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Year Design Report
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This year has come with increased pressure, work load and stress, however with all this I have learnt a tremendous amount beyond the topic of Architecture. I feel like the year has moved at a faster pace than last, and with it I have become more skilled at using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD and Revit. My presentation skills were poor at the beginning of last year, and over the course of the two years I have improved and will hopefully continue to. I love the challenges architecture brings and over the years I have been able to understand the design process more easily. I now have a systematic idea of tackling each project with early stages including site research and precedent work. Moving on, the learning journal was a challenge for me, as I was not used to the idea of writing my thoughts down neither the idea of reflection upon self. However, as I began writing, I felt it was an easy way for me to understand and see my work by stepping outside the box. It was difficult to be consistent with the journal as the year progressed, due to the projects intensity alongside. Following this, I decided to do reflections once every two weeks. This then helped me to maintain the process of the journal while it not feeling like a task to complete. I understand the reason and benefits I will gain from the learning journal, and feel like it is an effective way of voicing my thoughts. Placed displaced asked us to design a small terraced house in Jesmond for a couple within a fixed volume. This element of the design brief aided me in efficiently planning space. Before this project, my plans showed overly sized spaces which was not needed, so following this practice of designing within given dimensions, I feel more confident in the layout of my designs. At this stage in the project I was not very familiar with 3D software’s apart from Sketchup. So my design process was solely based on sketches, plans and models. The one thing I was struggling with was my elevations and still to this point I feel it is a weakness which needs working on. I was happy with the actual project, the tutor and the feedback I got. Throughout the project I was feeling organized and felt I managed my time efficiently. On my feedback sheet, James pointed out that it would have been nice to see a larger or more interesting section. Following this I have improved my section as you can see in my portfolio. Another point that was flagged up included one or two minor mistakes in my plans, which have now been corrected on AutoCAD. The last issue with the design was the bike storage under the stairs. The tutor mentioned that it would not be ideal for residents to ride their bikes through the living room to store them under the stairs, and would leave tyre marks on the ground. The new bike storage is now in the garden, with easier access from the back door. Living on the edge asked us to design a foyer for a group of eight young and disadvantaged people from ages 16 to 21. The site was interesting, located on Lime Street and the surrounding buildings were also fascinating. Throughout this project I felt lost and unaware of which design of mine had the most potential. Even though the duration of the project was enough, I felt that towards the end I needed a fresh start. My feedback was on the negative side due to poor presentation and lack of direction. I understood and fully agreed with this feedback, and over Easter, have redesigned the entire project keeping only one element the same, which was the external garden. Coming back to the project with a fresh mind was less stressful and more enjoyable. After developing my skills in Revit from the last project, I could then come back and design with 3D vision alongside my plans. Working with plans, sections, elevations and a 3D view at the same time made designing simpler and easier to convey. My newly developed building is now more angular, with a concept of ‘Hidden Spaces’, which portrayed my design best. The reason being is throughout the plans you can see intimate spaces which may have more use than there function enables them. I felt that the disadvantaged people may want privacy or change in space, whether it is for self-reflection or entertainment. The next project asked us to design a civic center in Tynemouth which helped bring the town together. After having been through a lost feeling from the last project, I found it easier to organize my time efficiently, in order to complete the targets I set for each week. Every week the tutorials were incredibly useful. I felt I had a strong concept which made use of the cliff opposite site A. In the final presentation I had left enough time to compile all my work. I learnt from my mistakes in the last project, where I did not have much time left to put the pages together. After being satisfied with the work I had produced I felt more confident in explaining and presenting myself. The feedback I got from this project was that the section did not have lighting and the windows in the elevation were not aligned. Some of the improvements for this project consisted of creating a more convincing section with lighting to portray its expression. Crossover asked us to design a timber building to accommodate a thousand bikes for the City of Sheffield. The project was part of a competition called ‘Velocity of British Timber’. It was a new experience to be part of a competition, and without this, the drive to succeed may not have been as strong within the group. The competition made it more competitive and motivating. This project was enjoyable and not as stressful as the others. I really enjoyed working in a group and felt that all the members were able to collaborate ideas effectively. However towards the end of the project it was exceedingly more difficult to collaborate with members as the project ran over Easter. I have not improved anything in this project as I personally was happy with the design. The feedback we recieved from the tutors was excellent gaining us a 1st. For the main competition we intend on improving the presentation side of the project and also focusing on the engineering side of the design. Overall it was an interesting project and I enjoyed working with structural engineers and understanding their approach on design from a structural perspective. Overall I have really enjoyed this year and benefited a wide range of knowledge from tackling through each project. I am very content with the course and hope the coming years will bring new challenges and teach me more 7 about the world of architecture.
