• Page 4-5: Brief & Specification
• Page 6-7: Design Brief
• Page 8: Location + Site Analysis
• Page 9-11: Inspirational Research
• Page 12-13: Primary Photos
• Page 14-16: Models
• Page 17-22: Primary Research
• Page 23-24: Mathematics in Architecture
• Page 25-26: Natural Forms in Architecture
• Page 27-31: Final Model
• As the world develops and progresses, so does architecture in numerous ways. In the world today, modern architecture, including its styles and techniques, has become quite popular and common that it's almost like as if it's a necessity.
• Therefore, my goal is to design a modern-based but unique library utilising inspiration from research on existing modern-based structures. My design must also be themed on 'Simple & Complex' which will be executed by adding 'Juxtaposition & Contrast' to the design.
• Ultimately, I must also resolve the current issues in the location I have chosen. This could be achieved in many ways ranging from the aesthetics itself of the structure, whether it would be the interior or exterior, and if it brings anything special to the location, for example the function.
• I will be designing my building for an area local to me that requires renovation. The location is quite a significant factor in this project as it will decide whether or not the building will be unique and unprecedented. Therefore, I must carry out thorough location research in order to obtain more context and information.
• To conclude, I must sketch and construct models as well as a final model of my design physically by hand and on SketchUp.
My large and complex library will be called 'Hornchurch Central Library', which has been inspired by and named after the few existing libraries I have done research on. My library will also be inspired by these other inspirational existing libraries through the interior in ways such as the furniture, equipment...
My library must consist of spacious and soundproof rooms for people to read and study without any disturbances and interruptions. Free WiFi will also be available to compliment this idea of reading and studying. In addition, there will also be seating areas with some featuring computers where people could complete further research and studies. Lastly there will be toilets for males, females and those with disabilities as the library will be designed to include everyone.
About the design of my library, I would like my library to be modern and futuristic using simple and basic colour schemes but complex shapes and lines through the interior and exterior of the structure.
Structure: I will be designing a library which will act as a place to carry out further studies as there aren't any places that serves or offers a similar purpose.
Location: My structure will be built in a park local to me called 'Harrow Lodge Park'. I will attempt to try to not change or affect the natural feel
Theme: The primary theme that my library will be based around is 'Simple & Complex'.
The structure will consist of:
• 'Simple & Complex' through tessellation
• 'Juxtaposition & Contrast'
• Seating areas (indoor/outdoor)
• Free Wifi + Computer areas
• Easily accessible toilets
The styles I would like to implement into my proposed architecture are geometric and parametric as I am heavily interested and inspired by how architects utilise these styles in their architecture.
Geometry is an ancient branch of mathematics that works with lines, angles and surfaces of 2D and 3D shapes. All architecture utilise geometry in some sort of form, some structures use geometry more than others whether it would be through the physics of how it was built or the design aesthetically. However, my design in particular will be focused on lines, angles and shapes to emphasise this style of geometry.
Parametric is another term that is derived from mathematics which has found its way into architecture. Parametric styled architectures are usually about blending complexity which works in conjunction with my theme 'Simple & Complex'. Architecture with a parametric design often include shapes and forms that has a curving nature, similar to a parabola or flowing forms in the shape of an arc.
Library Ideas:
• The library should have some sort of motif based around the words modern and future, using the theme of 'Simple & Complex' to enhance the motif.
• The architecture should heavily capitalise on design ideas such as tessellation and Le Corbusier to create 'Juxtaposition & Contrast' which furthers the idea of 'Simple & Complex'.
• Regarding the creation of the structure, I must consider components such as colour, materials & texture and manipulation of shapes & lighting to ensure my design best fits the modern look.
• The architecture must also be aesthetically pleasing to look at whilst not being too simple or overcomplicated, this is so it can bring engagement and attract people to visit the building.
• Although the design must be unique and eye-catching, it must also work with the environment and some nearby structures harmoniously.
• Harrow Lodge Park is the location I have chosen to contain my library as it is local to my area. My library will be constructed near a corner of the park next to a bus stop.
• I've chosen this site specifically to build my library on as it is easily accessible to people through public transport such as buses and trains.
• In addition, this location also happens to be quite adjacent to a couple of schools and colleges. This information can be viewed as a benefit for my library as it means that there is a greater chance of students visiting it.
• Furthermore, I believe that this location is extremely suitable for my library as the area is missing some sort of building where people can carry out extensive research and studies, and of course read books.
