becomes much stronger and solid in form. The form it takes can be pre-programmed, allowing for flexibility in design. The more current applied to it the stronger it becomes. Considering the need for electricity in a remote location, the design incorporates a wind turbine. Depending on how much electricity the turbine is generating (based on wind speed which reaches up to 60 miles per hour) sensors in the structure will recognise when sand storms are likely to occur and will automatically react.
The Morpho - Ecologies approach is based precisely on this: to derive material systems on the basis of their observed performative capacities, by utilising both the micro - structure of the material itself and the meso - structure of a designed material assembly. M. Hensel, A. Menges, The heterogenous space of morpho - ecologies
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DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION SYMPOSIUM URBAN APPLICATION OF THE SCHEME
The operation principle of our proposal can be also adapted to urban conditions. Slightly changed and mechanised, we decided to propose the smart bus stops that react to the changing weather conditions. This would constitute a more comfortable shelter for everyday use making difficult weather conditions more bearable. However, this proposal requires quite a lot of electricity and different mechanisms so for the LAKA competition we decided to focus on the initial idea and keep our structure to the desert environment.
ENERGY DIAGRAMS
OPEN
CLOSED 7
OPERATION PRINCIPLE
CAVITY BETWEEN CHANNELS ON A SUNNY DAY THE STRUCTURE SERVES AS AN ECO - CHARGER AND A LANDMARK
STEEL CHANNELS
WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, THE CURRENT IS BEING GENERATED WITHIN THE POLE. THAT INITIATES THE ERECTION OF THE STRUCTURE BOTH THROUGH THE PREVIOUSLY PROGRAMMED MATERIAL AND MECHANISM
TRIANGULAR SOLAR PANELS
ETHYLENE TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE (ETFE)
ELECTRO - ACTIVE POLYMER (HINGE) DURING VERY STRONG WINDS, THE STRUCTURE CONSTITUTES A DURABLE SHELTER OF THE MOST EFFICIENT AERODYNAMIC SHAPE
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A key characteristics is the capacity of materials and material systems to self - organise in response to an external stimulus. This concerns a type of system development that is characterised by the fact that the form-giving influences derivefrom the system itself and that it evolves from the interaction of all subsystems. M. Hensel, A. Menges, The heterogenous space of morpho - ecologies
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MILAN STUDY TRIP 10
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PAVILION ANALYSIS LIVE PERFORMANCE SPACES
BELGIAN PAVILION Belgian pavilion incorporates the live performance space which is open to everybody. This way the pavilion engages with the public and allows the flow within the space.
SENSES DEFINING THE PERCEPTION OF SPACE AZERBAIJAN PAVILION
Azerbaijani pavilion from the moment of entry allows the possibility of experiencing space with all senses. Exhibiting music as the major cultural element of Azerbaijan, it employs different acoustic elements such as the sculptural representation of a sound wave which moves according to the music played and the sculptural pomegranate tree which also serves as a sound diffusor.
HUNGARIAN PAVILION Hungarian pavilion constitutes mainly of a large performance space displaying the piano designed in Hungary. This pavilion does not allow for public intervention but it generates the unique performance space every time it is being used.
SKETCH BY SIMMETRICO NETWORK
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PAVILION ANALYSIS MEMBRANE STRUCTURES MEXICAN PAVILION
The design of the Mexican pavilion was inspired by the most popular crop from that region - corn. It explores the gastronomic, cultural and ecological wealth of Mexico. The skin of the building is made of a natural material that is supposed to give the glimpse of an interior. The material has a similar texture and characteristics to fabric therefore the structure is a membrane, kept in tension. The structure can be lit at night.
GERMAN PAVILION
KUWAITI PAVILION
German pavilion presents itself under the theme Field of Ideas - a fertile landscape full of ideas for future human nutrition underlining the importance of cooperating with nature in the process. The central design structural elements are membrane shelters in organic shapes - the Idea Seedlings. Those elements inspired by nature link the interior and exterior spaces allowing the blend of architecture and exhibition.
Kuwaiti pavilion explores the creation of new life through the combination of natural elements. It represents the extraordinary mixture of culture and tradition with the cultural and scientific base of the Kuwaiti contemporary culture. The main element of the structure of the pavilion are the tensile fabric components that create the overlapping mebrane structure.
