Integrated Design Report J. Harmens
Includes:
IDR 1: Design and Technology IDR 2: Management and Law Curriculum Vitae
J. Harmens C3254426 May 2015 MArch 2
http://jajharchitecture.wix.com/jajharchitecture
Contents
Report 1: Design and Technology
A Personal Position The Design Studio Context Design Thesis Technical and Technological Questions Further Development
Report 2: Management and Law
Planning Issues Development Appraisal Scenario Procurement and Risk Architectural Practice Professional Reflection
References
Curriculum Vitae
Report 1: Design and Technology
A Personal Position
Architecture is the sculpting of the world around society using volumes and spaces to improve societies use of its surrounding environment.
Personally I believe architecture to be the culmination of the imagination of a designer/architect and the reality of the physical world.
Architecture, from my university education, is the use of design in a context of form seeking and future construction, where external disciplines are used to inform and develop a project. The process involves testing a design to failure, analysing the failure and then modifying the design in order to develop it. This cycle of adaptation continues to loop until the design has evolved into its optimum form to suit its requirements. Architecture is not just the end result but the process by which the result was reached.
My current position within the current architectural discourse is one of a fervent, young architect with a thirst for knowledge and broad skill set which has further developed over the MArch course. I strive to extended my knowledge of architectural theories, design and computational skills which has allowed me to reach the point I am at now.
‘A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.’ Louie Kahn
Abstract Machines Logo
Computational prototyping
Physical prototyping
Fabrication
The Design Studio
The Abstract Machines design studio is based upon the theory of using computational technology to influence design, mainly through the use of parametric design philosophy. It focuses on fabrication and the use of computational systems that allows construction to become more efficient, in terms of structure, materiality or its final purpose. It challenges the parameters of projects pushing them to their extremes.
The use of this way of designing allows for a design to be tested more thoroughly in terms of constructibility and efficiency as a building. I have personally found the mentality of this studio to have been most innovative in allowing me to develop my thesis. The extremes of my thesis are better suited to this studios forward thinking ethos, combined with my passion for the future of what architecture could become.
Developing my thesis within this studio has allowed me to take a future environmental situation, look at multiple options and then design a scenario where as many of the solutions for that problem have been addressed. Using the studio ethos more then the computer simulations, I have solved the contextual issues that I have discovered during project and tested a series of possible solutions before setting on the most appropriate or combining multiple to create the optimum alternative.
Problem: - The south is at that from becoming submerged. - Dam in the north needs strengthening.
Solution: - Move the population and industries north to create a new city on the dam. - The new infrastructure that will support the city along the dam will also strengthen it.
Master plan proposal
Design Thesis
The Netherlands has fought with water for thousands of years it has been a constant battle of man verses nature building more elaborate dams and dikes to protect their land from the sea. With 25% of the country being below sea level, 60% of the population living in this area and 70% of their economic output generated here, it cannot become allowed to be submerged.
In 2005 the Dutch changed their strategy against the sea, they decided to accept it with the ‘make room for the river’ scheme. This assigned flood planes, moved dikes and other obstacles, designed floating houses and over all devised a system, which would protect a majority of the mainland, from being submerged in future storms or by the rising sea level which is predicted to rise by up to two meters by 2100. However with the geographical position of Rotterdam results in it being impossible to it protect from the sea. The combination of being surrounded by water, some areas being up to six meters below sea level and being situated within in the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt river delta at the North Sea, means there is no way of protecting the city. However with it being the industrial capital of the Netherlands the option of migrating the city as it becomes gradually submerged is possible.
The Afsluitdijk (closure dam) needs reinforcement if it is to continue protecting the Ijesselmeer area in the north of the Netherlands. Dams constructed using concrete between 1930-70 have a lifespan of 50 years. The Afsluitdijk is older and mainly constructed from till, sand and clay therefore with sea levels rising and storms getting stronger it requires reinforcement. This provides the site for the city to migrate to, allowing the city to migrate to the dam will increase its infrastructure and strengthen it. Therefore the first part of my thesis proposes a future master plan to accommodate the migration of Rotterdam whilst employing a system which protects the land by strengthening the Afsluitdijk.
Developed plans of Religious Complex
The second part of the thesis moves from the macro scale to a micro scale where I have assessed the migration of the city within the master plan. This identified a demand for places of worship as the populations previous spaces would be inaccessible. Which provided the opportunity to design a complex allocating places of worship. Situated within the new city that has developed along the Afsluitdijk, the complex has been created to provide a designated area for each of the main seven religions to congregate for their individual religious assembly, space for different religions to mix in the courtyards and gardens surrounding each religious building.
