ARCHITECTURE STAGE 2 2014/15
BJWD.
CONTENTS. P7-17
CROSSOVER.
P19-35
PROSPECT +REFUGE
P37-47
LIVING ON THE EDGE.
P49-59
PLACED, DISPLACED.
P61-63
CHARRETTE WEEK.
YEAR DESIGN REPORT. This year for me has shown a huge leap in my way of thinking and also my approach to work throughout. From speaking to peers and those in the higher stages of architecture there comes a time in everyone’s’ education where something changes and a theoretical switch flicks. Taking people from ticking boxes for minimum marks to them wanting to be proud of the work they produce and therefore yearning to learn more. For me this transition has definitely happened towards the end of the year. While I would have much preferred this to occur at the start of the year I have been able to work tirelessly to get my initial marks up to a standard I am happy with. The first project for me was something that interested me greatly, I have always seen myself leaning towards the more residential side of architecture so this was a chance to embrace that. Furthermore it was a redevelopment project which heightened my interest as I have a curiosity for contrasting old and new architecture. The project had a sense of personality from the idea that we would have specific clients. This allowed us to truly imagine what form of space they would want and to truly cater it to a individual family rather than a large group of theoretical clients. For this project I shied away from using computers as it was a small scale project and I felt that if I was presenting to a family they would want that personal feel. In retrospective this limited my ability to communicate my ideals as they were light and scale which I feel you can represent more effectively and more subtly using computer software. I feel that my design for this project was one of my strongest, so that made it even more frustrating that my presentation let me down. My ability to speak clearly about the ideals meant that my tutor also was left with the feeling that the presentation let down the strong concepts. In fact he came to speak to me after the crit and tried to help me with tips for presentation in the future as he struggled to convince the other tutors of my scheme’s strengths when it came to producing the marks. The second project was very slow to start for me, I didn’t feel the connection that I had felt with the previous brief and this left me uninspired. Up until the interim crit I feel I was just passively designing within the guidelines of the brief with no real interest in the scheme. It wasn’t until a tutor that I had for a previous project approached me to say that she could tell I was struggling, that I decided to start again. While this left me with a time pressure I didn’t want to continue with the average level work I had been producing, I wanted to find that drive again. I decided to revisit site on my own and truly work out what it was that I liked about the site. I found my passion in the contrast between nature and industry in the area. I have spent a lot of time between my home in the countryside and London and I always appreciate the tranquil country when I come back from the hustle of the city. This manifested itself into my design. I had found something I could relate to and I strived to create an atmosphere of this natural peacefulness in my scheme. My tutor saw this change in my design and he shared my increase in ambition for the project. This only furthered my drive and I wanted to produce something that represented my strong ideals. I have always loved to contrast opposing concepts in order to heighten one another and I was to do this in this project also. Due to the time constraints I placed on myself by not finding a concept until half way through the project the final work I produced didn’t fully clarify my schemes intentions which is a shame as both I and the tutor expected better from myself. Working on finalising this project for my portfolio has been one of my favourite things as I feel now I have shared what was going on in my head when designing the scheme. The third project started with us looking at twin phenomenon, which as I have previously explained, is something I try to embrace throughout my designs so this was really interesting for me. I spent a fair amount of time before the site visit reading through Van Eyck’s works, to fully understand how to best contrast my concepts. I wanted to play with the cube form that we were given so that it didn’t necessarily read as a cube to the public. I wanted to break down the rigidity and have some form of natural design, maybe that was my way of rebelling against the strict brief but I didn’t want this heavy structural cube, I wanted to create something free flowing and light while still ticking the boxes required by the brief. Towards the end of the project we had a loss in the family which meant I spent a lot of time at home or down in Oxford away from work. This meant that unfortunately my head wasn’t really in the project so after the crit I knew I had catching up to do to get the project to the level of my peers. I feel that I have achieved this and now hopefully the ideals are represented efficiently through my work. I am happy with how this project has developed as my mindset improved and I hope this shows in my final presentation. For next year I want to truly study the way in which architects I admire represent their schemes. Tadao Ando has also produced work that I love, so for me I would love to study the way in which he conveys these concepts to his clients in order to be able to communicate my ideas better. I also hope to heighten my knowledge of revit over summer through placements.
