THE ART DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL
PRELIMINARY STUDY Ruzha Sirmanova
Preliminary Study
2017
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“Where do new ideas come from? The answer is simple: differences. Creativity comes from unlikely Juxtapositions.� Nicholas Negroponte, WIRED
Preliminary Study
2017
ART, DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL
This would encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, to take in a new skill, a new software, a new perspective of design which would ultimately enrich their work and broaden their mind set and help to mould them into more competitive professionals. The location of the building, is particularly important to the design, as it creates an opportunity to create a second grand entrance into the campus on the opposite side to the existing one at Reception. This would accommodate a large portion of the in-comers from Newsome and Aspley where the majority of student housing is. The site ties together the campus core, and the busy Queen Street South
A MANIFESTO
where the existing Architecture School is located. A current problem is the lack of connectivity between this building to the rest of the campus. Currently, the largest and most popular school in the University of Huddersfield
Even though it’s only next door, the new
is that of Art, Design and Architecture.
site has the potential to turn into a vocal
Due to the amount of departments and
point. A link between Queen Street
courses within, the staff and students
South, the core of the campus and the
connected to them are split between sev-
existing main entrance at Reception.
eral buildings which bare no relationship
Concept Sketch, Jan 2017 Face to the Campus
between each other. This dislocation
Strong axis and views towards Castle
and lack of fluidity prevent the stu-
Hill, the Huddersfield Town Hall and the
dents from different courses to interact
university library guide the new building’s
and learn from each other’s design
location: at the rear of the site and snug
perceptions.
to the campus to avoid the existing issue of disconnection. This is the most charac-
This proposal for a new building for
teristic part of the property, based on the
the school, seeks to accommodate all
considerable difference in levels and the
courses related to art and design in
boundary with the canal.
order to create a platform for interaction, communication and the creation of a
Strongly enhanced by its location, the
design community between all students
proposal has the potential to become one
and all staff.
of the main elements in the townscape of the campus - a gravity force facing
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To work in unison and to avoid isolation,
both inwards and outwards, it can give
there are no course-dedicated spaces
a new face of the design community
planned by the strategic brief. Instead,
to the locals and invite them in to
flexible learning spaces have been cre-
diversify the design conversation and
ated based on the space-requirements
unplanned activity of learning even
of each course to facilitate interactions.
further.
cityscape
market research
group psychology
transparent
job opportunity
shared studios
axis
experience
open plan
mindful
market ave
open to public
fit to purpose
approachable
permeable
communal
unplanned
access
Preliminary Study
2017
contents D
1
MANIFESTO
IST P OSTAL D RI
H CT
NEW DESIGN SCHOOL
PAGES 04-05
STATEMENT OF NEED
CHAPTER 1
D5 DIST ICT H R
HUDDERSF'D & THE CAMPUS
TAL POS
CULTURAL CONTEXT
PAGES 08-19
CHAPTER 2
SITE A N A LY S I S & SITE EVALUATION
PAGES 20-29
CHAPTER 3
PROGRAMME/ ACTIVITIES LIST OF ACCOMMODATION
6
PAGES 30-49
CHAPTER 4
PRECEDENT STUDIES MARNE-LA-VALLEE ERASMUS UNI'TY
PAGES 50-58
CHAPTER 5
ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA STRATEGY MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY hard landscaping and exhibiton space open to wind and rain vast and sunny
soft landscaping southern light sheltered green space socialising
existing greenery & soft landscape preserved
PAGES 59-65
CHAPTER 6
SKETCH DESIGN
PAGES 66-79
ORGANIZATION CONTEXT
the new green spaces blend in with the wildlife around the Huddersfield canal
CHAPTER 7
landscaped barrier or banking to protect from the elements
EXERCISE 01 THE FUTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGY AND VR TECH
PAGES 80-97
CHAPTER 1 CULTURAL CONTEXT
THE MULTI-LAYER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUDDERSFIELD AND ITS UNIVERSITY
demolition projects around the Huddersfield town center very clearly gravitate around the student demographic. The Huddersfield university prides itself in being one of the fastest growing in the country. Therefore, it is no surprise that a large amount of recent developments within the town are in some way connected to catering and attracting new students in. New university facilities, large sports
HUDDERSFIELD- AN EDUCATIONAL C E N T E R
Newly built, recently refurbished and
halls and a variety of student accommodation determine the character of the town's new builts. Considering the new college buildings as well, it is clear that Huddersfield is large educational center in terms of new developments. It is interesting to explore the relationship between these modern developments with their historical context dating back to the Victorian era - determining the new builts' locations - majorly outside the ring-road and the Huddersfield town center conservation area.
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1
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TOP : 04. HUDDERSFIELD LAW SCHOOL MIDDLE : 03. KIRKLEES COLLEGE BOTTOM : 13. REFURBISHED STUDENT HOUSING
3
01. KIRKLEES LEISURE CENTER 02. STUDENT A 07-08-09. CARPARKS 10. OLDGATE ACCOMMODAT
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6 7
5 11 10 14
13
12
4
Key 9
Recently Built Major New Developments 8
Recently Demolished New Brownfield Sites Recently Refurbishes Existing Buildings
ACCOMMODATION 03. KIRKLEES COLLEGE 04. HUDDERSFIELD UNIVERSITY 05. POLYSEAM FACTORY 06. FORMER LEISURE CENTER TION 11. PALACE STUDIO ACCOMMODATION 12. THE PACKHORSE KITCHEN 13. BROOKES YARD ACCOMMODATION 14. STANDARD HOUSE ACCOMMODATION 15. UNDERGROUND
Preliminary Study
The university and college centrism has both its positive and negative effects on the town center's property market and commuting patterns. On one side it gives the local economy a significant boost during the academic year but on the other - it affects the property market in the town center. Over saturated with student living, it doesn't offer much variety for accommodation for young families and professional; it also creates a pre-condition for even higher property prices in the proximity near the campus. The extreme location division between student and non-student housing prevents the two main demographics of the area to mix and splits the community into two polarities. The diagrams on the right hand side show commuting data of the Huddersfield area proving that the university is in the top three locations commuters travel to (marked with blue) all thee way from bigger cities nearby. This makes clear that the university is one of the largest single-institution job providers in Huddersfield.
THE UNIVERSITY IS ONE OF THE LARGEST SINGLE INSTITUTION EMPLOYERS IN THE HUDD AREA
2017
JUST 1 OF TOWN CENTER HOUSING PROPERTIES FEATURES A GARDEN
70% OF ALL RENTALS WITHIN THE TOWN CENTER ARE FOR
1 EMPTY PLOT AVAILABLE TO RENT IN THE TOWN CENTER IS CURRENTLY PARKING
ÂŁ 156,829 CURRENT AVERAGE PRICE PAID IN HUDDERSFIELD
+0.81% VALUECHANGEIN THEPAST3MONTHS HUDDERSFIELD Images Left: A heat map of the Huddersfield town center demonstrates the higher prices of properties near the university campus, the heart of town and the Greenhead park. Above: A pie chart represents the amount of available properties to rent or/and buy within the ring road based on data from December 2016 Right: The diagrams demonstrate the commute to and from different locations in Huddersfield proving that the majority of the population commutes to work outside Huddersfield (shown in red). Blue colour marks locations where commuters travel to with the University in the top three destinations.
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Commute to Fartown
Commute to Huddersfield University Commute to Hudd Town Center
Commute from Holmfirth
Commute from Shelley
Commute from Brighouse
Commute from Leeds Road
Commute from Lockwood
Commute from Golcar
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2017
HUDDERSFIELD CENTER READ IN DISTRICTS CONNECTIONS WITH THE UNIVERSITY We have identified 7 distinct districts
and experiences extreme fluctuations in
Retail
defined by typologies, character and
occupancy over the course of 24 hours.
This is the largest town centre district
urban grain. Only 3 however of major
which typically has the highest pedestrian
interest to this study.
occupancy during the day, remaining fairly high in the evening due to a large number University
of restaurants and bars. Whilst the majority
There are two industrial districts around
The university campus has developed
of the district resides in the town centre
the town centre, one to the south and
through the reuse of existing buildings
conservation area, slithers of land in the
one to the northern east. Both of these
and a series of tailored developments.
centre of the area are unprotected resulting
districts feature large urban blocks with
Whilst the eclectic range of buildings
in a more diverse range of materials and
plenty of open space for access and
typologies would otherwise create a rift
styles compared to the north of the town.
circulation. The two districts adopt a
in the collective nature of the district, the
The two main routes through the district,
similar character blending old Victorian
identity of the area is reinforced by the
Kings Street and New Street have evolved
mills with contemporary factory buildings.
contrast of character to the town centre
from distinct nodes which have changed
Both areas are lacking in public spaces
and the constant student occupation.
over time.
