LEARNING JOURNAL
CONTENTS
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PLACED DISPLACED
PROJECT 1 : PLACED DISPLACED
SITE 6 Oct 2014 — Placed, Displaced project site visit at Waldo street. The site at Waldo street is a beautiful place. Near the sea. good views, quiet streets. As the site is wrapped by a small and main road, it might get a little noisy during peak periods. Other than that, it is a calm place to be at.
The exact location of the site looks like an unused garage surrounded by wild weeds. Based on the site, our structure would be largely south facing, exposed to the heat and light.
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Based on the site, we have to design within the perimeters of the lines. Making our design 6.9m deep and 4.5m wide. The entrance of the house would be from Waldo street, at the ground level of the house and having a garden at the basement level. We were given some requirements to meet in our design. Mainly spaces for furniture.
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Precedence 8 Oct 2014 — I was looking into precedence for small narrow houses and came across 2 examples. The first one was the Halen Estate in Bern, Switzerland and the other was a Peranakan shophouse from Singapore. Both had different design approaches. The Halen Estate was more intriguing as based on the floor plans, the houses are similarly small to our project. The peranakan shop house on the other hand, offered solutions to narrow houses. Halen (Top) Peranakan courtyard (Bottom) Halen Estate http://monocle.com/magazine/issues/65/estate-of-the-art/ Peranakan house http://myfancyhouse.com/2014/10/24/modern-17br-house-in-singapore/modern-17brhouse-in-singapore-38/ http://www.onekindesign.com/tag/ongong/
Looking at the Halen Estate project, i learnt a couple of things. 1. Placement of staircase determines the layout of the house 2. In narrow spaces, it is difficult to split the width of the space. 3. There should be consideration of plumb ing issues by having these spaces stacked on top of one another. 4. Floor plans on the left shows that spaces are generally huge to provide comfort.
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Looking at the the Peranakan shophouse project, i was inspired by a few of its elements. 1. Skylight can be introduced in circulation spaces such as corridors and staircases so that the reflected light can light up surrounding spaces without the discomfort of having direct sunlight in living spaces. 2. The idea of a light well is interesting and worth exploring even in narrow houses.
Models 10 Oct 2014 — We were told to come out with at least 3 possible designs for the project. Study models were built to explore the design opportunities. Two of which has an extended cantilever level while the third one did not. I experimented with split levels to maximise space possible within the given spaces. Below are some axonometric drawings done when considering the facade as well as the space arrangements.
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The first design has a mezzanine at the entrance level, cantilever top floor and a small attic room. The good thing about this arrangement is that there is privacy for the clients and interesting spaces to explore. However, the attic height would be rather short and uncomfortable to live in.
The second design has a similar idea to the first. Most characteristics of the space are the same. This time, the dining room and kitchen at the lowest floor is separated by steps, defining the spaces. There is also an idea of a light well through the stairwell, allowing light to penetrate to the lowest floor where the space is the darkest.
The third design explored the possibilities of a split level. I kept the design to a simpler three level system whereby the lowest and entrance level spaces are more public while the top level is more private. The major problem is that the top level is a room shared by both the daughter and the parents, which may cause some privacy issues. 7
12 Oct 2014 — I have been planning the spaces for a few days now. I realised that it is very difficult to give the clients comfortable living spaces if there is too much compartmentalization of the spaces (more walls) There are interesting ideas in the design but the spaces are too narrow and uncomfortable for long term living.
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15 Oct 2014 — Light well and stairwell. To me, these are the two important elements that must be present in the design. It defines the spaces in the whole structure and brings about light into these spaces. I drew inspiration from these precedence to develop a new idea. Away from the previous three ideas. The new idea involves combining the light and stairwell into one. Light well - http://archinect.com/people/project/71224131/ framing-the-landscape/72120867 Stairwell - http://www.designshare.com/index.php/projects/ whitman-school-of-management-syr-fxfowle/images@4600
16 Oct 2014 — I have looked into the experiential qualities of the space. I want the space to feel light, calm and relaxing. I have also decided to use the space of the core for exhibition purposes. Showcasing the pottery collection, family photos and memorabilia they the clients might store over the years. It makes the transition space more personal to the clients and at the same time, the space becomes more interesting to transit in for the client’s friends. I have also developed the concept of a light well wrapped by staircase, forming the light/ stair well. The idea needs to be further refined to make better use of the space in at the core.