However, there may also be some negatives for constructing my library at this location. For example, building my structure here would require a few couple of trees to be taken down to create open space, which will contribute to global warming and other carbon emissions during the process. Similar to air pollution, there might also be a chance that constructing my library here may cause 'sight' pollution as it blocks and interrupts the view of nature such as the variety of vibrant trees, flowers, grass...
Contrasting with these negative ideas of my chosen location, 'sound' and 'noise' pollution will most likely not be an issue due to my structure being a library
Inspirational Research
Tessellation is a technique derived from mathematics. It is usually created when a shape, generally geometric, is repeated over and over again covering a surface or plane leaving no gaps and overlaps.
Although tessellation is maths based, it can be applied to designs in architecture for example the 'York University Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence' which is located in Toronto, Canada. Tessellation is created within this architecture through the repetition of triangles adjacent to the roof of the building. Not only is tessellation is created but juxtaposition and contrast is created through the simplicity of the glass beneath.
York University
Bergeron Centre for Engineering
Excellence in Toronto, Canada
Le Corbusier, also known as Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, was a Swiss-French international architect along with many other professions such as painter and writer. He was known as the 20th century's most influential architect for creating multiple ground-breaking buildings around the world.
Le Corbusier's primary design style was modern architecture which has been expressed clearly throughout all of his works. This theme of modern architecture has been created and enhanced through the use of materials, colours, shapes and many other design techniques.
Knotwork is an ornamental work consisting of or representing intertwined and knotted cords. There are several types of knotwork such as Viking, Celtic and Norse. Some of these knotted designs usually include animals in them, in particular dragons and snakes due to the small and slim nature of ropes. These 'ancient' patterns are also utilised in architecture albeit it is quite rare and uncommon.
Inspirational Research
Here I took some photographs of a part from a computer as inspiration for when I construct models. I used this in particular as an inspirational primary photo as the parts could be used to create some sort of tessellations that could be utilised within my models and final design. This design also fits the theme stated in my brief and specification.
These are tessellations I have created based off of this portion of the motherboard to the right. This texture could be used for the walls in the interior for example.
This image portrays a wire tied to itself to form several knots which creates a complex shape. I simplified this object and derived an infinity-like design from it. I then further developed this simplified shape by drawing a bookshelf utilising the infinity design.
This primary photo is a great addition for inspiration as it fits the theme I am aiming for, simple & complex and modern architecture. In addition, this bookshelf could potentially be used within my library.
Here I constructed a quick model using materials I found in the classroom. The goal of this model was to create some sort of tessellation-based design for my proposed library.
So therefore, in this process of designing a model, I designed the tessellation including the contrast between the various materials, colour and texture. I then gained inspiration and a general idea from this and then developed and drew objects that could perhaps be utilised within my library.
Based on my model I created tessellations. I then implemented this design into a bookshelf that will be suitable for a library.
The main two shapes utlised within this model are cylinders and rectangles. Both shapes are quite basic but in combination, they bring complexity and layers to the overall design. Therefore I designed objects based on this theme.
Here I picked cylinder-shaped components from the machine board and transformed the design of it into seating for my library.
This is the second model I have created that is more on the simpler side. This uses the same wooden piece as the first model but gives us a better perspective on how the tessellation would look like as a wall of some kind.
This tessellation texture could be used for a bookshelf, table and other furniture in my library as I am going for a more modern style library featuring tessellations.
Based on the general shape and pattern of my model, I created furniture including tables and chairs.
Triangles are a 3 sided basic shape that can also be used in several complex ways. For example, here I used triangles to form complex looking furniture.
Here are all the different types of triangles.
Here is a quick model I constructed using some parts from a machine and some sort of woodlike material. This model was inspired by one of my primary photos I've taken on tessellation. The reason why I used this machine part is because it consists of many components which in combination expresses complexity which is part of my theme 'simple and complex'. The addition of this patterned wood part adds the aspect of tessellation to the design which furthers the idea of complexity, however the block's general shape being rectangular also creates simplicity which then creates contrast.
Here I drew a large and complicated version of my model's exterior where I simplified certain parts to better suit my theme of 'simple & complex'.
I brainstormed shapes which could be the potential base of my model's exterior and further developed the drawings.
Primary Research Link
The Calgary Central Library is located in Alberta, Canada. The library is based on the creation and innovation of knowledge and culture. The building consists of hexagonal forms across the curved surface, featuring alternating panels of fritted glass and occasional iridescent aluminium which creates complexity within the exterior of the library. Juxtaposition and contrast is then created with the complex exterior in combination with the simple interior design. The light colour scheme utilised throughout the interior gives us, as the user, the sense that the library is futuristic and modern.
