Agenda “By designing the new judgment tower that acknowledges the purpose of the current traditional judgment box,I want the site to be a place for users to realise that new and old values and things can coexist together. “
Users Tourists
With the perfect view of the city, I hope that this will be one of the tourists spots. Tourists can take a look at the 1930s Melbourne architecture of the current judgment box and at the same time admire the new modern tower that is built. They will also realise the importance of Yarra River for various activities which forms part of the culture of Melbourne. Type of tourists In a group These are tourists who come in a group usually organised by tour companies and guided by tour guides. They usually come in large groups that range from 10 to 30 persons. Tour groups mostly consist of adults to older men and women. They follow the tour guide and sometimes listen to him when he is explaining about the place they visit. However, in a large group, they might make noise and might disturb other existing users. Solo traveller These are people who are travelling alone. They usually range from healthy young people to adult men and women. Older people do not usually travel alone. They do not make much noise and would prefer a quieter and more peaceful surroundings. They will enjoy the peace and the ambience of the surroundings of the tower. In a small group These tourists usually come in small groups ranging below 10 person. They are usually quite different from the large group tourists as they do not depend on tour guides. They do not make as much noise as the larger groups but might still produce some noise that distracts other users. As the tower might not be big, the space might be cramped and filled by visitors especially during the peak seasons.
Judges
The current function of the tower is still available, therefore, judges will use the tower too. Their purpose is just to judge the rowing competition and they would not be interested in admiring and enjoying the view. However, it is important that the tower is left empty on competition days which means that it would not be accessible during those days. This might be inconvenient for other users especially the tourists as the tourists do not come here again.
Design Process
JUDGEMENT TOWER
My tower has to respect the existence of the current tower. Therefore, my design incorporate one same characteristic as the current judgment box: symmetry
I started exploring the different forms of symmetrical tower that frames around the current box to guide users to acknowledge the current tower. I finally decided on making a tower instead of two as the movement is easier. Users need more movement to get from one tower to another one.
One tower will ease movement as users can get to another end easily.
Design Process
JUDGEMENT TOWER
I started exploring the different forms for my tower. Finally, I decided to have a form that focuses on 3 parts of the view, which are the city, the nature and both. Top View Exploration of the different forms of the tower
The part that protrudes out to lead users to focus on the view of nature.
The center part leads users to look at the entire view and experience the contrast
The part that protrudes out to lead users to focus on the view of city.
The height of the tower is about same as the current tower, so that it does not sit on top of the current judgment box which takes the attention away. By having almost the same height, it will guide people to look at the current tower too.
Back View
Side View
Design Process
JUDGEMENT TOWER
However, the design does not guide the users to thinking that it is a judgment spot. It would only be a tower that does not express its purpose. As the current judgment box also lacks of expression, I need to put the emphasis on my new design so that users will know that it is a rowing judgment spot. Hence, I decide to make walls with images on it that act as guidance towards understanding of the site.
Current tower
As sun and wind are one of my issues, I decided to build a roof on top for shade and protection. The roof is also just built on the sides so that it does not block the users of view and at the same time, it still provide shade from the sun. Users then have the freedom to stand under the roof when its hot or not to when the weather is fine. As the roof will be added, the shape of the tower has to be bigger to accommodate the roof on top. I also explored the different forms and designs for the roof. I realized that the wall feels enclosed as it is a big slab that’s covering the current tower. Hence, I decided that my hand railing and the rooftop would be more open to balance up the enclosed experience created by the wall. The roof will also be extended outwards to give extra coverage from the sun.
Wall with images of rowing activities on it
The dimensions have to be enlarged
Refining Ideas
Design of Rooftop I explored with the different shapes and forms of rooftop for my design. As the lower part of the tower gives a more enclosed and heavy feeling, I decide to balance the mood with a more open design for the upper part of the tower.
JUDGEMENT TOWER
Design of images on the wall
The images on the wall explains and guides the users towards the understanding the purpose of the current tower, which is to judge rowing activities. As this activity relates to water, I decided to incorporate the form of water waves on the wall. Imitating form of waves
I then decided to have a green rooftop where vines crawling on it. This provides shade from the sunlight and at the same time, closeness to nature. This gives the users to experience nature despite being in a man made tower, which also ties with my agenda, that is to create contrast.
the water
The images will clad the wall with material of lighter colour so that emphasis will be given on the shapes.
Positions of where the images are
Refining Ideas
JUDGEMENT TOWER
Materiality Timber – for handrailing and roof Used for the hand railing and the rooftop. This gives a closeness to nature for the structure, which is a contrast with the steel wall. Steel – for the walls It is a modern material and gives the tower a more modern look, which is a contrast with the current tower.
Glass that reflects - for the images on the wall So that it reflects the water which shows the tower’s association with water activities.
Refining Ideas
JUDGEMENT TOWER
Lighting Conditions Light source
Light source
In the morning
In the evening
This is the effect of light on both the towers. In the morning, the sun rises from the right of the picture.
This is the effect of light on both the towers. In the evening, the sun rises from the left of the picture.
The effect of shadows from the green roof provides some shade to the users, so they will be protected from the sun. A s the roof is green, which is made from nature, it will also feel cooler during the hotter days.
Because the design is symmetrical, the there will also be protection from at least either side of the roof whether is during the morning or evening.
Site Model
Scale 1:500
JUDGEMENT TOWER
Where my design is located
Presentation Model
SCALE
JUDGEMENT TOWER
1:50 Top elevation
Front elevation
Left Elevation
Back Elevation
Right Elevation
Presentation Model
SCALE Bird’s Eye View
Human Eye Perspective
1:50
JUDGEMENT TOWER
Photo Montage
JUDGEMENT TOWER