Component 2 (IAD)
Part 2: Final Design
By Daniel Stetco
Development of Design Ideas:
Design Idea1 involvedanalysingcurves usedin the builtenvironment(interiorand exteriorspaces).
Many contemporaryarchitects havetried to distancethemselvesfrom the linear style usedin the past. For example,JeanNouvelfavoursvast openspaces. Thishelpeddesignuniquestructures such as the NationalMuseumof Qatar,whichdefies the rules and expectationsin place.His rather unusual,unexpectedapproachto architectural designreminds ofan artist’s flamboyantstyle that uses elements oflightand darkness to achievean impressiveeffect on the users.
In my turn, I designeda buildingusingcurvedlines. I didn’t want it to be a simplelinear structure. On the contrary,I was in favourofundulatinglines that toucheson the themeoffluidityand movement. Therefore,the layoutofthe structureI propose resemblesto theshapeofan elongatedbean,but I can alsothink ofthe sand dunes ofthe MiddleEast or the gentle wavesin the PersianGulf.
Thisstructurewas alreadycreatedin Design Idea1. However,I developedit by combiningit with Design Idea2 (patterns). Tocreatethe pattern,I took inspirationfrom Islamic Art,which uses geometric shapes.Thesecan be rectangles, triangles, stars combinedintocomplexforms. AfterI created the pattern,I placedit on theroofof eachleveland erasedany excess to fit the shapeofthe building.
My own pattern is created by using elements in the style of Jean Nouvel who influenced the roof of my model. I used the colour blue because just like Jean Nouvel, I thought about the blue sky above and the water of the sea. With these ideas in mind, I came up with this pattern that is specific toAsian cultures. I believe this is suitable for my model because this is located in Stratford, East London and this area is inhabited by large Asian communities.
Whilst doing my research, I analysed in depth the dome Jean Nouvel designed for LouvreAbu Dhabi. His work of art takes inspiration from elements ofArabic culture. He used the idea of light filtered through wooden lattice, which is commonly used in buildings specific to theArab world. His dome extends the tradition, but also brings in a new innovative element. Many have commented on the feeling that they are under the starry sky at night when being inside the museum. This is because the overlapping layers of squares, triangles and hexagons allow natural light to penetrate through the roof both at day and night.
I can also say that the pattern created in SketchUp resembles the shape of a flower. Again, Jean Nouvel used this motive when he projected the National Museum of Qatar, which takes inspiration from the desert rose
I transferred the digital model into a physical one. I took the idea from SketchUp and used it to create a real life model as a prototype. This was achieved by using 2D Design and the laser cutter for precision.
I originally intended to use polypropylene for the Islamic pattern, but the amount of detail would have melted the material when laser cutting.
So, I used a very similar material (acrylic) to ensure all details were accurate.
OnceI got mypiecesback,I encounteredthe problemthat this modelwouldbe extremelytall if I wereto continue to addthe 1st and 2nd floors. Topreventthis from happening,I reconsideredthe overallsizeofthe prototype.
Here we can see how the ground floor was developed to replicate the digital model created in SketchUp. I also added a black card underneath the acrylic to make the pattern more visible without losing details of the geometric shapes that compose it.
I placed my model next to some block models to compare the heights. This is when I saw that if I continued adding the other levels, the final outcome would be too tall in comparison to others. This would go against my plan as I want my building to be longer rather than taller.
Whilst thinking about my model, I realised that if I add the Islamic pattern on each level the model will become too tall by adding a few millimetres on top of each floor. So I determined to have only the final rooftop covered in glass.
Plan of what the model would look like if I kept the pattern on each level.
After testing out different ways of positioning the parts of the model, I concluded to an idea similar to this. I rotated and combined 2 plywood pieces to experiment with a different layout. Each of the pieces measures 6mm in height. I joined up 2 pieces to replicate a single floor. Therefore, my model now has 4 floors in total. For design purposes, I wanted my model to be aesthetically pleasant, so I played up with the position of my pieces. Each floor is jutting out from underneath the other, but keeping in mind the appropriate proportions for the site.
I used different styles in SketchUp to show altered angles.
Design development: physical model
In line with contemporary trends in architectural design, I wanted my structure to be sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Sustainable principles encourage professionals in the building industry to incorporate greenery from the planning stage. Jean Nouvel adheres to this and I know that he designed One Central Park in Sydney with sustainability in mind. This building displays the largest vertical green wall on the planet with 250 different species of plants.
Taking inspiration from this, I aimed to insert vegetation in my model. I decided to use the etched edges on each level and turn them into green spaces, which promote biodiversity and help blend the structure into the natural environment that surrounds the building. In a real life scenario, this will help absorb carbon dioxide and reduce the negative impact of human activity on the climate.
After I stuck all the levels together, I used the idea of the green spaces on the roof using sea foam on the terraces. This prompted me to add trees and vegetation where possible.
On thephysicalmodelI tested sea foam.I lovedtheway the colour ofthe vegetationmatched the colourof the model,so I decidedto use it throughoutthe building.A varietyofpieceswere spreadand gluedon the modelto resemblegrass and then Iadded biggerpiecesto indicatetrees. I felt this was an addedbenefitby turning this into asustainable structure.
The terraces can be used to turn the model into a sustainable structure. This will benefit not only the space of the city, but also contribute to the health and well-being of the users. It is an aesthetically- pleasing, responsibly-built environment with the needs of future generations in mind.
I developed a canopy for the entrance area. It displays an intricate Islamic Art pattern, which is inspired again by the research I have previously completed. The canopy provides shelter against the elements of nature and an area for cooling during the day.
It is an integral part of the building because it has been attached to the exterior wall at ground level. The weight to f the canopy is supported by six pillars arranged equally to the left and right of the entrance area. They also act as drainage for rain water that is collected through the gutter.
Plans and elevations depict the difference between the two types of elements used for the canopy. We can see that one has a pillar acting as support for the rest of the structure, whilst the other is suspended but attached to the others around.
I added trees made from wire throughout the site (including around the car park), ensuring that they are proportionate to the museum. To achieve this, I placed the model on the base and compared the height of the trees to it.
I took the opportunity to design the reception area of the museum. It features two walls that act as a doorway into the building. It is automated by a system that opens them at the start of the day, and closes them at night.
The plan views illustrate the arrangement of items in the reception area. This is also shown in the more detailed perspective of a person visiting. As you enter through the canopy, one can see the desks straight ahead for information and help. Design elements have been added for aesthetic purposes, for example the three rounded maps that resemble the continents where residents in Stratford area were born. I have taken a key feature of Asia (the Himalaya Mountains) and created an illustration of them, which is placed on a table to the left.
Toallow entrance and exitofvisitors, turnstiles arelocated to the sidesof the partitioningwall. It is a spacious,inviting environmentwhere peoplecan see artefacts gathered from different countries from across the globe. Thesereflect the cultures and traditionsofthis
After designing the canopy in SketchUp, I transferred the idea into reality by indicating the form of the canopy as seen below.
I used CADmapper to place the museum in situ. This shows the building in context, mixing up well with the existing structures around it.
Going back to the idea of sustainability, I added some more sea foam around the site. They resemble low level vegetation such as bushes and grass. Trees are represented by the twisted metal rods in various sizes. Scattered around in between them, I placed further trees to show that they are different types.
The whole site is neatly delimitated by roads and areas for different purposes, but the key element which demands focus is the museum that is centrally located on the base.
I have used a range of resourcesto producethe final model. SketchUp allowed a basic digitalversion, which was then furtherdeveloped by changing the layout and design details such as the glass roofand the canopy. These ideas were then renderedusing Revit, CAD Mapper, Photoshop and SketchUp as well. Each of them providea different perspective fromanother angle and allow focus on different elements, be they structuralor related to landscape.
I used Photoshop to produce a real life scenario for my model. I think that it works well because people can visualise the location and place the newly-built museum into context.
Evaluation:
I enjoyed working on this project, which was both challenging and interesting. I aimed to design a building – a museum – which is part of the regeneration project in Stratford, East London. This was based on the research I carried out in relation to similar buildings – museums in all shapes and sizes, displaying artefacts related mostly to the Arts.
I carried out the research related to my topic. This involved analysing interior and exterior spaces that incorporate curves and patterns. I focused on the exterior aspect of the buildings as I really wanted to analyse in detail a range of structures designed by Jean Nouvel. The renewed French architect is credited with a vision for the future because he breaks the boundaries of traditional architectural style. He does not favour the linear, almost sculptural design of his predecessors; instead, he proposes structures that defy the principles of gravity. Here I refer to the National Museum of Qatar, the Tilted Towers in Paris or The Philharmonie de Paris. Therefore, I decided on an undulating layout for my model that reflect my chosen theme – form over function, complex commercial space that serves the purpose of the users. I also found out that Jean Nouvel masters the use of light and dark in his projects, notably in Louvre Abu Dhabi and Institute du Monde Arab. I have taken this into consideration when I designed the glass roof on top of the building and the canopy at ground level.
Following my research, I worked towards making a model for a commercial project – a museum that celebrates the diverse communities living in Stratford, the heart of East London. For this purpose, I looked into Islamic Art patterns because I want the residents to be able to identify themselves with this place. I found out that there are large communities of Asian descend residing in the area. Therefore, I used elements of geometric shapes (specific to the Arab world) to create a new distinctive and eye-catching pattern for the roof and canopy of my museum.
Sustainability is another element incorporated into Jean Nouvel’s buildings, which accommodate vegetation on their terraces. Based on my findings, I aimed to make the building into an eco-friendly structure. I believe that I have succeeded in achieving my goal because I have indeed used plants to promote green infrastructure and mitigate the negative effects of human activity in the city. I have noted this aspect myself when creating the final model and placing it into context.
I loved creating a variety of prototypes which lead to the final design outcome. I experimented with different materials and tried out laser cutting. By doing so, I feel that I learnt something valuable, which I can use in my future studies. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of the project and I consider that it truly reflects the chosen theme of form over function. This is illustrated by the elaborate design of my final model, which celebrates the diversity and wealth of cultures that make up the local community in the area of Stratford.
Thank you for your time!
I hope you have enjoyed looking at my project as much as I enjoyed working on it!
