STUDIO AIR 2015, SEMESTER 1, PHILIP BELESKY GLEN GEORGE, 638042
FIG.1: MELBOURNE CITY
JOURNAL
Table of Contents Introduction Precedents Project PART A A.1: Design Computation
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT ME: My name is Glen, I am currently 20 years old studying architecture, in my third year at the University of Melbourne. I was born in the Dandenong Rangers and have lived in Emerald my whole life, I love the natural setting and beautiful landscapes that surround my home. In turn I tend to find myself heavily influenced and inspired by the natural environment. I have a few hobbies and activities that I enjoy in my spare time. Sports play a huge part in my hobbies, they allow me to free my mind and express myself. Martial arts, outdoor activities such as running, walking, swimming and bike riding as well as gym are my favourite ways to exeresis. I also love music and play guitar, bass and a bit of singing in my spare time as well as for a little bit of extra work on the side. The last of my hobbies would be drawing, I find it therapeutic and relaxing to just sit and draw, often human figures, buildings or landscapes but I generally don’t restrict myself to a particular subject matter as I often like to change things up. My interest in architecture came quite early in high school when my parents took me to a few display homes for the sake of interest; there was nothing fancy or overly creative as the houses we very generic and stereotypical suburban, however I found myself emerged in the idea of altering and designing spaces for living. This was further intensified when I attempted my first architectural project in year 12 Visual communications and design and found it extremely enjoyable. I tend to find myself more drawn to residential buildings as well as buildings that have a unique form and relation to material or context; the idea or high rise and generic commercial projects don’t seem to relate to me as intensely as I like to react and respond to a brief or building in a manor that isn’t only aesthetically driven but also encouraged by the nostalgic, emotive and experiential qualities. I tend to struggle with computer design and conceptualizing ideas in such space; I feel this is due to my need to engage with a work through drawing and hand building, however I am not deterred by the concept and idea of computation as I find it fascinating and engaging in a different way. I hope that throughout the duration of the semester I can improve my computer designing skills and open up a new avenue for my designs; giving me new ways to explore and engage with the world of design.
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CONCEPTUALISATION
PRECEDENTS 01
EUREKA TOWER, MELBOURNE Eureka tower is Melbourne’s largest building, it dominates the cities skyline with elegance and aesthetic beauty as it seemingly protrudes into the clouds above the city. It’s use of gold, blues and tint of red offset the grey tonal qualities that envelop much of the cities context. The reflective surface of the tinted class and metallic gold react in a stunning manor to the Melbourne weather, reflecting clear skies, streaming sunlight and foggy mist, all adding to it’s mystical appearance and charm. The building revolutionised the cities skyline and has in turn prompted a move to a taller city with more dominant and demanding architecture, removing the constraint and desire to be ‘safe’ with Melbourne’s skyline aesthetic. With the introduction of new structures set to overshadow Eureka in height and dominance, the building will be sure to lose some of its commanding qualities as it becomes emerged in a taller world; despite this, it will still remain revolutionary in its design as it was the first of its kind in this beautiful Australian city. The building has offered many attractions and brought in a lot of publicity to the city. The Sky deck and glass viewing platforms are extremely popular and prove excellent ways to see Melbourne in a new and exciting way. The buildings function has remained the same throughout its life-span and I would assume it will continue to remain the same for many years to come; until bigger and greater things befouled it and take over as Melbourne dominant feature.
FIG.2: EUREKA TOWER , MELBOURNE
CONCEPTUALISATION 5
PRECEDENTS 02 AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, MELBOURNE The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art also known as ‘Acca’ sits deep in Melbourne’s art precinct, within the Southbank area. In contrast to Eureka this building sits low and tucks into the landscape. Despite its low profile the building goes far from lacking impact and vision. Its bold use or Corten steel to encase the entire facade makes a strong statement and sets the building apart from its urban concrete surroundings. It’s sharp and attentive form sits beautifully within the context as the building nestles into the space.
I feel as though as a building it will continue to function and be admired as it currently does for a long time; due to its location in the ‘arty’ area of Melbourne it conforms to the ideas of pushing design and truly expressing form and textures in a raw and uncompromising state. This reflects the ideas of art in a visual and experiential manor which makes it perfect for function and context.
Acca was created as a gallery and continues to function for this purpose. More so the building itself reflects as an artwork from the exterior, displaying its unique materials, textures and forms which contrast to the norm within the city. Its uncompromising, contemporary design make quite a statement and truly redefines what types of buildings can be created within an inner city space.
FIG.3: AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, MELBOURNE
PART A
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CONCEPTUALISATION
CONCEPTUALISATION 9
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REFERENCES
Figure 1: Melbourne city, Image sourced from <http://mytourguide. com.au/sites/default/files/melbourne_city_australia.jpg> Figure 2: Eureka Tower, Own image hand drawing Figure 3: Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Own image hand drawing Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: Figure 8: Figure 9: Figure 10: