Interior Design Unit 4 OMAR KHAN
The theme of this project is Truth, fantasy or fiction. These themes are very vague and can have many literal and symbolic meanings. I have started to look into what could theme could be implying and generated with starting points that I think could be possible topics to subject within the exam project.
definitions and interpretations Truth - ―Truth is that which conforms to
Fantasy - ―The faculty or activity of imagining
reality, fact, or actuality." The definition is open to interpretation and a wide variety of applications. What is reality ? What is fact ? What is actuality ? How does perception affect truth ? Fiction - ―literature in the form of prose, especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.‖ Fiction is created through the imagination of its author; artist. The artist invents the story, characters, storyline, even the setting. A fictional work does not claim any truth, it immerses us in experiences that we may never have in real life and can very much relate to fantasy.
impossible or improbable things. ‖ Fantasy is the literature of the impossible‖ In a sense fantasy is strongly related to our imagination and what we perhaps want to perceive or wish to be realistic. It consists of surrealism and is often depicted in a positive manner.
Brief The Scoop is an outdoor amphitheatre situated on the south side of the River Thames near Tower Bridge in London, located underneath City Hall, providing seating for approximately 800 people. Designed by Townshend Landscape Architects, it is a venue used during the summer to show films, musical performances and theatre. At the moment The Scoop is used as a performance venue, after hitting its heights in 2008 the venue has had a significant decline and after a consultation between City of London council and Boris Johnson, it has come to the conclusion a regeneration of this space is needed. Project Outline : The client has given the brief to regenerate a once popular site, it should be both be unique and have character which suitably matches the ever changing city.
Performance Respite
Meeting
Gathering
Social
Tourism Viewing platform
PURPOSE
POTENTIAL USERS
CLIENT
KEY LOCATIONS RIVER THAMES
POTTERS FIELD PARK
THE SCOOP
MORE LONDON ESTATES
CITY HALL
LONDON BRIDGE
The regenerating of a place is a popular process, in cases where a space may have once been a prominent destination but however with the evolution of our society it has not stayed accustomed to the desires of its users and thus a redevelopment is needed. With the redevelopment of a space, the original values must be regarded as this holds the relationship between the space and its users. The Scoop is still an impressive landmark for many people and in this project I aim to obtain their relationship with the space despite this renovation. In this project, I have been asked by my client to create a unique space with character and have chosen to design a smaller amphitheatre surrounded by a structure similar to a pavilion . WHAT WILL I BE DESIGNGING ? In this project I will be designing a small scale amphitheatre within a pavilion as well as redesigning the landscape. PURPOSE ? The purpose of this project is to help recreate the enticing and attracting features the site once had. The function will be primarily a performance space as well as a place for tourism, socialising, gathering, meeting, respite and viewing.
Primary Research Visual Inspiration Space & Flight Science Museum
As Part of my research I had taken it upon my self to collect some visual inspiration, therefore I had chosen to visit the Science Museum. During my visit I had seen various objects related to science. However it was my exploration in the Space and Flight area Where I was most intrigued and thus photographed several items.
Primary Research Sketched responses
In response to my images photographed in the science museum, I have crated a series of drawings in from which I have gained an understanding in the functionality and creativity in the design of each item. I would like to bear in mind these shapes and styles in the process of my design, as I feel it may benefit me in creating my structure.
Research Swoosh Pavilion
The Swoosh Pavilion was a project completed by Second and third year architecture students at the Architectural Association school in London as part of an annual project. The structure is located outside the Architectural Association in Bedford Square. It very much indicates the culture and teachings of the institution. For the students who conceive, design and construct the pavilion it‘s a phenomenological exercise, going from idea to design and finally realization. I chose to study this structure as part of my research, as I felt it was necessary to gain an understanding in a similar project to mine. I was drawn to the structure through its dynamic timber structure. The aesthetically forceful structure attracts attention, and distinguishes itself from a rather mundane environment. The swirling, 60m-wide pavilion wraps itself around a sturdy lamppost and skirts the pavement providing enclosure for Bedford Square‘s central green. It is made of 653 pieces of timber and consists of vertical curving columns — connected by hundreds of short beams — spiralling out from a central fulcrum. While the centre is dense and enclosed, the tails of the spiral taper out to become benches.
