Unit Programme.

Space schedule

My proposal will include 3 type of housing unit: unit 1 for 3-6 people, unit 2 for 2-4 people and unit 3 for 1-2 people. There will be 3 of each unit equalling 9 units in total. Each unit will be designed with a mezzanine level, however this could change with futher investigation and experimentation.

Programme. Space schedule

These isometric drawings show the key spaces of my proposal outside of the housing units and their dimensions in order to determine how they will fit into the site. The defining categories are theatre spaces, communal spaces and ancillary spaces.

BIKE STORAGE

7.2m x 7.5m x 3m

TOILETS INDOOR 1.8m x 2.5m x 3m

INDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE

11m x 11m x 3m

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE

15m x 6m x 4.5m

INDOOR COMMUNAL SPACE 7m x 7m x 3m

Key.

Ancillary Space Communal Space Theatre Space

Volumetric Studies.

Exploring arrangements on site model

Using my physical site model, I photographed and drew over the image to test out some basic and initial volumetric studies. These drawings show the basic programme of a performance space, the housing units, an outdoor space and an entrance, testing my concept of stacking the units upwards and backwards. The curved unit arrangement follows the shape of traditional theatres, however would be a more challenging form to explore alongside modularity.

Bubble Diagrams. Exploring spaces and connectivity

This shows a more detailed proximity diagram, thinking more about all the different spaces required and how they can fit around each other. The bubble plan diagrams show the units stepping back as the level gets higher and a theatre space outside and inside. The inside theatre can be located underneath the units.

KEY

Units

Circulation

Public Space

Performance Space

Ancillary

Proximity Plans + Section.

Initial sketch plans

These diagrams show experimentation in plan and section to scale. From working out the overall size of each element I can play with different layouts and arrangements. Inspired by the stepping of theatre seats so that each unit has unrivalled views out to the outdoor stage, the units step back and increase in height. The indoor performance space will be below with a light chimney bringing light into the space. Things to further explore include private/public circulation.

Sequence Diagram. Exploring form in response to the site

These diagrams show the steps I have taken to reach my concept design, in response to the site. Key considerations include providing views out to the canal and beyond for the units, access below the units for the public, and allowing sunlight to access each unit.

Iterations. Drawing and modelling

These drawings show some 3D iterations, exploring form and arrangement. Considerations include how I will provide temporary covering for the outdoor space and how the units sit in relation to each other.

Modelling. Drawing and modelling

I cut out some wooden blocks the same dimensions as the units at 1:500 to physically play with their arrangement in relation to each other and the site. I tried out various stacking methods such as stacking the same size unit on top of each other to using different sizes. Considerations include maximising space for the indoor theatre and how light is going to reach the back of the units.

Circulation. Drawing and modelling

Using my most successful unit arrangement, I have sketched over photos to explore how the units will be accessed, and how the theatre space might fit under the units. I need to explore futher the circulation between and to the units and how to separate the public and private access points.

KEY

Housing circulation

Public circulation

Unit Plan Iterations.

Drawing and modelling

These drawings show my initial unit plan iterations, trialling out two different options for each size. Unit 1 has 3 bedrooms, unit 2 has 2 bedrooms and unit 3 has 1 bedroom. All designs show two levels with a mezzanine level, however to improve access for disabilities, I want to trial out more designs with just one level.

GA Iterations.

Exploring in plan and section

For my initial floor plans and section, I have reduced the units to volumes and started to consider how the building and other programmes will fit together. The theatre space is on the ground floor, will a movable separating wall between it and the cafe space. Doors open out onto the outdoor space to create natural cross ventilation.