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OLD
R O
O S
C
L A
B I R
A G
I D
NEW 14
MANCHESTER AIRPORT SITE ANALYSIS
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TRAIN STATIONS
LOCATION AND USAGE DEMOGRAPHICS
Manchester Airport train station is located in a crucial spot between skylinks to Terminals 1,3 and 2. It lies in the heart of the Airport City, bringing people in from North West and all England. Currently the people using trains as their main mean of transport are students, tourists and elderly however this will hopefully change with the expansion of the public transport sector. This aims to change Airport City into more environmentally - friendly and less dependent on private transport sectors.
OTHER 2% MERCHANT 3% WORKERS 6%
ELDERLY 14% STUDENTS 42%
TOURISTS 33%
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TRAIN STATIONS
RAIL NETWORKS AND OPERATORS
There are 5 different rail operators that link Manchester Airport with all major cities from all over United Kingdom.
Manchester Airport is connected directly to Crewe, Manchester Picadilly, Glasgow, Edinburgh Waverley, Carlisle, York, Doncaster, Sheffield and Blackpool North. Each of those stations has links to the major cities all around United Kingdom, what makes Manchester Airport easily accessible by train. There are 9 trains per hour to Manchester Picadilly.
Manchester Airport’s rail connection has been open since 1993 when The Station was built. It connects to the Styal Line via a branched connection between Heald Green and Styal.
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TRAIN STATIONS
CIRCULATION AND PASSENGER FLOW
Due to the dominant leisure function of the airport, there is a clear seasonal change in the passenger flow being the largest in August and the smallest in January. It highly affects the efficiency of the airport systems and also reduces the ability of the airport to reach its 50mln passengers per year target.
The construction of the HS2 line and its connection to Manchester Airport has the potential to significantly increase the number of passengers traveling to the airport by train. It also creates a much faster connection with Manchester city centre and other cities in the North West. The HS2 station is located to the west of Manchester Airport due to an already congested mix of railways and roads to the east.
CIRCULATION FACILITIES DISTRIBUTION OF PEOPLE
The analysis of the circulation in The Station clearly shows the immediate transfer of people from the station to skylinks. People are distributed around facilities while they wait for their train and along the platforms accordingly. This proves the purely transit character of the space.
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TRAIN STATIONS
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IDEAL TRAIN STATION
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COMMERCE ANALYSIS MAJOR EMPLOYMENT AREAS
The area which benefits mostly from the employment possibilities is Gorton what is directly linked with good transport connections from those areas to the airport. However, one would assume that an Airport City would provide bigger amount of job for people from the local areas, surrounding the site. The fact that it is more benefitable to commute from Gorton or Hapurhey to the airport than from Wythenshawe for example shows which aspect in terms of both commerce and transport should be addressed next.
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COMMERCE ANALYSIS EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME ANALYSIS
Manchester Airport is a vital economic asset not only for Manchester but for the whole North West region. It provides one of the most effective international gateways for business travels. All of those numbers are expected to increase visibly after the expansion of Manchester Airport.
All 16 520 jobs is located in the area of Greater Manchester
Manchester airport induced the generation of 9040 new workplaces within whole North West region.
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COMMERCE ANALYSIS
TYPES OF FLIGHTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON COMMERCE
According to the official statistics released by the airport, it is mainly leisure, holiday oriented destination with leisure flights constituting 80% of all. Also, the connectivity of Manchester to other European cities is not so great in terms of business partners. Therefore this is something that needs to be improved at the airport within the expansion project.
MANCHESTER
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COMMERCE ANALYSIS SHOP TYPOLOGY
The diagram shows the stress put on clothing, gifts, cosmetics and travel essentials which constitute over 70% of the whole shops within the airport. Most of them are also located on the airside what imposes on people quicker transfer from the landside and longer time spent after the security gates. Looking at the brands operating at the airport, I would suggest the need of incorporating more of local retailers as the opportunity for them to expand and the visualisation and improvement of their impact on the economy of the area.
