Stage 2 Portfolio by Francesca Barbour

FRANCESCA BARBOUR B.A. ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES STAGE 2 PORTFOLIO 2013-2014 B2019424

CONTENTS DESIGN WORK

CROSSOVER

CIVIC CENTRED

LIVING ON THE EDGE

PLACED DISPLACED

NON-DESIGN WORK

THE PLACE OF HOUSES

ENVIRONMENTAL

TECHNOLOGY1

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TECHNOLOGY2

YEAR DESIGN REPORT Looking back on this year makes it evident what a huge learning curve Stage 2 has been. Going back through my projects, I can see a big development in my own work with my personal style and techniques getting more refined with every assignment. The biggest thing I’ve taken form this year is my approach to each individual brief, although all different in scale and functions, I’ve learnt to approach each one from the person’s perspective, designing from the interior out and looking at smaller elements of the building that before I might have disregarded. I have also improved my concepts, making them more developed throughout each design. Improvements for me would be in pushing my designs a step further, there tends to be one or two elements that could be developed more in each of my projects; I plan to work on this next year. I’ve structured my portfolio in reverse chronological order, putting my most accomplished work at the front. Placed, Displaced was a good way to start the year; due to the small restraints given for the design, it pushed me to think a lot about circulation and ease of use for the inhabitants. The simplicity of my design worked well, maximising the use of natural light and using levels to create a definition between spaces. However I needed to work on my model making skills and also my drawing of the Elevation (which has been re-done). I found that leaving my sketchbook behind and working quickly on tracing paper really helped with developing designs swiftly and therefore making my final design more resolved. Living on the Edge was probably my favourite project of the year. It was a step up in scale, but it really forced me to think about what each inhabitants experience of the building would be; whether a visitor, tutor or one of the young people. Site Analysis became a big part of my design, wanting to reflect the Ouseburns’ lively, yet safe atmosphere into the Foyer. Working with the existing levels was a big challenge; making this the most developed design I’ve had so far, constantly having to adapt the circulation to create an efficient flow within the spaces. Although this was the hardest project for me, I felt I learnt the most from it about every element of the design process. In reflecting on Placed, Displaced, model making was fundamental to me for this project and I believe I improved that skill throughout. Improvements with this project would be in developing a couple spaces a bit further, particularly the exhibition space in the Foyer. Starting Civic Centred, I quickly realised how much I had learnt already through the year. I began to use AutoCAD, together with my hand drawing, discovering how this could help with my design process. Choosing the disused tidal pool in Tynemouth as my site presented interesting challenges, with light, placement and access. As reported in my feedback sheet, my project followed a “determined and reliable process” that I feel reflected what I have learnt this year. Again I approached the project from an inhabitant’s perspective, creating ease to the circulation and dynamic, atmospheric spaces. Similarly to Living on the Edge there were a couple elements I could have pushed further to improve the design, mainly pushing elements beyond the restraints of the site, extending them towards both the sea and the cliffs. The Crossover Project was very eye opening. Working in a group completely changed my design process, having to delegate and rely on others for work. The first week of site analysis went well, with each of us bringing different opinions and managing to come to a conclusive opinion for both site choice and concepts. However as the project continued, it was a challenge to work efficiently as a group, particularly as we could not get together for a few weeks, and a realisation that delegation could be unreliable. I made the models for the project and assisted with the drawings, using what I’d learnt through the year; I also put the final presentation together. From this I learnt that group work needs a lot more physical interaction between the members to make it a reliable process.

CROSSOVER 2.5

SITE PHOTOS

SITE ANALYSIS Parkwood Springs is a natural space close to the city centre of Sheffield. The site offers spectacular views over the city, the suburbs and the distant moors of the Peak District. Although there is still some evidence of industrial heritage, the extent that existed in the 18th century has been depleted. Parkwood Springs is designated an ‘open space area’, with nature conservation being key. For this reason we opted for the brown field site, containing the pre-existing Ski Village, wanting to keep the green spaces of Parkwood Springs ‘green’.

PRECEDENTS

The Ski village was believed to be the largest artificial Ski resort in Europe, making it a landmark site for the city, ideal for regeneration. The site offers unique views and an opportunity to transform something now un-used into something the population of Sheffield can be proud of. Regeneration of Parkwood Springs as a whole has already begun; led by community vision, a concept we have tried to keep fundamental to our design.

