COMPONENT II

Arun Singh Rattanpal

The London city airport is a pioneering and relatively new airport with it being opened in 1987. It’s since become an ever more important of the UK’s aviation industry and economy. However, with rising the cost of living crisis and employment depletion in the lower-income areas within east London, I think that designing a new airport terminal is best for everybody. Hundreds of jobs will be created, more income into the east of London and more income for London city airport. There is already expansion of the island, which is where I will lay my new airport terminal further up the runway for more ease of access to the runway and newer amenities

The new terminal must cater for the following:

- Toilets, male, female and disabled

- Food services

- Shops

- A long stay area perhaps some comfy seating for people waiting during delays

- Simple layout for easy exit emergency plans

- Be within the site constraints as labelled

- NOT CONCERNED WITH THE INTERIOR DESIGN MERELY PLACEMENT FOR SUCH AMENITIES DUE TO THE SHORTNESS OF THIS PROJECT

LOCATION ANALYSIS

Location:

The Latitude and Longitude of London City Airport are 51.5049° N and 0.0495° E, respectively. It is located next to Canary Wharf's financial area on a former Docklands property. Central London and other important business and tourist destinations are conveniently accessible from the airport. Its growth within in the modern day makes it ideal for new development with the economic decline in our current economic crisis such a opportunity is idealistic

Sun Paths:

In order to analyse sun paths, we must take the airport's latitude and the sun's yearly motion into account. Due to its location in the Northern Hemisphere, London City Airport, which is situated at approximately 51.5° N, experiences different sun paths throughout the year. The sun rises and sets primarily in the east and west, respectively. Thus a building with windows and glass facing east would absorb the best sunlight

Air Quality:

A number of variables, such as regional emissions, climatic conditions, and proximity to cities, affect the air quality at London City Airport. It's crucial to remember that airports, like any transportation centre, can have localised air pollution owing to aircraft emissions and ground-based operations even though I don't have real -time information on the present air quality. We can use the Air Quality Index (AQI) provided by regional administrations or environmental organisations to keep track of the air quality at London City Airport. To evaluate the quality of the air around the airport, they test a number of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3). Unfortunately for some reason I cannot find this, which would be the next step in analysing this site.

SITE MAP

The highlighted grey is where my site is this is also where the site is being extended allowing for longevity in my design

SITE MAP

CITY AIRPORT AND SURROUNDING AREA

TOPOGRAPHY OF SURROUNDING AREA WITHIN 5 MILE RADIUS

Airport terminals are essential components of the aviation industry, serving as gateways for travellers and facilitating smooth operations for airlines. These structures provide a range of services and amenities to ensure passenger comfort, efficient transit, and effective airport management. Let's explore the key features and functions of airport terminals. Airport terminals are typically large buildings strategically designed to accommodate a high volume of passengers. They house various facilities such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, baggage claim areas, departure lounges, retail shops, restaurants, and boarding gates. The layout and design of terminals aim to optimize passenger flow and minimize congestion.

Efficient terminal operations involve well -organized check-in processes. Passengers proceed through check-in counters, where they present their travel documents and receive boarding passes. Security checkpoints follow, where passengers undergo screening procedures to ensure safety. Once cleared, travellers enter the departure lounge, which provides seating, restrooms, and amenities like charging stations and Wi-Fi access. Terminal facilities often include duty-free shops, retail outlets, and dining establishments, catering to the needs and preferences of passengers. These commercial spaces contribute to airport revenue and enhance the overall travel experience. Moreover, modern terminals may feature lounges for premium passengers, conference rooms, play areas for children, and even wellness facilities like spas and gyms.

Terminal designs prioritize accessibility and convenience. They incorporate essential amenities such as elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and accessible restrooms to accommodate passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Signage and wayfinding systems guide travellers to their destinations within the terminal complex. Airport terminals also house operational areas invisible to passengers, including airline offices, baggage handling systems, customs and immigration facilities, and aircraft maintenance areas. These backend operations support the efficient functioning of the airport.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability in terminal design and operations. Terminals incorporate energy-efficient systems, utilize renewable energy sources, and adopt environmentally friendly practices such as waste recycling and water conservation.

