TECTONICS STUDY Boyan Hristov 4207624
Contents Introduction 3-4 3D Digital Part Model 5-8 Descriptive Specification 9 2D Section Detail 10 Precedents 11 Reflection 12
Introduction
London College of Communication
Area: 4 700 m2
/Elephant & Castle, London
/Site Location
In many areas in London the process of regeneration has been more and more apparent in recent years. However, contrary to the supposed benefits, in most cases the local inhabitants suffer directily from the drastic change and feel neglected from hihger institutions as the place they know as home vanishes. Elephant & Casle, part of Southwak council and situated south from the Thames is one of the newest areas that have undergone a drastic transformation. With the abolishion of the notorious Heygate Estate and the many luxurious high rises succeeding it many local residents fear their community can be forever lost.
Drivers and reasons for programme:
The large island inside one of the busiest roundabouts in London so far has been left unused. Being situated in the heart of the area and visible from every angle I decided to make use of the space while benefiting from its central location, this way attracting many visitors. In addition, The London College of Communication, part of the University of the Arts, is in close proximity, therefore the project can be seen as an extention of the latter institution, acting as a new mini-campus.
/Programme In such times of drastic change it is crucial for a community to be preserved. Introducing a new cultural centre that can educate, entertain and connect the people would be of benefit to the residents of Elephant & Castle. Resonating with the history of the area, particularly the time of the famous Trocadero Picturehouse as well as the birth and childhood of Charlie Chaplin the typology of a film and photography school comprising of a cinema and gallery space would be suitable.
Local Heroes
Revival of Golden Ages
Gentrification
Education/Sense of Community 3
Subterranean Connection
2 2 1
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Public Square
3 3
Main Massing: 1. School/Education Building 2. Cinema/Discussion Building 3. Camera Obscura Tower
/Scheme Explanation
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3 2
The new campus/centre is comprised of three main cores surrounding a public square accessible from subterranean level. These cores are connected through a series of underground tunnels that act as galley space creating a journey for the public, starting from the cinema, through the Camera Obscura Tower and finishing inside the school. The aim of this journey is to evoke interest in visitors who may have the desire to enroll in the educating process for either short or long term and qualify for a creative profession.
/Public Journey
Cinema
Screenings Discussions
Gallery
Camera Obscura Tower
Observing
Gallery
Film/Photography School
Learning Making
4
Part Model
/Concrete Waffle Slab Ceiling
3 4 1
By introducing a waffle slab ceiling with circular perforations an interesting lighting/shadow effect is sought. In addition, this design decision was inspired by the shape of the camera lenseby mimicing it a stronger connection between design intend and programme is established. The structure is also known for its reduced used of material as well as its long span abilities.
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2
/Transparent Media Facade
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1. Transparent Media Facade 2. Aluminium Window Frame 3. PVCu Circular Skylights 4. Concrete Waffle Slab Roof 5. Concrete Slab 6. Concrete Column 7. Steel Column
For the purpose of the school engaging with its visitors I am planning on introducing a transparent media facade that can serve as an attraction on which work from the school can be exhibited as well as films screened. The facade would act as a connector between the inside and outside, evoking interest in the passers-by. It comprises of a steel exoskeleton that pierces the window frame supported by steel columns that are placed inside the building. The screen itself consists of thousands of LED lights spread accross a metal mesh.
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Exploded Axonometric Reinforced Concrete Waffle Slab External
Transparent LED Mesh
Steel Exoskeleton
Alumium Window Frame
Internal
Steel Columns
Concrete Columns
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3D Detailed Views
1
2 1. Transparent Media Facade 2. Vertical Steel Exostructure 3. Horizontal Steel Exostructure 4. Tension Cable Eyebolt 5. Aluminium Window Frame 6. Steel Column
3 4
5
6
PC
Controller
1 2
LED Screen
1. LED Connection Cabling 2. Horizontal Steel Rod 3. Steel Exoskeleton 4. Tension Cables 5. Cabling to Controller/PC 6. Steel Exoskeleton
3 4
5 6
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3D Detailed Views 1 2
3 4 1. LED Lights 2. Covering 3. Horizontal Steel Rod 4. Tension Cable Fixing 5. Tension Metal Cable 6. Steel Disc
5 6
1 2 3
1. Circular Skylight 2. PVCu Window Frame 3. Reinforced Concrete Waffle Slab 4. Reinforced Concrete Column
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Descriptive Specification
TRANSPARENT MEDIA FACADE The exoskeleton is attached to steel columns inside the building and is perforating the window frame. Long vertical tension cables are attached to it with eyebolts and are woven-in between steel rods and discs that support the LED lights shell.
ROOF/ WAFFLE CONCRETE SLAB The pieces are assembled progressively, alternating with a steel reinforcement setup. Once the casting moulds have been laid out, the lower steel bars are assembled, followed by the skylight openings and finally the upper steel bars. VISUAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPITON
VISUAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPITON
Material/ Concrete
Building function/ Roof
Material/ Stainless Steel
Building function/ Media Facade
Type/ Fine
Fixed/ Operable: Fixed
Type/ 316 SS
Fixed/ Operable: Fixed
Finish/ Exposed
Features/ Circular Skylights
Open Area/ 55%
Features/ Film/Installation Screening
Max Viewing Distance/ ~30m Jointing/ Welding+Bolting Dimensions 100mm 125mm
480mm
125mm
Organization/Assembly
Hollow Silicone Mould
Steel Reinforcement
119mm 119mm
Concrete Grid
19mm
420mm
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1:20 Detail
Skylight
Transparent Media Facade
Polycarbonate Double Skin
Eyebolts
High Security Screwbolts
Steel Exostructure
PVCu Frame
Steel Woven-in Tension Cables Steel Rods LED Lights + Steel Discs
Parapet Roof Structure Zinc Coping DPC Damp Proof Membrane Timber Battens Plywood Roofboard Rigid Insulation Copper Panels Cladding Flat Roof Structure DPC Damp Proof Membrane Rigid Insulation Reinforced Concrete Waffle Slab Bolted Steel Column
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Precedents
Reinforced Concrete Waffle Slab Alarcon & Associates
The Energy Technologies Building Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham MAKE Architects
Mediamesh Transparent Media Facade
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Reflection
This module has expanded my knowledge as well as sparkled my interest in materiality and structure by introducing different combinations of the former and techniques of the latter. It has given me the ability to explore my studio project to a greater depth and most importantly to work with a strong tectonic consideration resulting in a more convincing and realistic structural design. It has also helped me translate my conceptual ideas into architectural. In addition, with the software skills I aquired from other modules such as K12IDB I was able to construct a digital model that included complex 3D geometry without feeling restricted, this way understanding the structure of my design more easily and at a greater level. The decision to take the part model through the facade and roof was driven by my intention to show how they all come together and relate to each other in various ways. For example the steel columns are supporting the waffle slab but are also holing the exoskeleton of the media facade. Had I had the chance to do the project differently, I would have focused on different parts in more depth and resolve some minor detailing flaws such as thermal bridging caused by the the steel structure of the medial facade piercing the aluminium window frame. In addition, I would have explored the design and assembly of the facade further, for which I have plans to use copper panels.
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