jacques doody
perpetual machinations of the nu primary
{formative sketch plan 1:100_A0+} set in lea hall, an outerlying suburb of birmingham, this networked intervention formed a precursor in both theory and architectural design to the final scheme. a bitcoin mining tower, this speculative outlook into the future of primary industry in the area was based on psychogeographic findings on internet usage, data networks and future hs2 scenarios in the area. while serving as a icon for the area visually, the kinetic physical mining would bring new jobs and commerce into the area, using bitcoin as the primary currency. by interacting in digital space, the kinetic force of users would be used as computational power to mine bitcoins for use in the area [while a speculative application of the current technology, the narrative played on the relationship of how this could be used in the industrially deprived area]. architecturally, an undulating form was used to represent the connection between physical and digital as well as becoming a landmark for the district. this early plan drawing was an experiment into relationships between ground plane, elevated positions and the constructed digital realm. with the plan of the physical intervention becoming a central meeting space reached by lift and the interaction with the digital world occurring in isolated pods cantilevered from the main envelope, symbolically highlighting the unorthodox journey a worker would take to reach this constructed reality.
{exploded axonometric 1:100_A1} this drawing shows the ‘kit of parts’ for the intervention. from the undulating viewing platform frame and the cantilevered digital integration pods to the suspended server banks, each forms the process of mining bitcoins kinetically.
{external visual_A2} shown from street level, the constructs loom over the street edge. but with community events happening around the base and being a viewing platform for the whole city, they become a key point in the rejuvenation of lea hall.
TRANSITORY MANI
{overall scheme viewp _a teenager considers her friends moving away to ďŹ n on to her family home hop enter the progressive world
{ideological model_1:100} using the cold plaster base as a stand for the constructed digital world. the intervention was set against this monumental block with filligree details and a snapshot of the swiftly constructed digital world, still being designed as people start to use and inhabit the spaces.
the international symposium of virtual allegories
{axonometric drawing 1:100_A0+} the culmination of a year long investigation into the disenfranchised district of lea hall outside of birmingham and it’s tensions with the bypassing hs2 line, the scheme consists of a socioeconomic district scale intervention into the region promoting the bitcoin as a new regional [and possibly global] currency. this is delivered through a network of mining towers linked to a central headquarters. a monolithic ‘temple’ aimed at becoming a landmark for the area grounds the scheme while promoting the digital process; the other designation is an internet addiction retreat for employees of the mining company and it’s addictive digital process. there are two architectural languages present; the temple forms a cold, monolithic mass compared to the retreat that is a much soft intervention materially. timber framing and shingle cladding are used in the retreat, aimed at using residential holistic therapies to rejuvenate residents; the architecture of the housing units change as one moves from digital to physical integration, from faceted to organic form. the pool that the scheme sits above is a balancing lake for the surrounding landscape, helping to drain the nearby country park in times of flood and creating an essential link with the surrounding park-scape. the final scheme viewed from the north as an axonometric projection. the difference in architectural typology and style is in direct response to the sub-urban context that it surrounds. the retreat itself bears resemblance to a small tight-knit community of people and built form, inspired by peter zumthor’s zinc mine museum, an interesting form of intervention-type architecture and the natural context it sits within.
{collage composition_A3} an initial drawing investigating typology and form; the sketchbook was scanned and augmented with images and concepts that were originally being researched, such as classic architectural styles and digital links to satellite networks, something that was carried through to a later stage of the project. I use drawing in sketchbooks as an exploratory tool, testing ideas and theories before applying them to the project fully.
{faรงade cladding module studies_1:1} while investigating material choices and surfaces that would be incorporated into faรงade of the retreat buildings I used these shingle tests to test different arrangements and thicknesses that would impact on the build up of the external envelope.
{sketches for the retreat_A5+} investigating the scheme’s ideologies and themes for social reinvigoration, the retreat would form a key part in interacting with the sub-urban context that surrounds the scheme. switching from loose sketchbook work[1] to more controlled animated drawings[2] helped to develop and refine the scheme at a range of scales and levels.
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{longitudinal section 1:200_A1} cut through the business ‘temple’ and the retreat modules, the range of different spaces imagined create a number of holistic responses to the issues of rehabilitation and economic reinvigoration.
{massing/ideological model_1:200} a final model that was also used as a base for experimentation. the base model was used for testing forms and different representation techniques, using materials, forming techniques and surface finishes. drawings were transferred into etched acrylic surfaces that animated the horizontal planes of the model.
{visual: the retreat’s eatery_A2} located within the largest block of the retreat; the eatery houses the administration and recreation elements of the scheme. residents gather and eat for every meal encouraging social interaction and fellowship.
{visual: housing module 4_A2} the final level of rehabilitation; the undulating frame is filled with a steel girder network. residents set up dynamic spaces within; infilling the frame with hammocks, makeshift tables and communal spaces; adding to the ad hoc nature of an imminent return to normal living within the wider community.
{vignette: within the retreat_A2} this scene depicts a moment within the retreat. a new performance is taking place at the consortium and people are flocking from all over the city to watch, either seated or on boats floating on the lake. housing no.1 is pulled in close to the scheme; encouraging the vulnerable addicts who have just entered the project to interact and attend with other members.
additional works
{interdisciplinary project_SqWOT} whilst in my second year at birmingham school of architecture, I took part in a collaborative project set up by previous alumni of the school open to all disciplines within the art and design faculty. working with members of the fashion, product, interior and jewellery design; we first designed a roving working unit with attached balloon canopy that was displayed within the atrium. we then set out a speculative proposal for a permanent working space within the atrium. this was a really useful and exciting project to get involved in with other students I had not previously worked with.
{current works_grimshaw architects} currently I am working on the northern line extension, and within this, nine elms station. working on a number of different packages. I’ve been involved in designing the external façade and developing details for the internal finishes of the station ticket hall and concourse. this is a sketch axonometric detail I did after one of the reviews examining the fixing’s within the ticket hall cladding, helping me understand and develop the concept further.
email_jac@stratacreative.co.uk