Jenny Saunders
Portfolio
The lung is chosen as the natural system through which to explore form. Themes of branching, maximsed surface area, and the idea of air filtration are investigated.
Formfinding
The branching system is investigated through a series of 3D digital models. the progression of branching and complication of structure can be seen.
Formfinding
Bronchioles
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchus
Sections are taken through the 3D model, and converted into a line drawing to express the idea of increased surface area, and a complicated branching system.
Formfinding
A 3d plaster and wireframe model is used to explore the idea of flow and branching through the lung. It represents a section cut through a part of the lung. coloured liquid is poured through in order to demonstrate the flow. Red thread (illustrated here) also shows the branching system.
Physical models are used to explore the idea of branching and flow through the lung.
A resin cast of the inside of a lung is made. The hierarchy of branching is revealed, showing the larger trachea, the smaller bronchi, and the tiny delicate bronchioles.
Formfinding
Branching can also be explored more systematically, through the use of digital processing. The outcome is much more formulaic.
The relationship between volume and exposed surface area can be explored through physical models. moving onto a more architectural context, this could represent the relationship between built up urban spaces and open green spaces.
Formfinding
In MVRDV’s Sky Village, exterior usable green space is maximised, and so each individual unit’s relationship to the outdoors is improved.
Sky Village_MVRDV
Ventilation and green space will be the key factors in the design of 20 housing units, with retail and shared outdoor space included in the scheme.
Housing
The site is located in Central Cardiff, next to the train station. The river taff runs along the west side of the site, with a busy street to the north (includng Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium). It is in prime location for commuters, having good bus, rail and water taxi links. Next to the site is a disused water tower, which will be incorporated into the scheme to collect rainwater.
Site
Desire Lines
Channel Glass A structural glass wall can be created with a variety of translucencies. The diffuse light that is let through, and the lack of views into the dwelling, created interesting changes in the level of privacy.
Paddy Fields The contours and steps in paddy fields allow for crops to grow on hillsides, maximising the use of resources such as sunlight and water, and increasing the green surface area.
The Mountain, BIG Architects The stepped, sloping form of the building maximises green space for inhabitants, and allows for space underneith the dwellings for cars and bikes.
Inspiration
Precedents
Materials
Machu Picchu Usable green space is created on the hillside with the steeping of buildings.
The Donnybrook Quarter, Peter Barber Architects A safe internal 'street' is created that is overlooked and well-lit. Front doors open straight onto the street, so it is safe for children to play and neighbours to meet.
Intensive Green Roof Gardens and green spaces can be created on rooftops that are strong enough for people to inhabit. A wide variety of plants, including grass and trees, can be grown. It improves the insulation of the roof, and helps to reduce the urban heat island effect.
A building is placed on the site.
It is split into thin strips, to allow for good cross-ventilation.
Stepping is added to allow sunshine into ever flat.
the stepping is articulated to add privacy, and more utilisable roof space.
Site Sections
Roof Plan
the stepping configuration of the units, with their southerly facing gardens, means that every one gets direct sunshine for some of the day, allowing residents to utilise their garden space for growung vegetables.
By laser cutting sections of a digital 3D model, and laminating them together, a physical model is produced to explore the routes through the site. Paths through the site are carved into the ground, to create routes underneith the buildings.
This model of a dwelling unit shows how there is a seamless threshold between indoor and outdoor space. the change in levels reflect the level of privacy; the lower you are, the more private the space you’re in.
Tectonics