In 2009, the Kirklees Council have
OPTION 2 HORSESHOE
commissioned URBED to generate a
The second option is to turn the ringroad
proposal for the redevelopment of the
into a horse-shoe shaped bypass which
Huddersfield town center.
would connect the town center and the
urbandevelopm't proposal: URBED new 3 options
Industrial
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University campus, and encourage busiOPTION 1 TOURNIQUET
nesses based around the canal, based on
They suggest three options to tackle the
the URBED online report. (URBED, 2015)
underused areas surrounding the ringroad. According to the URBED website,
The designers suggest partial implementa-
the bypass could either be turned into
tion of Option 1 as well in order to make the
a boulevard by the addition of multiple
bypass more attractive and easily crossable
points of controlled pedestrian move-
by pedestrians. (URBED, 2015)
ment, cycling lanes and vegetation. This would improve the dialog between
OPTION 3 GRID
the town core and beyond by boosting
URBED’s third options for the Huddersfield
circulation and the town’s overall appear-
town center is to bring back the Victorian
ance the architectural team suggests.
grid. (URBED, 2015)
(URBED, 2015)
CURRENTLY THE CAMPUS IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TOWN'S ACTIVITY - FORMING ITS OWN DISTRICT SLIGHTLY OVERLAPPING WITH THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE TO THE SOUTH. THIS CONNECTION PRE-DETERMINES THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDINGS IN THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED SITE ALL OF URBED'S PROPOSALS LOOK INTO UNFOLDING THE TOWNCENTER TO THE SOUTH EAST TO 'LOOK' TOWARDS THE WATERFRONT RE-IMAGINING THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT OF THE SETTLEMENT. SUCH DEVELOPMENT WOULD CONNECT THE CAMPUS AND THE TOWN & CREATING A STRONGER COMMUNITY
Listed Building
Vegitation and Wildlife
Districts
Key
Key
Private Grassland Habitat
Industrial District
Water and wet lands Habitat
Public Transportation District
Woodland Habitat
University District
Trees Habitat
Northern Quarter District
Urban Habitat
Retail District
IST P OSTAL D RI
1
Public Grassland Habitat
HD CT Greenhead Residential District
Civic District Postcode Boundary Line Wildlife
TAL POS
D5 DIST ICT H R
Preliminary Study
Building Typologies - Huddersfield's Independent Businesses. It is important to mention that the majority of the vacant properties lies on the smaller scale. All large size units are taken up by major companies such as Subway, Rayman, McDonalds, Nandos, Costa Coffee and so on. Nearly half the unit area within the ringroad is owned or rented by major companies. Further investigation shows that if broken down, the area of those is spread between 5 focal points: Kingsgate, Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Wilko. This results in preventing smaller businesses of renting larger units, raising the average rent prices and driving independents out of town and in bigger settlements such as Leeds and Bradford. Andy Jackson states rent prices are comparable between Huddersfield town and cities around, but cities guarantee larger turnover for possible tenants making the choice of most business owners obvious (Jackson, 2016). The diagrams to the right clearly show the constraints in size in the vacant units, regardless of their central location. 10% of the town center footprint is unoccupied. This figure has been further influenced by the closure of BHS.
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THE MAJOR SELLING POINT FOR TOURISM IS THE LARGE AMOUNT OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
2017
The large amount of independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, housed in numerous arcades and markets frame the retail character of the Huddersfield town center. On one hand the demand for those is majorly determined by the amount of students who tend to visit such spots and create a need for this niche of the market. On the other - this gives Huddersfield a unique quality that could attract shopping tourism. However, these independent/craft businesses appear to require larger spaces to rent than what is available. This is clear from the amount of empty small units.
GIVING A RETAIL ASPECT TO THE NEW ART, DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL WOULD NOT ONLY GIVE THE STUDENTS A PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE AND SELL THEIR DESIGN WORK BUT IT WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNIQUE QUALITY OF HUDDERSFIELD AND ITS INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES ATTRACTING MORE PEOPLE AND CREATING A LARGER REVENUE WHICH WOULD BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.
Vacant Properties Independent Businesses Unoccupied Units Within the Ringroad Locally Run Cafes, Restaurants, Shops and Bars
Chains Supermarkets, National and Global Brands and Department Stores
Preliminary Study
The culture, arts and creativity of Huddersfield. Various events take place in Huddersfield during the year. The majority of them, with only a few exceptions, take place within the town center. There are annual/seasonal events organised with the help of the local authorities, such as Food Festivals, Christmas villages and cultural celebrations which encourage diversity and invest in the micro economy promoting local businesses and generating quick turnover. Another institution that is involved in the majority of larger scale events is the university which policy is based on being a multi-cultural center - various events take place to celebrate this but are often closed to the wider public. The main stem of creative activities, however, are on the smaller scale, ran by communities with common interests or local business owners. These can happen as often as once a week and attracts regular customers. Gigs, sketch crawls, ale trails, craft fairs and amateur exhibitions attract more revenue in the long term due to their repetition. These are a possible opportunity to encourage tourism based on the events’ uniqueness.
THE UNIVERSITY REGULARLY RUNS EVENTS WHICH CELEBRATE ITS MULTI-CULTURAL STUDENTS' DIVERSITY
2017
MAKING THE NEW BUILDING MORE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WILL CREATE NEW KIND OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE STUDENTS AND THE LOCALS. THERE ALREADY IS AN OBVIOUS INTEREST IN ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE EVENTS. AT THE SAME TIME THE UNIVERSITY IS ONE OF THE LARGEST INSTITUTIONS IN TOWN TO RUN SUCH EVENTS. THEREFORE CREATING A SPACE THAT CAN GIVE THIS OPPORTUNITY WOULD BENEFIT BOTH PARTIES.
Key Authority Subsidised Event Festivals, Food or Craft Market Performance Theatre, Dance, Comedy Small Scale Event Gigs, Buskers, Pop up Shops Creative Arts Exhibitions, Pop up Shops, Sketch Crawl Music Event Gigs, Karaoke, Acoustic Night Food Food and Drinks Festival, German Market
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Preliminary Study
2017
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CHAPTER 2 SITE ANALYSIS
CLIMATE AND VEGETATION TOPOGRAPHY AND THE CANAL ACCESSIBILITY AND DESIRED PATHS AXIS AND NODES VIEWS IN AND VIEWS OUT BUILDING TEXTURES
Preliminary Study
analysis
site location & immediate context
2017
the site is location on Queensgate and its key characteristic is that it bridges the campus and a main road shooting off the south end of the ring road...
0.13km total uni campus 2
0.01 km total site area
2
7.69% 3.00m level difference on site of total campus area
2.02m
level difference with Queen Str Studios
4.82m level difference
1 2
22
9. Faith Center 10. Estates Building 11. Milton Building 12. Ramsden Building 13. Science Building 14. Queen Street Studio 15. Canal Side West 16. Canal Side East
3
13 5
8 12
6
11 10
with University Rd Key 1. St Pauls Hall 2. Harold Wilson Building 3. Technology Building 4. Central Services Building 5. Business School 6. Lockside Building 7. Buckley Theatre 8. West Building
4
7
9 16
15 14
Preliminary Study
site evaluation & climate data
analysis
2017
daylight, and particularly north light, is of great importance to the majority of activities most art and design students undertake, such as: drawing, model-making & sewing... N
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
1:5000
09am
revealed-britains-wettest-cities---7953017 Wind speed - Huddersfield - Climate Robot United Kingdom. (2017). Weatheronline.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2017, from http://www.weatheronline.co.uk
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400m
500m
the site. This, as well as its size and general flat na-
12am
ture, make it unsheltered from rain and the strong winds coming from the West and South/West. At the same time there are no obstructions to the direct sunlight so it receives rays throughout the day from the South - this is also the most open elevation of the site. From every other side, mills and university
04pm
buildings rise. It is situated relatively far from the university core but is close to the Huddersfield ring-road and it links a large off-shoot from the ring-road and University street which leads into campus from
Sirmanova, Ruzha et al. Huddersfield: Urban Study. 1st ed.
eningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/
300m
No large trees or buildings are in close proximity to
Sources:
2 January 2017, from http://www.manchesterev-
200m
campus and town center.
Bottom three images: Shade study of the proposed site on Queensgate South at 09am, 12am and 04pm. These are the busiest times on campus: before and after lectures and peaking at lunch time. Considering the site to work as a second entrance to the campus for those coming from the student residential quarter, it will receive a large amount of footfall during those hours similarly to the University Plaza, situated on the opposite end of the campus. The two can turn into the two poles of the micro-cosmos.
Manchester barely makes the top 10. men. Retrieved
100m
strategic location in connection to the University
Top image: Shade study of Huddersfield town center in winter shows the sun directio in the morning, noon and afternoon during the most part of the academic year (September-May) It shows that whatever is built on site would cast a large shadow to the North throughout the most of the year. Therefore a new school design would require this to be taken into consideration.
Ottewell, D. (2017). Revealed: Britain’s wettest cities - and
0
by its openness and large size as well as its
Images
Huddersfield: N.p., 2017. Print.
100m
The character of the site is mostly conditioned
16.4kph west+sw average wind speed direction of 50% of winds jan
sept
highest wind speed
lowest wind speed
04áľ—Ę° rainiest town in UK
102.8 cms rain/year
Aspley. This location is particularly important as it could pave the way to creating a second main entrance to the campus. Furthermore, this would be an entrance that connects the student residential quarter. This would prove useful as the existing parade entrance links the campus and the retail quarter of the town center but is located on the opposite site in connection to where most of the students
currently the site is not sheltered from the elements - it receives sun throughout the day but is also open to strong winds c
Huddersfield has relatively mild winter and
40
SEPT TO NOV
cool summer. 20
It receives a large amount of rain in compari-
0
son with the rest of the country and due to its -20 JAN
MAR
MAY
JUL
SEP
NOV
near proximity to the Pennines - it is characteristic with its strong winds from the West and
DryBulb Temp - Min DryBulb Temp - Max DryBulb Temp - Average
South/West, which are at their strongest in the MARCH TO MAY
September to November and the Decem-
Monthly Temperature
Images
ber-February quarters - which are a large part
Top: Annual temperature data for Huddersfield Middle: Annual rainfall data for Huddersfield Side and Bottom: Quarterly wind study for Huddersfield
of the academic year and this when the most people will visit the site in focus. RAINFALL 80mm
60mm JUNE TO AUG
20 c
40mm
10 c
20mm
TEMP JAN
DEC TO FEB
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Preliminary Study
the site axis are of major importance to the proposed design the existing roads - Chapel Str, University Rd and Commercial Str provide views of the site from a great distance A
B
C
D
C
University Road
B
Analysis
topogra phy and axis lines
2017
rcia lS tre
et
The three axis lines meet in the middle drives the design proposal.
