Component 1 Catia Martins De S.
Design Brief The space that will be presented consists of two commercial spaces, a library and a community centre. These spaces were chosen because my client wants to improve the community for who which this space will be built for. My client wanted a space for a community which was unfortunate to lack their essential needs such as education and post doing some research there was a sudden realization that the community which he wanted me to build this for lacked accessible modern libraries and I wanted to do something for the community and for the residents of this place and the city overall – therefore these two model designs were chosen because there is great potential for something great and beneficial for the community to be achieved. Moreover, this development would also be a great achievement to the appearance of London as this creation would incorporate innovative, modernistic and simple details altogether – The plan is to create something functional yet aesthetic and efficient The theme chosen involves simplicity and plants, research will ensure that all information obtained will help the theme be well incorporated into the various spaces that the building will offer. This theme should also help the building acquire the modernistic and natural appearance that I’m looking for and it should help the building look very aesthetic and attractive in short or long distances.
Specification
Location
The space will have to be enough to accommodate both a library and a social place, therefore the Community Centre should at least have 3 separate areas- either going horizontally or vertically. Spaces to consider for the Community Centre/Library: • 3 different spaces; • A library space • A social zone
The location chosen for this project was in Senegal, a country on Africa’s west coast with a rich French colonial heritage, in its capital city Dakar. The place was ‘Park Hann’ and this place was chosen because the client wanted to encourage more green spaces in this capital city in the future. The greenest location was chosen due to it being more likely to have less pollution and also as a way to encourage the community to try interact with green spaces and learn to respect and nurture it more.
The location to accommodate this building will have to be warm and sunny so the Centre can make it’s best use of its efficiency. Therefore: • Sunny and warm temperatures The main themes were modernism and simplicity. The client also wants the Centre to go well with it natural surroundings. Due to the main themes and the location of this development I want a lot of open concepts features within this building, this includes: • Massive high windows • white spaces • Reflective bases
Senegal overall was chosen due to it being a low developing country and being classified as having the 13th lowest literacy rate in the world due its poor education system and high poverty levels. The client wanted a library and community to encourage the education levels within the city to grow and to at the same time try and reduce the poverty levels of this city.
Therefore due to the spacious green park-like- location this building should include modern and minimalistic looking so it stands out and yet goes well with the ambient of the park.
Primary Inspiration Resources For primary research I used things that inspired me such as previous projects, Objects and other things which I saw potential on The advantages of getting and using primary resources is that you can obtain unique resources that others don’t have and you can make it your own. Using primary resources however can be challenging as it is quite limiting and time consuming but I’ll be using it as there’s great potential in obtaining your own data and then using by transforming it or adapting it to your ideas. The theme I planned to research on the process is the theme of natural and organic matter. I was really interested I the development of natural matter mixed with new modern efficient features so it should be interesting to look further into it.
These are some of the photographs of the models that I made for the mock I previously had. The purpose of this model was to a pavilion or a rather an extension to a free space that the Victorian and Albert Museum had. I wanted to make something rather symmetrical, innovative and sharp- a model that appeared like it belonged in a free opened space rather than being kept indoors. The model was also designed in a way in which it could fit my client’s [teacher’s] given limitations, due to these limitations I do believe that the design wasn’t the best to its fullest potential and therefore I plan to improve it.
What could be better Improvements: Buildings appear too busy and messy to the eye, therefore an improvement would be to make it appear cleaner
If cut into a semi-sphere it could be turned into a stable building.
Due to the fact that this time there are limitations the size and the width of the model will definitely be changed. Appearance and even materials used will be simpler
MATERIAL EXPLORATION:
Materials Being Considered:
Further Exploring the location and future material needed. Given the location chosen, variables such as the weather could affect the materials that I chose to use for the building that the client wanted. My goal was to use materials that would be efficient when it came to variables such as the weather yet at the same time these materials had to look clean and go with the natural surroundings. This structure had to encourage the Senegalese population to want to get involved with nature.
CLIMATE AND AVERAGE MONTHLY WEATHER IN DAKAR, SENEGAL
The weather could affect the materials needed for this building.
Dakar has a hot semi-arid climate with a short rainy season and a lengthy dry season. during the hot season the monthly averages are 30° C (86° F ) and 20° C (68° F ). Considering these figures, Senegal doesn’t seem to have strong hot weathers like the other African countries. This is great!
Wood: • High tensile strength • Heat and electrical resistance • Sound absorption • Aesthetic Disadvantages would be disforestation as it requires to cut down trees. The client is trying to encourage the grow of natural sources not the opposite.
Plastic: • UV Resistant • Beautification – looks good • Allows maximum use of daylight • Comes in a variety of reflective surfaces to offer privacy
Metal: • Flexible and resilient • Can withstand adverse climatic conditions to a great extent • Fire Resistant
Alcalagres Concrete: • Strong and resilient • Can withstand great amounts of tensile stress • Versatile • Durable and long lasting • Future reuse- Can be reused following a demolition project
I was trying to find a way to minimize the area of this model, this because I wanted to make it look cleaner . By looking at the shape of this model and seeing the different components which it was made of- I saw potential to make smaller, more simpler structures. On the drawing above, I have drawn a visual guide of my ideas and how I have developed my model and transformed it into a more simplistic one. On the next page I will be presenting this ideas in CAD models.
Forming Ideas – Exterior Research
Although these are improved versions of my other model . I do plan on doing further research on specific features of the model which I think there’s potential for further research . I really wanted to deepen my research for the symmetrical side of things and also as previously stated the natural aspect of the materials used.
Therefore most of my work was had a significant deeper adoration for buildings which incorporated natural materials such as wood. I also looked at other forms of inspiration of course.
Taking the improvement points made from my previous model, I decided to make a simpler version and the model displayed in this page displays that. The new improved model does not have an outcircular-layer as it previously did. The reason for this particular change was that the extension made the building look busier that it actually needed to, cutting it made the building look cleaner and more minimalistic.
Also other layers where added towards the back, I thought adding an extension towards the back than up would be more efficient.
This is another version of my first model, this version was something which I thought would look or rather would be more innovative than my constructed model. This model is bigger and I decided to add 2 floors to the building. New features Include the now singular see through windows inbetween the wood walls. This development from my previous model is rather eccentric. I do think that it looks more appealing to the eye and the wood and glass features go beautifully together. Why u done this‌ Does it make the model better.
These little annotations where made so I could have a wider understanding of my own model. I wanted to explore how these buildings could work if given a function. For example if made to be a gym, how many floors would there be etc.
Secondary Research Research for Exterior and Interior designs.
Architect’s name: Vo Trong Nghia, Vietnamese architect Born: 1976 (age 46), Phu Thuy Education: University of Tokyo Type of architecture: Eco- friendly, natural related architecture.
Most of his buildings incorporate natural or organic resources. His buildings seem to be well constructed with the thought of both functionality and naturalism in mind. Nhia seems to use mostly eco-friendly resources in his buildings, this is evident in some of his works such as the House of trees and the Binh Thanh House. Although Nghia may use natural resources in his buildings which are usually weaker than other materials, Nghia still finds ways to include ‘natural’ materials that are strong and durable enough to sustain his buildings. One of the things that I most liked about his buildings was that he seems to incorporate natural features that are similar to his home place in Vietnam.
House of Trees
Binh Thanh House
Sport Facilities
What Alvaro did here with the patterns is something for me to look further into!
The Building on the water
Architect’s name: Álvaro Joaquim de Melo Siza Vieira Born: 1933 (age 85 years) Matosinhos, Portugal Education: University of Porto, Technical University of Lisbon, Porto School Of Architecture.
Alvaro Vieira is known for his sculptural works that have been described as “poetic modernism”. All of Siza’s works have aesthetic features and in a way they all look like sculptures. Siza has constructed this building which is is a sports facilities in Portugal and within this building there’s a swimming place where at the top he has placed mini circular holes and as light passes or comes from those holes the swimming pool is decorated with beautiful circular shapes everywhere! His way of developing and transforming spaces has fascinated me to further explore the usage of natural light to create patterns within empty and dark spaces.
JG Domestic Philadelphia, PA, United States
Opinions on the building: Beautiful use of the theme “nature”. You can clearly see the architects ideas coming together and you can obviously view what the architect was trying to pursue when decorating and adding both the wood and the green elements around the restaurant. There’s something rather pleasing to the eye, the simplicity yet messy and natural elements just seem to want to evoke some sort of personal comfortable place in a person’s mindset therefore creating this chilled, edgy and elegant place where not just individuals but also many others would love to hang out or eat in.
Why did you chose this specific building/what interested you in this particular building: Because of how it looks (obviously); the layout of the restaurant and these light, dark, woody and natural elements really go great together. To me the whole setting screams peace and for some reason even euphoria- it just looks like a place where all your personal problems would go away, where you and your mates and close ones could have that “great time” that only happens in movies etc… and I cannot help myself and ask…what If I could create something similar? Make some changes here and there of course but still… It’s a really great combination and amazing use of white and brown spaces with green natural elements!
Why did you chose this specific building/what interested you in this particular building:
Leisure and services center
Like previously stated what most interested me or rather attracted me to this building was the simple elegant appearance of the building, how modern it looks but how at the same time the building seems to effortlessly be blending with the natural environment surroundings around the it. One of the most interesting intriguing features would be the downwards slopes on both sides of the building, it just really creates this image of the modern world and nature finally coming and working together to create this serene and peaceful place where the public can enjoy these two important things (modern technology and nature) that shape the world that today we live in.