BRADLEY J. W. DAVIDSON
CROSSOVER. HARMONIOUS INTERRUPTION.
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This project allowed us the chance to work with the engineering school at the university.This proposed challenges as the ways in which we both think are very different. Having said this we both seemed to embrace the others views on the project and worked well as a team to create our festival. One of the most striking things about Castle Stairs is how its atmosphere can be completely governed by the time of day and weather. It was this temporal quality of the site that we wanted to capture and manipulate through our structure and instillation. The chare offers up many places to pause, by constantly moving from confined spaces to open and back again. Ascending from the busy quayside, up narrow stairs to open up to a stage like area at the castle. The chare repeats this until it reaches the New Castle. It is these areas where the stairs stop and expand that are mostly affected by the moving sun and changing weather. Throughout just one single day you can see a range of different atmospheres, allowing for so many different moods to evolve and develop. From spending time at the site we found that the chare was being used mostly as a cut through, not many were stopping and taking the time to appreciate the surroundings. From our scheme, we aim to slow these people down and allow them the time to pause and reflect.
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MARKETING.
For our marketing approach we started with a video that we wanted to use to encompass our ideals of movement and time. In order to achieve this we set up a series of camera angles at our chosen site, then we took photos every minute for a whole day, using these photos we played with the speed to capture the moving light and also the movement of people on our chare. The second approach to our marketing was to create eye catching graphics and place them strategically around the city. Our main target was to provide local bars with coasters to draw in a younger crowd from the surrounding area in a passive approach.
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EAST SECTION.
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WEST SECTION.
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REPRESENTATION.
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Using a mixture of physical and digital models we wanted to show how our space would transition throughout the day as the use of the space also transitioned. Using the renders of the different spaces we managed to convey how the structure and music would cause passers by to stop and pause during their normal day. Then at night the illuminated structure welcomes in local veterans from the bars. We wanted to produce a form that didn’t take away from the feel of the chare but in fact enhance it and we feel that through this representation we have shown how we achieved that.
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PROSPECT & REFUGE. ACTIVIY, EXPOSED.
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This project was the last in the year and consequentially it came with a more complex brief than we had seen before. While the premise of the scheme was one that wasn’t too hard to comprehend there were limiting factors included that often we didn’t have to consider. The basic brief was an extension of Newcastle University to act as a study retreat for students but also to supply an venue for community activities in Amble. This dual aspect of the building meant that public and private spaces would have to intertwine yet not disturb one another. The scheme itself had to draw in members of the local public so that the university building was not seen as imposing on the area. The restrictions on the brief included the form, that of a cube, which caused us as architectural students to play with predetermined guidelines within our design. The focus on structure was also at the forefront of the brief with a timber frame and a mass structured plinth placed as requirements. This restrictions gave a sense of reality to the project as so often we are allowed to let our creativity wonder without necessarily thinking about the true life consequences.
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SITE ANALYSIS.
The main thing that struck me about the site was the sense of exposure. Firstly in the physical sense, the site is a large open plane with the strong east wind blowing in your face, along with this it brings the cold rain from the sea. So the physical geography was something that I wanted to look into. Also the sense of exposure with Amble, the area is so still and quiet, I want my scheme to bring back some activity into the area.
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I studied the work of Aldo van Eyck in order to learn about the twin phenomenon effect. I found it useful to deconstruct the idea that a scheme should have one sole focus. I like the idea that by using opposites, exposure and shelter, they in fact heighten the experience of each individual effect. I want to use this feeling in my facade by allowing sight across the area but using it also to provide shelter.
“THE BREATHING IMAGE EPITOMISES MY CONCEPTION OF TWIN PHENOMENA.”
“IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO INVENT DWELLING TYPES WHICH DO NOT LOOSE THEIR SPECIFIC IDENTITY WHEN MULTIPLIED.”
“GESTALT- WHERE THAT IS PERCIEVED AS MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS.”
“HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PART IN TERMS OF THE WHOLE?”
“DECENTRALIZATION OF IMPORTANT CITYSCALE ELEMENTS.”
TWIN PHENOMENON. 23
DEVELOPMENT.
I had decided that I wanted the two main focuses of my scheme to play with exposure and activity but I didn’t know what form they would take yet. I looked at precedents where exposure was intertwined with the ideas of circulation allowing the scheme to present life through the facade. I played with the ideas of a facade that sheltered a translucent scheme. While relating it back to Amble I studying the views I wanted to capture in the spaces of exposure and also decided that the circulation should face amble in order to pump activity back into the area.
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Due to unforeseeable circumstances there were areas of my project that I couldn’t fully develop before the crit. I chose to focus on those areas afterwards to enhance my project. These areas were the plinth and the first level. I extended my ideas of contrasting shelter and exposure so that walking into the plinth there is an enclosed and secure environment but then moving up onto the plinth you are exposed to both amble and the environment. The entrance level is a gallery space, with the facade creating the perfect atmosphere for artwork.
EXTERIOR CIRCULATION SPACES.
EXPOSURE
VS
SHELTER.
POST CRIT. 25
PLANS.
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I have included my old presentation work on this page as I wanted to capture the same qualities but in a lighter format in my new work. I wanted to show the areas of exposure to the views where the facade opens up and their atmospheric qualities. The light is a large part of my scheme so I definitely want to capture this in my new work.
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SECTIONS.
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EXPERIENTIAL.
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I have tried to capture the qualities of different spaces in my scheme. The shadows created by the timber slating can clearly be seen as well as the enclosed feeling that is present within the plinth. The study room internals show that while the room may be enclosed the ability to see out removes and sense of claustrophobia. My facade and concepts extend out into my covered walkway across the landscaping creating a sheltered area to experience the beautiful surround views.
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FACADE.
I studied the wind pattens encasing a building to inspire the organic nature of my facade as a response to the environment at Amble. Given the rigid structure and grid of my design I wanted to create a facade with organic influence. With the slated timber across the majority of the spaces I wanted to use areas where the timber peeled back leaving a sense of exposure to the surroundings, recreating my experience on visiting site.
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For my structure the idea of an encompassing facade lent itself to a double skin resolution. This allows the building to self regulate air conditioning in a passive way throughout the year therefore reducing the carbon footprint of the scheme greatly. This shows the system in winter, summer and spring.
I started forming the structure of my building by creating a solution of beam widths that allowed my concept of outside circulation to come to fruition. I then created my concrete core to face amble as I wanted to have a large amount of glazing in this part of my design. The plinth of my design is a rammed earth structure to create a sense of solidarity. As you can see I have highlighted the plinth, column and floor plate areas of my structure for clarity.
STRUCTURE. 35
LIVING ON THE EDGE. ESCAPE THE CITY.
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This project gave me the opportunity to design a scheme which I had not come across before. A foyer is a building for young adults who due to difficult times are looking for somewhere to stay. The tenants of a foyer are often of a similar age to myself so that gave the project a sense of W for me. Even though I cannot imagine what they must have gone through I can use my scheme to achieve an atmosphere that I would enjoy myself. I wanted to create a haven for these people to escape their everyday lives. It is a system where they work in the foyer to pay for their stay, this provides them with essential skills to get them back on their feet. This meant that we had to design a workshop for boat building along with the residential side of the scheme When I visited the site what resonated with me most was the connection with nature. The area of Ouseburn was fuelled historically by the waters which allowed for the advancement of industry in the area. This contrast between nature and industry was something that I wanted to have running through my design. They are two things that so often we do not see as being able to harmoniously work together, we see it as either industrial or natural. With my scheme I want to see if these things can work together and by being contrasting in views they may even enhance one another. This concept worked especially well given the industrial workshop and the tranquil residential areas I wanted to form.
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SITE ANALYSIS.
The main aspects of site that were key in my development process were the level of industrial buildings, the natural spaces and also the high levels of circulation which can be seen in the diagrams on the left. The other aspect I wanted to capture was these concepts contrasted in the image above.
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As you can see from my precedents Tadao Ando was a huge inspiration to me during my development. In order to achieve this contrast between industrial areas and those of nature I looked at Ando’s work as he often uses industrial concrete to frame nature. From this I started playing around with the idea that the scheme should open outwards towards the water. Moving form an industrial feel to a park like space. I designed a harsh concrete wall which meets the street then the facade opens up towards the water with areas of forestry and green spaces. There was also the idea of very private spaces and very public spaces so that all members had a spot where they felt comfortable.
DEVELOPMENT. 41
PLANS.
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NATURAL SPACES.
For many of the tenants in these schemes they have only ever lived in the inner city, I wanted to take them out of their home environment and into a haven of nature. Each room has views which are looking onto beautiful landscaped gardens and the flowing water. From the street facade as you can see there is one opening in the concrete which allows the gardens to be seen causing members of the public to want to come into the foyer. By doing this it allows the tenants to not feel like separated from the public but to in fact interact with them. The large amounts of landscaping also allow tenants to be as sociable or as closed off as they want. It is possible to sit with others on a bench or to find a secluded area behind a tree to read. The space is truly adaptable to each and everyone’s requirements.
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SECTION. 45
MODELS.
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Using my internal perspectives I have shown how the connection to nature is present in all rooms of the foyer. There is also this idea that while a occupier may be in a room on their own they still have this connection to those outside and to others with in the building. They will never feel isolated.
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PLACED, DISPLACED. SCALE OF LIGHT.
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To start off the year we were eased into a small scale project which helped us regain our sense of space. The brief was to redevelop a row of garages into terrace houses with a particular client in mind. This gave it a very personal feel which was something that I enjoyed, it also marked the return of residential architecture, something I am very interested in. The site was based opposite a row of existing houses, this proposed the challenge of creating something that would respond to the area in a historical way yet work best for our clients. From living in a grade II listed home I have developed a great appreciation for the historical preservation of an area yet my personal taste has always leant towards a modern approach. Combining these two areas for me was something that I looked to achieve.
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SITE ANALYSIS.
Upon visiting the site it was clear that the area of South Shields was already built up in an intensive way with row after row of housing. That turned my focus to the areas of natural space that remained around the garages. The first being green banks towards the south of the site and secondly the vast areas of water.
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When studying precedents I wanted to look at modern terrace housing as I felt familiar with the more traditional style. The ideas of bringing in the maximum amount of light in order to remove any sense of small scale was something that I wanted to achieve. Also this idea of generous but simple spaces to create a rich atmosphere was something that I held a great value to. The south facing light with the natural spaces behind needed to be utilised in this scheme.
DEVELOPMENT. 53
PLANS.
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SCALE AND LIGHT.
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The main space in the scheme is the double height open plan living area. This space has southern light pouring in through the glazing into the lounge, dining room and kitchen. This is where I imagine the family of 3 to spend the majority of their time throughout the years, especially with the retracting glazing allowing outside/inside living to become seamless. It is a great space for entertaining which we know the clients love to do, showing off their collection of modern art. When their daughter wants time to herself she has her own floor with a terrace area to allow a more secluded outside experience. The facades of the building represent this opening out towards the light. With a traditional style front facade opening to this very modern, very open steel facade. This allows represents the clients taste for modern art and also has cues to the front facade with a brick pattern in the glazing.
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CHARRETTE WEEK. THINK. MAKE. THINK.
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Charrette is a great time at the start of the year when all stages of the architecture school come together to work on a fun project. This year our group was challenged with creating a structure that would enhance a chosen site. We chose a space in the heart of the university which as of yet did not have any seating. We were tasked with making a structure without any binding agents in order to be able to recycle the timber. The final result was something we were all proud of.
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