Co m
me
of the site forming a focal point which A
A
and add a dramatic element and a sense
C
allow views of the site of a great distance
B
main road coming into the campus. The
Queensgate South
The three axis lines are led by the three
D
of arrival to it. The names of the axis lines (A-B-C) note their hierarchy to the design proposal. The main axis considered is the one
Route A comes from the parade entrance
running along University Rd, connect-
and the heart of campus; B - from the
ing the site with University Reception
public way and the ring road; C - from the students' residential quarter.
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the close proximity of the Huddersfield Canal and the Colne River mark the South/East edge of the campus as low-risk floor zone. The site is not included due to its height but is on the boundary N Canal/River Broad Canal MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
Low Risk of Flood River Colne High Risk of Flood
Buildings
1:5000 100m
Section AA
Section BB
Section CC
Section DD
0
100m
200m
300m
400m
500m
Preliminary Study
analysis
access, views and materiality
2017
the circulation patterns of the campus show a very clear need to use this opportunity to connect Queensgate South and Commercial street The two diagrams show an obvious grid and pattern of movement through, around and into the campus. The proposed site is the only blank that offers no permeability. Therefore the design strictly looks on how to take on this opportunity and improve the existing connectivity. Pedestrian and vehicular access is visible on each side of the campus. However, there is lack of connections in the south/west. This makes connecting certain buildings away from the heart of the university difficult - and buildings which seem close in plan take longer to connect. Even though it is on the very edge of the existing campus, the site's size allows new access between the buildings which are further away such as Queen Street Studios. Furthermore, it will provide a new vehicular access into the university which doesn't necessarily require joining the ring-road.
Castle Hill is one of the most beloved landmark of the local community.
Another force of the design is the views out of the site. St Pauls Spire, the Student Services
The site's level and location offer a view of both the hill and the Victoria tower, as well as the road leading up from Newsome.
High Rise, the Kirklees College, the Town Hall and the Ramsden Building along with Canal
On a clear day the tower is easy to spot and on a grey winter one - it is hidden in fog, with only its silhouette visible - giving an eerie dramatic sense.
Side's listed chimney are among the various peaks in the skyline - visible from the site. They
This is a view of major cultural importance to Huddersfield and is considered in the design proposal in its communal aspect.
mould the desired views and axis out of it.
04pm
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the materiality is largely predetermined by the industrial character of the site - Victorian vernacular architecture meets its modern counter-part
Both as part of the surroundings and re-used on campus mill-buildings are
example of the University's approach towards the local architecture and its
scattered around the site. Local drystone, grey slate, cobbled roads and natural
modern take on it. The language of the campus is expressed in cool-grey
stone retaining walls mark the materiality of the site. In the top right corner, an
minimalist concrete features, red brick tiles and occasional green spaces.
Preliminary Study
2017
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CHAPTER 3 PROGRAMME
THE USERS AND THEIR COURSES THE EXISTING FACILITIES LIST OF ACTIVITIES LIST OF ACCOMMODATION
Preliminary Study
the technology block spacialt eanalysis: xtiles
2017
32
The department of Fashion and Textiles
various machines which could cause harm
is currently split between the CAB and
if used incorrectly. Weaving and sewing
Technology Buildings. The courses
machine studios are featured in large
within the topic of textiles are as it
quantities as well as textile printing
follows:
workshops. The facilities include a spray-paint booth, water spraying booth
Costume with Textiles (BA)
to clean the used patterns, irons and
Fashion and Textile Buying Management (BA)
boards, as well as washing machines.
Textile Practice & Surface Design (BA/BSc) Textile Practice & Textile Crafts & Arts (BA/BSc)
The spaces include a separate storage
Textile Practice & Textile Design (BA/BSc)
room (90sqm) and include units in each
Creative Pattern Cutting (MA)
workshop, with a lot of the materials,
Fashion Textile Practices (MA)
stored underneath the large working tables. Smaller embroidery and laser-cutting studi-
The connections between fashion-tex-
os are also part of the Tech building, along
tile-costume design become apparent
with 3 CAD rooms.
from the course names and the contents of the workshops. A visit to both buildings
The majority of the workshops and
has made it clear that the spaces tend to
PC labs include a small office for staff
be cluttered and at the same time full of
support.
" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN. WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE." - Alice, Graduate Textile & Surface Design
Preliminary Study
& fine art
the technology analysis: block pspacial h o t o g ra p h y
2017
34
The department of Art and Communi-
and all work and materials are hung
cation is currently housed in the CAB
around it.
and Technology Buildings. The art courses within are:
Three CAD rooms are also part of the art work space. Their studios are situated
Photography (BA)
near the printing services. They have got
Contemporary Art and Illustration (BA)
no natural light provided and are in black
Illustration (BA)
where photography is housed and white in the fine art area.
" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN.
Very few studios belong to the art related courses. There are two major photogra-
Both studios were busy and cluttered
phy studios, one of which is open plan
making it clear that these courses need
and includes 6 pods separated with
a larger area to occupy and more storage
black-curtains.
space to accommodate their needs.
The fine art studios are among the most personalised working space in
WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE."
the two buildings. A large open plan area is partitioned into small pods each including a seat and a drawing board
- Matt , Final Year Student Graphic Design
Preliminary Study
the technology block spacialc oanalysis: stume
2017
36
The department of Fashion and Textiles
Many of the drawings hung on the walls are,
is currently split between the CAB and
however, drawn by hand implying the stu-
Technology Buildings. There is current-
dents in the course need flexible working
ly only one course within the topic of
space where they can use a computer or
costume design.
sketch and draw by hand.
The costume design working space very
The position of the studio in the Tech
obviously conveys the connection with
building was in between the textile print-
both fashion and textiles. This is based
ing workshops and the fine art drawing
on the machines and amenities used,
rooms - a somewhat natural transition
as well as the spaces needed.
- giving the students an opportunity to flow into each of the two spaces accord-
Ironing boards, sewing machines and
ing to the need to either create textiles
mannequins fill the costume design
for clothing or accessories/masks and
studio. Cutting patterns and drawn masks
other objects.
hang on the walls. The many sewing machines in the studio The course uses the CAD rooms provided
make it clear that this is a loud space where
to work on designs and create textures
ear-plugs are usually provided.
and patterns.
" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN. WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE." - Matt , Final Year Student Graphic Design
Preliminary Study
the creative analysis: a r t s spacialfas h io n
2017
38
The fashion related courses are majorly
boards. The same tables seem largely un-
situated in the Creative Arts Build-
derused, with materials and kit left on them
ing. However, their close connection
and turned into storage surfaces. Everyone
with textiles which are located in the
is stood around equestriennes working on
building opposite make it illogical for
their designs. There is majorly artificial light
the two to be separated. The fashion
coming in the room regardless of the large
courses provided are:
windows wrapping round the majority of vertical surfaces.
Fashion & Textile Buying Management (BA) Fashion Communication & Promotion (BA)
There is a 'panic point' to deal with
Fashion Design, Marketing & Production (BA)
burns and any other damage done by
Fashion Design & Textiles (BA)
machines. Three small offices of support
International Fashion Management (MA)
staff are located near the exits.
The fashion sewing and clothes' pro-
In the large narrow open plan hall, par-
duction space is cluttered and full of
titions divide the sewing machines from
machines, hot presses, ironing boards and
the rest of the spaces. It is debatable if
mannequins. It is extremely hot and it is
this reduces the noise levels when some-
difficult to walk through it without fearing
one uses them.
one will push things off the tables and
" I LIKE THAT SOME SPACES SEEM TO HAVE BEEN BUILT FOR PURPOSE LIKE THE MUSIC RELATED ROOMS - BUT NOT OURS. THEY ARE JUST A BIT DULL AND DON'T ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY. ALSO, IT IS ALWAYS REALLY HOT OR REALLY COLD" - Rachael, Graduate Fashion Design & Communications
Preliminary Study
the creative analysis: a r t s spacial d igital arts
2017
40
The digital arts are part of the Art
vided on one side of the rooms and storage,
and Communication Department.
sink and cutting/photography facilities on
These courses are majorly based in
the other. Tutors' offices are situated inside
the Creative Arts Building but still use
the studio spaces to encourage interaction
workshops and printing services in the
with the students.
Technology Building. The digital arts courses are:
It appears that all 4 courses are housed in this space, where they share thoughts, ide-
Animation (BA)
as and facilities, as well as various lectures
Graphic Design and Animation (BA)
and tutorials on the subjects they have in
Graphic Design (BA & MA)
common.
Digital Media (MA) Printing, binding and cutting is a major The spaces used in the CAB are rather
part of these courses' work and very
fluid and overlooking the ring-road. There
little facilities are provided for them in
is plenty of storage and various partitions
this space. They have free access to the
and moving walls to divide the open plan
printing studio in the building opposite.
space into three still large rooms which
However, its availability and opening
can be separated further. TV screens,
times are restricted to business hours.
projector screens and computers are pro-
" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN. WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE." - Matey , Final Year Student Graphic Design
" I THINK THE CONNECTING ROOMS THAT CAN BE PARTITIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR A CREATIVE SPACE BECAUSE IT ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION ...AND ALSO MEANS THAT WHEN SEPARATE SPACES ARE REQUIRED IT CAN BE EASILY ACCOMPLISHED" - Becky, Final Year Student Graphic Design
Preliminary Study
the creative analysis: a r t s spacial Queen Street S
2017
42
Queen Street Studios houses the
The major drawback of the building is that
department of Architecture and 3D De-
it is located almost outside the campus,
sign. It includes the majority of studios
isolating the students inside it from the
for all courses which are part of the
university life and activities.
dept. However, taught lectures are still being held in several other buildings .
A walk through the floors shows a need for
The courses it entails are the following:
a large workshops space, along with a spray booth, a laser-cutting and a 3D printing
Architecture/ Arch International (BA&MA)
facility along with a support staff office
Architectural Technology (BSc)
attached to them.
Construction Project Management (BSc&MSc) Interior Design (BA)
It appears that there is insufficient
Product Design (BA/BSc)
or 2-direction light in the studios
Building Surveying (BSc)
which could be a major problem when
Quantity Surveying (BSc)
sketching, painting or technical drawing.
Advanced Architectural Design (MA)
Also, the horizontal circulation and the
Design Integration & BIM (MSc)
open plan layout clash where privacy is
Professional Practice Management (PgCert)
sought during crits and tutorials cutting
Sustainable Architecture (MSc)
off access to facilities and offices on the
Urban Design (MA)
other side of certain studios.
" I WOULD HAVE LIKED MORE STORAGE SPACE FOR ART SUPPLIES AND MODELS AND A DESIGN-BASED LIBRARY FACILITY. MAYBE SOME PRIVATE ROOMS TO TALK TO THE TUTORS AND BIGGER INDIVIDUAL DESKS IN THE DESIGN STUDIOS. " - Kristina, Final Year Student Interior Design
" I REALLY LIKE THE SHARED WORK SPACES AND THE AVAILABLE PRINTING FACILITIES. BUT THE STUDIOS ARE NOT BIG ENOUGH AND TEND TO HAVE SUCH LAYOUT THAT CAUSES INCONVENIENCE IN THE CIRCULATION. ALSO, WE NEED MORE NATURAL LIGHT." - Aleks, M.Arch 2 Student Architecture MA
Preliminary Study
2017
TYPICAL USERS' PROFILES The following information is based on interviews, observations and experience. All names and details have been changed
STATS NAME: Iain, 28 OCCUPATION: Part-time architectural assistant COURSE: Architecture Part III HABIT: Iain works two days a week. The rest of the time he spends mainly in the studio. He likes to have his personalised desk where he can leave his books and notes and use his laptop. He tends to bring his lunch but sometimes eats in the studio cafeteria. He tends to build his physical models in the studio so he needs storage and occasionally extra space. STATS NAME: Alanah, 21 OCCUPATION: Part-time barmaid COURSE: Textile and Surface Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Alanah often works in the studio in order to use the facilities in the workshops. She brings her own lunch but she buys coffee daily from the cafeteria. She like working alone but surrounded by people and wishes for her own semi-open 'cubicle' to pin up her work and keep her supplies. She also likes when she can have 24 hour studio access. STATS NAME: Richard, 57 OCCUPATION: Full time tutor and lecturer COURSE: Graphic Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Richard spends most days in studio tutoring or marking work. He likes interacting with the students even when there are no scheduled classes so he doesn't mind if they stop or visit his office to ask questions. He goes out for lunch with other tutors and prefers teaching in an informal manner because he believes this is the best way for them to learn.
44
STATS NAME: Hannah, 35 OCCUPATION: Part-time tutor COURSE: Product Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Hannah commutes from Leeds every day and prefers to have lots of storage to keep things she might need if she is staying late in the office. She likes coming in early in the morning to have her breakfast in her office. She is working on her studies between tutoring and checking student essays so needs plenty of space. Hannah only works 2 days a week. STATS NAME: Sonia, 19 OCCUPATION: Student COURSE: Fashion Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Sonia is new to Huddersfield. She likes staying in the studio for long periods of time where she makes new friends and learns from the other students. She wishes she had somewhere to rest and change the scenery sometimes. Also, she likes reading magazines in the studio but she can't take them outside the library which is in a different building. STATS NAME: Philip, 26 OCCUPATION: Library Student Helper COURSE: Animation HABIT: Philip spends a lot of time on campus due to his parttime job. That is why he only spends time in the studio during scheduled classes or when he needs to use the facilities. The rest of the time he studies at home. He comes to the studio to print and scan his work and likes when he can find a PC that is close to these machines. This is the only time he requires one.
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2017
3D DESIGN & DIGITAL MEDIA & GRAPHIC DESIGN
ARCHITECTURE & ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY INTERIOR DESIGN
ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION
COURSE CLUSTERS
CONTEMPORARY ART & FINE ART
COURSE CLUSTERS
SPACES PROVIDED
WOOD AND METAL WORK WORKSHOPS SPRAY ROOMS
FLEXIBLE SPACE TO STUDY IN GROUPS AND ALONE TO ACCOMMODATE DESKS WITH PC'S, MACS AS WELL AS EMPTY ONES
SPACE WITH WHITE NATURAL LIGHT COMING FROM ONLY ONE DIRECTION FOR A DRAWING BOARDS STUDIO
PAINTING AND SCULPTURE STUDIO LASER-CUT WORKSHOP 3D PRINTING
ACTIVITIES
conclusions
Activities: Activities: Using various machines to Work on computers and work on wood and metal laptops, sketch, draw, write, Associated with loud noise, read, take and copy notes, messy studios, could be dantype, make models gerous to an extend - close Chat, make calls, have coffee, proximity to medical room/ have tutorials and informal first aider's office crits
46
Activities: Teaching technical drawing to new students, studio to house light boxes and guillotines as well as drawing boards
Activities: Assisted and self-serviced use of those spaces
Based on the findings about the different spaces the courses require, as well as the needs of the students and staff interviewed, this diagram was developed to show the major overlaps in workshop and studio areas, as well as lecture halls and classrooms between them and the opportunity to reduce the overall area of the project and utilise all spaces more by shcedulling different courses in the same space on different days of the week. This strategy, requires a larger common area to be used when students visit the campus outside scheduled classes. The research and the conversation with the users was helpful to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the existing buildings n terms of their work and spacial requirements; to understand the group psychology and the dynamics of each studio and workshop: where more light is needed; where storage is required and what sort of work areas suit them best to maximise their university experience. Further conversation helped to find out what sort of spaces are needed more than in the past and how the university buildings would develop in the near future. A summarised list of these findings is to the left.
COSTUME DESIGN & FASHION DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY
TEXTILE DESIGN
PRODUCT DESIGN
COURSE CLUSTERS SPACES PROVIDED
SEWING MACHINES STUDIOS,
& TEXTILE PRINTING WORKSHOPS
DARK ROOM, PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PRINTING STUDIO TO HOUSE A0-A4 PRINTING, BINDING AND CUTTING SELF AND ASSISTED SERVICES
ACTIVITIES Activities: The production of clothes and costumes, hiring models, Changing outfits, Fitting space to adjust Clothes sizes
TOILETS SHOWERS CHANGING ROOMS KITCHENS CAFETERIA STORAGE ROOMS SERVER ROOM LOCKERS BIKE STORE
Activities: Taking and Editing Photos in connection to various courses
REST AREAS
Activities: Weaving machines studios, textile painting and fabric printing machines
SERVICE CENTER/RECEPTION
CAFE FOOD HALL BOOKSHOP/ART SUPPLIES BOX-OFFICE - To SHOW ALL SHOWS/EXHIBITIONS/GUEST LECTURES ETC. (public)
Activities: Printing Large formats on various sizes paper, to offer binding service and a photo printer. Possibly a shop counter to sell higher-priced paper/ink/binding products
LIBRARY (TRB) THEATRE
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OFFICE FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE FOR A START UP COMPANY
EXHIBITION SPACE FORMAL CRIT SPACE CAMPUS CIRCULATION CONNECTION
Preliminary Study
accommodation analysis: list spacial present & future
2017
Images Top image: Shade study of Huddersfield town center in winter shows the sun direction in the morning, noon and afternoon during the most part of the academic year (September-May) It shows that whatever is built on site would cast a large shadow to the North throughout the most of the year. Therefore a new school design would require this to be taken into consideration. Bottom three images: Shade study of the proposed site on Queensgate South at 09am, 12am and 04pm. These are the busiest times on campus: before and after lectures and peaking at lunch time. Considering the site to work as a second entrance to the campus for those coming from the student residential quarter, it will receive a large amount of footfall during those hours similarly to the University Plaza, situated on the opposite end of the campus. The two can turn into the two poles of the micro-cosmos.
Sources: Sirmanova, Ruzha et al. Huddersfield: Urban Study. 1st ed. Huddersfield: N.p., 2017. Print. Ottewell, D. (2017). Revealed: Britain’s wettest cities - and Manchester barely makes the top 10. men. Retrieved 2 January 2017, from http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ revealed-britains-wettest-cities---7953017 Wind speed - Huddersfield - Climate Robot United Kingdom. (2017). Weatheronline.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2017, from http://www.weatheronline.co.uk
48
Queen Street Studios houses the
Building Surveying (BSc)
department of Architecture and 3D De-
Quantity Surveying (BSc)
sign. It includes the majority of studios
Advanced Architectural Design (MA)
for all courses which are part of the
Design Integration & BIM (MSc)
dept. However, taught lectures are still
Professional Practice Management (PgCert)
being held in several other buildings .
Sustainable Architecture (MSc)
The courses it entails are the following:
Urban Design (MA) The major drawback of the building is that
Architecture/ Arch International (BA&MA)
it is located almost outside the campus,
Architectural Technology (BSc)
isolating the students inside it from the
Construction Project Management (BSc&MSc)
university life and activities.