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17 Oct 2014 — Have been planning the space for a long time now. The difficulty is in giving the clients and their daughter comfortable space to live in. It is easy to plan in space enough to fit their beds and not considering their comfort. However, to achieve decent living, it is as though there is a need to put them in a level of their own. Giving them more space for themselves. The difficulty here is the question of how much space is enough? In the UK, small spaces are usually more comfortable as they are cosier. But in other countries, most people would want bigger spaces.
22 Oct 2014 — After much discussion with my tutor, I finally designed a space that fits the requirements. Table size, private rooms, good light infiltration, ventilation and so on. What I have learnt so far is that a good design has to consider several factors. Good room circulation (the flow of people), good lighting of the spaces, attention to details and textures of the space, which affects the experiential elements of the spaces.
24 Oct 2014 — One more week to final review. Time remaining is insufficient. I have started bui lding my model on sketchup to see the possibility of building that space. So far everything seems feasible. What was most important to me was the private spaces the daughter and the parents are having. Is it comfortable and big enough for them? Is the light from the southern sun too bright? Is it comfortable for long term stay? I also considered the effects of the lightwell from the spaces. The light from the light well will infiltrate into the rooms. Making the rooms well lit.
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25 Oct 2014 — Time to build my model. I used my sketchup model as reference to build my actual model. Made things easier and faster to build. The difficulty was to ensure that the dimensions are scaled. I have a lot of dimensions to calculate as I have to build a 1:20 and 1:50 model.
26 Oct 2014 — So I have finished building the 1:50 model. The model looks good but I am having second thoughts about the two front horizontal windows and the two skylight windows at the slant. The two horizontal windows are not centralised though it was done on purpose. After looking at the model, I feel that there is a need to readjust the windows. As for the skylight, it would have been great if I was allocated the corners of the terrace. Having the skylight there risks having design issues if there are houses build beside it and blocking the views.
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27 Oct 2014 —Rushing through my project the whole day. Photoshopping, rendering, modelling. One more day to final submission day. Time to rush through the night. A lot of fine tuning left for my work.
28 Oct 2014 — These are my photoshopped works. Not very professional but it gives a sense of space and lighting. The first photo is from the top floor. The work bench beside the lightwell is a conducive environment to relax or work in. There is good light infiltration and warmer at the top floor The second photo shows the transition space towards the top floor. the long window allows the northern sunlight to enter the space. The window was designed in response to the trade union nearby. The trade union nearby meant that the place was once a communal area. However, over time, due to modernization, people drove cars instead of walk, neighbours became more private and there were lesser interaction among neighbours. Having the window encouraged the clients to communicate with their neighbours. Lastly, this picture is trying to show how integrated the spaces are. Even though the space appears public, it can easily transition into a private space through a sliding door between the bedroom and the lightwell. In a narrow and small house like this, it is important to show the openness of the house so that the clients will not feel claustrophobic. The importance is to let the clients live comfortably and not be surrounded by walls or obstacles.
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Renderings Renderings of the interiors using vray for sketchup. Rendering was not perfect but i did not have enough time to do it properly. Top left is the bench beside the lightwell. As described in the previous post. The top right picture shows the bicycle rack. The idea is to allow the clients to leave their bicycles safely and easily the moment they arrive back home. The path they have to go through before hanging their bicycle is not very far, 2 metres. It is a short distance from the main door. The way the bicycle is hanged allows it to take up less space, allowing more for living spaces. The main idea of the bicycle rack is convenience and non-intruding. The bottom left picture is a rendering of the daughter’s room. It is important that a growing seven year old girl has her own playing space. The space can also be used for guests if they are staying over by placing a blow up bed in the space, sharing the room with the daughter. I did not include a guest room within the space as I felt that there was not a need for it especially when we have to design under the space constraints. Lastly, this picture is the master bedroom. The master bedroom is simply furnished to allow better circulation space and for essential furniture like a cupboard, bedside table, work table and chair.