SHOP TYPOLOGY
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INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
WORKSHOPS WITH MUNSTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
QED atelier offers a wide range of possibilities in terms of international collaboration. Within our atelier, not only are we a part of so called buddy scheme initiating liaison with 5th and 6th year QED students, but we also participate in various workshops with students from universities from abroad. This semester we cooperated with students from Munster School of Architecture (Germany) and The University of Nicosia (Cyprus). As the whole 3rd year atelier group, we first presented our site analysis website to the German students [see link: http://atelierqed8.wix.com/airportcity1]. Afterwards, we were supposed to put forward a way of curating space in the light of our field of analysis. While undertaking the train station analysis, I realised that every single person who comes to the airport goes through one of the skylinks. Despite this, the transfer from Terminal 2 to Terminals 1 and 3 is really tedious. What is more, the focus of the impact of the commerce is strongly shifted towards the airside of the airport with very few shops on the landside. Furthermore, the brands present at the airport are known worldwide, taking away the priority from local business. This led us to the proposal of the third skylink, directly between Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, by-passing The Station. Within the space we suggest a vintage market dedicated exclusively to local producers and retailers. This way we increase the impact of the Airport City on the local economy while supporting local products. We also believe that local companies are a more accurate representation of the current culture and economy of Manchester.
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BIOMIMICRY WORKSHOPS PENGUIN INSPIRED CONCEPT
Looking at penguins and their behavioural reactions to the changing weather conditions, we decided to look at the city as a certain asset of organisms. We recognised the problem of some cities being too crowded and some too spaced out depending on the context of the urban element. Our proposal takes into account the changes of the environment and suggesting the constant adaptation of the system to the current circumstances.
In hot climates, on a large urban scale we propose an open free arrangement. This allows the most efficient natural ventialtion through the buildings.
In cold climates we suggest a more merged massing of urban system - the cuddling units respond to the energy demand of the environment.
Not only do we suggest a different approach to urban systems but we also introduce a facade system that allows direct response to the changing weather conditions. The facade consists of two very thin layers of flexible material filled with Sodium Acetate. Under the sufficient load the substance crystalises in a strongly exothermic reaction providing both strength of the facade and the energy sufficient to heat up the inside of the structure. Generated heat allows for later decrystalisation of the Sodium Acetate cooling down the building and bringing the facade back to its primary stage allowing the closure of the loop of those processes.
Sketches of groupwork produced by George Kartsakas from the University of Nicosia.
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BIOMIMICRY WORKSHOPS
SELF - REPAIRABLE AND EXPANDABLE STRUCTURE
This proposal is the reaction to the reoccuring problem of construction industry structures and materials that cannot be reused or recycled when abandoned or not needed anymore. Therefore they constitute structural waste which could be avoided. The other striking problem in building is the lack of flexibility. As the society is the subject of constant changes, so should be the environments that we create. Looking at the structure of DNA, we observed its inherent advantage of enabling adaptability to changing circumstances over time. The species evolve into forms which are better suited to the environment they live in. This could be translated into building industry by reducing the amount of structural waste at the same time. As the reaction to this, we propose the living structure which responds to the ever growing and changing needs of its inhabitants. Using little robots placed in strategic points, the structure measures the load distribution and usage of materials in places and reassembles the elements according to the current needs. However, this does not mean the overall growth of the building itself, but simply of its structural system, which reinforces itself where necessary. This allows for the minimum waste of materials whilst exploiting the flexibility from the structural point of view.
Sketch by George Kartsakas from the University of Nicosia.
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PAVILION
PERFORMANCE SPACE 27
PERFORMANCE AS A LIVE EXHIBITION
HACIENDA ART
Manchester is famous for 3 things: industrial revolution, science and education and music. Mancunian music scene has always been considered one of the most influential in the world. That justifies the assumption of its further development nowadays. The proposed design explores not only Manchester music scene but goes one step further into the exploration and visualisation of the sound itself. Tensile membrane structure creates the perfect environment for a performance, incorporating all acoustical elements into its shape and imitating the natural shape generated by the sound itself. It becomes a live exhibition space allowing the ever changing adaptation and unpredictability into the design.
AUDIENCE
PERFORMANCE
SCENE
FESTIVAL BAND
POP
GIG
COLOUR
MUSIC
SOUND
EXPERIENCE
SIGNATURE
ACT
ACOUSTIC
PASSION
SINGLE
ENERGY
UNIQUE SHOW ROCK
LIVE
STAGE RECORD
ALBUM
ICONIC CONCERT
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SOUND ANALYSIS AND EXPERIMENTS ACOUSTICAL CLOUDS ensure the sound energy reaches the audience OVERHEAD PANELS allow performers to hear each other and reflect sound towards the audience
HARD SURFACE FLOOR reflects off the sound SHELL TOWERS significantly improve the sound environment on stage and throughout the audience
The position of diffuser and absorber panels is defined by the distance to the stage. Those panels improve the level of control over sound in the space.