Interior Design (BA) Product Design (BA/BSc)
A walk through the floors shows a need for
" STUDY IS ACTIVITY OF THE NIGHT " - Anonymous Queen Street Studios houses the
Product Design (BA/BSc)
department of Architecture and 3D De-
Building Surveying (BSc)
sign. It includes the majority of studios
Quantity Surveying (BSc)
for all courses which are part of the
Advanced Architectural Design (MA)
dept. However, taught lectures are still
Design Integration & BIM (MSc)
being held in several other buildings .
Professional Practice Management (PgCert)
The courses it entails are the following:
Sustainable Architecture (MSc) Urban Design (MA)
Architecture/ Arch International (BA&MA)
The major drawback of the building is that
Architectural Technology (BSc)
it is located almost outside the campus,
Construction Project Management (BSc&MSc)
isolating the students inside it from the
Interior Design (BA)
university life and activities.
" I WOULD HAVE LIKED MORE STORAGE SPACE FOR ART SUPPLIES AND MODELS AND A DESIGN-BASED LIBRARY FACILITY. MAYBE SOME PRIVATE ROOMS TO TALK TO THE TUTORS AND BIGGER INDIVIDUAL DESKS IN THE DESIGN STUDIOS. " - Anonymous
BASEMENT WORKSHOPS NOISE CIRCULATION RECREATION HALL
STUDIOS UPPER FLOORS
GROUND FLOOR PUBLIC & OFFICES
:
290m2 20 people 580m2 30 people 50m2 5 people 80m2 10 people 70m2 5 people
TEXTILE WORKSHOP: FABRIC PRINT/DYE TEXTILE WORKSHOP: WEAVING TEXTILE WORKSHOP: EMBROIDERY METAL/WOODWORK WORKSHOP LASER-CUTTER & 3D PRINT WORKSHOP
To include 3 spray booths which can be used by all Noise Factor (Health & Safety)
ART SUPPLIES STORAGE SUPPORT STAFF OFFICE x 3
For all using the workshops - to be divided by 3 Each to be a double office
PHOTO STUDIO (CAMERA HIRE DESK)
To include dark rooms x 2
PLANTROOM
One in each wing
RECEPTION DESK & BOX-OFFICE BOOK AND ART SUPPLY SHOP PRINTING SERVICES RECRUITMENT AGENCY ENTREPRENEUR OFFICE SPACE CAFE
To sell tickets for shows, exhibitions and performances
ADMIN STAFF OFFICES IT STAFF OFFICE & SERVER ROOM STAFF MEETING ROOM GROUP OFFICE x 8 DOUBLE OFFICE x 3 STAFF KITCHEN x 3
Open plan Connect server room with heating*
INTERVIEW ROOM x 3
For interviewing new students and staff
FORMAL LECTURE HALL CLASSROOM x 2
Public For scheduled teaching sessions in large groups
FLEXIBLE STUDY AREA INDIVIDUAL STUDY AREA GROUP STUDY PODS
Open plan studios 400m2 200 people Seating arrangement around the brim of the open plan studios 80 people Within the open plan studios (Can be hired) 50m2 60 people
SEWING FASHION STUDIO ART/DRAWING STUDIO MOTION CAPTION + PHIDIAS LAB
Noise and Heat Factors (Health and Safety) Messy
EATERY RESTING PODS SKY PARK
Food hall Airport rest pods To host events and gatherings
ATRIUM MARKET AVENUE MARKET AVENUE SHOPS
Main public space inside Main public space outside
Noise Factor (Health & Safety) Assisted and self-service
Assisted and self-service 2 staff - part time Small flexible space
4-5 people in each Offices to be scattered throughout the building** One on each floor
90m2 36m2 6 people 200m2 8 people 400m2
15m2 4 people 30m2 100m2 50m2 2 people 20m2 4 people 30m2 50m2 20 people 20m2 5 people
240m2 32-40 people 45m2 10 people total: 27m2 30m2 100m2 200 people total 40m2 80people
1890m2 250 people 50m2 20 people 190m2 35 people 900m2 200 people 300m2 80 people 900m2
300m2? 7,454m2 excluding circulation
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50
CHAPTER 4 PRECEDENT STUDIES
MARNE-LA-VALLEE, B. TSCHUMI POLAK BUILDING, P. DE RUITER ANALYSIS THROUGH SKETCHES
Preliminary Study
2017
STATS
Marne-la-Vallee Architecture School
CLIENT: Architecture School
Tschumi’s brief was to develop the Parisian school of architecture in a dual fashion: to accommodate the existing institution, as well to predict how the education system will develop and require in the future. His response to this notion is to design to foster unexpected social interactions, which are the base of architecture students learning, rather than in classes. This has been executed by creating a cityscape within the building, encouraging communication between students and with the university staff. The building comprises of a focal core; a inner courtyard within the guts of the building which houses the majority of both the vertical and horizontal circulations. A multi level criss-cross of open passages such as: staircases and bridges interconnect the different ‘organs’ of the building. This turns it into a ‘promenade‘ with various points of arrival and departure, and various route options and short-cuts, just like a city.
MA R N E - LA -VA LLE E A R CH I T E CT URE S CH OOL BER N A R D TS C H U MI AR CH I T E CTS
Bernard Tschumi Architects
Marne-la -Vallee LOCATION: Paris, France ARCHITECT: Bernard Tschumi DURATION:1994-1999 Only Phase I completed
This network connects the ten stacks that surround the core. These tower blocks house the programmed activities. Tschumi calls them generators and has used the notion of them in other designs Images
- their purpose is to charge the density of
Top: B. Tschumi Concept Sketches, School of Arch, FIU Middle: Construction inProgress - Marne-la-Vallee Bottom: B. Tschumi - E/W Section and Floor Plans (NTS)
the core - to feed the circulation into the central space.
Sources Bernard Tschumi Architects. (2017). Tschumi.com. Retrieved 25 January 2017, from http://www.tschumi. com/projects/15/ HDA | Hugh Dutton Associés, Bernard Tschumi Architects, Peter Mauss/ESTO · Ecole D’architecture. (2017). Divisare. Retrieved 25 January 2017, from https://divisare.com/ projects/62897-hdahugh-dutton-associesbernard-tschumi-architects-peter-mauss-estoecole-d-architecture
52
up by two main elements - objects. In this case, these are a lecture hall and an exhibition space. Both partially hiding behind perforated metal sheeting but largely prominent, they are raised within the 6-storey high open space to allow access underneath. The objects enhance further the established cityscape-esque quality of the building. This receives added depth from the main source of natural light being directly above. The building almost looks like a shed, or a lid over clusters of other buildings, streets, squares and open spaces. The city scape is obvious. The visual permeability exaggerates this notion. The two centers are put in the same grid as the generator stacks, as it is visible on the plans, and then they are shifted to form a zig-zagging form. This way every element gains the maximum amount of views towards as many other elements as possible: people can see each other, meet, talk, observe, stop and go again, encouraging the bustling and busy nature of the space. This is further represented by the large glazed roof. The natural lighting coming directly from
Objects, Generators and Circulation are the three main elements of the design.
The open plan of this courtyard is broken
above contributes to the city atmosphere
strike an interest but without disclos-
as it resembles being outside.
ing too much. The attract with their mysticism - elevated above the ground
The monolith, yet elegant structure also
floor circulation yet close enough to feel
creates a feeling of being surrounded by
connected to the public space between
buildings in the street.
the entrances.
The sections make it obvious that being in
The change of flooring material below,
one of the generators must almost feel like
quickly changes the atmosphere to a
being in the top rows of an amphitheatre
more familiar and secure one, sheltered
and looking down to the activity below
under the center of attention, almost
you.
hidden away yet in the middle of the busiest space in the building - the grand
The objects, are wrapped inside fine mesh,
open space is broken up in chunks to gain
making the interior just visible enough to
a more human scale.
Images An object in the middle of the circulation atrium breaks up the large open plan courtyard, giving it a more human scale by dividing it into separate spaces. The diagram above shows the relationship between the objects, generators and circulation all working together to bring to reality Tschumi's thesis of creating a grand hall of unplanned activities. Sources Tschumi, B. & Kim, J. (2003). Tschumi (1st ed., pp. 112117). London: Thames & Hudson. Walker, E. & Tschumi, B. (2006). Tschumi on architecture (1st ed., p. Chapter 09). New York, N.Y.: Monacelli Press.
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2017
STATS Paul de Reuter Architects
CLIENT: Erasmus University
Polak Building, Erasmus University
LOCATION: Rotterdam, Holland
brief established by the Erasmus University of Rotterdam was to create flexible space that could be used in different ways in the future and for this to be done in a most sustainable way in keeping with the rest of the campus, which is among the greenest in the country. The design response to the brief is best synthesized in the theme of ‘natural where possible - mechanical where necessary‘. They have incorporated an alternating programme in the Polak Building which is currently used as a library facility but is to home the science community in the future. The loose open plan spaces not only allow this transition but also create an environment which encourages small scale education - which is Erasmus University’s learning strategy. Furthermore, the building focuses on the user’s needs by looking into the future of learning and the students’ needs. A supermarket, launderettes, book shop, Canon printing
POLA K BU I LD I N G , E RAS M US UNI V ERS I TY PAU L D E R E U T E R A R C HI T E CTS
ARCHITECT: Paul de Ruiter The two main concerns of the strategic
DURATION:2015 Part of the university library but to house the science community in the near future
Images Top: Interior Shot from the Polak Building Atrium Middle: Site Plan - Paul de Reuter Architects (NTS) Bottom: Interior Shot of the Polak Building Circulation
Sources Erasmus University Rotterdam / Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017). ArchDaily. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www. archdaily.com/782555/erasmus-university-rotterdam-paul-de-ruiter-architects Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017). Paulderuiter.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.paulderuiter.nl/ en/projects/polak-building-slash-erasmus-university-rotterdam Paul de Ruiter Architects - Project - Polak building - Erasmus University Rotterdam. (2017). Archello.com. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://uk.archello.com/en/ project/polak-building-erasmus-university-rotterdam Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Schoof, J. (2017). A Glass Cube with Gills Breathing: University Building in Rotterdam. Detail.de. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www.detail-online.com/ article/a-glass-cube-with-gills-breathinguniversity-building-in-rotterdam-27833/
54
services, safes and even an employment agency are housed on the lower levels of the building, creating a home-like convenience for the user. Like Tschumi’s architecture school in Paris, the commodities included encourage a city-scape atmosphere of a building that can offer 24-hour support. Another similarity between the two projects is the large atrium which lets natural light from above and houses the circulation in and between levels. All activity generators are arranged around the inner courtyard feeding people in the building’s core. This forum offers an array of activities, seating areas and spaces which encourage conversation and interaction.
The ground floor is almost part of the public area outside, with its fluid spaces, retracted façades and general openness. It successfully fulfils the brief to invite everyone in and be used as a transit point.
The E rasmu s U n iversit y camp us i s vote d the most su stain ab l e i n H o l l and .
Top: Section - Paul de Reuters Architects (NTS) Bottom: Ground Floor Plan - Paul de Reuters Architects (NTS) Showing the diversity and fluidity of the public spaces, inviting everyone to come in and use them.
An external shot of the Polak Building showing its glazed skin and ventilation fins sitting on top of the recessed ground floor.
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2017
PR E C E D E N T STUDIE S A N A LYS I S THROUGH SKE TCH E S Obj ects, Gen erato r s a nd C i rcu l ati o n a re th e th ree ma i n el emen ts o f th e desi g n .
Images Top Left: A 3D diagram clearly shows the relationship between the Objects and Generators in Tschumi's school of architecture. The visual connections between the elements is best represented there, showing all dimensions of their relationship. The circulation is the logical paths between the objects and generators. Middle Left The section through Tschumi's school of architecture shows the relation between the two objects which are facing each other. The users of both can see each other, overlook the circulation, observe the ground floor movement and take a glimpse of the activities in the generators.
56
Bottom Right A similar generator is the atrium in the Paul de Ruiter design, where the city-scape is achieved through creating various centers of activities which are visually connected. Top Right The ground floor can be seen from all directions and can be approached from various entrances making the spaces blend with the outside and merge with the campus. Bottom Left The way the conversation between objects and generators is achieved is visible on the plan diagram. Each element is placed in a zigzag grid so maximum visibility is achieved.
Preliminary Study
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58
CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES ORIENTATION MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY
Preliminary Study
Paul de Reuter Architects Polak Building Sustainability Strategy The transparent design of the glass box is a translation of the inviting message the Polak building aims to send to the campus visitors.
However, it takes full notion of issues such as overheating by shading each facade with vertical fins. These have a dual purpose as they accommodate the winds coming to the site from all directions and let fresh air in creating a completely natural ventilation system that is controlled manually from within.
‘In addition, Polak Building has incorporated a climate control system, and optimal insulation, natural ventilation and minimal technical installation. Unique is the façade, where fresh air flows in via hatches, that can be opened manually, in the louvres. Differences in depth of the slats help protect the glass from direct sunlight while providing shade at the same time. All together, these sustainability measures are to result in a GPR rating of 8.5. GPR is an officially recognized Dutch measuring
To m a k e u s e o f t h e s t r o n g w i n d s m a i n l y Prevailing from West and South West
2017
instrument used to calculate a building’s en-
yellows, reds and oranges have been used
vironmental friendliness.’ (ArchDaily, 2016)
in the range of furniture as they have a psychological effect on viewers.
The building’s position and that of the atrium respectively uses the sun path so that all spaces are lit by naturally and the use of artificial lighting is minimised.
Solar cells are situated on the flat glazed roof. They add to the quality of the atrium when naturally lit with the patterned shadows they cast over the ground floor.
All interiors have been designed by Paul Ruiter Architects following the sustainability requirement of the brief. All natural resins and recycled wood have been used throughout. Calming whites and happy
Images Top: Polak Building - Natural Ventilation Fins making use of strong winds on site, Paul de Ruiter (2017) Middle: Polak Building, ArchDaily (2017) Bottom: Polak Building Facade Fins, ArchDaily (2017)
Sources Erasmus University Rotterdam / Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017). ArchDaily. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www. archdaily.com/782555/erasmus-university-rotterdam-paul-de-ruiter-architects Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017). Paulderuiter.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.paulderuiter.nl/ en/projects/polak-building-slash-erasmus-university-rotterdam Paul de Ruiter Architects - Project - Polak building - Erasmus University Rotterdam. (2017). Archello.com. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://uk.archello.com/en/ project/polak-building-erasmus-university-rotterdam Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Schoof, J. (2017). A Glass Cube with Gills Breathing: University Building in Rotterdam. Detail.de. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www.detail-online.com/ article/a-glass-cube-with-gills-breathinguniversity-building-in-rotterdam-27833/
60
ventil ate d fa ça d e s an d K R I ON c l ad d in g pan el s a re bot h f lex i b le a n d su stain ab l e KRION is a new generation solid surface
artificial light out during the night - which
material produced by the PORCELANOSA
gives it a glowing effect.
GROUP. It is flexible and fully recyclable as it consists of 2/3 natural minerals (ATH Aluminia Trihydrate) and a low percentage
Ventilated façades ensure a healthy indoor
of high resistance resins.
clime in all seasons through layering. They are easy to install and cost efficient in terms
Krion is cut to size so it has no constraint
of the building's temperature regulation in
over the design. It is usable both in exterior
the future.
cladding and in interiors to create solid surface feature pieces such as reception desks/show-
This type of system offers optimal moisture
cases and even kitchen worktops which allows regulation by minimising rainwater penetrathe building's language to be continued both
tion and condensation by draining through the
inside and out
gap in the two leaf system visible in the detail drawings below.
It is produced in a large variety of colours and is easily fixed when damaged by filling in any
In terms of practicality, the ventilated system
cracks and dints with extra material. It with-
doesn't require pre-drilling and is easy to fit
stands any weather conditions its colouring
panel by panel and thus reducing installation
doesn't fade as it is UV resistant.
costs.
It gives a monolith feel to a facade but is
Furthermore, the gap between the Krion
light and almost translucent as it is able
Panels and the thermal insulation offer service
to let natural light in during the day and
space for duct housing and pipes.
Images Top: Perforated Krion Facade Detail Second: Porcelanosa Krion Reception Third: Perforated KRION panels and ventilated facade - Institut d'Optique d'Aquitaine - France Bottom Left: Krion Ventilated Facade Horisontal Detail (NTS) Bottom Right: Krion Ventilated Facade Vertical Detail (NTS)
Sources "Building Solutions | PORCELANOSA". Porcelanosa-usa.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Krion Panel. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. KRION Reception. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Perforated Facade. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. Porcealnosa,. "3M Offices". Technical Book: Ventilated Facade : 121. Print. 2017. S.A./N.V., Pittsburgh. "Ventilated Façades :: External Wall & Façade Insulation Systems :: Applications :: Building :: English :: Uk :: FOAMGLAS® Pittsburgh Corning". Uk.foamglas.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. "Ventilated Facade Systems Contribute To A Comfortable Interior Climate". Rockpanel. co.uk. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.
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A green roof offers not only aesthetic and social but also various environmental benefits. It encourages biodiversity and improves air quality and in many ways prolongs the life of a building making it cost-effective in the long run. A green roof would obviously offer an aesthetic improvement to the site. It would benefit by creating a recreational space for students and staff to gather, hire out for events, hold the annual awards and other gatherings such as the spring ball and post-graduation ceremony parties. It will create a space where all students can socialise in a non-work environment and change the dynamics of group behaviour.
Some of the many sustainable characteristics of a green roof are storm-water management; moderation of the urban heat island effect; it is energy efficient by reducing the amount of electricity needed to regulate the internal temperature of the building; it increases the life of the building's roof structure and particularly the roof membrane; and it reduces noise levels.
Lastly, a green roof creates more jobs for the local community.
a s k y g a r d e n c a n o f f e r a n a cce s s i b l e s p a ce for reflection as well as social gatherings
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a green roof can benefit both the mind & the environment
Sources Benefits and Advantages of Green Roofs for Building Owners, Community. (2017). Greenrooftechnology.com. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www. greenrooftechnology.com/advantages-of-green-roofs Ecological Benefits of Green Roofs | ZinCo. (2017). Zinco-greenroof.com. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www. zinco-greenroof.com/EN/benefits/ecological_benefits.php Green Roof Centre - Benefits of Green Roofs. (2017). Thegreenroofcentre.co.uk. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http:// www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/green_ roofs/benifits_of_green_roofs Introduction to Green Roof Benefits. (2017). Livingroofs Enterprises Ltd. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from https://livingroofs. org/introduction-green-roof-benefits/ Images Top: City Sky Garden City Sky Garden. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Middle: Artificial Grass in Green Roof Green Roof - Artificial Grass. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Bottom: Green Roof - Timber Deck Sky Deck. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.
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natura l s u n li gh t a n d p revail in g w in d s mo u l d the propos e d d e s i g n e n v iro n me n tal st rateg y The orientation of the proposed design is strongly influenced by the gain of natural sunlight and the direction of the prevailing winds - by aiming to create shelter and use them in its own natural ventilation QUEEN STREET STUDIOS
system. This is key in order to create a the best conditions to work in, as well as to encourage the use of the public space to the maximum of its potential. It is particularly important to avoid creating a wind tunnel to the Queensgate side of the site as this is the most open part of the area and is currently quite vulnerable to the elements. The following diagrams show the development of these strategies.
QUEEN STREET STUDIOS
Images Top: Thick cantilevered roof to shade the glazed South facade to avoid over-heating in summer Middle Left: Vertical opening in the walls sheltering the sky garden to allow air circulation but to offer semi-isolation from the elements. The sky garden is to be used for various events in the warmer months as well as for recreational purposes. This would add to the green spaces on campus which are currently minimal. Images Top: Thick cantilevered roof to shade the glazed South facade to avoid over-heating in summer Middle Left: Vertical opening in the walls sheltering the sky garden to allow air circulation but to offer semi-isolation from the elements. The sky garden is to be used for various events in the warmer months as well as for recreational purposes. This would add to the green spaces on campus which are currently minimal. Middle Right: Initial response to the site and its climate. The sketch diagrams show a development in the massing of the different elements of the proposed design in terms of wind and natural light. Bottom: A sketch diagram of the recreation hall and its roof garden and their connection to the environment.
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The nature of a solid surface material allows the production of various and irregular shapes and angular panels and organic forms, both hollow and solid. This particular property of KRION has been explored in several of the buildings' cladding and even furniture elements.
CHECKERED The most vast use is of paneles used as ventilated cladding system. The patterns these follow are unique to each volume of the building and are representative of different variations of checkered motifs, produced by the textile students. ORGANIC The feature elements of the building are wide, perforated solid shells to dress the steel structure, and a large perforated cladding system shading the glazing covering the facade facing Queen Street South. This organic pattern is based on a lace texture, which is also typical to various courses throughout the school. JOINTS The panels allow a seamless and visible joints depending on their area/panel. These gave been assigned according to the appeal each block is intended to convey (organic or rectilinear).
KRION is fully recyclable and consists of 2/3's natural minerals & a low percentage of resins
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KRION as both cladding and shading solid surface panels
Sources "Building Solutions | PORCELANOSA". Porcelanosa-usa.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Checkered Pattern. 2017. Web. 20 Apr. 2017. Perforated Column. 2017. Web. 20 Apr. 2017. Porcealnosa,. "3M Offices". Technical Book: Ventilated Facade : 121. Print. 2017. S.A./N.V., Pittsburgh. "Ventilated Façades :: External Wall & Façade Insulation Systems :: Applications :: Building :: English :: Uk :: FOAMGLAS® Pittsburgh Corning". Uk.foamglas.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. "Ventilated Facade Systems Contribute To A Comfortable Interior Climate". Rockpanel. co.uk. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. Images Top: Lace Pattern Middle: Perforated Solid Surface Column Shell Bottom: Checkered Fabric Pattern / Variation
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natura l s u n li gh t a n d p revail in g w in d s mo u l d the propos e d d e s i g n e n v iro n me n tal st rateg y The large difference in levels dictates the design to a certain extent. A major part of the workshops is located partially underground to avoid noise disruptions, and place heavy machinery as close as possible to vehicular access. However, the changing levels have been taken as an advantage to allow ventilation and natural lighting underground. This has been achieved through light shafts, around the building, as well as pierces in the landscape to allow access and daylight. Another major design driver are the prevailing winds which have push/pulled the blocks at the front of the building, facing Queen Str South to create shelter.
Images Top: Basement lighting strategy Middle: Wind accommodation and shelter Bottom: Air flow and levels Right: Sugamo Shinkin Bank - Shimura Branch. 2017. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
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CHAPTER 6 SKETCH DESIGN
STRATEGIES FOOTPRINT LEVELS & MASSING CONCEPTUAL VISUALS & COLLAGE
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outlin e sketch st rategies : design concept idea
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the proposal aims to create an environment which can respond to all needs of the students during their work and stimulate creativity
The design proposal looks into creating a city scape within the building - with a main street connecting Queensgate South and Commercial Road. It contains an eatery, a book shop, an employment agency, printing services and
Images - Left Page
even resting pods on top of the existing spaces.
Top image: A massing and access strategy -
Furthermore it adds a new feature - the Market
sketch outline diagram
Avenue - small shops to give the students an
Middle image: Organic reading pods in a
opportunity to sell their designs, experience the
nursery school in Japan - Youji no Shiro
contact with public; do market research; gener-
Bottom image: Rest pod in an airport
ate income or show off their architectural/interior design skills. This idea is considered in close
Images - Right Page
connection to the Huddersfield unique quality in Top image: Resting area, separated with
the number of independent businesses. Such de-
a curtain
velopment could add on to the existing feature
Middle left: Pivoting panels - small group
in order to attract shopping tourists.
work space Middle middle: Open plan study spaces around circulation
Another major feature of the city scape is the sec-
Middle bottom: Workspace horizontal
ond wing of the building. It is intended to improve
arrangement
productivity by offering a resting space to clear the
Sources: AnteBlog. (2017). AnteBlog. Retrieved 14 February 2017, from https://anteblog.wordpress.com/ Witherly, J. (2017). Airport Resting Chambers : Airport Sleep Boxes. TrendHunter.com. Retrieved 14 February 2017, from http://www.trendhunter. com/trends/airport-sleep-boxes
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04 entrances the the building
02entrances aimed at students
01entrance
01entrance
for delivery access
open to the public
04levels in total throughout
80,000 m /total floor area 2
mind and restart. It includes a 'food hall' a resting area similar to airport’s with rest pods and a sky garden where students can enjoy the sun during the warmer months and also use as event venue for gatherings such as the end of the year show and balls. Furthermore this is connected with the exhibition space for the end of year shows which is housed in the opposite wing. They are tied together with an elevated warm connection.
the workshops and studios are separated between two floors - however, within their category they aim to be as fluid as they can The design is particularly influenced by the notion that
all need natural sunlight and are connected with
there is a major overlap in the spaces most courses
loud noise they are housed in the basement and
need .
connected to the resting wing through an underground below the Market Avenue.
Therefore a large open plan space for studios is provided taken almost a full floor on its own. It includes flexible study The design plans to introduce an element of spaces, as well as group study pods which can be hired
transparency to the Market Ave floor in order to
throughout the year and individual seating areas for those
visually connect the shoppers and the makers of
who need more peace. This strategy aims to encourage
all products. Seeing the making process would
learning through unplanned activity.
raise awareness of the skill and effort that go into
The workshops required by all courses make up a large
these designs and inspire new students to sign up
amount of the total area. Since they tend to overheat, don't
to the courses.
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relationship between the site, the axis and the required building area
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outlin e sketch st rategies : design topography
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the axis and the access play a large role in the location and positioning of the building. They are both essential to achieve the goals of the brief in terms of creating a social hub
canal side chimney
The two massing models represent a sketch outline of the building in its closer and wider context. They have been used to determine the difference in levels throughout the site and in relation to its surroundings. The two massing models make obvious the great difference in levels at the back end of the site facing the Canal Side Buildings. It has been established that in order to take the road up to Queen Street Studios, it needs to be split in two: one turning towards Aspley as existing, and one going uphill towards QSS. This access would encourage the movement through this side of the campus and increase the physical and visual permeability in it. The models also show a notion of how the landscape could be dealt with. Two large chunks of land surround the new building. One is facing Queen Street South - this is less protected from the elements and receives less sun. It is also further away from the campus. The other one is almost in the center of campus and near the Huddersfield Broad Canal. The enclosed character of the space, and the close proximity to existing habitats makes it natural for this space to be soft landscape to encourage interaction .
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the generally flat site meets the canal and the road with a steep 4m slope - this is the best connection between the proposal and the campus hard landscaping and exhibiton space open to wind and rain vast and sunny
soft landscaping southern light sheltered green space socialising
the new green spaces blend in with the wildlife around the Huddersfield canal
landscaped barrier or banking to protect from the elements
queen street studios proposed road
existing road
retaining wall
existing greenery & soft landscape preserved
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EXCERCISE 1
THE FUTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF VIRTUAL REALITY
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the future of phenomenological architecture in the context of virtual reality technology and its effects on the global world, defined by the two-dimensional image
Ruzha Sirmanova
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PHENOMENOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF VIRTUAL REALITY
This essay seeks to answer how phenomenological architecture and its multiple perceptual layers can be re-introduced in the post-modern age, defined by the rise of the network society and the electronic image. It will look into the theoretical work of Steven Holl, Juhani Pallasmaa and Alberto Gomes regarding phenomenology; it will explore the theory’s connection to experiencing architecture through the full paradigm of human senses, and focus on the questions raised by architects Helena Casanova and Jesus Hernandez regarding the issues high-speed communication technology poses on phenomenological architecture. In order to provide an answer, this work discusses the theory of phenomenology and puts it in the context of virtual reality technology (VR); it looks into the possibilities VR offers in terms of sensory design conception and perception, as well as the technology’s shortcomings at this point of is development. This essay is majorly informed by the written work of Holl and Pallasmaa, and more specifically by: Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture and The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses, as well as various articles and talks on VR, such as: VR is Totally Changing how Architects Dream up Buildings published by WIRED and Helena Casanova and Jesus Hernandez’ manifesto: Scale & Perception. Lastly, this work will not look into VR as a presentation and client-communication tool or into augmented reality technology (AR).
