E M G ELEANOR MARGARETE GAIR
A C A D E M I C P O R T F O L I O B A A R C H I T E C T U R E S T A G E I I I [ 2 0 1 4 / 1 5 ]
‘To take seriously any context, whatever it may be; to suppose that it always
has something to reveal to us about our condition and to give it to
us; that in turn we must ameliorate it and transform it.’
- Jacques Lucan, OMA: Rem Koolhaus, (Princeton Architectural Press,
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1991), pg. 34
LEARNING SUMMARY Reflecting on my final year in Architecture school, it has become apparent to me that I have greatly built upon previous years experience and matured my design skills. I have undertaken a vast variety of tasks from surveying to sketching at 1:1 and these have all influenced my approach to design.
The ‘Building on What is Already Built’ project began with a trip to Barcelona to investigate successful covered markets, both old and contemporary. During my visit, I was particularly influenced by Nouveau Mercat dels Encants and the way that the architect has used a ramp to create a seamless retail experience with a vertical hierarchy of formality.
The Grainger Market Studio was based on the principles of understanding an existing building thoroughly and how its architecture and heritage is constantly changing due to complex social perceptions and values. Creating a major addition to the existing space and defining individual educated criteria for approaching preservation of the site were also key principles to the studio.
Returning to Grainger Market and analysing semester I’s work, I began to formulate my design strategy. I wanted to bring footfall into less used areas of the market and do this by tapping into existing flow areas in Eldon Square shopping mall. After the visit to dels Encants, it became apparent to me to create a ramped promenade into Grainger Market from second floor level in Eldon Square. This would allow for a gradual gradient change in materiality and formality with the changing levels in the space.
Semester I began with an introduction to the year’s design project through an extensive group survey of Grainger Market and the design of a multi-purpose market stall. This experience was valuable to prepare us to create our individual criteria/brief for Semester II. The survey of Grainger Market presented a huge challenge as it involved co-ordinating a large group of students to work together to create drawings of the existing structure and to develop a range of site analysis criteria. I initially worked on Nelson Street, before becoming part of the sub-team working on Elevations of the entire site. This enabled me to develop my communication skills as I worked with a peer to curate all of the groups survey work into coherent drawings. The drawings were all curated on AutoCAD and this method of representation allowed me to practice my skills on the programme, something which was beneficial during my development of the Semester II project. The Artefact project in Semester I allowed a contrast to our graduation project by encouraging investigation of how people interact with space at a much smaller scale. This led me to develop a concept of three levels of transparency, which I felt was very present in successful retail spaces. Permeable: Open, allowing fast flow between shops, only hints of interaction. Semi-permeable: Browsing space, slow movement, medium interaction. Opaque: Enclosed shop area, static, allowing full interaction. These levels of permeability helped me to define my brief in semester II as they translated to a larger scale as levels of formality. I found the technology lectures and coursework particularly helpful at this time as they influenced my choices of materials as I wanted to create a fully recyclable pavilion after investigating ‘design for deconstruction’. Therefore, I designed the pavilion from three materials: timber, aluminium & canvas. One of the main challenges faced during this project was the high level of resolution required for working at such a small scale, however I feel that after the final crit I have responded to feedback and developed an effective drainage system.
The semester I work and the professional practice coursework also influenced my approach to the existing site. I wanted to develop a new addition which would respect and reflect the original building, highlighting distinctive features. Therefore, I retained the locations of the existing alleys and have touched the exterior facade as little as possible. The interim crit was very influential for me personally as I felt that I learnt to be bolder in my approach to the site. Throughout the course, I have felt that the projects I perform best on respond heavily to site. However, with the heritage value of Grainger Market, I was daunted by the Grade I listing and initially struggled to create a ‘dramatic’ addition. But, following the feedback from the crit, I chose to extend the ramp through the arcade and under Nun Street to Newgate. This would then create a large indoor garden, as it resurfaced, reflecting my site analysis in semester I that there was a need for more green spaces in Newcastle city centre. One of the major challenges with the project was working at such a huge scale, the building footprint dwarfed any other project I had previous attempted during the course. The jump from semester I’s 3mx2m pavilion also exacerbated this issue. However, I felt that I found a solution to the problem by moving from my usual method of development, drawing, to model making. I created a 1:200 site model in order to develop my overall design as well as drawing small perspective sketches to investigate the interior spaces. I feel that one way I could have really improved my understanding of the site, as well as my presentation, would be to develop my skills on 3D modelling programmes. I am proficient in AutoCAD after working in practice and producing the elevations in semester I. However, the ability to produce perspectives, axonometrics and sections from a single drawing would greatly improve my overall design skill. After reviewing my work over the past three years, I feel that I have progressed hugely and I’m looking forward to moving into practice and learning new skills in both software and technical design before returning to university complete my architectural training.