ABSORBER PANELS DIFFUSION/ABSORPTION PANELS eliminate slap back echoes DIFFUSER PANELS
FRONT
MIDDLE
Shell structure is necessary to provide early reflections needed for controlled and ensamble.acoustical support. The portability of the elements allows for bigger amount of possible locations of the structure, changing the experience every time.
Acoustics is the key issue in all performance spaces as it defines its success. The goal of the space is opposite to the traditional approach of the exhibition space [deadening the sound] - it is to enhance and reflect as much sound as possible allowing both people and lighting react to it. Sensors located all around the space detect the intensity of the sound and translate it onto the type and intensity of the light.
PORTABLE SHELL
TIE - DOWN CABLE ensures the safety of performers and spectators RISED STAGE allows clearer distribution of the sound
BACK
SOUND ABSORBING suspended ceiling causes overabsorption of the sound The shape of the performance pavilion is strictly derived from the sound analysis taking over the shapes of acoustic panels and shell towers creting a blending chamber - an ideal environment for the performance space. Proposed pavilion is also an acoustic curation of already existing part of the airport. It enhances the sound, showing what Manchester does best - its music scene.
DIFFUSER PANELS located over performers prevent overabsorption
LOW CEILING HEIGHT
HARD SURFACE FLOOR CARPETED FLOOR causes overabsorption of the sound
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PRECEDENTS
MEMBRANE FABRIC ARCHITECTURE
Membrane structures are a very elegant and subtle structural solution that is often used for both temporary and permanent structures. The choice of materials is very large, offering fabrics suitable for all kinds of external and internal environments. Tensile textile structures are also a very popular choice for performance spaces thanks to their editable and highly effective acoustic features. The shape of the pavilion was defined through a series of experiments and sensory exercises such as trying to visualise music with painting, paying particular attention to the colour of the sound and emotions transmitted. The other experiment I undertook was analysis of the movement of a textile when placed over a speaker - the observation of 3D interpretation of the soundwave.
Another very influential exercise that informed the design proposal was the study trip to Milan and my particular interest in tensile pavilions of Germany, Kuwait and Mexico and performance spaces within Hungarian and Belgian pavilions. Each of those buildings proposed a different approach to exhibition spaces which does not have to be static. Shifting the interest from static to dynamic architecture, I decided that a dynamic programme is the most appropriate response to such circumstances.
The assembly process of the structure of Hybrid M1 exhibited and designed in the University of Stuttgart.
Most of the other structural inspirations I discovered in Membrane Structures by Klaus Michael Koch. The most interesting ones in my opinion was a Music Pavilion from New York, designed by FTL Architects. This led me to the discovery of Le Corbusier’s music pavilion for the EXPO in Brussels. All of those structures showed me different interpretations of membranes and proved the delicacy of that structural choice.
Membrane structure connection detail
Hyper - tyroidal deep structure
S. Ahlquist from the University of Stuttgart
Music Pavilion by FTL Architects, New York [USA]
Experimental Math - Music Pavilion in the EXPO in Brussels.
Le Corbusier
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INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
A JOURNEY TO THE TEXTILE MYSTERY OF SOUND The interior of the pavilion is inspired by the abstract paintings as they convey the emotion hidden in particular songs. It creates an enclosed space within the atrium of the train station therefore lying in the core of the whole site. It takes shape derived from various experiments and sound analysis being a 3D textile visualisation of the sound.
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PLAN
PAVILION - PERFORMANCE SPACE
1:200
32
SECTION
PAVILION - PERFORMANCE SPACE
1:100 33
TECHNICAL DETAIL
CONNECTION - MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
22mm [DIAMETER] TENSION CABLES
500 mm
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
CAST STEEL TUBE SECTIONS AND A JUNCTION
1mm THICK GLASS FIBRE FABRIC WITH PTFE COATING
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STEEL FRAME [METAL RODS]
MEMBRANE MATERIAL
[SEMI - TRANSLUCENT TEXTILE]
SOUND - RESPONSIVE LIGHTING [LED LIGHT STRIP]
WOODEN PERFORMANCE STAGE [SPEAKER]
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THE COLOUR AND INTENSITY OF THE LIGHTS REFLECTS THE TYPE OF MUSIC PERFORMED
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FLUX
EXHIBITION SPACE PROPOSAL 38
SITE LOCATION
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CONCEPT
EXHIBITION THROUGH ARCHITECTURE
As human beings, we not only perceive through change but we also bring in the potential for that change. Airport, being a transit space, is a place where that variation is most expressed - that is where people arrive and where they depart. My design proposal suggests a different approach to exhibition space in a transit situation. Through establishing an interactive boundary by using a deformable and malleable facade that exhibits the feeling of change itself.