The aim is to provide a space that allows for religious beliefs to be celebrated while encouraging inter religious relations. It provides spaces to give them privacy but also public spaces for them to integrate. Within this design I intend to design the core of the complex, the shells of each private religious space and the interior of the Catholic cathedral upon the site.
The thinking toolkit has consisted of analysing previous city proposals around the world such as Le Corbusier’s Plan Obus project in Algeria 1933 to Kenzo Tange’s Tokyo Bay Project from 1960. Deriving the parameters within their developing systems allowed me to form a collection of principles from which then allowed for informed development of the master plan.
For the Religious complex a majority of the influences have originated from existing places of worship. Also precedents concerning the manipulation of light have proved important such as Louis Kahns.
Initial sketches
1st stage plans
Modelling showing failures
Plans developed
Development of 3D model
Technical and Technological Questions
Developing the design involves multiple disciplines. Personally once the research has been analysed an imaginary 3D form begins to develop. Initially working with sketches to define a form, then producing a ground floor plan from this, including the main spaces the design required. The sketches develop though multiple iterations as elements are assigned to volumes. The form continually adapts to better suit the programmatic identity. Once a defined state is reached the plans are input into a software such as CAD. This allows the design to be drawn in more detail, such as accurately defined volumes, wall thickness’s, details and context added to the spaces. A section is simultaneously developed considering heights of elements within the design such as environmental systems, lighting strategies etc. Whilst developing the section massing models are created this allows the rapid creation of masses to inform the design progression. Progression from the massing model creates a more detailed 3D model using Grasshopper and Rhino (advanced 3D modelling software). Then situating the building model into its surrounding context to test the design. From this 3D evaluation it highlights aspects of the design that had not yet been considered such as; views and solar shading. This allows informed development to be made and enhances the design. The project will then be altered based on influences from the previous investigations and how previous architects have resolved these problems. This becomes an iterative process until the project reaches its optimum stage suiting all aspects of the brief from constructibility to environmental site conditions.
Understanding how the Dutch previously constructed land and built upon it proved important to the design. Creating polders (generation of reclaimed land) within the lake and using pile foundations similar to those used across the Netherlands proved valuable information, allowing a more informed constructive approach. Analysing previous constructions in and around water with minimal shading from the elements informed logical materiality considerations. For the design to survive it must be constructed from suitable materials. The site is situated along a dam between the North sea and the Zuiderzee lake therefore as sea spray is corrosive, materials such as concrete are much preferred over metals.
Further Development
To develop the project I want to further analyse the cities courtyard spaces and define the architecture that would be situated within the residential parts of the master plan. As the port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe I would want to spend more time developing the dock area involving access routes, container ship parking bays, the efficiency of mechanical systems and the import and export of goods throughout the master plan.
I would consider the living conditions of the townscape with the inhabiting population and will advance the living quarters, providing more space and forming a hierarchy within the accommodation. Closed loop living is something I have am interested in with this project and evaluating how families become self sufficient. Integration of this sustainable ideal within the master plan could allow the city as independent as possible.
Considering the religious spaces, I will continue to investigate the other religions involved within the complex. From this continuous study I am then able to design an informed additive response for the remaining spaces. This is pertinent in developing a more comprehensive religious entity that architecturally manifests.
Report 2: Management and Law
Existing Site Map
Proposed Site Map
Planning Issues
This project challenges the planning framework as it is based on a future developed city, spanning from the Afsluitdijk (Closure Dam) into the Ijsselmeer. Within the city the design focuses on a religious complex which won’t be built for up to 50 years. With the necessity for the complex and the city to be constructed rapidly as Rotterdam becomes submerged. The planning framework will predominately respond to the industrial and living environments created and access to transport systems, green space and between the industrial and commercial areas of the proposed city. Furthermore the is dam isolated, the surrounding city will sufficiently support the 610000 people that currently populate Rotterdam that migrate to the city by 2100, with opportunity for the city to future expansion. There is minimal opportunity for planning objections along the isolated 32 km dam as the area is owned by the government and the proposed city will further protect the land in the north of the Netherlands. As the religious complex is within the future proposed city the design project continues as if the city had been completed and the complex is an addition to it . This allows the complex to be treated as a new entity and so regular planning legislation and frameworks can be applied. Due to the scale of the religious complex the access during construction and after completion must be considered. Furthermore how the city has been designed, on a grid network, and the position of the complex on the periphery of each town, allows it to be accessed via land, from the city, or via water, which eliminates problems which could occur if the complex was to be situated within a previously existing town. With minimal shelter from the elements the complex has been designed with a low centre of gravity making it more stable, this also acts to minimise the over shadowing of any surrounding buildings.