It seems interactive, and function able for various short term activities such as sitting, having lunch, meeting with someone. There is a consistent fluidity which makes the form intriguing, As for the form, fluidity was the driving factor. ―The main goal was to create a sense of flow the connection of the vertical grids create a sense of cohesion. Creativity is evident as the sun can illuminate itself through the lattice creates a shadow of the 2D pattern which can greatly influence a users relationship with the structure. Following my analysis of the structure I have drawn elevations and used Illustrator to create several of my own designs, initially I focused on a tessellating style which tapered. The initial design was similar to the swoosh pavilion in order understand how the form works and develops, later I varied the style creating a more symmetrical effect. This could work as exterior forms, or perhaps landscape architecture.
Elevation Drawings and Experimentation with the formation of the structure
Model
Initial idea based on primary photography of plane wings, Idea created as concept considering circulation of users
This is the first model I have created, and it has come from my research into the swoosh pavilion as well as some inspiration from the primary images I had taken at the Science museum, My initial consideration was the circulation of the users within the space. I had noticed how the wing of a plane had featured the alignment of lines and this motion seemed to exemplify what I was considering. I created an initial idea based on the photograph giving it a more architectural style. Then I had taken the created a varied, tessellating styled concept inspire by the swoosh pavilion. This concept was developed into a more polygonal from which I preferred and felt was better in regards to my design.
Crated a tessellating form similar to research of swoosh pavilion
Crated a polygonal design, consisting of triangles, parallelograms etc.
Current wave of circulation: Vigorous, Sharp
Preferred flow of movement: Gentle, curved
Possible plan view following analysis of current design
Alternative style Model
In this second model, I chose to go on a different path to my initial model. In this model I created a structure which is more enclosed and has this sense of enclosure provided by the exterior form. In contrast to the initial model, this is not as lengthy, the previous model felt like more of a walking path or tunnel like due to its extensive length. I feel like this structure is more surrounding to a central space which will be the performance space. The scale of this model needs to be larger and the space needs to accommodate people need to be able to view the performance. The style works well, as It looks quite articulate however due to the small scale it may be quite claustrophobic when filled with people.
Initial / Rough understanding of Floor Plan
Development Conceptual elevations
Reflecting on my model, I wanted to visualise the potential of the model further, therefore I had created three elevations of the concept. The elevations do not exactly resemble the form of the previous model, as the ideas of this is more of an experimentation with the concept. Creating digital representations, I can see a clearer style in comparison to the model. The model is not a representation of the entire pavilion which I want to create but a part of it. I am pleased with the wave like transition between the layers in the model, but I feel I need to experiment more with its shape told decide what is best for my design and the users.
Research
Robotically Fabricated Pavilion, Stuttgart
This pavilion is entirely robotically fabricated, from materials such as glass and carbon fiber composites and it experiments with what can be made possible in the future investigating the eventual co-relation between bio-mimetic design strategies and new processes of robotic production. The composite construction is rooted in morphological principles of arthropods‘ exoskeletons. The fiber orientation, arrangement and associated layer thickness and stiffness gradients in the exoskeleton are inspired by that of a lobster hence its current given title. were carefully investigated and the high efficiency and functional variation of the cuticle is due to a specific combination of exoskeletal form and fiber orientation.
Elevation – to understand basic style/shape of design
Alternative plan views/ potential ideas
Structural form for my own design
Continuing Carbon Fibre Pavilion Research After my initial research into robotically fabricated structures I chose to continue with my study in order to develop my understanding as well as inspiration for my own design. This pavilion designed as a robotically woven carbon-fibre structure based on the lightweight shell encasing the wings and abdomen of a beetle is the second structure revealed this week from the team of architects and engineers at the University of Stuttgart. The design is a success as it a unique architectural expression and spatial experience, it is also extremely lightweight and efficient in its use of resources. The stitching style is formed by a robotic winding method which was developed to fabricate each of the fibrous modules. I am particularly interested in the look of this so called ‗winding; style as it offers a great visual pleasure and integrity as well as its positive compromise with the use of resources. Winding forms created with Photoshop
Experiment Fabricating Structures
After researching robotically fabricated structures, I wanted to experiment with literally ‗Fabric‘ and therefore I had taken Weeding fabric and some nails with which I created the model above. As a concept this model is quite interesting, however I chose to disregard this Idea as I could not visualise in working the way I need it to for my client. Also as it was my first time using this material, I was not fully able to create the ideas I could visualise in my head, I would now like experiment with an alternative material which displays similar form to the robotically fabricated structures. Perhaps something cagey, wire or mod mesh.