The aim of the project is to question the idea of the boundary as well as the changing perception through various senses. It transmits the idea and feeling of flying into an airport to prolong the excitement of traveling.
The human senses respond only to change.
M. Addington, Architecture of Contingency
The proposed exhibition space is not a static piece of architecture. Instead, it dynamically displays change itself by reacting to the flow of people going through the airport. The floor surface of the skylink transmits the vibrations generated by people walking onto the facade which extrudes in various directions. The project also embodies the visualisation of movement through lighting - the more people the brighter the space. The lighting moves along the space with the crowd.
Image is contingent upon the fleeting energy transaction between photons and the retina, and not constituent of the formal object. The surfaces we make are not the authors of their own appearance.
M. Addington, Architecture of Contingency
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PRECEDENTS
INTERACTIVE SPACES AND FACADES
PATTERN CHANGING FACADE
The interactive facade is equiped with sensors which transmit the movement of the users onto the constantly changing patterns of the facade.
SONATA: INTERACTIVE TEMPORARY SKIN
The translucent temporary building skin is a portable facade designed by Mahsa Vanaki Studio for Looma’s open studio event in Berkeley, USA. It is an interactive light wall with LED lights that changes colour using a small controller that allows the user to interactively mix colours. There is an unlimited number of colours available. The geometry of the facade was defined through digital fabrication tools and it’s unique shape and varying colour attract visitors.
TRANSFORMATION UNDER PRESSURE Initially 2D image transforms when pressure is applied.
ELECTRO ACTIVE POLYMER
The material which changes when current runs through it. It can be programmed to perform any change that is compatible with the intensity of the current running through it.
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LIGHTING PRECEDENT
AFINITY & LA VITRINE - INTERACTIVE LED FACADES Afinity is an iconic public artwork installation designed by Claudia Paz Lighting Studio in Lima, Peru, which consists of interactive facade that directly engages the general public opening them onto new experiences of other’s perception. Through the artwork people can explore how the personal scale is expanded to the architectural. The facade becomes a fascinating and unique experience of sound, light and speed being a generative architecture directly related to the movement of users body. The project shifts the final element of generating space from the architect to the user. It enforces the public to overcome their mental barriers and participate in the creative process.
La Vitrine is a project developed by the Moment Factory in the heart of Montreal’s cultural district. The permanent installation includes tracking devices and LED light bulbs that change shape and colour according to the passersby’s movement. The project redefines the traditional idea of the facade enabling the user to participate in the creative process by interacting with the lights and shapes displayed. This project also questions the idea of flexibility and boundary. Actual final facade is defined by the user and is different each time as it depends on individual characteristics.
The building is equiped with the public facing podium with direct visual relationship with the facade. The podium senses 3D depth and transmits body movement onto the facade. Each interactive show is based on a natural phenomena and allows adults to be as playful as children. It is like a musical composition - people generate their own melody but smart alogorithms in the background ensure a matching beautiful harmony . The project aims to highlight the extraordinary and unique impact of each human being underlining that even though we are all different we all bring in the potential for improvement.
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PROXIMITY CIRCULATION CORE
MAIN EXHIBITION SPACE DISSABLED ACCESS
ENTRANCE T1
ENTRANCE TRAIN STATION
SKYLINK
CIRCULATION CORE
ENTRANCE CAR PARK
RECEPTION
RECEPTION
ENTRANCE T1
DISSABLED ACCESS
WC
SENSORY EXHIBITION ROOMS
RECEPTION
CIRCULATION CORE
WC
WC
STAFF FACILITIES
CIRCULATION CORE
PERFORMANCE PAVILION
MEETING/CONFERENCE ROOMS
ENTRANCE TRAIN STATION
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VOLUMETRIC ROOM ANALYSIS MAIN EXHIBITION SPACE - SKYLINK
SENSORY EXHIBITION SPACE
RECEPTION (T1)
CIRCULATION CORE
CIRCULATION CORE - STAIRS
STAFF FACILITIES PERFORMANCE PAVILION MEETING/CONFERENCE ROOMS
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PROGRAMME FLOOR PLANS
A flexibility in or within the built environment increases its exchange value.
E. De Gory in B. Hill, From reactive user to the creative user
MAIN EXHIBITION SPACE
FIRST FLOOR
CIRCULATION CORE
RECEPTION
(CAR PARK ENTRANCE)
RECEPTION
(TRAIN STATION ENTRANCE)
SENSORY EXHIBITION ROOMS
PERFORMANCE PAVILION
WC
CIRCULATION CORE
RECEPTION (T1 ENTRANCE)
WC
PLANT ROOM
STAFF FACILITIES
WC
MEETING/CONFERENCE ROOMS
CIRCULATION CORE
GROUND FLOOR Flexibility lies in its accomodation of changing relationships between events, context and the use of the space. E. De Gory in B. Hill, From the reactive user to the creative user 45
PROGRAMME
SECTION - VOLUMETRIC STUDY
THE FACADE EXTRUDES IN VARIOUS DIRECTIONS WHEN THE CURRENT INDUCED BY THE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY PEOPLE WALKING ON THE SKYLINK RUNS THROUGH THE ELECTRO ACTIVE POLYMER.
“The performative envelope is a highly engineered facade construction that, at its most basic level, is optimized for a variety of performance criteria relating to heat and light transmission.” M. Addington, Architecture of Contingency
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PLAN
CONCEPT IDEA
1:500 47
SECTION
1:500 48
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM
One of the aims of the proposal is to suggest a closed loop, independent system with minimal energy losses. The key to the operation principle of the structure is malleable, changing facade which responds to the people walking through the skylink. A facade that changes exhibits the feeling of change itself. Through visualisation and dynamical reaction to the movement of people it underlines the potential every individual brings into the society and system and shows the strength of the people using the transit character of the site. The lighting which responds to movement also minimises the usage of energy as it brightens up only when and as much as necessary but also serves as the parallel of the shift of change that lies in the people who arrive at Manchester Airport.
People not only trigger the moving facade but they are also the source of energy. The proposal transforms the energy from people’s walk and reuses it to maintain the structure. This allows the form to work as a closed loop system.
People walking on the skylink generate vibrations between their feet and the floor. Those vibrations are different for each person as they depend on many individual variables such as speed of walking, way of placing feet etc. The vibrations are detected by sensors placed in the surface.
The electro active polymer alongside appropriate mechanical system moves when current runs through it. Therefore, the facade of the building directly responds to the users allowing them to change it but also keeping the element of unpredictability characteristic for any type of change. The facade is also equiped with LED lighting system which detects the movement of people. That enforces the optimisation of energy used in the building as it responds to the needs immediately.
When vibrations are detected, the loop closes and current starts running through the facade. This allows the reaction of electro active polymer. The intensity of the current depends on people - the amount of them, their pace of walking, decisiveness, movement. The more the people, the bigger the vibrations, the greater intensity of the current.
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OPERATION PRINCIPLE FACADE EXTRUSION ANALYSIS
The facade of the building is the key element of the exhibition space - it is the exhibition itself. Translating vibrations generated by people walking through skylink into the intensity of the current that runs through the electroactive polymer - the main component of the facade - it visualises the change, potential and impact brought by people. The other part of the exhibition is the lighting whose intensity depends on the amount of movement in the space.
UNPOPULAR AND LATE HOURS
At busy times there is a lot of people walking through the skylink what causes large extrusions on the facade as the load they impose and the vibrations they generate is greater and the intensity of the current running through the facade is bigger. During off - peak hours the extrusions are more gentle however still visible while during unpopular and late hours the building rests passively. It leaves the potential for the individual to see his personal impact on the space as the facade will change when he passes through the space.
PEAK HOURS
OFF-PEAK HOURS
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MATERIALITY FACADE
CORRUGATED STEEL SHEETS
STEEL FRAME
ELECTRO ACTIVE POLYMER (HINGE)
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PERSPECTIVE AERIAL VIEW
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NIGHT PERSPECTIVE CAR PARK VIEW
53
PERSPECTIVE
INTERIOR VIEW - MAIN EXHIBITION SPACE (SKYLINK) 54
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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