Saint-Victor sur Loire, Saint-Etienne, France - 2015
Opinions on the building: To me this building appears really modern and different , beautiful and peaceful in a way. I like it because it just blends with its natural surroundings so effortlessly (the features such as the downwards slope really helps the building to look like its being engulfed or mixed by/with nature).
Kasita 5910 Techni Center Dr, Austin, TX 78721, USA
Opinions on the building: Innovative and different. It gives a minimalistic view to the buildings that we have in today’s society. The compartment appears to be very small but for an individual or two people it looks spacious enough. It is clear that in order for a small house/building to be constructed it has to have a symmetrical and clean shape. Kasita is a basically just a massive rectangle. This lead me to wonder if it would work with other shapes and so I tried‌.
The idea store really caught my attention because of its appearance and its purpose. The idea store building is very similar to the building I want to create. It’s a building which incorporates a very simplistic structure yet the way its decorated is more complex and fun! The building not only serves as a sort of community centre but more importantly it also has a library-this being one of the reason why I found the idea store such an exciting and different building to analyse and get inspirations from.
Idea Store -Whitechapel
Holy Ghost Chapel -Managua, Nicaragua
Architect: Donald Ricci Ricci was inspired by a Genesis chapter in the bible which addressed ’Doves’. Thus the shape of the chapel (internal and external). Ricci obtained this idea from the bible and actually made a church! Pretty inspiring to me! One of the reasons I chose this building is because of its uniqueness. This Building is extremely beautiful for beginners. Its beauty is displayed within its original and unique white structure and most importantly the different symmetric features at the top and bottom seem to purposefully contrast each other in a aesthetically pleasing way. I must say it was the first time I’d ever seen such an eye catching building.
Architect : Angelene Chan
Wisma Atria Wisma Atria was designed by DP Architects as a 22storey office tower with a 5-storey commercial podium.
Born: 1964 (54 years), Johor Baru, Malaysia. Chan is the CEO of DP Architects. Nominated designer of the year in July 2018.
DP Architects - One of the largest architectural practices in Singapore and Globally. - Started in 1967, the institution was made private in 1993. - Became the CEO of DP Architects in 2016 Sunray Woodcraft Headquarters
Exterior development
Idea 1 Interior Development: These are some of the planned uses of the spaces within the building.
- This idea was created using the features that I most found interesting during my research.
Strengths: •
•
Weaknesses:
If the building was made with high • silo pane windows/glass it could really not only benefit the building itself but also the location and the space that it surrounds. Depending on the colour, if transparent yet a little bit reflective, it could reflect specs/ rays of sunshine into the environment allowing the zone to become • illuminated and also due to the building being rather transparent it would allow sunlight into the premises, creating FREE natural light for the occupants. It also due to the open concept, it would give the people the relax feeling of being embraced by nature etc.
If the building becomes transparent then there would be no privacy of those trying to do work and enjoy their peace and quiet – I suggest including some metal or wood panels with in scripted designs perhaps would make things more interesting perhaps. Due to the windows being transparent there would be an unlimited source of sunlight in the mornings, but people may want some dark areas to relax or stay in, or what if they suffer from light sensitivity?
Idea 2 -
Idea 2 was also developed from previous research done. The building that I envisage has 4 stories as the one in the drawingeach floor a different functionalso similar to idea 1 its height is rather tall. This is because in
In model 2, The reflective glass and metal work mix was inspired by the Idea Store and kasita buildings. I liked the concept of working with these two material, however the pattern part was achieved from a later stage.
Reflective Metal Good for efficiency
Glass Wood square or lined design panel For a more natural look.
today’s society modern buildings are made in a way in which they’re easier to see from long distancesomething that can easily catch a person’s eye and interest themand they are also made with materials which
scream ‘NEW!’, therefore for this specific model I plan to use 2 different material; glass and metal. Both these materials are reflective and can easily be used to create something eccentric. Perhaps even wood will be used as a way to easily blend in with the natural aesthetic of the city’s Park in which I plan to place this structure in.
Further exploring Idea 2 – Exterior Development In this model I was experimenting with the pattern that I would be incorporating in my structure if this building was to be modeled. The 3rd floor is where a designed layer would be applied to the building.
This model would potentially have 4 floors if given a function. The third floor is where I would incorporate the light and shadow pattern idea from Alvaro Siza ‘Sport Facility’ Building. Which was previously stated on slide 10. It would be part of the interior design. As light passes through the holes, little patterns would be formed. Also these little patterns would allow natural air to enter the space. Seeing as this building will be placed on a hot country. A natural air ventilation system would be great! This would be really useful during summers.