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After the review 10 Oct 2014 — So there were a few things that I have to reflect on. My tutor was questioning me on why there is a need to use concrete as the main material of construction. In the UK, it is very unlikely to use concrete. I explained thermal mass but the reason was not sufficient. Either timber frame or brickwork. In addition, my facade appeared heavy as compared to the interiors that appeared ‘light ’ in nature. I explained the idea of juxtaposition in experience but he countered by saying that the experience did not have to appear too physical. Ultimately, I feel that I might have to think about the facade more in detail and the interactions of materials and textures in response to the experiential qualities that I want to achieve.It has been fruitful undergoing this project in less than a month. I hope to make use of the lessons learnt here and bring it over to my next project. 14
FINAL PIN-UP
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LIVING ON THE EDGE
PROJECT 2 : LIVING ON THE EDGE
SITE 3 Nov 2014 — Living on the edge. Gloomy, dirty, narrow space. The whole appearance of the site is not as good as I expected. The fact that it is an industrial area has made the place difficult to live in or make habitable. It feels that there is a need to revitalise this place by changing it into a more communal area How do you attract people into this area? How can you revitalise the area? From the bridge, the place looks really decent and peaceful. A nice scenery with the boats along river. But as you decend into the pathway beside the river, it feels completely different. You notice the rubbish the river brings in, the slums and the atmosphere. Even though the place may seem run down and shady, the path opposite lime street is a commonly used path. It is a shortcut between two major areas. Frankly speaking, having a foyer build there is not a good idea. It attracts the wrong attention and energy into the place. How can I contain the bad energy and make it appear good? Other than design elements, it is important that I consider the use of the structure in the society. The foyer is the main focus of the structure. But what else can I use the structure for?
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4 Nov 2014 — This is the site given to us. It is known as the Ouseburn Valley. It was once a developed place known for its glassworks. Over the years, the area developed further, boat building factories were set up. The river provided energy and water needed for the production and manufacturing companies beside the river. During the early 20th century, the area became run down. Workers were chased out of the area as the worker hostels were demolished. The valley contained pockets of derelict places. Recently, the Ouseburn Trust was set up to rebuild the area again. The area became a haven for creative industries such as pubs, furniture, handbags, candle wax, stables, farms and so on. The idea was to rebuild the whole area and bring back the festivities and the atmosphere that the valley once had. For our project, we were told to choose either site A, B or C. A is a boat making company, B deals with furniture while C deals with glassworks.