Existing plan and elevation view of the library
This is a tessellation used to design the exterior windows. The tessellation consists of multiple varying geometric shapes such as triangles, pentagons, parallelograms and trapeziums.
I constructed my variation of tessellation based on the images above of the library. This could be utilised in widows and furniture or alternatively as a pattern to decorate walls and rooms.
Here I took the basic shape of a cylinder that is commonly used throughout Calgary Central Library and developed it into more furniture.
The building was constructed through development of a basic shape. This library is technically a regular cuboid that has been twisted and turned to form a unique shape.
This library is located in the capital of Finland, Helsinki. It was built to promote lifelong learning, active citizenship, democracy and freedom of expression. The exterior occupies a very unique curvy shape with almost half of the structure covered in glass. The interior however follows a similar colour scheme as the other library which as a result makes the library seem quite modern and futuristic.
I have picked a basic shape that has been utilised throughout the Helsinki Central Library’s exterior which was curves. I drew variations of these curves which serves as inspiration for my library. I then further developed the curves from windows into furniture.
My library is focused on the idea of parametric and geometric shapes such as the curves I created based off of the exterior of Helsinki Central Library. I then developed this by designing furniture such as seating and bookshelves.
The Qatar National Library is a modern facility that provides the people of Qatar with access to over one million books. What makes this structure quite special is its complex exterior making use of geometric shapes with a fairly large amount of glass to allow natural sunlight to shine through in a sustainable way. In addition, the spacious interior however is extremely simple and also has a light colour scheme that is used throughout the interior as well as the exterior, which seems to be a trend in most modern libraries.
This library has a much simpler exterior design in comparison with the other two libraries, combining two diamonds to create a single form.
Here I drew the seating utilised within one of Qatar National Library's room. It is essentially glass with comfortable material for seating that has been hung up from the ceiling of the room using some sort of chain.
Additionally, I drew and created some furniture utilised within this library based on its theme.
Graphs, equations and formulas
Mathematics is used very often within architecture in numerous ways, for example through the physics of constructing the structure where maths is required for accurate measurements of materials . However, mathematics can even be utilised through the looks and appearance of the structure rather than just the physics.
Mathematical techniques and skills are used quite frequently in some architecture's interior/exterior design as a way to express their chosen theme. For example, architecture utilising curves from a trigonometric sine or cos graph could represent some sort of 'juxtaposition & contrast' theme.
Here I drew two typical trigonometric graphs that are commonly used throughout trigonometry in mathematics, these are the sine graph and the cos graph. These two graphs share an identical shape with the difference being they are shifted 90 degrees apart from peak to peak or trough to trough. Another fact about the sine and cos graph is that they do not end, meaning they are a curving line that travels to infinity.
I decided to carry out research on these two trigonometric graphs as they act as inspirational images. Specifically, the sine and cos graph's curves are something I would like to implement into my exterior design or even the interior ceiling of my library to create some complexity.
Graphs, equations and formulas
Almost any sort of mathematical equation or function that produces a line on a graph can be used as inspiration for architecture such as linear, quadratic, cubic and quartic graphs. What differs these graphs compared to the basic bell-shaped curve of the sine, cos and normal distribution graphs is that they can have irregular patterns.
Similar to the two trigonometric graphs I drew, the sine and cos graph, the normal distribution graph also occupies a very similar curvy shape. The normal distribution graph is related to the statistics branch of mathematics where the graph represents the data. The normal distribution graphs' appearance consists of a single bell shape curve with the ends tending to infinity.
Natural Structures 1
Natural forms are organic objects in nature that are in its original form. For example - leaves, flowers and bones are all examples of natural forms.
Architecture that uses this theme of natural forms tend to draw design inspirations from these example objects. Common natural form structures utilised in architecture are trees, leaves, animals and many more other abstract forms.
Flowers and trees are two common natural forms used in architecture, for example 'The Lotus Temple' takes the appearance of a lotus flower. This natural form is successful for 'The Lotus Temple' as it helps achieve and execute its purpose of attracting visitors to the site. Some natural forms may also be used to create deeper meanings or connotations - in the case of 'The Lotus Temple' we have the exterior design as a flower as a way of symbolising peace and harmony.
Another common natural form used in architecture is water which is also very evident through 'The Lotus Temple'. I have chosen to carry out research on water as it has many uses when it comes to the design of a structure. A typical use for water in building designs would be 'Movement & Flow' and even to some extent, 'Juxtaposition & Contrast'.
