COMPONENT I

Arun Singh Rattanpal

never knew how

THE SUN GREAT

it was until it hit the side of a building

Throughout the years, as we as humans evolve and become fitter and more connected. The need for a gym or training spaces become ever more in demand. For my design, I wish to create a space that allows for people to train and become interconnected, to not only function as a gym but something more. Such a space will allow the surrounding community to reside in sweat and happiness within a space that ultimately reflects them. Of course this can only be possible with a site that actually needs it. A space that is in dire need of such design and connection, My site of a choice is the Upminster train station car park. The reason being while I'm aware that this car park can get full, its most of the time empty and with the designs I have in mind I may be able to retain the same parking spaces. A gym in this location is extremely ideal, the nearest gym to locals in Upminster is harrow lodge leisure centre in Hornchurch. There are smaller other 'fitness shops' like 'New Heights Fitness Limited' and 'Exercise with Sally Guise' which are very small fitness shops that offer classes and sessions. I think that these facilities are nowhere near enough to suffice. Thus Upminster Train Station car park is so ideal, it allows commuters from Upminster train station as well as locals to benefit from the gym. I think that while there is a lot of traffic and noise the site is somewhat in an enclosure and provides privacy for gym goers. NOTE: I'm only designing the Exterior with lesser significance on Site and interior

The site however does not come without its issue. The entrance to the site is very narrow and enclosed, the layout of the road means that people have to turn in from a busy main road which creates some traffic. The train station being practically adjacent means that surrounding area suffers from noise pollution and low-level rumbling, which means that the building design would have to be structurally sound to be able to withstand constant movement from the trains racing by and the noise pollution. While this is also good, the site is very enclosed and hidden. If a gym were to be there, I would have to workout a way to publicize the gym more and make it more apparent. Lastly the road layout into the car park is in my opinion in efficient, there is no clear lane marking which from personal experience makes crossing the road difficult as cars are just all over the place. The mini roundabout I also think is not utilised properly; with my gym idea I think that I would change the mini roundabout into a more compact roundabout that’s a lot more visible

While I list some solutions here, These solutions are just concepts and ideas. It would be foolish to think that without research and development a solution can just appear. I think that with the noise pollution and low-level rumbling from the train station a design that perhaps is lifted off the floor would mitigate this. Soundproof windows and sound reflective design would also be crucial towards the building's survival. Within the building design itself there would be some soundproofing measures to ensure that the only thing heard is iron clanging and aggressive music. For the road layout problems, although much more research would be needed to see if this would work. But a new changed road layout with marked lanes, traffic lights and a proper roundabout doesn't seem like the worst idea. Although research within urban town planning would be needed for this and perhaps more analysis on road layouts and their effects on people

Upon a visit to the site, I gathered some interesting information on the site. Walking up station road, and further gazing upon the entrance. I truly realised how enclosed and cocooned it is, there is not much/any knowledge or information onto this area being a car park. Considering the sheer size of the car park and how much it can capacitate; it should be made more apparent that this area is a car park. Walking further in, you could see a fairly large number of cars parked up on the left-hand side. I'm assuming that this is to set and pick up passengers off to the station. However there are double yellow lines right there, which is incredibly confusing as this seems like an ideal spot for people to quickly set down passengers or pick up. The entrance to the site is large enough for buses and cars to go by so I do not see as to why cars cannot park on the left. Walking further into the site and nearer to the car park, it became apparent that there was no pavement on the right-hand side of the road. For my design I would most certainly have to address this as one pavement for people to walk on with commuters and gym goers all at once, it could quite packed and unsafe. Walking into and further up the car park, the sheer size and potential of the site became quickly apparent. Bear in mind I had gone to the site at a 'peak time' of around 4:30-5 and the car park was only half full slightly less in fact. To the left of the car park from the entrance we can see some disabled spaces on a slight hill, which bearing In mind who its for I don’t think the incline is helpful towards disabled people. On the south elevation an oasis of large vibrant green traces covered the southern side. This is something I would most certainly keep and take advantage of

Upminster station rear entrance

Upminster station high street entrance

Upminster station car park

Site access from main road

Upminster, a suburban town located in the London Borough of Havering, experiences sunpaths that follow a predictable pattern throughout the year. Understanding the sunpaths in Upminster is crucial for architects, urban planners, and individuals interested in optimizing natural lighting and solar energy utilization in their projects and daily lives.