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D E S I G N WORK ARTEFACT (Tryptic)
GRAINGER MARKET SURVEY (Group Work)
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BUILDING ON WHAT IS ALREADY BUILT (Identity Gradient)
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THINKING THROUGH MAKING
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CHARETTE WEEK (Photography Group)
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SELLING ARTEFACT
This project involved a human scale study of the action of retail and how architecture can curate and influence the experience of sellers and consumers.
Permeable: Free flowing, fast paced, dynamic, light integration into retail spaces
The scale of this project was essential to really grasping a sense of how to implement the larger scheme of Grainger Market at a personal scale.
After making small studies of how people flow through spaces I learnt that there are three main elements composing successful retail spaces.
Semi-permeable: Slow moving, browsing, thresholds, advertisement space, displays
This project’s scale was crucial to developing a high level of resolution through materiality and structural detailing.
Opaque, semi-permeable & permeable.
Opaque: Static, fixed position, direct seller contact, goods, storage, covered
Developing skills at producing integrated modular systems will also be beneficial to my development as a designer.
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DEVELOPMENT WORK
I worked heavily in my sketchbook and through 1.20 models at the start of this project, developing the initial shape and flows through the three elements of space, eventually settling on the three folding walls creating a very temporary pavilion.
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S E CT I O N 1: 10
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A - A’
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Opaque
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Permeable
Semi - Permeable
I chose the location of the aggregated modules to be at the historic junction between Manor and Broad Chare and Dog Bank, a part of Newcastle that has heavy local footfall towards the Tyne, but lacks tourist integration.
The modules can be combined and integrated in many different ways, with the canvas roofing acting as a way finder and could be coordinated for different activities.
The market would then create an attraction pulling away from the more obvious locations, highlighting more intimate areas such as the Chares and the sculpture by Peter Randall at the centre of the landscaped space.
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1:10 Model Photographs
These images show the progression of the folding system of the artefact and how the canvas is a single piece and is used to hold the arms in place through tension. The shelving units are on locked hinges that rotate and hold in place for the display of goods. The tables are made from lightweight sheets of timber and slot into place holding the canvas support in position.
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DRAINAGE SYSTEM The canvas covering acts as shelter from mild weather and also is angled to collect water away from the edges of the pavilion. The water tracks into the central hinge which also acts as a drainpipe allowing water to either flow onto the ground surface or be collected for recycling.
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S e m i - p er m e a b l e T h r e s h o l d F l e x i b l e T r an s c l u c e n t
Pe r m e a b l e O p e n P L A N S
Tr a n s p a r e n t <
Closed
1:20
Open >
D y n a m i c
O p a q u e S t a t i c S o l i d P e r m a n e n t ^
S E CT I O N
P IV OT D ET A I L
1:10
^
F L O O R F R A M E
1:10
A - Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
1: 10
O r i g i n a l
S u b m i s s i o n
Six A2 Presentation boards, submitted 01/12/2014 Changes: Concept diagram refinement Aggregation diagram colour refinement Aggregation location map refinement
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G R A I N G E R M A R K E T S U R V E Y
GROUP WORK
The Grainger Market survey was both exceptionally challenging and rewarding as a way of establishing an understanding of the site and also as a way of learning to work as a team. At the start of the project, we were divided into 5 groups to break down the site and begin the survey. My group was surveying Nelson Street. The tasks involved included taking measurements, photographs and using this information to produce CAD drawings of the floor plans, elevation and a section.