The theme of 'Movement & Flow' is generally about manipulating a structure's shape in ways to control the movement of a person. For example, in terms of the interior we could use this idea of 'Movement & Flow' to make the user move from point A to point C and not to point B. In addition to this, the other technique seen through this building is the 'Juxtaposition & Contrast' created with the environment utilising the bright blue pools of water and the sky.
Natural Structures 2
Another interesting example of natural forms that are utilised within architecture are honeycombs. Honeycombs are this mass of yellow-orange hexagonal prismatic wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain their larvae and stores of honey and pollen.
This natural form of honeycombs is commonly used for its repetition of hexagon-like tessellations and its vibrant colours. From my research earlier, we have learnt that tessellation is a type of technique derived from mathematics that can be used in designs and much more. Tessellations are usually created when a shape, generally geometric, is repeated over and over again covering a surface or plane leaving no gaps and overlaps – in this case we have the repetition of hexagons.
In my final model I would like to implement a variation of this design of using hexagon in tessellations in some sort of form.
I could perhaps express this through the pattern of windows or even the structure of the exterior walls which further create juxtaposition & contrast. Here I created a basic pattern inspired by the honeycomb tessellation. I used two perpendicular straight lines several times in between two curves. This sketch could easily resemble a window and be utilised in my final design.
Continuing on with this idea of tessellation, for my final physically made model, I will be utilising my inspiration from honeycombs to create windows using mesh.
The Louis Vuitton Foundation consists of these see-through panels on the roof of the structure which has been an inspiration to me and can be seen throughout my previous research. I will be implementing this into my final model in a similar form.
This is the type of mesh I will be using in my final model. It includes tessellations which also resembles windows quite well.
Louis Vuitton inspired glass panels
Exterior shape inspired by mathematical curves
Developing my initial idea of the sine and cos graphs, my library's general exterior shape will be influenced by these curves which has been shown on the left. To create this physically, I will be bending a pair of wires parallel to each other.
My library will also include a second floor which will be accessible by using the stairs located in one of the rooms on the first floor. This second floor will intersect the curve around half its height. This creates 3 separate rooms with a curved ceiling. Each room is connected by some a sort of bridge where people can also view the outside environment similar to how a balcony works. Floor
Stairs
The entrance to my library will be under a pavilion with some outdoor seating areas which is required as stated in the design brief. This pavilion is connected to and merged with the main structure of the library itself creating a singular curve.
As my library will be situated in an area of Harrow Lodge Park that no longer has any purpose, I drew a sketch of a potential outdoor seating area layout I could use for my final model as it is required from the brief that my design must have outdoor seating area.
The benches used will be simple yet quite 'modern', a black side-facing C-shaped bench. Since it is a park, to make use of the surrounding environment in my work, there will be several trees planted in the central ring which is similar to a plant being in a pot.
In addition, the other outer rings I have drawn represents the contours of the ground as it isn't perfectly flat and one levelled.
Interior Seating Room
Library Room 1 Library Room 2
Toilets
Free Wifi Pavilion Lobby Room Larger Interior Seating Room Stairs
I placed a long strip of card between the two parallel wires to cover and act as the roof of my library.
I was inspired by Frank Gehry's Louis Vuitton Foundation as shown through my research and created my own glass panels using mesh and card which I then placed them on the roof of my structure.
Here is my final model I have created, combining various materials. To create the foundation of my model, I used a glue gun to stick a rectangular base with grey card.
As stated before, I bent two wires in parallel to form a mathematical-like curve similar to a sine and cos graph. I then used my final model sketches and ideas to develop this with the addition of an effective pavilion which utilises 'Movement & Flow'. This theme is evident through the pavilion as it controls the user by influencing their direction of travel. Following my design brief, my pavilion's purpose is to bring people together socially as an outdoor seating area whilst also being the entrance to the library itself.
Regarding everything to do with the exterior, I included several components to provide context to my library such as trees and people.
Most importantly I stacked card on top of one another and glued them using a glue gun which acts as contours to provide context of the land my library will be constructed on.
In conclusion the model of my library meets all that is required in my brief and specification as it carries out its primary purpose efficiently whilst also providing indirect external benefits to the surrounding environment and the park as a whole by acting as an attraction site.
My library also expresses and portrays the theme of 'Simple & Complex', parts of 'Movement & Flow' and 'Juxtaposition & Contrast' very clearly. My research played a very important role in the construction of my library which can be seen throughout my model as it is one large combination of my ideas and inspirations.