Developing Plan views
Model Having researched robotically fabricated structures, I wanted to experiment with literally ‗Fabric‘ and therefore I had taken Weeding fabric and some nails with which I created the model above. As a concept this model is quite interesting, however I chose to disregard this Idea as I could not visualise in working the way I need it to for my client. Also as it was my first time using this material, I was not fully able to create the ideas I could visualise in my head, I would now like experiment with an alternative material which displays similar form to the robotically fabricated structures. Perhaps something cagey, wire or mod mesh.
Artist Research I.M.Pei Louvre Pyramid Ieoh Ming Pei was born in China in 1917. At age 17 he came to the United States to study architecture, and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from MIT in 1940. Upon graduation he was awarded the Alpha Rho Chi Medal, the MIT Traveling Fellowship, and the AIA Gold Medal. His most charismatic work, though, was commissioned far from America. Two decades ago, Pei unveiled two of his finest buildings: the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the underground lobbies of the Louvre in Paris capped with his famous pyramid.
The tower is an exciting and elegant skyscraper. It is said to be intended as a symbol of the new ‗ultra-capitalist People's Republic‘. The reason I chose to look at this is because I my self wanted to create an iconic figure, perhaps not similar in scale but similarly effective in being a representation of the city. The modern tower, is a reflection of the urban city of Paris. Its unique shape and emphatic figure is what reminds people of the structure as well as the city it is located in, I would like my design to be similarly admired. The zigzagging steel frame, rises out towards the sky with a one directional movement, engaging the users within the space as well as the spectators outside the space. The effect of a users on the interior and a spectator on the exterior can and may always be different, how a structure or space is perceived by both is something I must bear in mind for my own designs.
Sketches
I would like to develop my previous model, my research into I.M.Pei‘s Louvre Pyramid, showed me how a Pei had created a contrast between two materials with the steel framing of the pyramid opposing the historic and rural use of concrete material. Perhaps combining an addition of another material may improve the design qualities of the model. The two drawings I have created are conceptual, in order to visualise the space and ways in which the form could changed or adapted to the use of the facility.
Developed Model
After creating an initial model out of mod mesh, I continued my design work from my experimentation by developing the structure, The development consisted of me utilising a further two materials; hardened plastic sheet and card. The hardened plastic was used to shield the mod mesh forms, acting similarly to a roof, which added some enclosure to the structure. The coloured card was used to implement some alternative colour to the design, the colour blue was used due to its vibrancy and popularity.
Research
Denmark Pavilion, Shanghai Expo
I have chosen to look into the Denmark Pavilion, Shanghai Expo. The pavilion is designed as a traffic loop created by the motion of city bikes and pedestrians tied in a knot. Over 300 free city bikes located upon the roofs cape, offer the visitors a chance to experience the Danish urban lifestyle which includes biking everywhere. The loops are connected in two places. Coming from the inside, the visitors can move out onto the roof, pick up a bike and re‐visit the exhibition by bike as the outdoor cycle path slips into the interior and runs along the entire exhibition before exiting onto the EXPO grounds. The sequence of events at the exhibition takes place between two parallel facades – the internal and external. The internal is closed and contains different functions of the pavilion. The width varies and is defined by the programs of the inner space. The pavilion‘s external façade is made of perforated steel. In the evening time, the façade becomes a sequenced instrument of interactive light illuminating the passers‐by which is a significant factor which can improve the visual pleasure and opinion of people viewing this and it is something I would consider to carry forward into my own design. .
Exploration Looping shapes & Forms Following my research into the Denmark Pavilion, I wanted to focus on the form of the structure. I was particularly impressed on its looping form which allows users to circulate around the spacious place whilst viewing a central space as they move. This particular concept intrigued me, and therefore I chose to explore this idea of looping shapes and forms. Using ArchiCAD I created several plans, I have selected four plans which I believe suit the style I look for as well as being compatible with my specification. Later I chose one plan to develop into a 3d model, and the developed this and created an elevation.