One way we quickly learnt to economise on time was to utilise existing surveys from Planning Portal and the city archives.
Alongside this, a more conceptual, social and historic survey of the site was also produced through diagrammatic drawings.
When we had all the information, I moved into the Elevations team to curate and edit the drawings as they were incoherent as they had been drawn in many different styles.
This module enabled me to have a critical and analytical knowledge of the site and surrounding context.
I also worked on four 1:50 facade studies which provided a more detailed analysis of the materiality of the existing site.
As well as the group analysis, I also produced my own individual photography and mapping analysis . This included flow studies which would later inform my graduation project.
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DIAGRAM 1: BUS LINKS
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DIAGRAM 2: METRO LINKS
DIAGRAM 3: TRAIN LINKS
DIAGRAM 3: ROUTES
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INTERNAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY 24 |
EXTERNAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY | 25
MEDIEVAL 1. St. Andrew 2. St Nicholas
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BEFORE GRAINGER 3. All Saints 4. New Castle 1080
1. Old Royal Theatre 1788 2. Royal Arcade 1832
A. The Parade (Haymarket) B. Bigg, Groat Markets
C. New Flesh & Vegetable Market D. Fish Market
GRAINGER TOWN
E L D O N S Q U A R E M A L L ( 1 9 7 5 )
A. High Friar’s Green Market B. Guildhall & Neptune House
A. Fish & Veg Markets demolished B. Guildhall & Neptune House (1980s Offices)
C. Dobson’s Market Keeper’s House D. Temporary Street Markets
C. Dobson’s Market Keeper’s House (1842) D. Cattle Market (until 60s)
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Olive and Bean
SABAI
PADDYPOWER
Shoe Zone
LEXI
reel star adult gaming
Ladbrokes
Bowers NEWCASTLE
Clayton Street Elevation Scale 1:200
Nun Street Elevation Scale 1:200
Grainger Market Ground Floor Plan Scale 1:200
Nelson Street Elevation Scale 1:200
HERBERT BROWN cash
reflex British Red Cross
GRAINGER GAMES
BETFRED Park Lane Cards Electrical Repair Agency
ELECTRICS
BOWERS
Grainger Street Elevation Scale 1:200
FRAME
STRUCTURAL FRAME
ALLEY ROOF AXO
ARCADE ROOF AXO
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E X I S T I N G S E C T I O N S [1:400]
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LARGE SCALE MATERIALITY STUDIES
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INTERNAL SPACES
GRAINGER STREET
GROUP MODEL
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Representative sketch [Hand drawn and scanned]
Deceptively simple grid structure
Representative sketch [Hand drawn and scanned]
PAVILION PRECEDENT STUDY Idea of produce grown, harvested, prepared and
MILAN EXPO 2015- THE FRENC H onPsite AVILION sold I was particularly inspired by this precedent during my personal site analysis as it created a market that was both a place of production and retail.
simple grid structure This prompted me to map theDeceptively centre of Newcastle to investigate This analysis showed that current allotment areas are mainly in Sustainable timber the existing locations of small scale agriculture such as materialityaffluent areas of the city, and lacking in the area around Grainger allotments, as seen on the left. Market, something I could address in my design scheme. Idea of produce grown, harvested, prepared and sold on site Grid creates areas for growth and storage
Sustainable timber materiality
M I L A N
E X P O
2 0 1 5 - T H E F R E N C H P A V I L I ON
Grid creates areas for growth and storage
X T U A R C H I T E C T S ‘Feeding the planet, energy for life’ ARC3001 Guidebook Reference Eleanor Gair [120545663]
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M I L A N
E X P O
2 0 1 5 - T H E F R E N C H P A V I L I ON X T U A R C H I T E C T S ‘Feeding the planet, energy for life’
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1830
1910
HISTORIC ANALYISIS OF FLOW
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2014
G R A I N G E R M A R K ET :
P E R S O N A L
AN A L Y S I S
S T R U C T U R A L R E G U L A R I T Y VS H U M A N I R R E G U L A R I T Y
E l e a n o r G a i r [120545663] ARC3001
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BUILDING ON WHAT IS ALREADY BUILT
IDENTITY GRADIENT
I developed the Semester II project after visiting Nouveau Mercat dels Encants during the Barcelona trip. I was inspired by the notion of creating multiple forms of retail space - allowing different types of commerce to take place under one roof. I had previously established during the semester I survey that there were three types of retail in and around the Grainger Market site. Formal: Eldon Square, ‘mall’ style retail Semi-formal: Grainger Market’s unique alleys
Informal: ‘Free trade’ style, one off sellers I wanted to connect Eldon Square through to Grainger Market, increasing footfall and creating a gradient between these different forms of retail space. I achieved this through a ramp that bridged over Clayton Street, making use of an existing exit from Eldon which currently is aesthetically incoherent from the rest of the mall. The ramp then leads down through open plan retail spaces to ground floor level.
The ramp then continues to basement level, where it connects with a subterranean car park - allowing for easy transport to the elderly housing and retail on site. Then two new public spaces are formed as the ramp continues under Nun Street, creating a small gallery or exhibition space. And finally as the ramp resurfaces to ground level on Newgate street, there is a new internal garden, attracting footfall through into Grainger Market. Whilst also providing a new green space in the centre of Newcastle and an initiative for the elderly housing,
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Site Analysis: The Retail Gradient
Formal
International, conventional, articulated ‘mall’ style retail.
Semi -formal
Distinctly unique ‘alley’ style retail within the Grainger Market site.
Informal
Grainger Market’s current under used ‘free trade’ style zone
Analysis of the site and how there are different, distinctive styles of retail in and around the Grainger Market site.
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Current flow & hotspots around Grainger Market.
How to draw from those hotspots into site.
The Ramp Solution.
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1
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D E V E L O P M E N T & E X P E R I M E N T A T I O N 2
Top Left: Scheme Development Sketches, connecting Eldon Square with a ramp Middle Left: 1:500 Development Model Bottom Left: Sketch Section developing the ramp and internal garden Right:
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1. Ramp axo sketch 2. Section Trace Development Sketch 3. Development Perspective Trace Sketch 4. Development Perspective Sketch 5. Atrium Development Sketch
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B A S E M E N T P L A N [1:1000]
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G R O U N D F L O O R P L A N [1:1000]
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F I R S T F L O O R P L A N [1:1000]
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10
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S E C O N D F L O O R P L A N [1:1000]
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ELDERLY HOUSING LOCATION
D E V E L O P E D E L D E R L Y H O U S I N G F L O O R P L A N S [1:200] 46 |
S E C T I O N A - A’ [1:400]
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R O O F D E T A I L A [1:20]
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1
2
3
INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL SECTION
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R O O F D E T A I L B [1:20]
I N T E R M E D I A T E F L O O R D E T A I L [1:20]
R A M P D E T A I L [1:20]
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ROOF DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY My aim throughout this project was to sensitively work with the existing structure and create a new, sensitive, contemporary solution. The roof to acts as a directional guide, sloping with the gradient of the ramp and revealing the existing timber truss structure as a feature in the new space. The new materiality will be steel, with white painted timber louvres and glazing to allow for ventilation and a humble finish to reflect the change in formality when entering Grainger Market from Eldon Square.
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L O N G S E C T I O N B - B’ [1:400]
DEVELOPED SECTION THROUGH INTERNAL GARDEN 1:200
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DEVELOPED SECTION THROUGH ARCADE CAFE SPACE 1:200
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F I N A L M O D E L [1:200] This model was my main design tool for developing the project due to the large scale of the scheme. Grey board: Ground line Brown card: Existing Building White card: New Build
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INTERNAL PERSPECTIVES
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INTERNAL PERSPECTIVES
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STRUCTURAL
PERSPECTIVE
EXTERNAL PERSPECTIVE
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C L A Y T O N S T R E E T E L E V A T I O N [1:400]
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I D E N T I T Y
G R A D I E N T
Building On What Is Already Built Stage III Semester II [ARC3001] Eleanor Gair [120545663]
Routes & Hotspots Around Grainger Market
Market Stall Axonometrics
Alfriston Swimming Pool
Els Encants
Smith Creek Pedestrian Bridge
Pulling Footfall into Grainger Market
Conceptual Model
[ARC3015] R a m p S o l u t i o n f r o m E l d o n S q u a r e
Structural Sect ion 1:50
Clayton Street Elevation 1:200
ORIGINAL SUBMISSION
Changes: 1:50 Section, Elevation
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S h o r t S e c t i o n A - A’ 1:200
Elderly Apartments 1:100
L o n g S e c t i o n B - B’ 1:200
ORIGINAL SUBMISSION
Changes: Short Section, Perspectives, Long Section
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THINKING THROUGH MAKING Thinking through making week was a fantastic experience for me as I had never worked with cast materials before. The week began with a workshop with Sunghoon Son and focused on creating unique materials from different compounds of concrete. We all created several small casts investigating materiality and textural forms, which were then combined to create a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sprawl structure.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;
The second workshop with Amy Linford involved working with tensile materials and casting either solid forms from elastic moulds or creating compressive structures from tensile shapes. The most successful piece from the week, personally, was a structure created from sacking dipped in plaster and then suspended whilst drying. This created a dramatic form that worked under compression.
The major individual piece for each stage 3 student was a 1:1 or 1:2 scale drawing which related to our graduation projects. I hand drew an axonometric study of one of the trusses in Grainger Market. I wanted to develop my understanding of the materiality and shape of the existing structure before embarking on the project. The week culminated in an exhibition which was a fantastic celebration of all the diverse work in the school.
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P H O T O G R A P H S Reading from Top Left: 1, 2, 5) Workshop 4: Experimental cast texture 3) Workshop 7: Casting tensile structure (Plaster and sacking) 4) Exhibition & lighting of tensile structure 6) Workshop 4: Group Cast Textural Experimental Work 7) Workshop 4: Material City Exhibition Right Page: 1) 1.2 Scale Drawing: Exploded Axonometric Study of Grainger Market Truss
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NC L C H A R E T T E W E E K NCL CHARETTE 2014
1 School 550 Students 11 Charettes 5 Days
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP “I’m working with the ‘unheard’ sound.”
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“I want a copy and paste button.” | “ M a k i n g
“It’s all about the vibrations.”
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“It really is
“The time machine, the one that looks good.”
contacts.” |
fun abstract architecture.”
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“
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“It’s great that it’s a real project.”
SOUNDS LIKE BOMBS, BOMBS FALLING!”
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“Really nice to meet a range of people.”
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“Gentle introduction to the year.” |
“It’s a perfect start to my new LIFE and my new course
“It’s intriguing, it’s fun, IT’S ALL OVER, its charrette
“I’m not really sure what I’m doing.”
week.”
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“I love it!”
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“Fun introduction to architecture, not what I
expected as an intro but it’s not bad!”
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“Great working in teams”.
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“I
therefore I am.”
“I NEED KNIFE.”
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rebel
“I’m a first year and it’s really nice to
make contacts around the school.”
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“I have a friend.”
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“I STILL NEED KNIFE!”
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“I completely agree.”
“Great way to start the year.”
and my new country.” |
I
T
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“It’s just great to find
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“I feel so supported by the 6th years.”
these new sounds and visualise them.”
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“Best week of my life.”
model.” |
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New skills.”
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1 ) O N E W E E K O N E S E A T
2 ) M A C H I N E F O R L I V I N G
3 ) S Y N A E S T H E S I A
4 ) U N W A S T I N G OPPORTUNITIES
5 ) M A T E R I A L I T Y O F LANDSCAPE
3 ) B R I C K C R I S I S
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7 ) T H I N K I N G B U I L D I N G THINKING
8 ) P E R C E P - P O L I S
1 ) O N E W E E K O N E S E A T
9 ) D R I N K T H E B A R D R Y
1 0 ) T H E U N S E E N A N D T H E U N H E A RD
1 1 ) V A M O S !
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E M G ELEANOR MARGARETE GAIR
A C A D E M I C P O R T F O L I O B A A R C H I T E C T U R E S T A G E I I I [ 2 0 1 4 / 1 5 ]