Development Appraisal Scenario
The land is state owned (owned by the Dutch government) therefore with the city and religious complex both being government based projects land ownership should not be an issue. This would generally make the project less complicated as there are no third parties to consider. Also there is currently a road running along the dam so reallocating land would not be necessary as the first phase of the city project is to develop a multiple transport network parallel to this road before removing it and beginning construction of the new city. With the government having the best interests of its people it will delegate the development of the city to industries which in turn govern the multiple aspects of the city (Rotterdam based industries). Industry elected spokes people will work with a host of professions including architects and town planners to incorporate their needs within the city. They then report back to a Rotterdam based council elected board that will act as the overseeing client. This allows informed bodies to influence the project and develop each space systematically to create city that suits all current and future needs. The religious complex itself will have a board of religious representatives that will later inhabit the spaces such as rabbi’s, priests, etc (from the current religious sectors within Rotterdam). These representatives will work with an architectural practice to develop the project. There will also be a council body of the town that each complex is to be constructed within that will oversee this project. Being a partially government funded project the council body will work with the architect to insure all requirements are met but controls the financial aspect of the project. The project will be funded partially by the council and the remainder by the religious parties involved. As the complex is for inhabitants of the new city the council funds part, replacing the religious spaces lost in the submersion of Rotterdam. The individual religious communities which are involved in creating the religious space for their followers have a vested interest in providing the complex thus are encouraged to financially particle.
Complex construction phasing image
Procurement and Risk
With such an ambitious scale the city project is likely to continue for many years. Migrating tradesmen will be educated by specialists into how to build the prefabricated components of the city and how to then construct the buildings on site. Once the first phase of the city is complete these tradesmen will be qualified to educate the newly relocated population which will allow the city to be completed at a faster rate. Local tradesmen that have been involved in the construction of the city will then be involved in the maintenance of the city components and the additions such as the religious complex. As they already have an understanding of the logistics and construction methods needed for the complex on the Ijsselmeer. These contractors will now be specialists for construction in these conditions. The construction risks involved resonate from the need for the structure to be build on newly constructed land upon the Ijsselmeer (lake) which, on average, is between 4-5 metres deep. The foundations must support the loads of the structure and buildings without being subjected to hydrological pressures. The complex will also be constructed in this manner. The main risks will involve the size of the machinery and the logistics of the pre-cast concrete elements that are constructed within the industrial zones and then transported via the canal system to the site. Considering the city and complex, while they are both developed there is limited shelter from the elements. Therefore during material transportation and construction phases risk of weather related incidents would need to be considered. However as a majority of the complex has been designed to be low level with a high walls around the perimeter and temporary shelter constructed for workers the risk extreme weather brings is reduced.
Architectural Practice
Considering the Religious complex, in most aspects, it is a generally regular architectural project, except the site must be built before the project can commence. Designed by an architect (myself). Then constructed through the government scheme already in place to construct the city. The fee would be decided before the project started. The architectural firm would invoice on a monthly basis to keep the practice running. Whereas the contractors would be paid according to a progress report. Upon completion of project and it being signed off the remaining fee is released. The land reclamation phase would involve minimal site visits (as everything would be below water level), once the polder is established and the complex construction commences there would be scheduled site visits to aline with the phasing strategy. Indemnity would be in place to protect the architectural firm, however specialist contractors would spread the risk. ie. If the complex sunk it would not be the architects fault as a land construction specialist would have been involved and informed the architect the type and density of earth needed. This would have been checked during the construction phase before the next phase could commence. The 2013 plan of work will aid tracking project progress. Parts 4 and 5 will need extra considerations considering the site extremes and ensuring the complex is designed suitably in its minimally sheltered conditions. However due to the nature and time frame of the project the 2013 plan of work isn’t applicable.
Professional Reflection
To further my architectural career I intend on working in a medium sized practice what works on both residential and commercial projects. This will to allow me to gain a range of experience including integration with clients which has been one of the highlights of my architectural experience so far. The area I have most enjoyed during my time at university and in practice has been the problem solving aspects of the design process. Designing to suit a briefs requirements and developing the design to its optimum form using the extensive physical and computational skills I have acquired and developed during my journey so far. I intend to continue developing my skills during my future in the reality of architecture. To stay at the forefront of the architectural movement as I see architecture as a continuously evolving concept. I intend on working in a practice that is situated in Manchester or Leeds until I have achieved my part 3. While continuing to work as an architectural consultant, applying what I learn in practice to my private work. I aim to continue using parametric programs such as Grasshopper and Rhino within the practice I enter to further develop my skills using software and plugins. Having established Jajharchitecture in late 2012 I aim to continue working with the contractors and developers I have met in practice. I intend on developing it as an architectural company when I have fully qualified and believe I have gained enough experience and a sufficient client base to promote a sustainable business. Aside from my proposed career in architecture also intend to start travelling again. After treks across Guatemala and Belize at the age of 17 where I had my first insight into designing and building a project. In an unchartered rainforest village I designed, project managed and helped build a school with my fellow trekkers and the local villagers. To travelling across China, Brazil and Africa in later years. I have a passion for learning about other cultures and seeing different parts of the earth which has an enormous impact upon my architectural education. From Mayan temples, to Hong Kong Skyscrapers, to the huts and tents seen attempting Kilimanjaro have all influenced how I approach and consider design.