Initial ArchiCAD plans
Initial ArchiCAD 3D Models
Developed concept elevation
Experimenting with light
After discovering this feature in the Denmark Pavilion, I felt the need to experiment with this and try it myself. Therefore I created this polygonal form purely for the purpose of understanding how to employ this design aesthetic. Once I created the form, I had carefully cut different shapes and sized sections from the material, through which I then allowed natural sunlight to flow through. The placement o the structure was key, as it determined the amount of light coming through and the technique actually working. Once I managed to position the structure and allow the natural sunlight to fully flow through I was able to visualise how this could work in my own design. It could be used primarily to illuminate the space inside for the users creating visually appealing mosaic like shapes to create an interactive atmosphere for the users. Or alternatively it can be used to almost ‗spotlight‘ the performance taking place and highlight it as a central figure to allow the viewers to focus and clearly view what is happening on stage. In order to ensure tis fully works, the amount of interior light must be minimal, preferably a dark space must be created.
Research
Cloud Castle Concert Hall This open air concert pavilion located near Vienna is known as Cloud Castle. It is actually part of the grounds of Grafenegg Castle. The structure is designed by ‗ENTERprise – architects‘, The seating arrangement of Cloud Castle sits in a depression in the landscape. In terms of capacity the auditorium can seat 1,670 people with 300 on the law, and the stage can accommodate an orchestra with up to 200 members. The design is rather spontaneous in its cubic/geometric fashion. I like this design because of the way it has combined structural architecture with landscape and is a similar combination which I aim to complete. In this design, the stage has a intricate and eye engaging form which will gain the focus of the audience sitting in the amphitheatre. It encloses the performances within the structure within the shadowing and towering structural form above the integrated stage,
Potential shapes for stage (plan views) Geometric Considering the geometric style of the Cloud castle concert hall, I have created several plan views of stage with different styles
Potential shapes for stage (plan views) Rounded stage Following up on my initial ideas in the geometric style, I have created a second set drawings for a stage with a more circular / rounded style
Elevation of stage
As part of this project, my clients have asked me to redesign the landscape, and therefore I have created several drawings in order to understand visually demonstrate my plans for the landscape and how I can transform it as well as the way I would like the landscape to work.
KEY POINTS . The geometric shapes for the landscape elements such as grassland and miniature water streams are the best concept for the design. .Geometric shapes should be a consistent theme as this is included in the structural form .The grassland and water streams should revolve around the structure . The grassland can be situated above or around the water streams .The stage should float on the in a miniature water stream .The grass areas could be layered on top of each other creating a tapering effect t - decreasing in scale as it goes above .The shape swill be isolated and not joint, creating an island like effect .The main stage should be seen from each form of the structure – the positioning of the structures(s)must angle the users view towards the stage
FINAL MODEL
This is the final model which I have created, the design is a result of my research, experimentation and development during this project. I have considered the styles of the architecture found in my research to inspire certain elements, and used the experimentation in order to identify the most suitable
Through out the space several miniature lakes can be find, all in a geometric style to complement the geometric theme found in the entire space. The miniature lakes are all accompanied by a plane of grassland, this is to induce the an organic nature into this building which I aimed to blend into the environment. The lake and grassland work well as it is a feature which will attract users as it offers a combination of two natural elements,. This particular one allows the users to sit over the water as the grass land overlaps the frame of the miniature lake.
The shell like structure was inspired by my research into the swoosh pavilion which had a similar style, however the decision to separate these shells was the positioning of the panels on the airplane wings from my primary research. I found the this separation allowed a better circulation for users, and this was noted in my initial models and experiments.
This image displays the view form one of the three outer shells, the positioning of each shell allows users circulating around the space to view the performance from a space which isn't so close to the performance. This will be beneficial if the space gets over packed allowing users to spread out and still have a great view of the performance, or if they would like to watch from a distance in a more subtle space.
Landscape design Plan View For the landscape I created a total 9 planes of grass which surround the shells and the stage, they have a geometric style which is 10cm thick, creating some separation from the main ground surface, as well as distinguishing it from being apart of the original space to a part of the new structure
This is the stage which is a made up of 2 layers of, this should accommodate up to 100 people seated, the reason had reduced the amount seating place is I felt this structure worked better with the energy of people moving around the stage which created a better and more energetic atmosphere.
