EARTH BOOK 2017
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: EARTH Jade Layton, 833912 Kate Harrison (Studio 19)
CONTENTS 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3
THREE RELATIONSHIPS Point / Line / Plane Mass Frame & Infill
2.0 HERRING ISLAND 2.1 Site analysis 2.2 Conceptacle 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
SECRETS PROJECT Precedents Location Key spaces The secret Technical drawings
4.0 REFLECTION 5.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.0 THREE RELATIONSHIPS Point / Line / Plane, Frame & Infill and Mass are the three fundamental tectonics behind all forms of architecture. Over the course of the semester, three exercises were completed that focused on these tectonics individually. We were able to engage in their concepts and potentials before also looking at the relationship between them in our final ‘Secrets’ project.
PRECEDENTS 1.1 Point / Line / Plane This tectonic explores the progression from points (no dimension), to lines (one dimension), to planes (two dimensions). Although simplistic on their own, when combined, complex forms are able to be created. The precedents seen here include Melbourne’s Exhibition Centre and the Milwaukee Museum of Modern Art. In both examples there are points extruding into lines that either support planes or becomes planes. What I love about these examples are that they are so strikingly different from regular buildings consisting of simple, repetitive planes. The use of angling the points, lines and planes is an effect way to create something unique and eye catching. I wanted to take this idea and use it in the construction of my model.
Figure 1. Melbourne Exhibition Centre (ASA, 2016)
Figure 2. Milwaukee Museum Of Modern Art (Pintrest, 2015)
MODEL 1.1 Point / Line / Plane My model explored point, line and plane in many ways with the red thread representing points and lines and the white, vertical, curved surfaces being the planes. I designed this model so that when viewed at from different angles, different elements would either emerge or disappear. For example, by making everything run along the same horizontal axis, when viewed at eye level, the structure appears very volumetric. However when viewed from above, only points and lines are displayed, making the design appear minimalistic. Also, when looking at the model from different perspectives the red lines intersection points change, creating many points that are ever changing depending on the angle you are looking from.
PRECEDENTS 1.2 Mass Dense, heavy and protection are the things that first come to mind when I think of mass. My precedent examples consist of Melbourne’s Exhibition Building as well as the remains of an old Scottish castle. With mass being defined as a large body of matter, these two structures sufficiently highlight this. As evident in these buildings, the heaviness comes from the nature of the material used in construction. Building materials such as stone and concrete tend to create a strong, dense aesthetic. Due to the fact that the Scottish castle remains are built from natural materials such as clay and stone they are able to blend into their surrounding environment and therefore erode over time.
Figure 3. Melbourne Exhibition Building (Visit Victoria, 2012)
Figure 4. Scottish castle remains (City Data, 2010)
MODEL 1.2 Mass Taking the idea from my precedent of using natural materials, my mass model focuses on carving sections out of the ground to create habitable spaces. Although mass is generally about dark spaces, I tried to break this up by adding areas of light. This creates a more pleasant experience for users whilst still retaining a heavy atmosphere. My design has two distinct spaces, with the first being an area that plays with light coming in at different angles through gaps above and the second being an area of complete darkness. This space is designed as a place for reflection. With the loss of sight, users are forced to rely on other senses with the main one being touch in order to make their way around the space.
PRECEDENTS 1.3 Frame & Infill Frame and infill looks at the ideas of anti-gravity and transparency. The Melbourne Museum and the Wexner Centre in Ohio State University effectively explore these ideas in creative ways. The repetitive rectangular frames that sit around Melbourne museum create an interactive space for those who pass underneath. The white frames surrounding the entrance and side of the Wexner Centre give the building a light, modern feel apposed to just having heavy brick and concrete on its own. In both examples, the frames are facades and although have no structural purpose, add character to the buildings. With little material, the frames add a contrasting, light element to the structure with people being able to see through them while adding to the overall aesthetic.
Figure 5. Melbourne Museum (Melbourne Museum, 2016)
Figure 6. Wexner Centre (Pintrest, 2015)
MODEL 1.3 Frame & Infill
FRAME & INFILL
Axonometric Projection Scale 1:50 Jade Layton
Inclusive of the brief requirements, this model focuses on frame and the elements within it. The two flat surfaces were done in red to bring colour and texture into play within the model. With red often being a colour associated with feelings of rage, vigor and urgency, the use of this colour brings the design to life, becoming eye catching and standing out form its surroundings. The weaved thread texture, sticks with frame and infill’s focus of transparency while the frame allows for the infill elements be lifted above the ground, playing with
2.0 HERRING ISLAND Herring Island (formed in 1928) is a 7.9 acre artificial Island that is located in the Yarra River, South Yarra and accessible only by boat. The Island was formed in 1928 by digging a new path through an old basalt quarry for the river to flow through and building the Island up with silt dredged from the river. This was done in order to control the issue of flooding. The people in charge of Herring Island acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal Owners of Victoria which includes the Island as well as other parks and reserves. Due to these Aboriginal people’s cultural traditions, they retain a strong connection to their ancestral land and water (Parks Victoria, 2017).