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Research 6 Nov 2014 — For the past few days, I have been researching on the site and the context of the site. On top of that, I have also been watching tons of videos on glass blowing and researching on what a glass blowing factory needs. This video essentially explains the tools and space a glass blower needs. The furnace, glory holes and the kilns are the most important equipment to produce good glass works. They belong in the hot shop. Once they are produced, the products are further refined in the cold shop. Undergoing polishing and other processes that removes imperfections. I have been looking for a basic floor plan of a glass blowing workshop. Based on what I see here, the layout of the workshop is really basic with the cold shop adjacent to the hot shop. My main question is, are there ways to make the spaces more interesting? How can I turn the workshop into a viewing gallery for the public without the public interfering with the students inside? Glass museum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxgIEeIBCFo Floor plan http://www.hawaii.edu/glass/facilities.htm
7 Nov 2014 — I revisited the adaptability of glass. Kiln glass especially shows that glass can be transformed into any shape and size. Its important to incorporate the function of glass into my design. Bringing out the best features of glass. I also researched on the possibility of stained glass. The light coming through stained glass is colourful but sometimes distracting. There must be a balance of stained glass and transparent glazing. The reason is to flood the effects of stained glass using bright natural light while maintaining the aesthetics of stained glass. Kiln glass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngQsboS2ncU Stained glass http://www.brit.co/stained-glass/ 19
Precedents Using the Nelson Atkins Museum project as precedent I was inspired by the balance of lightness and pristine of the space. The interior spaces are especially intriguing. The stairs are so well constructed that it seems as if it is integrated to the structure. In addition, the light coming through the glazing lights up the space brilliantly. Providing sufficient light on important public spaces while dimming the natural light at more private spaces. Most importantly, the interior spaces are the main elements that I am fascinated of. http://aasarchitecture.com/2012/09/nelson-atkins-museum-of-art-by-steven-holl-architects.html
9 Nov 2014 — This project has little to do with what I am doing, but there is a great concept that I can learn from. The idea of an ‘urban living room’ bringing people together to admire the things around that space is thought provoking. Especially in a communal, public area, there is a need for an urban living room for people to congregate in. Video http://architizer.com/blog/chicago-gets-mad-design-revealed-for-george-lucas-museum-of-narrative-art/ 20
11 Nov 2014 — Ouseburn valley regeneration plan. The plan for the future is to build more residential areas around the valley. In a way, this means that there would be a lot of people coming from the south of the site. This goes to show that the place would be turned into a very communal area. The idea of the master plan was also to build a mix of economical and social build (Factories and Housing), without damaging the environmental benchmark for residential living.
Study Models 12 Nov 2014 — I created small blocks (1:500 scale) to give a better perspective of what the views these blocks can get from site and what the public can see from the outside. Most importantly, it was more about arranging the public and the private spaces. There are many ways to arrange these blocks but the most straightforward way is to place the heavier elements at the bottom (workshop) while the private spaces are placed at the top.The public space could also be placed at the bottom with the workshop to keep categorizing of the public and private spaces easier. Another unusual way to move the spaces is to place the public exhibition space and roof garden at the top floor for better and more open views. Bottom floor is the workshop while second floor remains private. So idea is that lime street would be the main access to the site. While pathway along the river is mainly for public exit.
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14 Nov 2014 — The first model takes the shape of the site. The interior spaces are interesting with split level factory spaces, seperating the private spaces and the public spaces side by side. However, the blocky design of this building looks dull on the outside and might not fit well with the community.
15 Nov 2014 — The second model is an improvised version of the previous design. The facade is better improved and more transparent. It ties in with my design concept of openness to the public. However, the appearance of this design still feels dull and incompatible to the site.
16 Nov 2014 — The final model is a curved wedge building. The idea is to maximise space on the site. This time round, the design fits the criteria on site as well as the community. The transparency on street level into the roof garden and into the work spaces would let the community feel more accepting of this new structure as well as the new residents. In addition, the public and private spaces are now seperated on top and bottom.
Site
Maximising space
Creating volume
Designing form
Organising space
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Sketches 22 Nov 2014 — In my design, I knew I wanted to create two focal points, one in public space and another in private space. In the private space, the recreational area becomes the focal point. While in the public space, the outdoor exhibition area becomes the focal. The design is built around these two focal points, opening up views into these areas. The curved shape follows the shape of the site and allows more external spaces for other purposes like bins and bicycle storage areas. The way the building is constructed on the site allows for multiple views of the river.
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23 Nov 2014 — Programmes and interior planning using Sketchup modeling software.
25 Nov 2014 — After consulting my tutor, the interior spaces and programmes were left as it was but the spaces were condensed to meet the requirements given by the brief. The image on the left is a model before modification.
Adjustments made with site built to show the building’s relationshiip to its surrounding environment. The model on the right does not include the timber facade.
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Model 29 Nov 2014 — In order to study how the light enters the space, I built 1:50 models in spaces that are significant in the structure.
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1 Dec 2014 — 1:100 model shown on site to show the compatibility of the design to the context around it. The outdoor exhibition space connects to the river and the public.