These are some of the examples: What I like about this idea is the patterns and the actual advantage of including them as holes The community Centre. It could look very aesthetic once the light hits these little openings and then inside patterns are formed, as if it is some kind of naturally made wallpaper. This very concept excites me! What I would do with it? I would have to make these little patterns my actual interior design. Considering that if I was to include these patterns on walls sunlight would pass through I could just take advantage of this occurrence and use it as interior decoration . To me the most important thing would be for the community and the individuals that attend this space to be amazed and feel relaxed within the interior of the building. Major concerns to me are infiltration during rain/wet seasons- I’ll have to make sure that these patterns are either made with a lighter material or just glass.
Model Development Model 1
This model was constructed using plaster. I used a cupcake model maker to set the circular shapes which not form the model. This model looked rather appealing to me. This because: firstly it made me question its gravity resistance and secondly because it reminded me of the ’City Hall’ in London. In this model, I saw potential for 3 to 5 floors. Each floor could potentially have high ceilings. If this model was given a function, similarly to the City Hall it could also possibly be made of mainly glass and other shiny materials such as metal for example, or maybe some sort of very resistant wood.
Model 2
This model has a very symmetrical shape which I adore. This model was made using aluminium foil. Its flexibility, which was an enormous advantage, allowed me to bent it in various ways until I was pleased with the model I acquired. The thing I most like about this model is its elegant fluidity. The way the two curves- which look very similar to butterfly wingsseparate at the top, slide down and then intertwine together once more. This model is definitely going to be explored further in the future. Furthermore, this model also reminded me of the ‘London’s Aquatic Centre’ in Stratford made by Zaha Hadid. They are very similar in shape, and the curves are similar.
London Aquatic Centre By Zaha Hadid
Model 3 This was one of my favourite models. Using the orange film wrap was exciting. One of the reason I particularly like this model is because of how the film wrap seems to embrace the other material. Post developing and looking for some ways to develop the model I still incorporated that same ‘wrap 'effect style that the orange brings film brought to the other model.
Quick Plan
Exterior
Interior
These are some sketches of me trying to understa nd this model a little bit more and trying to see what forms it could take.
This was another model made with plaster. This model was interesting because it just had so much going on. After some consideration and some attempts to make it more functional I I ended up by not giving this model a function as it looks more like an sculptural design than an actual building.
Model 4 Model 2
Paper Folding Model Development Paper models where made to further explore the different shapes I could develop on the way. Using a light board and some origami- like paper models, the light created some sort of contrast with the light colored paper accentuating the lines and folds of this model– creating very symmetrical structures
Models 5 and 6
For Model 6, Site 1 I was thinking about the symmetry and the materials that could potentially be involved in the development of the building. This drawing was inspired by the paper folding model. I became curious by how the model reminded me of an aeroplane and aeroplanes are dynamic vehicles, they’re interesting and fun to play with, even adults make paper aeroplanes to play with sometimes. Going further I was thinking of the possible spaces this building could include. The simple shape allows the model’s structure structure to appear cleanand that’s one of the things that the client wanted. Also the clean cut corridor shape would allow for fresh air to easily ventilate the structure- As the location chosen is usually hot, this shape would be really useful to cool down the building.
These are some further developments from the paper folding models. I wanted to try and experiment with the remaining spaces from the paper folding models.
FINAL DESIGN CHOSEN: MODEL 6- DRAWING SITE 1
Going back into my design brief and specification, My client wanted a Community centre-slash-library which conveyed efficiency, simplicity and naturalism. The idea of including glass at the centre was developed and added from the idea of energy efficiency. Buildings like libraries are always using enormous amounts of energy to support their lighting and other sources within the library such as internet, thus the glass centre was installed into my model I was also thinking of how I could include sun panels or something similar to absorb insolation and also contribute to locals energy.
The white colour was chosen due to its ability to being able to reflect heat/light back .
The glass centre is an efficient featureit allows maximum daylight to enter the Centre, allowing the building to save energy.
Using CAD I was able to visualise and see where I would be allocating the different spaces within the building. Seeing as the Client wanted a minimum of 3 spaces within one singular structure, this descending triangle shaped area was divided into 3 sections.
I decided to use concreate white walls due to their durability and strength. The client wants this building to last long term and transform the society for the better in the upcoming years. Using this strong material which does not damage the natural surroundings of the area just that! The building was all one level so it was easily accessed by the community and there is also a separate facility as the toilet.
The middle section of the centre includes grass on the floor inside to still remind the community to engage and learn to take care of natural spaces.
-C.Martins