2.1 Site Analysis Movement / Flow of visitors The general flow of visitors follows the main gravel paths around the Island. Once disembarked at the north or south landing, visitors take either path leading to the same point that guides them around a loop enclosing the open grass area. I noticed this open space was utilised a lot and the flow through this area was random. There are also a number of less defined tracks that people use (infrequently) represented by single lines on the above map. Although people can also walk completely off track to explore the dense vegetation, these are sporadic and do not contribute to the overall flow of movement through the Island.
Climate Due to tree coverage on th areas are warmer/cooler th deeper colours on the map the open spaces on the Isl acquire direct sunlight (this slightly depending on the t Contrastingly the yellow ar the thick tree coverage in w is blocked, creating space This is good in the summe people seek shelter from th dark red colour is the area at one time with many peo and running around, theref more heat in this area.
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Noise With the Island being surrounded by two main roads (Monash Freeway and Alexandra Avenue) the dominant source of noise comes from the vehicles commuting on these roads. Other noises that can be heard while on the island include birds chirping, trees rustling in the wind, occasional boats passing by on the surrounding river and chatter amongst friends. These sounds have a calming effect on us, improving our psychological wellbeing and allowing us to appreciate our natural surroundings.
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Access Points The two points of entry to the Island include the north and south landings located at opposite sides of the Island. These landings are accessible by a punt (small boat) that departs from Como landing just off Alexandra Avenue. The ride over is quick and on average takes only a minute, however during the period I visited, due to a build up of debris in the water around the south landing, only the north landing was in use, increasing the travel time to approximately five minutes. Although this was the case, the boat ride around to the other side of the Island allowed for a glance at all aspects/angles of the Island from a close distance.
Social The Island has many areas that allow for social interactions with the two main areas being the grassed picnic area with shelters and the gallery. The open patch of grass towards the south side of the Island is a great space for friends and family to gather and play in the sun. It has two shelters with picnic tables, seats and electric barbecues free for public use. The gallery is located at the north point of the Island and is used for exhibitions and functions where people can gather and view artworks. There are also numerous benches and water fountains located around the Island at various points where people can take a break and replenish.
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Artwork There are many sculptures and artworks scattered around the Island with a small selection including ‘Tanderrum,’ ‘Falling Fence,’ ‘Scaled Stem,’ and ‘Cairn.’ Once disembarking at the north landing, the first thing that caught my eye was the Falling Fence in which lined the entrance pathway. The structure gives a sense of flow, guiding visitors into the Island. A number of the structures are made from Castlemaine Slate and have a connection to the Island’s Indigenous heritage. I interpreted Scaled Stem to be a budding native Australian plant that highlights the inseparability between nature and culture. All the artworks on the Island are made from natural resources therefore blend well with their surroundings while also being environmentally sustainable.
Vegetation / Fauna While walking through the site, it is evident that there are an abundance of different plant and animal species living on the Island. Vegetation includes many native plants as well as a range of exotic species. Specific plants that a saw a number of times around the Island include the Silver Wattle, Manna Gum, Southern Mahogany and spear grass. There are also many more plant species that help to build the thick/ dense untamed areas on the Island. All this thriving vegetation is homed to a number of animals, amphibians and insects. I spotted many bird species including ducks, magpies and wattlebirds. I also saw a number of Lizards basking in the sun on warm rocks. The Island is also home to a several species of possums and bats.
2.2 Conceptacle Using elements from my three previous models, my conceptacle forms the basis of my final ‘secrets’ design. Point/line/plane is displayed with wires piercing the foam-core, from a point to a wire line, then connecting up to a curved, semi-circle plane. This idea was taken from my previous model, but different shapes and materials were used to create a different overall aesthetic. Along with the underground space, my mass component, focuses again on angles. When looking at my model from the front and top, all that is visually present are minimalistic lines, whereas when viewed form the side or in perspective, the planes become visible and the structure appears heavy and dense. The underground section while targeting frame and infill, also incorporates mass the wire although thin, covers a large volume of space. The frame and Infill component is also evident in the wire framing areas with spaces for people to walk through, sit or climb on.
3.0 SECRETS PROJECT I used elements from each of my previous designs including the parallel planes from point, line and plane, the frames extruding off these planes from frame and infill, the dark, interactive underground area from mass and a similar wire framing system from my conceptacle model. I did not want to simply include the three tectonics of above, on and below ground, I wanted to integrate them into my design so that they would flow. I did this by having sections of the panels coming up through the ground as well as the wire continuing from above to below in order to blur the ground line.
3.1 Precedents I was inspired by the reflective nature of the Hungarian Music Festival’s Mirror Installation and Cairns Botanic Garden Visitors Centre because I liked how the reflection disguised their true shapes, allowing the structures to blend in with their surroundings, creating a kind of optical illusion. I wanted to incorporate the required services like the store, toilets, etc, in an interesting but subtle way that integrated them smoothly into my deign. The differing height cubes contain these required services with measurements allowing for wheelchair access. This aspect was inspired by the holocaust memorial site with each gray stone being so simplistic but when viewed from a distance, creates a complex and eye catching jagged wave.
Figure 7. Cairnes Botanic Garden (Australian Design Review, 2014)
Figure 8. Mirror Installation (Studio Nomads, 2017)
Figure 9. Holocaust Memorial (Key Words Suggest, 2016)
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3.2 Location I chose to position my design on the most exposed area of the island because I did not want my structure to be physically hidden amongst vegetation but to be hidden by the architecture itself with the mirrored facade reflecting it’s surroundings causing camouflage. I wanted to position it in an area that people would feel naturally drawn to, so chose the space with the most direct sunlight as it’s proven we’re attracted to it because of its warmth and ability to lifts our mood. I also noticed a lot of movement through the area with people stopping to engage in conversation, sit in the sun or use the provided shelters for BBQs and picnics.
3.3 Key Spaces Within my design there are a number a key spaces. The whole structure is a bit like a maze, however everything is on a grid so you can’t actually get lost. The cubed area is designed so that you have to explore the space in order to find the doors, because they’re not placed in any certain arrangement. To make my design interactive, the shortest prisms are able to be climbed and sat on much like the underground wire system. Children would see this space as a giant playground with spaces to hide, climb and play games. I have designed the space so that the mirrors encourage people to reflect and look at themselves for the answer to their problems.
3.4 The Secret In terms of the secret, there are two openings in the ground with ramps leading underground, one to a general onlooking area with wire frames to sit or climb on and the other to a small room with mirrored walls. Once the person enters, the opening is blocked for 5 minutes and they realise the object being viewed is their own reflection staring back at them. A sentence on the mirror prompts the person to expose any insecurities or get something off their chest, however they are unaware the enclosure is made from one way mirror, with people on the other side watching and listening. Although some people might say there are privacy issues, this is one of the things that prompted this idea because I noticed the same issue with Facebook and other forms of social media. Many of our profiles are a direct looking glass into our lives, unknowingly giving strangers access to personal information. I chose to do this so that onlookers wouldn’t influence the person’s response, enabling them to be open and honest.
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3.5 Technical Drawings
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4.0 REFLECTION Through completion of the tasks throughout the semester, I gained a deep understanding of the three fundamental tectonics of architeture. The precent examples helped me to further understand how these tectonics can be applied to architecture in the real world. I have enjoyed the this subject because it has enhanced my skills and kept me constantly thinking about design. Through the completion of frequent submissions I have been able to expand on my model making, drawing and CAD skills, which I believe are important skills for an architecture student. I found the comments and critics from my tutor and peers very helpful as it allowed me to work on my weaknesses in order to better my designs. The weekly feedback that I got from my tutor was always really helpful because I felt as throughout understood all of my designs so knew how my ideas could be better communicated or where they could be improved. As well as the helpful constructive criticism, some of the positive comments reinforced that I was on the right track. This helped with some of my self-doubt issues in my designs and allowed me to be proud of what I created. Although challenging, my favourite part of the subject was trying to combine the three tectonics studied throughout the semester into my final secrets project in an interesting and creative way. I was really happy with my final design and found that it was a challenging process but extremely rewarding result.
5.0 REFERENCES A history of Architecture. (2015). Pinterest. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/ pin/374784000217466057/ Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors’ Centre - Australian Design Review. (2014). Australian Design Review. Retrieved from https://www.australiandesignreview.com/architecture/cairns-botanic-gardens-visitors-centre/ Holocaust memorial germany Gallery. (2016). Key Word Suggest. Retrieved from http://keywordsuggest.org/gallery/38918.html Jordan, M. (2016). Melbourne Museum Excursion. Retrieved from http://missjordan.global2. vic.edu.au/201505/13/melbourne-museum-excursion/ Mairs, J. (2017). Studio Nomad’s mirror installation reflects fragments of forest. Dezeen. Retrieved from https://www.dezeen.com/2014/12/06/studio-nomad-mirage-pavilion-mirror-installation-sziget-music-festival-hungary/ Milwaukee Art Museum. (2015). Pinterest. Retrieved from https://au.pinterest.com/ pin/219339444321877862/ Parks Victoria - Herring Island. (2017). Parkweb.vic.gov.au. Retrieved from http://parkweb. vic.gov.au/explore/parks/herring-island Royal Exhibition Building. (2012). Visit Victoria. Retrieved from http://www.visitmelbourne. com/regions/Melbourne/Things-to-do/History-and-heritage/Heritage-buildings/Royal-Exhibition-Building Venue. (2016). ASA. Retrieved from http://www.asa2016.com.au/venue/ Which country has the best castles. (2010). City Data. Retrieved from http://www.city-data. com/forum/world/739896-country-has-best-castles-11.html