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After the review 9 Dec 2014— The review went well. The tutor liked the idea of the way the structure fit into the environment and the transparency of this design. There were some design elements that could be improved. With the wooden facade around the windows, the windows could be extended from floor to ceiling. The overall project process was enjoyable though a bumpy one. The external spaces such as the external bicycle and bin areas were not mentioned and considered. However, other than some minor adjustments to the design, the review went smoothly.
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FINAL PIN-UP
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FINAL PIN-UP
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PROSPECT & REFUGE
PROJECT 3 : PROSPECT & REFUGE
SITE 29 Jan 2015 — Prospect and refuge. The flat and open site beside the sea brings about a certain calmness in the area. The site is the gathering place for the people of Amble. There are little concerns in terms of attracting people into the site due to current social activities such as the sunday market and the location’s significance to the people of Amble. However, there are some issues that I hoped this project could tackle. How can I enhance the environment’s natural beauty? How can I ‘camouflage’ the structure into its context? Observing the site from the bridge, the residential houses forms an uninterrupted horizon. How can I build a structure and not interrupt this rhythym given that the form of this project is fixed? Given the peacefulness of the site, it makes for a mixed use community centre. Lastly, there is a need to remind myself to relate the structure to the context.
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30 Jan 2015 — To better understand the position of the structure in its context, I drew this diagram to identify the opportunities of the site and its position in accordance to the concept of prospect and refuge theory. In this case, the architecture’s intention is to behave like a ‘pit stop’, a junction point for the people and residents of Amble.
The most significant element on site is the bridge. Though old, it is functional and serves its purpose to the residents of Amble who just wants to enjoy the sight and the sea. It is an extension of accessibility into the sea. The evidence of maintenance shows the need for the bridge to remain useful to the residents. 32
31 Jan 2015 — The first decision that has to be decided is to position the structure into site. The choices were narrowed to the selected A, B and C. Though the positions do not make much differences, I have decided to position the structure at B. Doing so gives the custom house a certain space and distance, as well as create a recreational outdoor space between the structure and the beach. The position of the structure is also in line with the direction of the bridge so as not to interrupt with the pedestrian flow towards the bridge.
Cube structure on site.
Plinth sloped and designed to connect to the beach.
Entrance of the cube is landscaped with trees to give a ‘soft’ entrance from the custom house. 33
The cube is really big (15.6m x 15.6m x 15.6m) without the plinth on site. There is much need to consider the custom house and the bridge to the structure. On top of that, to blend the cube into the site, I have taken the following approaches as seen on the left.
PRECEDENT 5 Feb 2015 — Using the Perot Museum of nature and science as precedent, i realised how important the plinth is in removing programmes in the cube. Most importantly, the plinth introduces the cube as it should be designed such that it sets itself in context. As seen from the section, the landscaped plinth embeds itself into the ground and growing a cube out of itself. Doing so also creates interesting underground spaces.
6 Feb 2015 — After looking through all the requirements for this project again, I realised that the biggest space that I need to consider is the lecture hall. Given the height requirement of 6m, covering a square area of 120, there was a need to decide where to place the lecture hall. Research on lecture halls such as the Milstein hall in Cornell University and theShulman lecture hall in Queen’s college, Oxford has inspired me in terms of how I wanted light to enter these spaces. Given that the structure has to be made out of timber, the only option available for this space was to allocate it at the ground floor or possibly underground.
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7 Feb 2015 — This ‘House tree’ in Bulgaria inspired my concept in terms of the environmental aspect as well as my design concept of a tree house. This project has been useful to me in the sense that the environmental considerations were very well rounded. Water, heating, energy and so on were all considered as seen from the diagram below.
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Sketches and experimentations done to discover form of plinth in relation to site and how the interior faces connects to the exterior.
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MODELS 8 Feb 2015 — The initial models was a way of exploring the opportunities of the plinth on site. More importantly, my idea was to create a ‘playground’ around the structure. This is so as to engage the community through the design of the structure. The design is also to enhance the nature and the landmarks around the site. This is done by having vantage points to give a view out to sea.
9 Feb 2015 — The structure model was influenced from the ‘9 squre’ grid that was developed from John Hejduk’s theories. The grid structure opportunities have not been explored much in this project. Using the simple grid the spaces were easier to organise. The last structure model built incorporates the designs with the structural designs. I further explored the possibilities of the floor plate designs using the grid structure.
10 Feb 2015 — The model on the left is an interior model that explores the interior spaces designed. This model helped to develop the final designs. On top of that the ceiling height for each floor is increased by removing one storey from the previous design. One of the more important design element retained was the 360 degrees observation deck situated at the top floor.
At the same time, there were some research done on the skin of the structure and how it would influence the spaces inside. In order to make an environmentally-conscious design, the idea was to make a double skin design to promote ventilation during the cummer and insulation during the winter.
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DIAGRAMS 10 Feb 2015 — Below are some conceptual diagrammatic drawings done to portray the different ideas that I am trying to incoporate into my designs.
This is the idea of maintaining accessibility through the structure. Before the structure, there was an existing path across the fields.
It was also important for me to have an entrance in front of the custom house. This is so that the staff could have easy access to the structure.
I also wanted to implement this concept of having an exit, facing the sea, at the first floor. Creating a journey of heading to a vantage point.
In order to have an uninterrupted view of the view around the site, i wanted to create a 360 degrees viewing deck at the top floor of the structure.
SITE MODEL 11 Feb 2015 — The position of the structure ewas determined through a series of light test on the 1:500 site model. The final positioning of the structure is in line with the custom house facing towards the sea.
After finalising the position of the structure as well as the design ideas that i want to implement, the difficulty was on finalising the design details such as how the landscape would look like as well as how i can fit the programmes into the structure without interfering with the concepts that I have drawn out above.
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FACADE 12 Feb 2015 — The facade is further developed with a precedent i found known as the Christus pavilion. This precedent uses natural elements and placed it between infills. Interesting shadows will form when light shines on it. This ties in with an interesting concept of creating the effects of nature as the windows create spots of light.
As seen from the image on the right, the materials that the Christus pavilion used are a mixed of natural and industrial. The materials can create interesting shadows depeding on the type of materials, position and density of which the materials are placed in each window infill.
Aluminium mullion Aluminium transon Double - glazed unit with infill Aluminium pressure plate Aluminium cap EPDM gasket EPDM thermal strip
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MODELS 20 Feb 2015 — After much research, I have decided on my final interior designs. The designs were further investigated using a series of 1:50 models. The spaces are fine tuned through some light studies.
The triple void is the most important design element with regards to the interiors. It is the main source of natural into the spaces. The models on the left are a series of test in the void from morning to night.
At morning 8am, the triple void is shaded by the strtucture’s enclosed design. However, it does not matter as activities do not start at that time.
At around 12 noon, the sun path would have a more direct angle into the space, lighting up the interiors. More importantly, the marine aquarium space will be brightly lit for the public.
At late evening, the sunlight continues to shine into the triple void. It maintains light into the spaces and for the activities to carry on with minimum use of artificial lighting. Glare is reduced using the facade system.
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Light coming from the triple void is indirectly lighting up the corridors in the spaces. The facade system enhaces the atmosphere in the spaces through the ‘spots of shadow’ produced.
At the cafe space, the exposed timber structure creates a grid shadow on the curve wall. The result is as seen on the right. The shadow itself becomes a display of sort. The shadow shape changes according to the time of day.
The ferry waiting area is mostly shaded during most time of the day. The glass entrance makes it easer to look out into the harbour so as to board the ferry.
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22 Feb 2015 — In order to test the effectiveness of the facade system, light tests are also carried out on the windows that i have recreated using wheat stalks as well as peacock feathers.