‘Education is not preparation for life - education of life itself ’ - John Dewey
References
Quotes; Dewey, J. (1892-1953). John Dewey Quotes. Available: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/ johndewey154060.html. Last accessed 24th Apr 2015. Kahn, L. (1901-1974). Louis Kahn Quotes. Available: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/louiskahn117396.html. Last accessed 24th Apr 2015. Images; Miller, N. (2009). NBBJ: Parametric Strategies in the Design of Hangzhou Stadium (Part 1). Available: http:// www.theprovingground.org/2009_12_01_archive.html. Last accessed 23rd Apr 2015. Hussey, M. (2012). Decor by Droid: RoboFold is practising origami with aluminium. Available: http://www. wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2012/03/play/decor-by-droid. Last accessed 23rd Apr 2015. Sargon, A. (2013). The 3D printing revolution. Available: https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/reviews/ the-3d-printing-revolution. Last accessed 23rd Apr 2015. Nacho. (2015). What is laser cutting ?. Available: http://wrks24.com/. Last accessed 23rd Apr 2015. Stutgard University. (2011). ICT/ITKE research pavilion. Available: http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553. Last accessed 23rd Apr 2015. ( 3 fabrication pavilion images)
Curriculum Vitae
John Alexander Jan Harmens 07756751108 2/12/1989 Ryeford 122 Park Road Hale Cheshire WA15 9JW jajharchiteture@hotmail.co.uk http://jajharchitecture.wix.com/jajharchitecture
Objective: I am a passionate, driven and ambitious person who thrives at a challenge. Personally interested in parametric design and closed loop technology. Well experienced in digital and physical modelling and has an aptitude for thinking outside the box to solve problems. With a vested interest in travelling and art both of which have influenced my architectural education. I will become an Architect.
Skills: Grasshopper, Rhino3D, CAD (distinction from City & Guilds) , Revit, Google Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe InDesign, Ecotect, Model making, Hand drawing, Painting. Microsoft Works. I am confident working independently or as part of a team.
Architectural Experience: Architectural Apprentice for Tyler & Co. Architects:
January 2014-August 2014, Currently part-time. Using CAD, Google Sketchup, dealing with Clients, Planners and Contractors. Craycombe House, 73A Bold Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2ES, 0161 929 0810
Architectural Consultant for Stephen Cox Associates:
October 2013-Present. Using CAD, Google Sketchup and Photoshop. Projects kept Confidential at the request of Mr Cox. 10 Broomfield Lane, Altrincham, Cheshire. WA15 9AQ. 0161 926 9998.
Director & Architectural Consultant for JAJHArchitecture Ltd:
December 2012-Present. Using CAD, Google Sketchup, dealing with Clients, Planners and Contractors. Ryeford, 122 Park Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9JW, 077 5675 1108
Fallows Gowen Partnership:
June 7th-17th 2010. Architectural work experience using CAD, Google Sketch up, working with engineers and being involved in client meetings. 16a Davyhulme Circle, Davyhulme, Manchester. M41 0SS. 0161 747 8268.
Educational Qualifications; BA Hons Degree: June 2012 Architecture BA (Hons) - 2.2 MArch Year 1 - 2.1 Grade average Education: 2012-Present, Leeds Beckett University, Civic Quarter, Leeds, LS1 3HE, 0113 812 0000. 2009-2011, Leeds Metropolitan University, Civic Quarter, Leeds, LS1 3HE, 0113 812 0000. 2007-2009, St Bede’s College, Alexandra Park, Manchester, M16 8HX, 0161 226 3323. A-levels in Art, Maths and Economics. 2001-2007, Cheadle Hulme School, Claremont Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, SK8 6KF, 0161 488 3330. 9 GCSE’s Graded A-C including Maths English and 3 Sciences
References: Mr Toby Tyler Director Tyler & Co. Architects Architect Craycombe House, 73A Bold Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2ES, 0161 929 0810 toby@tylerarchitects.eclipse.co.uk
Mr Stephen Cox Director Stephen Cox Associates Property Developer 10 Broomfield Lane, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 9AQ, 0161 926 9998