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After understanding the client’s needs from the design brief, I began my research into modern and innovative wall unit designs. The couple were interested in displaying their pottery and books and so the most ideal location for this was on the main stretch of wall.
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Precedents of display wall
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Section- Not to scale 14
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Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan 17
Front Elevation
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Back Elevation
Internal Perspectives & Model
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Atmospheric Image of External Garden
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Site in Context
Precedents
Following research into concrete buildings, I was inspired by the depth and shadows created using the dense material.
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The ground floor plan naturally leads down into the public shared lounge and external garden. The glazed partition connects the lounge to the outside space visually with a small central entrance to the hidden space. The stairs then lead down onto the pathway around which visitors and the residents can sit on the benches while admiring the view of the river. The space is almost in line with the river to allow easy access onto the path. As public pass along the street the initial view is of the trees overgrown to provide shading and greenery onto the path.
To access the workshop, residents walk around the ramp which leads up into the lobby and then down into the workshop. From here the curtain wall seperates the design studio from the main space. The material and timber stores have direct external entrance accessible from the stairs. The same stairs then lead down onto the path, providing two routes to the river (one being from the external garden). The ‘hidden space’ on this floor is the stairs which curve around the cafe. Views exist of the North East as well as the North as you walk around the corridor.
Floor Minus 2
Floor Minus 1
Residents can lock up their bikes before entering the main reception. From here the door to the left leads to the large open exhibition space and cafe. The ramp allows for disabled access to the lobby from where residents can go up to the bedrooms. The shaded grey area exposes the concrete roof. The roof of the workshop is pitched on one half to allow for a double height space in the main core of the workshop. This view is visible from the low windows in the exhibition space. The stepped up platform leads into the dining space which is then followed by the kitchen. Here diners can observe views of the external green garden while eating.
The lobby from the floor below leads up into the bedrooms, glazed lounge and study area. The sliding doors open up into this study, a view of this area is visible from the front cover of the project. The bedrooms aim to orientate around the angular walls to provide variation of space and views. Small windows to the West provide views of the external garden. This feature is expressed in views on each floor of the design. The building is cantilivered to provide views down the river and to create a hidden space beneath where residents can be seated, enjoying the flow and activity of the river. This can aid in self reflection as well as unwinding and getting away from the main activity of the building.
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Plans Not to Scale
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The Tutors Flat ‘overlooking’ residence
Figure 1.2
Figure 1.1
Kitchen and Seating space The Tutors Flat ‘overlooks’ the entire building as its expression of hierarchy. The image to the left portrays the kitchen space and how this gains parts of southern light with views of the external garden in the west. Space either side of the kitchen exists to open up the area, allowing light to diffuse in from all angles. 28
Figure 1
(Fig 1.2): Views The circulation lobby offers wide views of the river, giving a peaceful feeling and sense of harmony. East facing bedrooms have views of the roof plans below, ‘overlooking’ the residents. The kitchen windows aim to capture the activity going on in the external garden. The height of the flat allows for authority and a level of importance amongst the people.
(Fig 1.1): Sunlight The bedrooms are in line with the east facade for morning sunlight. Beyond this space the living room exists, which faces south maximising its use during the day with pleasant bursts of natural light. The kitchen is surrounded by trees which provide shading, preventing any unwanted west light into the cooking spaces.