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“Each day, its appearance varied with the dramatically changing shaft of light that passed through the open occulus. On rainy mornings, the cylinder of down pouring light contained flashes of raindrops reflected as they slowly fell on the floor and drained into the ingenious marble pavement grooves, which led into the ancient drainage system...A hazy day rendered the light from the great round orifice more visible, like a solid cylinder of morning sunlight.� - Steven Holl
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“The building has been framed in direct relation with the dynamic process of daily life. Lights and shadows, changing during the day and during the year, underline the always-different elements of the silent, but potent building. It almost protrudes out of the scene, imposing its strict lines, its regular rhythm and the functionalism of its geometries. The surroundings play the most important role of the entire photo project: they create the atmosphere, establishing an intimate connection between the architecture and its context.� - Francesca Lantieri
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CHAPTER 1 THE THEORY OF PHENOMENOLOGY Phenomenology is a philosophical theory about people’s sensory perceptions and the silent information they provide. Steven Holl and Juhani Pallasmaa put this in the context of architecture, claiming it is the only branch of art and design which can fully awaken all senses simultaneously. They note that phenomenology cannot be constrained to a philosophical school or a definition because it is both transient and subjective. Perception relies on the five senses defined by Aristotle: vision, touch, smell, sound and taste. However, a fully articulated perception is gained by senses of the subconscioius, such as balance, scale and kinaesthetic (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014). These are the ones that gain architecture the further depth of complexity against other forms of arts and design. A photograph or a painting is a static, flat image of a scene the author has chosen to show, imposing on the viewer their own experience at a specific moment, while being in a building allows the eye to roam - to connect the frames of perspectives while approaching, and tie them in a cinematic sequence; follow the light changes, the smell and noise of the users or the lack of such, the silent conversation between the building and the body within, in terms of its size, proportion, position and movement. This is why architecture is the only one that offers “tactile sensations” allowing one to be a participant rather than an observer, defining the multi-dimensional character of the experience (Holl, Pallasmaa & Perez-Gomez, 2008). According to Pallasmaa, architecture involves both the physical and spiritual presence of the body by generating a complex of impressions which can be perceived through the senses but are invisible to a drawing or a camera and therefore cannot be captured. He states that “movement, balance and scale are felt unconsciously through the body as tensions in the muscular system” and therefore design work interacts with the body of the viewer, making them mirror the sensations of the designer, creating a silent dialogue, communicated through the built environment, between the body of the architect and the body of the observer (Pallasmaa, 2014). This is why re-living phenomenological architecture benefits one in terms of both the perception and conception of buildings. The participant gains a sensory experience, and if they are an architect – a starting point to design for generating sensory experience, which is essential in the global world (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014).
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{ a question }
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CHAPTER 2 PHENOMENOLOGY & THE SOCIAL NETWORK SOCIETY Casanova and Hernandez end their manifesto Scale & Perception by raising the question of the future of multi-sensory perception of architecture as its complexity is being reduced to a photograph; its importance declining under the modern concept of convenience and productivity in the digital era, characterised by the fugitive character of the two-dimensional image (Asanowicz, 2014). “But how can perception again play an important role in architecture of the Network Society? … How can a phenomenological architecture that promotes the link between architecture and place coexist with the reality of globalization?” (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014) If revisiting phenomenological architecture is essential in order to “maximise the multisensory perception of our environment” (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014), then what is the best way to fulfil this need without compromising the pragmatic high-speed lifestyle of the 21st century viewer and designer. In his essay – The Phenomenology and Philosophy of Simulacra on the VR (2014), Asanowicz defines the use of virtual reality as a new kind of architectural activity, and the designer as a “cyber-sculptor” who works within a full three dimensional artificial environment in a 1:1 scale. This allows one to create and manipulate space interactively - based on their first-hand experience of being inside their creation and the senses it provokes in full scale and through time. When virtual reality is immersive, the experience is generated “directly through movement and interaction parallel to the real world familiarity” (Portman, Natapov & Fisher-Gewirtzman, 2015). The freedom to build simulations in controlled environment enables architects to go beyond the existing reality and test hypothetical designs by expressing their imagination with ease (Portman, Natapov & Fisher-Gewirtzman, 2015). In an article for WIRED magazine (2016), Lubell quotes VP of technology at Iris VR, George Valdes: When inside a virtual reality, you can look in all directions, walk, climb stairs, and even beam (via hand control) to any part of the structure, inside or out. You can also change the sun’s position, photograph details, add layers, and sketch… - proving that by entering a virtual simulation of an environment, the user can accomplish the articulated perception on the multi-sensory level, Casanova and Hernandez seek to achieve.
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{ virtual reality }
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CHAPTER 3 THE FUTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGY Phenomenological architecture allows to be developed and augmented intentionally rather than by accident. According to Holl and Pallasmaa, often phenomenological architecture is the result from the relationship of different layers of individual intentions forming only partially controlled complexities, which are mostly unintended and unpredictable. They note that phenomena vary in accordance to light availability, time of the day, season, position in space, juxtapositions and so on. A VR, however, can enable the designer to experience and adjust all of these factors, in a controlled environment prior to construction, unlocking a glimpse of the complex relationship between all building elements, as well as that with their context and impact on the body in any given circumstances. The current advance of VR allows an experience very similar to reality by mostly relying on imaging to respond to the visual sense, which is historically regarded most superior (Pallasmaa, 2014). Further interferences with the real environment or the model such as the addition of sounds and smells, as well as other multimedia tools of coordination, complement the virtual reality and create a “multi-dimensional space of input-output data” (Asanowicz, 2014). The Omni treadmill allows the user to freely navigate within the model and observe the space in a sequence of frames which are natural to the act of approaching a building in reality (Goetgeluk, 2014); allowing the senses of scale, kinetics and balance to add to the realism of the virtual experience – “We feel pleasure, and protection when the body discovers its resonance in space” (Pallasmaa, 2014). Technology is still at a state when the multi-sensory experience cannot be fully simulated. According to Pallasmaa, all senses (vision, smell, hear and taste) are extensions to the sense of touch and this cannot be recreated through VR. Nevertheless, Pallasmaa argues that vision can reveal what is already familiar to the sense of touch. He calls this phenomenon ‘ideated sensations’ and cites Bernard Berenson who claims authentic art stimulates the brain in a way that one can feel the touch of “the warmth of the water in the bathtub in Pierre Bonnard’s paintings of bathing nudes” only through stimulating the sense of vision. Therefore, the lack of touch in a VR environment is subconsciously replaced using the knowledge acquired through the other senses and supplementing the VR technology until it reaches full capacity to simulate a complete multi-sensory experience.
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VR - A NEW FORM OF ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION
The full sensory experience of phenomenological buildings is essential to re-live and learn from in the global world of quick information. Electronic images do not carry the amount of information one’s experience of an environment can gather through the sense of vision, touch, sound, smell, balance, scale and kinaesthetic (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014). The technology of virtual reality allows us to accomplish almost a complete sensory experience and thus turns VR into a new form of architectural activity, where the architect is a “cyber-sculptor” who can manipulate and experiment within the model in the natural scale of a controlled environment (Asanowicz, 2014). This new form of design can allow the architect to generate phenomenological design completely intentionally through empirical information gathered and altered within a model and before construction. It can preserve the act of fully re-living sensory architecture in the space of a virtual reality which simulates existing environments and this way prevent architecture to be reduced to the 140 characters of a tweet.
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Asanowicz, A. (2014). The Phenomenology and Philosophy of Simulacra Influence on the VR (pp. 5-8). Bialystok. Retrieved from http://www.wa.pb.edu.pl/uploads/downloads/Architektura--1--2014----artykul-I.pdf Casanova, H. & Hernandez, J. (2014). Scale & perception (1st ed., pp. 1-15). Berlin: Architektur Galerie Berlin. Holl, S., Pallasmaa, J., & Pérez-Gómez, A. (2008). Questions of perception (1st ed., pp. 41-42; 58; 122). San Francisco, Calif.: William Stout Publishers. Lubell, S. (2017). VR Is Totally Changing How Architects Dream Up Buildings. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2016/11/vr-totally-changing-architects-dream-buildings/ Malnar, J. & Vodvarka, F. (2004). Sensory design (1st ed.). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. Pallasmaa, J. (2009). The Thinking Hand: Existental and Embodied Wisdom in Architecture (1st ed.). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Pallasmaa, J. (2014). The eyes of the skin (1st ed., pp. 42-46; 67). Chichester: Wiley. Portman, M., Natapov, A., & Fisher-Gewirtzman, D. (2015). To go where no man has gone before: Virtual reality in architecture, landscape architecture and environmental planning. Computers, Environment And Urban Systems, 54, 376-384. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com. libaccess.hud.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S019897151500054X Sokolowski, R. (2007). Introduction to Phenomenology (8th ed.). Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University press. TEDxOrcaIsland,. (2015). Virtual Reality: The Future Is Coming. Retrieved from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=IJf7BfpKTOY TEDxRiga,. (2016). The dawn of the virtual reality in architecture. Retrieved from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=-KGPf_PM8gQ TEDxWhitefish,. (2015). VR - The Next Big Thing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=87o4iedlLD8 YouTube,. (2017). Virtuix Omni Interview with Jan Goetgeluk. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmqNZqFjMrU LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Own Image Figures 2-9 ArchDaily,. (2015). A Bauhaus Façade Study by Laurian Ghinitoiu. Retrieved from http://www. archdaily.com/633532/a-bauhaus-facade-study-by-laurian-ghinitoiu
THE SCHOOL OF ART DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE MAY 2017