As Upminster is situated in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun's path changes over the course of the year due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. During the summer solstice, which typically occurs around June 21st, the sun rises in the northeast and follows a high and elongated trajectory in the sky, reaching its peak at noon in the southern direction. This results in longer daylight hours and a higher angle of incidence for sunlight, providing ample opportunities for natural lighting and solar energy harvesting.

Conversely, during the winter solstice, around December 21st, the sun rises in the southeast and follows a lower and shorter path across the sky, with its zenith shifted towards the north. Consequently, daylight hours are shorter, and the angle of sunlight is lower, impacting the availability and intensity of natural light.

Site parameters

As you can see the total area of this site is very large in its stature. The small map below is not fully accurate as the greenery on google earth hindered my ability to get truly accurate dimensions. However the dimensions I have will suffice and give more than enough depth and understanding on site parameters. Directly below you can see the google earth view of the site rendered, I have highlighted the entire site and cut off the site entrance, in this view you can get a true understanding for the potential of the site. In the image itself its empty and when I took a site visit, the car park was not really full. Considering I went at 5 which is prime rush hour, what I’ve gathered from primary research is that the car park is not used to its full potential, thus my idea for this site I think will be really good

To my left you can see some google SketchUp renderings of the site. Its quite difficult to see as on the actual site itself there’s only the train lines and trees in close proximity which the software could not render. However it does show the buildings that are in play with the design of this site. In the first image to the left the highlighted buildings overlooks the prior entrance to the physical site, the station approach road which will be the road that leads to the site itself. These buildings affect the site flow as they will for sure cause some traffic at the station approach road entrance which could make it difficult for gym goers to enter. The Upminster station entrance on station road will cause some heavy traffic in close proximity to the site entrance. The second image down overlooks the small built up area around the site and Upminster station. As there are no contours in the rendering, from primary research I could definitely say that there is inconsistent incline and decline throughout station road and into the site. An exaction of the site to make it dead flat would be ideal however dearly expensive. Its also very important to notice that the design of the buildings exterior shell will be highly important. Due to the nature of the site, the building will struggle to have an identity in a concrete jungle of fairly old high street shops, I would go as far as saying that due to the massing of the surrounding site a fairly tall high rise building is not out of the question. Apart from the residential buildings on the south and perhaps the train line may create an engineering difficulty for a skyscraper, there isn’t anything else that causes an issue for a taller buildings design. In the final image we can see an overview of around ½ a mile radius around the site.

WESTERN ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

NORTHERN ELEVATION

SOUTHERN ELEVATION

Site Elevations

Above is Site Elevation drawings, the Western and Eastern elevation drawings are SketchUp renderings of the elevation views. The Western elevation shows the Upminster high street elevation and the Station road entrance and the Eastern elevation drawing shows the Upminster station signal box building. The Northern and Southern elevation basically exhibit the trees and wild greenery that basically cover the entire 200 metres running length of the site. NOTE: the elevations are only section drawings of the site views

Hatched markings is parking spaces much of which is not used

Current site layouts

Small disabled parking island which is at a high incline making it almost useless to disabled people and awkward to drive onto

Main road into site, unclear road markings, overused and old

Access to Upminster train station signal box MUST HAVE CLEAR ACCESS AT ALL TIMES

Legend

Site entrance/exit from a mini roundabout from the main Upminster high street road

Very small bike shed approx. no more than space for 6 bikes

Road

parking bays Site boundary Flow of traffic

Potential site layout

The red hatched markings are all designated space for the gym building, I have chosen it to overlook the train station rather than the residential spacing on the other side below. Mainly as it’s a major privacy concern and also that due to the wild greenery and trees on the south side below the gym would not have a good overlooking view Legend

Of course while the car park is not constantly full, its still used and I would optimally like to keep or even better to expand the parking bays on the site for the gym and the train commuters. Again the exact definite road layout has not been devised since it’s a preliminary model and not final. However I would imagine that it would follow a similar or slightly different path to that of the original

The main site road entrance is still in the same position with a wider lane position. As this is only a preliminary model I haven’t gotten into crazy detail with the actual road layout as I would have to do this later with more research onto urban land development.

Developing site layout

Here is the site space for the building, in this design I have placed the building closer to the site entrance. This can be thought of as both good and bad. It can be good as the building will be more visible from the high street creating more of a character and identity for the building. However it becomes an issue because its in close proximity to the site entrance which creates issues of flow with cars and people going in and out , it could be quite hectic.

These yellow lined hatch markings indicate a built car park perhaps a multi tier car park building which could be for the gym member only, and the parking below to the public. I quite like this idea though this forces the position of the building to be closer to the entrance and with the entrance already being small as it is, this could create some issues

The site entrance road has not changed from station road, as previously stated above with the building placement being so close to the main site entrance this creates traffic and site flow issues

In this layout, there is still parking down below, I haven’t fully drawn the exact road layout but its just a general idea for the parking. Further site drawings and research will be concluded for road layouts Building for parking

Same site road entrance as the others it’s the most easiest site entrance and its already there so its easy to work with

Developing site layout

In this proposed layout, the site space for building is the entirety of the northern length, running East to West. You’ll notice that they are in closer proximity, as this is also designated parking bays to be incorporated with the building design. This design creates maximum efficiency for the parking bays but will be a hindrance to the design of the building. The building design could incorporate designated parking through many different designs, via an underground parking system, rooftop or even incorporated inside in an innovative design. This is the most interesting but also technically difficult design

This parking bay has stayed the same throughout the layout drawings as it’s the most ideal so it will most likely continue to stay the same throughout. Due to the residential housing just south to it a building would be highly inefficient here.

Road

parking bays

Site boundary

Exterior design

Development Research

STUDIO LIEBSKIND OGDEN CENTRE FOR PHYSICS

Geometry plays a pivotal role in Libeskind's design approach. His architectural forms are often characterized by angular, fragmented, and asymmetrical compositions that challenge traditional notions of order and symmetry. By using geometry as a means of expression, he creates dynamic and visually striking spaces that elicit a sense of movement and tension. Libeskind's use of complex geometries not only adds aesthetic appeal but also serves as a metaphor for the complexities of human experience and the diverse narratives that shape our world. Prevalent in my next series of drawings.

LIEBSKIND METHOD OF IDEA CREATION

Researching

Libeskind I have encountered his methods of idea creation. Entailing a series of poetic sketches he does from his inspiration, similarly, I have done the same thing with my own series of poetic sketches. Using watercolour, pens and ink I created what seem like very abstract drawings, which don’t really don’t denote much but are very inspiring for different forms

DEVELOPMENTAL MODELS

EASTERN

WESTERN

Inspired by the prior drawings I have created this model out of grey card and propylene. Suggestive of Libeskind's angular design.

DEVELOPMENTAL MODELS

Further depiction of the building, I illustrate here how the building’s windows could be cladded and generally comment on the overall design

DEVELOPMENTAL MODELS

Lastly another illustration of how this building could be used. In this idea, I experiment with the design being underground. And as such, the structural features follow them. The model has been split into three floors, with the 3rd floor just peering over the rest of the model. The crosshatched sections of the design illustrate the lost negative space due to the shape of the design. The design has a spiral staircase along with a lift, allowing practically anyone to use the gym regardless of their abilities

HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTRE

ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS

The Heydar Aliyev centre is one of the most significant pieces of design within architecture. A first in its class for its curvaceous form and impossible façade, it truly is an amazing feat of design. There is a lot to learn from it, the building looks soft and supple. However its constructed entirely from reinforced concrete and steel structures. The façade is designed so well, that the strong tough concrete appears as a draped curtain. The extravagance is purely within the design and not the over usage of ostentatious materials like we see with many new developments. The key thing for me to understand is how the design has been maximised with the bare basic's materials for construction and how it also influences the surrounding area.

HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTRE

ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS

Here are some elevation drawings of the Heydar building. Notice the sheer complexity of her designs but yet it looks so effortless on the outside.

SKETCHUP RESPONSE

Upon my research I have done a SketchUp response, using the same movements and design principles. I created this SketchUp model to the right. Down below are some drawings of the model, outlining general shapes and structural techniques that could be used.

DEVELOPMENTAL MODELS ORGANIC TENSILE STRUCTURE

Inspired by the SketchUp model, I have created this tensile structure above. Using a drill, fabric, metal dowels and staples I created this form above. I added loads of pressure on certain areas around the model with the staples to create an almost wind-like effect. Similar to Hadid's unrestraint models and ideas this model is certainly interesting. Above are also some analytical drawings of the model

I’ve Illustrated the model here on how it could work as a building in the real world

REFINED MODEL

SIDE

REAR

Using the tensile model, I noticed the repeated pattern of the metal down and thought about implanting the fluid-like form with the use of the repeated pattern. This striking model was created via SketchUp plugins and much time. Reminiscent of the Heydar centre itself I really like the design, its highly versatile as it can be adapted into so many different types of ideas.

THE BOSJES CHAPEL BY STEYN STUDIO LONDON GROUP

Continuing with organic forms, this is a research page on the Bosjes Chapel In South Africa. A striking building that’s truly simple yet so rewarding. I have thoroughly studied the design with elevation and perspective drawings.

Using the research conducted in the slide prior, I have created this model replicating the same organic philosophies preached in the chapel. I have illustrated how this model could be used within my actual brief.

RESEARCH RESPONSE

REFINEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

A development concept from the prior model, notice how I use a similar repeated pattern from the Heydar response model I made in SketchUp. This model is more parametric-themed with its lack of constraint and seemingly endless curves. This model is raised above the floor and would be particularly good for sites with difficult topography. This concept is quite good and may be developed further.

Here are some primary images I gained upon a visit to the design museum. The sheer vastness upon entering the building is intoxicating, I really like the use of the cladding which divides the space up and adds a great sense of interest within the building. Such design implementations should be used within my final idea. These drawings beside the images were actually done using the line tool in powerpoint

DESIGN MUSUEM PRIMARY RESEARCH

Inspired by the linear ideas from the design museum, I created this linear model to the right using balsa wood and layering. I have illustrated also how this could be used and quite like its versatility. It can be the structure while also being a building

DEVELOPMENT & REFINEMENT

Developing this idea further, I found that the design may be slightly too simple and could be made even more interesting. Thus I have conducted some research and drawn some concepts that could be used for the design of that model.

BIONIC TOWER RESEARCH

The bionic tower is a concept created by architects using the human body as inspiration, Using a highly sophisticated system of the body’s DNA as inspiration for this building it’s no wonder it’s so striking with endless forms present. The proposed structure is very important as well, as its layered upon a skeleton with ‘skins’ of material to give strength, depth and interest. I have done studies upon the building to the left and below.

BIONIC TOWER RESEARCH

Some further research outlining mainly structural elements of the concept that could be implemented in my final design.

An illustration how of the layering works and the complexity of the building. As you can see it starts off simple with just floors and then it’s layered with more skins and slabs. While this is no simple model, it highlights the reality that a simple model can be extraordinary with such architectural techniques.

After looking at the bionic tower research I have become quite interested in repeated abstract patterns and futuristic architecture, as they usually go hand in hand. My following drawings and model explore this concept.

DEVELOPING IDEAS CONCEPT

Here are some concept exploration drawings, inspired by the repeat abstract designs. Here there is more of a focus on the design and not really on the functionality just yet

COMBINING ORGANIC & LINEAR

Upon the concept exploration in the slide prior. I began to wonder about mixing linear ideas and organic together. Lo and behold the drawings below, combine most if not all my research and idea developmen

t. I quite like these ideas and might even make this my final design as it encompasse s so much work in one model

DEVELOPING IDEA CONCEPT

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM RESEARCH

I quite like the rough concept sketches I have done prior, mainly with how they cover so many different ideas and incorporate so many themes. I think that a more circular design may be appropriate with the easterly sun views to capture more, Due to the awkward proximity of the site. I think gaining some ideas from a stadium will help a lot in my final design, In which I will develop in Sketchup and CAD software to ensure the utmost precision and accuracy of the design

The Khalifa International Stadium is a prominent sports venue located in Doha, Qatar. It is one of the most iconic stadiums in the Middle East and has a rich history in hosting major sporting events. One of the most distinctive features of the stadium is its roof design. The large, curved roof resembles the sail of a dhow boat, which is a traditional wooden vessel commonly found in the region. This unique architectural element not only adds to the stadium's visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose by providing shade and protection from the sun for spectators.

ARCHITECTS ILLUSTRATION

FINAL DESIGN CAD REFINEMENT THROUGH

CAD

Here is my final model, encompassing lots of research on both linear and organic themes. The design has used some obvious ideas from the Khalifa stadium, with its arched design and continuation of similar structural features. The design cocoons inwards and faces east so that this area can receive the most sunlight. Within this area can also be outdoor sports and outdoor gym activities. A lot of the doors are bi-folding in the design so that it’s airy and cool with a design so full of glass. This may prove an engineering nightmare however this can be amended.

FINAL DESIGN CAD ELEVATIONS

Final renderings were completed in twin motion software. For the final renderings of the design, you can see that I have used aluminium panelling and grey translucent glass to finish the design. Concrete or even timber would work just as well. Notice there is no site context here and is just of the design.

BIRDSEYE VIEW

Entrance

FINAL MODEL RENDERINGS

SOUTH EASTERN PERSPECTIVE

Gym floor

NORTH WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

EASTERN

Changing room and lockers below and gym floor above

HIGHLINE PUBLIC SPACES RESEARCH

Now getting the final design I’m able to fully develop ideas for the surrounding area, while there is not a focus on the public space design, it’s an architect’s duty to always take into account all possible factors. I have decided to use the Highline NY as inspiration for the site design.

Some more research, elevations and birds

eye drawings

SITE DESIGN IDEAS

Here are some final drawings above the site design. The last drawing above is the idea I like the most. Using the Highline NY and Libeskind angular design methods I create an abstract-type walkway, There is still a lot of parking with over half of the parking still around. I have changed the parking bays into two separate rows which reduces parking however it allows for bigger bays rather than the small cramped ones. The rest of the site is to be covered in synthetic grass, with the walkways a crushed brick or gravel composite. I have put the walkways through the parking spaces so it’s accessible for everyone.

As you can see the design is densely populated with much greenery and vegetation, The walkways and grass are not raised at all and are seamless. The building itself looks tiny compared to the magnitude of the site with it being over 250 metres in width. I quite like the model design, however, I question its engineering with glass on glass panels and lots of aluminium and glass usage the building could become very hot very easily. The site design I quite like, I think that it could even be developed into another outdoor gym space if really needed or a pavilion. With the eastern sun shining mighty that space will be illuminated well.

FINAL MODEL RENDERINGS

You may notice that I have not made a 3d model for this design, and that’s mainly attributed to the sheer complexity of making this design. Along with time constraints, I think renderings are more than sufficient in providing a clear and precise notion of my design