This is a view of the seating area which shows the approach towards the performance from the East Shell
East Shell This is the ‗North Shell‘‘ it is one of two shells positioned on each side of the seating area, this two create a tunnel like approach towards the seating area as people prepare to view the performance held on the stage West Shell This is the ‗South Shell‘‘ it is one of two shells positioned on each side of the seating area, this two create a tunnel like approach towards the seating area as people prepare to view the performance held on the stage
This is the main element of the design – the stage where the performances will take places, it is a build up 3 polygonal geometric shaped layers which can accommodate approximately 40 people on stage
This is a view from behind the stage which shows how the performance will be watched by the audience as well as the atmosphere. The reason the stage is placed at this exact point is because the River Thames sits behind this area allowing the users to see a beautiful landscape view of London's River Thames and city infrastructure whilst also seeing an onstage performance.
This is a pool of water on which the stage sits, this was implemented for aesthetic purposes, as well as the shimmer of light which bounces off the water creates a shiny reflection around the stage.
This is the West Shell, In this image you can see the lighting feature which I have created, this idea was inspired by my research into the Shanghai Expo Danish Pavilion, I felt this was a must as it immediately creates a aesthetic pleasure particularly with the vibrant colour which I chose to be illuminated by the natural light which will come from the sun. The vivid colour which is shone appears as a geometric mosaic on the ground which the users can interact with as well as appreciate.
The tessellating black tiles, were inspired by the swoosh pavilion, the purpose is for visual pleasure, and primarily to support the shells and induce further strength to the structure. I felt this combination worked well as it benefited the structure in more than one way. The tessellating tile feature is found on every shell all serving a similar purpose.
Evaluation For my A2 Exam Project, I visited the natural Science museum to collect primary visual inspiration. Thinking of the theme; truth fantasy or fiction I chose to look in the space and flight area which had interesting items including rockets, satellites and historic planes. Creating visual responses and then analysing an existing pavilion allowed me to gain an initial idea to begin my project with, allowing ideas to spur from this combination I was able to create a model. In regards to this I feel my initial research was effective as it allowed my to gain an understanding on how a successful pavilion works and images to inspire ideas in how to create my own. The initial research This is my first time creating a structure of this type, what I enjoyed most is the freedom I had to create a different designs, with few boundaries. I believe this allowed my to excel and make use of my knowledge in terms on the functionality of the space, and creating a successfully visually appealing appearance. The use of different materials, allowed me to understand which worked best and adapting the design to suit its purpose has resulted in a successful outcome in my view. As part of my learning and inspiration process, research into current established architecture and artist was essential. Researching existing pavilions and amphitheatres was key to understanding what would make my design successful by analysing ones which are already established. I felt all my research has a contributed to my final outcome, examples of this are the lighting feature, tessellating tiles & stage and seating layout. In particular I liked the shanghai expo Danish Pavilion for its orbiting, looping form which had a central figure similar to mine. I like how the structure wraps itself around a main focus and allows its users to move freely around the space whilst almost orbiting the monument in the middle. This was heavily inspirational towards the layout of my structure and the space, I wanted to similarly emphasise a central area particularly because this was the performance area which immediately calls for attention. I am extremely pleased with my final outcome in this projects, especially because of the response it got from my peers who praised the free flowing style, creative landscape i.e. grassland and miniature lake, and how each shell is tunnel which directs your eye to towards the performance. The most popular feature happened to be the lighting and is one which I felt allows the space to interact with its users, it is a subtle yet effective feature of the structure. The one aspect of the design which I did not like, is that the stage did not have a shell similar to others which makes it feel a little empty or to have something missing. This was a sacrifice which had to be made as I wanted the audience to get a great view of the landscape of the city behind the performance. At the beginning of the project My client had asked my to regenerate a space which lost its previous attracting aura, and still hold its primary use; performance area/amphitheatre. I believe I have done this as I have redesigned the area in its entirety, by relocating the position and redesigning the theatre space with its stage and seating., the new geometric style planes of grass, miniature lakes and enticing shell like structures. The space functions as it is required, and therefore I believe it is a successful production which should fulfil the desires of my client., as well as their target audience in families and all people as it is a public site.