Eden Project, Nicholas Grimshaw

Downland Gridshell, Cullinan Studio

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

BALCONY FLOOR

The workshop is accessed either by an elevator in the centre of the centre, or via the cycle ramps that encompass the building; travelling around the outer edge by bike, provides a unique experience, of both the structural and aesthetic qualities of the structure. The workshop accomodates bicycles 24 hours a day, whilst also providing a facility for bike care and maintenance. The space invited the community to learn the skills needed to repair and care for their own bikes, and provides safe covered storage.

The main entrance features on the North face of the dome on this floor. There is a car park for road access just uphill as well as bycicle tracks ending on the site. People can either enter the cafe â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the building or continue to cycle down to the external area and bike storage. The form of the building leads through to views down the hill to Sheffield City Centre and the ETFE windows allow for a nice public environment. This floor also contains some conference rooms, changing rooms, and a cycle gym. The space encourages community use.

A lift can be taken from the cafe or the workshop floor and across a small bridge to access this indoor balcony space. The space provides an outstanding viewpoint of both Sheffield and the structural qualities of the timber frame.

PLANS

SKETCH-UP MODEL

SECTION

1:500 MODEL OF BUILDING

MODELS

1:20 MODEL OF BIKE STAND

CIVIC CENTRED 2.4

PERMEABILITY REFLECTIONS ELEGANCE HERITAGE SITE ANALYSIS

CONCEPT MODEL (Permeability of site)

MASSING MODELS My Civic Centre remains permeable, not restricting access to the existing site and respecting its heritage. The original design process began with a circular form and developed from there, by experimenting how to get the effects of circular circulation using different forms. The design utilises stilts, allowing the public underneath the building, blocking less of the existing views. The building also sits very quietly on the site, with the majority of it being concrete and the rest very transparent with disappearing glass walls and lots of openings. I also play with reflections throughout the building, with small reflective elements creating a journey through the spaces and being emphasised in the cafe area, where the re-filled pool, together with the reflective stainless steel undercrops of the raised levels, creates an original atmosphere to impress all guests in a very dynamic aand exciting space. The cafe acts as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the Civic Centre, it is at the core and you are continually drawn back to it, via balconies and views throughout the building. This element ties the spaces together, creating one community based centre.

STUDY MODELS

GROUND FLOOR PLAN Access to the Civic Centre is from the ground floor. On the approach, guests immediately see the exhibition climbing wall, and also the ‘floating’ platforms, which will contain the pop-up library on sunny days, also providing a space to socialise and relax on the re-filled pool. Once inside the building it is largely open plan, with reception, a waiting area and cafe prodominating the space. The cafe acts as a ‘hub’ in the Civic Centre, it is at the core and you are continually drawn back to it, via balconies and views throughout the building. This element ties the spaces together, creating one community based centre. It extends out onto the re-filled pool, where guests can get the full reflective atmosphere of the centre, with the stainless stell undercrops. This level also contains a teaching area, creche and serviced, or else guests can make their way to either the Climbing Centre or Literary Co-op.

PLANS

FIRST FLOOR PLAN There is a clear divide between the Literary Co-op and the climbing centre, split by views and a one metre void in the overlap of the two volumes. This restricts noise travelling amid the spaces and allows the climbing centre to remain enclosed, compared to the library opening out onto the sea and the pop-up library on the ‘floating’ platforms. All views from the climbing centre are directed toward the rocks and cliffs, giving a reality to this artificial space. The Climbing Centre on this level focuses on bouldering, with participants being drawn into the bouldering cave as soon as the reach the floor. There are changing facilities, an office and also a small shop from which users can buy and rent gear. Climbers are also provided with their own small bar and balcony which reaches out above the central cafe, drawing guests back to the ‘hub’ of the building.

SECOND FLOOR PLAN This Floor contains the Literary Co-op and viewing platform. In the library, window seats are provided if users want to feel closer to the sea, burying themselves in both the views and books. The Literary Co-op relies on donations of books from visitors near and far. It encourages reading for both adults and youths, with its own childrens section. Similarly to the Climbing Centre a balcony leads to view back to the cafe hub, once again drawing visitors back. On the opposite side of the room, guests can venture onto the large viewing platform, drawing them out towars the sea, where they can take their books or simply go to relax. This platform can also be accessed from the climbing wall, the view acting as a reward for the climbers.

Section through Access

Section through Cafe

SECTIONS

1:50 Model of Library window seat

These 1:50 models demonstrate the interior elements of my design in a lot more detail than the larger models. 1:50 Model of Cafe

1:50 Model of Climbing wall

1:100 Model of Building

MODELS

INTERNAL PERSPECTIVES

FINAL MODEL This 1:100 model demonstrates how the Civic Centre sits into the retaining steps of the pool and what the approach will be like for visitors. It demonstrates the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;floatingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; platforms and the big impact of the climbing wall well. I believe this elevation makes the building seem welcoming and open to all the public.

LIVING ON THE EDGE 2.3

"OUR YOUTH SEEMS TO BE LEAVING US BUT WE DON'T SEEM TO BE LEAVING IT." (Graffiti on the Byker Bridge)

Having played a big part in the Industrial Revolution, the Ouseburn area is now a hub for wildlife, artists and community. I chose the site closest to the Ouseburn Bridge, being drawn to the retaining elements of the site, which instigated my design process. I wanted to reflect in my design the sustainable aspects of the Ouseburn Farm with the vibrant, dynamic atmosphere of the surrounding area of galleries, music venues and graffiti. My three main concepts are the integration of green spaces, the junction between private and public and the 'passing' moments in the circulation. My furniture workshop will have a biomorphic basis, hence the form of the exhibition space, which acts as a summary and beacon of my building, against an almost flush facade onto Lime Street. With the Foyer being in the heart of the local community, and holding its ethos, it creates a secure platform for the young people to overcome barriers and develop skills for future life. hopefully leading to employment and a better standard of living.

DIAGRAMS

INTEGRATION OF GREEN SPACES

JUNCTION BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC

PASSING MOMENTS IN CIRCULATION

SKETCHES

DEVELOPMENT MODELS

RIVERSIDE ELEVATION

FRONT STREET ELEVATION

ELEVATIONS

GROUND FLOOR PLAN Both residents and visitors gain access to the Foyer on this level. The young people can walk in the left side of the building, store their bikes and continue downstairs to their living accomodation. The tutor's flat resides on this level, so he/she can keep an eye on the entrace and be there for deliveries, which can be taken straight to the mezanine level of the workshop. The general public can access the Exhibition Space on this level as well, leading them to the stepped viewing platform.

PLANS

FLOOR -1 PLAN This floor contains the young people's living space, with a communal kitchen, dining room, lounge and both private and group study rooms. The furniture workshop is also on this floor. These spaces all convene around a central courtyard and lead through to the green roof, which allows the young people to have their own allotments, learning to grow their own food and be self sustainble.

FLOOR -2 PLAN This floor solely contains the young peoples bedrooms and some more living space. As they come down the stairs or lift, there is a 'passing moment' with a view out to the river and providing a break in the circulation. From here a hall, lit by skylights leads to the individual bedrooms, all with ensuites and views to the Ouseburn river. Central to the bedrooms is another break in the circulation, this bigger space could contain a pool table or provide other activities for the students. It also shares both an audible and visual link with the workshop, via a balcony above.

PERSPECTIVES Section through Exhibition Space

Section through Courtyard

SECTIONS

Section through Access

Broklyn Bridge Park Pier

Ouseburn Farm

The Shell House

1:100 MODEL OF BUILDING

PLACED DISPLACED 2.2

The house is designed around a day in the life of the couple who will inhabit it; from when they get home from a busy day at work to how they end the day. My concept revolves around their journey and movements and how the ergonomics of the home are affected by varying light and levels. The elevation is a mixture of timber and white rendered masonry. The threshold sits back into the front facade, which leads into a transitional space, making evident the divide between interior and exterior. The interior spaces are defined by changes in levels; allowing for open plan living, yet retaining a definition between spaces. Sunlight travels around the house, following the journey of its inhabitants. It floods through the south facing sunspace and windows, illuminating the interior.

DEVELOPMENT WORK

Ground Floor

CONCEPTUAL PLANS

First Floor

PLANS

FINAL MODEL PHOTOS The final design flows easily, creating a comfortable living space for the young couple where they can relax, socialise and work without stress or effort. The use of light, as illustrated with my final model photos, makes the space dynamic, fitting in with the couples youthful and active lifestyle. Throughout the terraced house, an efficient use of space is displayed, from making the most of the empty space below the stairs to the bike storage. The sunspace not only makes the most of solar gain, it distinguishes the interior and facade of the house in a crowded area. Plenty of space is created withing the limited frame, for socialising, relazing and working.

SUNSPACE PERSPECTIVE

CONCEPT DIAGRAM

ATMOSPHERIC SECTION

ELEVATION (NEW WORK)

NON-DESIGN WORK

ARC 2023 THE PLACE OF HOUSES COURSEWORK

ARC 2009 ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY LIVING ON THE EDGE SITE B, LIME STREET

ARC 2009 ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY ACCESS FOR ALL & MEANS FOR ESCAPE