ITERATIVE SKETCHING - TESTING IDEAS & DIAGRAMMING

Initial concept sketches which illustrated the first exploration of diminishing scale within the highrise typlogies to produce outdoor amenities and a connection to context. The ideas contrast to those formulated by Lacaton and Vassal’s extension (Sketch Top Right) where the additions to the building form allows greater activation of the ground plane and surroundings. They diminish the ideals put forward within the modernist movement which was to increase density whilst providing open space below. We know now that the construct of these building which feature long corridors and lack of outdoor amenity. In the section (top left) I want to explore redefining interior volumes which open up the units to the surrounding and create inner courtyards which could be publicly accessible.

Left diagram explores the delivery of current social housing and how a retrofit can benefit through saving resources and delivering greater density compared to a demolish and rebuilt.