(Fig 1): The Journey through the flat The ideal solution when space planning was to lcoate the w/c, storage and coat hanging space towards the right on entering. Following this the bedrooms are next in line from where residents can drop off their bags and walk towards the living room to relax. This linear arrangement of spaces facilitates the natural movement and journey people make on entering their homes. The kitchen forms the main central core but is located towards the right, adjacent to the dining and living areas.
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Towards the North, glazing becomes a feature in my design. The stepped down floors aim to express hierarchy as the tutors flat ‘overlooks’ all. The lower ground floor lounge is intended to bring people together, both public and residents. It is a shared entertainment and relaxation space which is a key element of my design. Stairs then lead down onto the path.
Front and Back Elevation31
As the public walk along the path, the main idea behind drawing them into the building is the fully glazed exhibition space. The entrance is purposefully angled to invite guests into the reception following their curiosity to observe the students work. The exhibition space is in close companion with the design studio and the workshop. The hierarchy of the exhibition space motivates individuals to work up towards success.
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Section Not to Scale
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Perspective Images 35
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First Floor
Waiting Area
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Photomontage
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Section- Not to scale
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Numbers in brackets refer to Part M of the approved Document, access to and use of buildings, 2004 edition.
Disabled Access to Main Entrance & Parking The path leading down to the site has been widened from 3 to 5m to allow disabled vehicular access and emergency services to access the site more efficiently. (1.2) A pedestrian path of approximately 2m is adjacent to the vehicular route. This is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users to pass by each other, carrying out all maneuvers without difficulty. (1.10) The sloped down gradient of the path allows rainwater to drain away from the site to minimise the risk of flooding. Alongside the building, there are two disabled parking bays for users with blue-badge restrictions. Each parking bay is 3600 x 6000mm in dimension, allowing sufficient space either side and to the rear of the car for wheelchair users. No barriers exist at the entrance or exit of the disabled car park, making it less effort to access the parking. (1.15) Ticket dispensing controls are positioned at a lower height of 750mm to 1200mm above ground for wheelchair users. (1.16) From the disabled parking bays, the distance to travel to the building is between 40 and 31m. (1.13;b) There are no obvious trip hazards, as the ground from the parking bays to the principal entrance is level, with similar frictional characteristics. (1.13;d.e) As the site is in close proximity to the sea, the ground will be covered with compact gravel to provide a slip resistant layer. At the crossing point between the path and the vehicular road, there is a dropped down kerb and a buff coloured blister surface to guide visually impaired people. (1.13;h)
MEANS OF ESCAPE General Strategy Automatic fire alarms will be in place around the building, to give early warning signs of a fire. The system will give audible and verbal signals to exit the building. To inform people with hearing impairments, there will also be a vibrating pager system in place. Smoke detectors will be fitted in every room and fire extinguishers will be located on each floor. I have altered the design to provide an additional staircase acting as a fire refuge and exit. For disabled users, in the event of a fire they must stay in the fire protected corridors located on the plans. The self-enclosing fire doors will reduce the spread of fire and the df30 concrete walls will retain their structure for approximately 30 minutes, which gives enough time for emergency fire services to arrive.