Using a projector to simulate the sun, the windows are tested to see the effect of the shadows. Hopefully, the shadows can create the idea of ‘spots of shadow’, as well as to create the atmosphere under a tree.
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29 Feb 2015 — The final model and site model took 4 days to complete. The 1:100 model gives a better perspective of how the structure fits on site. However, there was not much thought into the landscape around the structure. Below are some photos taken around the structure.
Even though the landscape was not very well though about, it still does its job of having interesting relaxation spots around the building. After building the models, It was preparing the final renders and pin-up before the deadline.
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GE BRID
Ferry waiting area - The wide staircases become a ferry waiting area. The steps serve as seats for the people.
Vantage point - From the vantage point, it gives a better view of the sea. In addition the slope ramp becomes a relaxing spot for people to laze around and to enjoy the view.
External seating area- The intention of this space is for those people who have walked the bridge to rest. Seats designed on the south facing side of the structure allows people to enjoy the sun as well as to enjoy the external garden designed around the seats.
E
G
ID
BR
Ease of use - People coming towards the harbour have the decision to walk the bridge or up the stairs towards the vantage point. The wide staircase invites people to go up the steps towards the vantage point.
On the left are photos of the models that I have made to show this new design. keeping the original slope idea and modifying it. The staircases were added to the previous design. The seating area is also added to the previous design.
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After the review 10 Mar 2015— After the review, I felt that there was a need to redesign the landscape around the building. It does not do the site respectas it does not flow and respond well to it. The straight slope does looked very rigid and in contrast with the curved harbour. This project felt really badly carried out. The process planning was bad and the interiors were boring. Wrose of all, the designs were mostly suggested by the tutor and did not head in my direction. Though for the most part, the design was generally acceptable, but i hoped that I had more time and experience in designing architecture.
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FINAL PIN-UP
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FINAL PIN-UP
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FINAL PIN-UP
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CROSSOVER
PROJECT 4 : CROSSOVER MEETING 15 Apr 2015— After being assigned our group, we met up to understand each other’s expectations. It was also a great way of introducing one another. We arranged to meet tommorrow for a site visit.
SITE 16 Apr 2015— After having chosen plummer chare, the group focused in more detail about the chare. This covers materiality, space, atmosphere and feel of the space. Below are some of the site photos that brought about some important details to the site
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The plummer chare is mostly narrow along the whole alley. The main open space are the above photos. The group intends to make use of this space for an open bar space. But the details have not been decided. During this visit, the group was measuring the important dimensions of the site.
After measuring the site, we headed back to the studio to draw up the elevation for the site.
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18 Apr 2015— We were expected to produce drawings, photos or even diagrams about the site for the first week and not expect to produce any designs.
The photos above is to accentuate the qualities of the site especially at night. The group have considered setting the festival and basking event to be held at night.
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19th Apr 2015— The drawings and cross sections done is to show the materiality of the site as well as the atmosphere in it through the different shading techniques. Both drawings are done to highlight the significant elements present on site and how we had to consider these elements into our design.
20th Apr 2015— After the interim review. the tutors were convinced of our plans to ideas for this project. The video made by the engineers were good. The concept of spatial tension was inspired by the site itself with narrow and wide spaces along the chare. Overall we were graded A for the review for our ideas and presentation. 53
PRECEDENT 22th Apr 2015— The first day after the interim review, the group met up to brainstorm about the design. Our ideas were mainly revolving around the use of strings, ropes on top of the timber structure that we have to work with.
Using precendents, these waved string installations were good examples as to how we can create space. The spaces created becomes intricately designed and can create spaces that are freeform. Weaved space: h t t p : / / w w w. d e s i g n b o o m . com/art/c hiharu-shiota-stairway-at-kunsthalle-zu-kiel/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/ kazutabu/5467702172/
The group decided to work on a 1:1 scale doorway to try explore the difficulties we might face building a weaved structure. In addition, it gives us a sense of the space that these weaved structure creates. This is also done so as to help us decide if this was the direction of design that we wanted to go into.