Overall, airport terminals are dynamic and multifaceted spaces. They are designed to handle the complexities of modern air travel while providing a positive and seamless experience for passengers. From efficient check-in procedures to commercial offerings and state-of-the-art facilities, airport terminals are vital components of the global transportation network.

Y C O M B R E S A R

At the beginning of my project, one is nothing more than a blank slate and in urgent need of ideas and development. I’ll start with some secondary organic research on complex themes of honeycomb

HONEYCOMB PATTERN IDEAS

In studying and researching the honeycomb, the main takeover is the honeycomb pattern which I have illustrated above. Another idea to take is the nurturing and cocooning nature of a honeycomb, something that should be taken into account for the final design. The drawing is done using pens and markers along with some doodle-type sketches surrounding the patterns - exploring ideas.

HONEYCOMB INSPIRED MODEL

BRIDSEYE

EASTERN VIEW

WESTERN VIEW

This model was created via cardboard, cutting and glueing. Using the honeycomb research this is the form I created utilising the simple pattern, The model is very simple however its versatile and will be developed accordingly

DEVELOPED MODEL

This model was developed from the prior into SketchUp. The original model was created without windows and was just bare. Here I have added the windows and slightly extruded parts to mirror the same principles as the prior while developing it still.

Developing the idea further, I have sketched out this idea. You will notice through my honeycomb research that I have mirrored it onto my floor plan development here with the added subsections to create more space and interest within the design. The rest of the drawings are my interpretation of how this design would look from perspective views. Along with a cad drawing at the bottom of a possible perspective view.

PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH

‘BLENDING COMPLEXITY AND VARIETY, THUS REJECTING HOMOGENOUS UTILITARIANISM’

Parametric architecture is the idea that all design elements are interdependent and adaptable. Through the use of prototyping, 3d design, CAD and another innovative techniques parametric architecture has been born.

Parametric design rebels against the common themes of architecture such as utilitarianism, organic and modern. While also encompassing all the themes by incorporating all. Straight lines, sharp corners and acute angle was perhaps the pinnacle of modern architecture and new themes. Parametric architecture rebels as it centres on free form practices

Parametric architecture is much more critical in its approach to design. It’s a design process that takes into account parameters like those mentioned previously. Then it uses algorithmic relations to figure out all the possible designs. While using the power of a computer the architect still can change the design to fit his specification or design. Parametric architecture really encompasses modern day design. Its simply working alongside a computer for algorithmic design with the key principle of free form architecture.

Frank Gehry used this method, combing sketches and paper models to image the exterior. He further imagined different variations of asymmetrical forms blending into a compact shape. While designing the Walt Disney concert hall. It represents musical movement and the dynamism of the city of Los Angles

Continuing on from the parametric architecture research, using the honeycomb research I created a shape in this software which turns the image to a 3d form. It does it very rough and bare which is perfect for me as I’m able to develop it so freely.

The model's structure is very flat with organic triangular shapes embedded, it’s also quite wide which is suiting to my site’s needs.

DEVELOPED IDEA OF 3D MODEL

Here in this model we can see a development of the 3d generation on the previous slide. I think the design is reminiscent of parametric architecture I have done prior as its such a free unrestraint form. The model takes inspiration from the honeycomb repeated pattern theme but utilises more triangular shapes. The façade is very complex and almost hectic like an airport. It can be separated into many different floors and areas to function as a efficient terminal. The model almost is linear in its approach to design while being organic at the same time.

BRIDSEYE

the ticket services and shops could run along the back of the structure

People could exit the terminal form here

People could enter the terminal form here

the inner main area of the design could have loads of seating and a long stay area here Baggage services here, perhaps baggage carousel constructed in this awkward shape.

In this visualisation, you can see how I’ve denoted a possible floor plan layout for this design and the levelling of the form. I have dictated the model to have three floors which could each serve its own purpose – for example, the third floor for viewing, the first for the actual usage of the terminal i.e. buying tickets and luggage etc. Furthermore, we can see that in the floor plan view, we have a very interestingly shaped design. As it’s such an organic model it is very difficult to interpret how the floor plan could be. Thus to the best of my ability, I have come up with this idea

CORAL STRUCTURE RESARCH

Here I have created a plaster model inspired by the small coral forms below. Based on my small research, the plaster model was created via a plastic acetate mould creatively and organically folded into shapes and forms. This was then filled with plaster and I then removed the mould. Some of the removal was unsuccessful and it cracked. However, I think this actually gives it even more character. From these models, I’m able to develop ideas and perhaps give birth to new ones

DEVELOPED MODEL FROM PRIOR

Using the same models from the previous slide I have created this model here, using PowerPoint tools I have cut, cropped and plastered together different forms from the prior model onto each other to really explore another idea from the model. I found the previous model to be visually stimulating but quite plain, due to the constraints of working with plaster and acetate it’s hard to create an intricately detailed form such as the one below. I quite like the model below, I think the ideas gained from here will owe to a very organic and raw design.

DEVELOPED MODEL

Using the model from the previous slide I have created this SketchUp model here, without the use of much drawing up until this stage as I feel like the model development is flowing well together. I imported a JPEG of the prior model onto SketchUp and extruded the shapes from it creating the form present. I think the form is really cool and versatile.

Here is my research on the history of arts and culture building, this building utilised geodesic and parametric type designs with its very strange window designs. It’s seamless in its integration with expressive art and practical design, as it houses so many different facilities such as a library, theatre, halls and studio. The building’s use of orange is very aesthetically pleasing as its contrasts so well with orange. The research gathered here will be implemented appropriately within the refinement of my coral structure model to thoroughly refine and explore ideas.

R

R A A R C H I T E C T S R E S E A R C H

Using the research in the slide before, I have implemented similar characteristics into my own design with the use of the creative façade window type design, onto the structure. It gives the design more energy and life than before. I was not happy with this design as I found it too aesthetically unpleasing. And the use of abstract cladding and window design creates more space and energy. This design can be further developed in SketchUp and created as a final model. The ideas explored here will be fruitful for my final design.

MUSHROOM STRUCTURE RESEARCH

This mushroom structure research highlights the need for vigorous research, valuable insights can be gained from studying such simple objects, above are some analytical drawings of normal everyday mushrooms and then a drawing of the inside of a mushroom. The curvaceous and raw nature of the mushroom could provide an idea for future design. Something prevalent later in the slides

MUSHROOM GILLS

Interested in the mushroom structures, I encountered these during my research and find them incredibly interesting. You would never believe a mushroom to be this intricate and curvaceous. It’s seemingly a product of parametric architecture as its so freeflowing and free from constraints. The gills could serve as an interesting façade detail or even structural form. However more interestingly while sketching I played around slightly with the mushroom gills to be an interior concept denoted below. I found that it had great potential to be a really interesting interior design. Even though my brief states that this project doesn’t highlight interior design this was highly interesting.

MUSHROOM GILLS

Taking inspiration from mushroom gills this is a small interior concept that I developed. The concept shows how a simple square can be divided into such intricate shapes creating a very unique organic space. If my final model were say very rectangular then an interior concept such as this could be implemented to ascertain that it’s aesthetically pleasing.

DEVELOPED MODELS

From the research this model has been created taking into account the free nature and lack of constraint within the mushroom research, this model perfectly mirrors it. This tensile structure has been propagated via nails and small hooks to allow for a very clean finish, black Lyra has been used also as I find it thinner and more malleable to work with. It’s a very simple model but to me personally, I find it’s very versatile, similar to Zaha Hadid's Aliyev Centre the design flows in a similar thermodynamic manner.

Below I'm trying to explore the structural parameters regarding the design, Its versatility is high and can be refined into many things. However, I do think that’s slightly boring and simple and has more potential, In which I will explore in the next slide with a completely different approach to refinement.