To aid users with impaired vision, light detective sensors light up the perimeter of the building at night, particularly around the principal entrance. (1.12) This allows for clear identification of the entrance location. The sloping masonry will also be fenced with brighter L.E.D lights along with a corduroy surface to alert visually and hearing impaired people of the sea location. Wheelchair Access within the Building The main entrance is large, spacious and easily accessible, to allow wheelchair users to be seated comfortably, without overcrowding. The entrance door is power assisted to satisfy disabled users and people with limited upper body strength. (2.14) The external door is partially glazed to allow visually impaired people to identify its location, and for general users to stand clear and be aware of people entering from the opposite direction. (2.22) Internal doors have partial timber cladding, to allow differentiation between an open and closed door. (3.8) The internal doors apart from w/c have at least 300mm spacing from the edge of the wall. All lobbies have a width between 2 to 2.5m at junctions and throughout. (3.14;c) This allows people with wheelchairs, buggies and walking aids to pass by each other comfortably. (2.27) There are no obstructions such as radiators within internal lobbies of the design, minimizing the risk of hazard. As there are large amounts of glazing surrounding the north side of the corridors, reflections may be too harsh. (2.29;d) Following this the glazing will be lightly frosted to contrast visually from the activity going on behind the glass, without taking away the views of the rock-climbing wall. Vertical Access A lift measuring 2000x1500mm is located at a short distance of 10m from the principal entrance. It is on the same level as the ground for easy access to wheelchair users and people using walking aids. Its landing call buttons are located 1000mm from the floor, with symbols raised for tactile identification and a power assisted door to assist entry. A visual and audible cue delivers information for people with visual and hearing impairment. An emergency call system is in place inside the lift as well as a handrail for people using walking aids. (3.28) To maintain safety, the ground floor staircase is not in line with the approach of the building. It is located on the east side, and naturally leads up across a straight path. (3.50) The width of each staircase is 1500mm, allowing two people to walk past each other simultaneously. The rise is 220mm with the tread being 250mm and there is a break every seven steps to comply with safety regulations. At the top and bottom of the stairs, there is a corduroy hazard warning surface on approach to alert visually impaired users. There is a continuous handrail across intermediate landings, composing of a closed end at top and bottom to provide safety. At night, the staircase is well lit with blue L.E.D lights surrounding the sides of the staircase. Toilets Immediately on entering the building, there is one disabled W/C to the left. A 3m emergency alarm cord is fitted beside the toilet, long enough for the user to pull while lying down. On pulling the red cord, an audible and visual response is stimulated to confirm
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Minimum Stair Width Using the formula: w=(P+15n-15)/(150+50n) where w= stair width, P= occupancy level, n= number of storeys w=(407+45-15)/(150+150)= 437/300 w=1045mm Minimal Final exit width Using the formula: w=(n/2.5)+(60*s)/80 where w= exit width, n=occupancy level and s=stair width w=(407/2.5)+(60*s)/80 w=3120mm Following this, the minimum width of the final exits should be 3.12m Minimum escape route corridor and door width My occupancy level is between 60 to 600 therefore using the approved document B, B1 table 3, Pg.37) my building needs a minimum of two escape routes per storey. Using the formula w=5n, the minimum corridor width would have to be at least 2m. where w=width of the escape route, n=occupancy w=407x5 w=2035mm
Access for all Pedestrian Access Disabled car park Internal lift with Disabled access A
Vehicular access For: Disabled Parking vehicles Fire engines Service and maintenance vehicles Delivery vehicles
Principle Entrance
Means of Escape Access for Emergency Services Assembly Point Fire Hydrants- are connected to the main pipeworks for water access Uncontrolled Road Crossing
Site Development 1:500
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Means of Escape 1a 1b 1c 1d
Rock climbing space to final exit = 22m Retail space to final exit = 13m Disbaled toilet to final exit = 8m Changing space to final exit = 14m
Access for all
1e Disabled parking to principal entrance = 49m Priority Seating Fire exit
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Ground Floor Plan 1:100
2a 2b 2c 2d 2e 2f
Internal lift to final exit = 26m Disabled toilets to final exit = 25m Creche to final exit = 28m Cafe to final exit = 9m Pre School to final exit = 19m Kitchen to final exit = 13m
fd fd
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First Floor Plan 1:100 55
1a 1b 1c 1d 1e 1f 1g 1h
Library Corner to final exit = 19m Cleaners room to final exit = 21m Male changing rooms to final exit = 27m Femaile changing rooms to final exit = 32m Dance studio to final exit = 39m Lift to final exit = 33m Disbled toilets to final exit = 15m W/C = 13m
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1a fd
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fd
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Means of Escape fd = Fire doors Wheelchair refuge zone with EVAC- chair provision Escape route Protected corridor/space Fire exit 56
Second Floor Plan 1:100
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