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MODELS 24th Apr 2015— The initial ideas that we wanted to portray was the idea of spatial tension being surfaced through the construction of arches of different heights, changing the space under each arch.
Concept model 1 - The differentiating heights in the models represents the the different widths of the space. The different materials used to produce these changing heights represents the different light and shadow qualities of the space
Concept model 2 - Through the previous model, it inspired the creation of this model which represents the spatial tension and instability.
Final model - The arches were designed after the previous concept models. The tilted archways clearly represented the sense of instability of the site. A series of arches would be in place through Plummer chare.
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25th Apr 2015— Our idea of the arches were more refined by tilting the arches on opposite sides and help by tension wire. This is to represent the idea of instability and insecurity within the chare. The materiality was also considered and we are using recycled materials to show the rough and raww materials that were present on site which we wanted to reciprocated.
26th Apr 2015 — The issue of the site model was a particularly big deal to me. Not only because of the fact that i love model making but alsobecause of the weightage of the models in the project in terms of academic grade. However, it has shed light on they way people represent in their models. The first model on the left was done by another group made which did not show much details except a simple facade and outline of the site. Whereas mine, bottom left showed a more physical and detailed aspect to the site. But this area of the project has made me realised the significance in different representations interms of model making.
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By now, we have already decided to arrange for a festival held at night. This highlights the raw materiality of the space as well as the sense of insecuity on site. To show our tutors, we did a few cross section draings to show the night atmosphere. I personally felt that although these drawings do show the light quality of the space, but it does not show enough details for these drawings to be really impressive.
While we were working on the models and drawings, one of our group members were working on the publicity side of the project. So far, she has created a series of stickers that are intended to be placed all over Newcastle. On top of that, the video assignment was turned into a publicity video. Overall the publicity sector has been doing great with an Instagram account of 300 followers so far.
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27th Apr 2015 — To tie in with the concept, we had to make a model of the grey monument. The idea is to attract crowds from city centre to plummer chare. The idea is to have strings from the city centre to lead the crowd to the festival. With grey monument as the icon of Newcastle, we wanted the start of the string to be at it.
2nd May 2015 — During this time, another group was making a 1:50 model of the site that had a better detail as to how the arches will look like with the string weaving running through all the arches. The model was done really well in terms of showing how space will feel like with the perspective photos taken below.
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3rd May 2015 — Having only a few days left to the exhibition day and we have started setting the exhibition space up. We creates a weaved space above the exhibition space to replicate the feeling under the arches. The rest of the group are busy printing the rest of the things. More importantly what we have now is the construction details.
Above is an instructional photos of how the modulat system works. The modular system has two uses, firstly it is used to be an acoustic barrier during the festival, this is so as to contain the sound within the chare. Secondly, the modular system can be transformed into various furniture like a chair to a shelter. The furniture can also be used as a publicity stunt by placing the furniture around the city and advertising the lacuna festival. 59
4th May 2015 — On the day before the exhibition day, I was working on the construction details to pin up. It took a long time but doing so, I learnt that sketchup models can be exported as 2D images onto AutoCad. Though its the end of the academic year, I feel that knowing this earlier could have expanded the range of presentation images. 60
After the exhibition 5 May 2015— The exhibition felt average. Personally, I don’t think it was good. Our prints were all too small for exhibition. the space though atmospheric, was not fully utilised. the walls were really scarce and our models were really small. Though there were some quality work displayed in our space, it did not stand out due to the lighting of our space. I feel that this project could have been further improved if it was more of a group discussed design work instead of one led by a single person. My personal review for this project is that there could be more consideration and design throughout the whole journey through the chare. Currently, the main design was focused on the centre of Plummer chare. The rest of the space felt like an after thought whereby the spaces are just filled with activities but no design or structural elements to it. I have a few regrets to this project as it was a really fun brief to design with. But the idea of doing of group work took away opportunities for everyone to partake in the design process.
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FINAL PIN-UP
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FINAL PIN-UP
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