DEVELOPED MODEL REFINEMENT EXPLORATION

From the former model on the slide before, I have sliced this model in half and stretched It out creating the illustration just above the tensile model. From here I have developed and explored this idea. Reminiscent of the smoothness of mushrooms and the curviness of the gills researched earlier, the developed designs outlined in my drawings function well and serve as a good refinement to be developed further dependent on ideas.

BIRDS WING RESEARCH

Owing to the theme of aerodynamics and seeing how I’m designing an airport I think research on bird wings is fitting. There are already many other buildings that exist designed on the principles and features of a bird, thus this is something that I think will be really interesting to research and gain ideas. The drawings follow as analytical sketches of the structure of bird wings and noting any details of mechanisms which could be implemented into my design

BIRDS WING RESEARCH

Some further research on bird wings is here with more analytical sketches of bird anatomy and musculature. These drawings serve as purposeful ideas development, something that will become more apparent in the following slides.

BIRDS WING FEATHERS RESEARCH

From all the ideas gained from the previous research, I thought it would be quite fitting to research feathers as not only due to their shape but the flowing nature of feathers is something that many architects already utilise and something that I think will be very serving to investigate considering my primary theme of organic.

From the gathered research on bird wings, I have come up with this model, A simple cardboard model with utilises the bird feathers research and ideas from the bird’s anatomy. The model seems simple however I think that it can be developed to something much better

Adding onto the model designed in the previous slide here is my analysis and development of the model. I particularly find one shape of the model interesting and that shape of the design is that of a cocooning nature. A feature which I will carry out into the final design

P M E N T

N E M E N T

Further vital development to the final creation, taking into account all my other design ideas, from the beginning, you can see how I thought of a repeated pattern with the support structure from the previous model. Then I experimented with this to be the main structure and repeated with the building to be cocooned underneath. Owing to the next series of sketches and the final design. I'm also thinking about the floor plan layout.

SKETCHES FINAL DESIGN

Here are some final sketches before the creation of my final model, I did perspective views drawing based on interpretations from my view of what the design would look like. I quite like this design and will make a SketchUp and final model based on this

LASER CUT PROTOTYPE

To test the final design laser cutting file I made a small prototype - where I could also gain an insight into how the model would work. The prototype allowed for crucial measurement changes with proved vital to the model’s fit. The prototype was laser cut into a 2.5mm corrugated card.

WESTERN VIEW

STRUCTURAL EXPLORATION MODEL

To be as thorough as possible and to truly gain an understanding of all aspects of this final design, I have created a construction model which highlights only the construction of the model. This model was interesting to make and also critical to think about the engineering of such a design. Something architects famously forget.

The model is construct ed from balsa wood, dowel and metal wire. Fused together with hot glue. EASTERN VIEW

NORTHERN VIEW

SOUTHERN VIEW

WESTERN VIEW

Final

CAD drawings of my design from ArchiCAD, complete with dimensions

FINAL MODEL

This is my final model, laser cut in 3mm plywood and acrylic. Crafted with aluminium and balsa too. This model and its design are a good answer to my brief. The proposed layout is just above. Due to the intricacies of doing a floor plan for such a large-scale design, I have only included the large and important ideas in the floor plan. In the model below I have surrounded the design with trees, which due to security issues may not be possible however it’s a proposal. I'm not very happy with the finish of the model, I find that I should have buffed the other side of the structure to make sure it was nice and clean however I didn’t and the other side of the model is charcoal ridden. The glueing was sloppy and some measurements were off by at least 2mm. The design itself I think works well however due to the time constraints of this project I’m unable to fully investigate a suiting interior, I did however develop a small idea during the mushroom research.

ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS

To finish this project we conclude with finished architectural renderings of my design.

To reflect, I think much could’ve changed. More secondary research should’ve been done, seeing out more of my ideas and better time management are just to name a few. However, with such a project mistakes are bound to be made.

ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS