Bath House Portfolio

Portfolio DESIGN STUDIO 3 SEMESTER 1 YEAR 2010/2011 SAGE NORVILLE 1005124

DESIGN STUDIO 3 SEMESTER 1 YEAR 2010/2011 SAGE NORVILLE 1005124

‚Following My Dreams‛

Introduction As an advanced place student, entering Design Studio 3, I personally found it very refreshing, learning a wide range of new design techniques and ideas. Overall my semester started out with the development of my medium, which at first I found difficulty, but I got the hang of it and now I love Prisma-colour pencils. At the very beginning of the semester I learnt a critical lesson through an exercise in class, where we mixed and matched materials and objects e.g. a seashell, cloth, bottles to make interesting compositions. The essence of the exercise was not to get too attached to the materials and your composition but rather be open to the many possibilities in the field of design.

Table Of Contents FORM…………………………………….1 - 4 MEMORY……………………………….5 - 9 RITUAL……………………………….10 - 13 MEDIATION….…………………… 14 - 17 BATH HOUSE..…………………….18 - 23 CONCLUSION………………………..…..24

1

Form EXERCISE ONE

TUTOR: MRS. WEST-MARTIN

NO. OF SESSIONS: FOUR

TASK: Create and construct of form, consisting of three rectilinear volumes, each disposed on the x, y, or z axis in an orthogonal relationship to each other. The construction must be contained within an imaginary 200mm x 200mm x 200mm cube oriented to the same x, y and z axis. The entire construction must be self supporting.

In this exercise, the basic formal qualities of structure in design is broken down into three main categories of dominant, subdominant and subordinate.

Dominant – Primary, largest & most interesting.

Subdominant – Secondary mainly acts as a supporting element to the dominant.

Subordinate – Complimentary element to composition.

More interesting is their relation to one another with the consideration of space. The slightest change in size , shape or proportion, changes its entire composition. The three elements must work well in order for a good overall composition.

2 This exercise was a developmental stage which gave one the freedom to push and pull the elements of the objects as to explore the capabilities of form. From my explorations tutors gave me helpful feedback through their analysis , in preparation for the final threedimensional stage.

3 From line drawings to linear and planar models, the lines and planes were given volumes, then further manipulated to create interesting forms; running along the x, y and z axis. The images above show my design process, in search for a form that clearly shows hierarchy in the relationship between them, through shape, size and proportion.

In this exercise, I learnt some features in form like cradling, wedging and piercing which I kept in mind for my final design. I personally like when the relation between two members were close but due to a particular feature of an element, definitely sets it apart from the other within a composition.

DOMINANT

SUB-ORDINATE

SUB-DOMINANT 4

The arrangement of structure coordination of the elements, are created to unify an elegant composition, derived from forms to a vastly different character. The model clearly shows dominant, sub-dominant and sub-ordinate. The fourth factor, space would of made my composition more interesting but I was pleased with the final outcome.

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Memory EXERCISE TWO

TUTOR: MRS. SHAW-HINES

NO.OF SESSIONS: FOUR

1948-1952 – JAMAICA AS AN ATHLETIC POWERHOUSE TASK: To capture the memory of four Jamaican star athletes, comprising of Herbert “Herb” Henry Mc Kenley, Arthur Stanley Wint, Vincent George Rhoden and Leslie Alphonso. They sparked the beginning of a brilliant sprinting tradition that Jamaica is proud of, to this day. An installation will be generated which represents the memory of this pivotal point in Jamaica’s sprinting history. In addition, taking into consideration the layered meanings and associations generated by this historic event. These must be defined in formal and spatial terms.

~Graduation

WORDS OF THOUGHT: ~Determination ~Perseverance

~Identity

6 This is a preliminary abstract sketch to translate the memory to an artistic piece but it was unsuccessful as it was a bit too literal. The main idea was to show a graduation from darkness to light in tonal values to the centre of the page where I have an abstract heart which symbolizes the passion and determination by these four Jamaican athletes to achieve the common goal: success.

7 The concept was the same as the previous abstract representation (page 6), as the image above was a lot more successful, as it captures the memory of the four remarkable Jamaican athletes in a more abstract manner.

8 These are my concept models that I designed to show graduation, as in a build up from small or unknown to something greater; reflecting how the event gave Jamaica an identity through athletics.

9 “From individual memory to collective memory, architecture can impact what and how we remember.

An architect’s design might make the most of “suggestible” memories by built form, that helps to “preserve” a memory - like a memorial, for instance.

On the other hand, architecture can bring new meaning into the present as well.” Maria Lorena Lehman.

The journey through the installation starts with a slight inclination which symbolizes the athletes rising to the occasion. After the inclination one reaches the abstract heart which symbolizes tension as it provides a maze-like feel where one cannot see out from the towering walls, hence making the persons that passes through similar to blood in the heart on its way out, under pressure. After passing through the heart you are greeted by a barrier with an opening. After passing through the barrier, a downward slope release of tension and anxiety which Mc Kenley, was a victim.

This exercise gave me a greater appreciation for memory, as a result my interest grew in the way details are linked to represent a moment or memory. Taking into consideration the experience of the space and what visitors can possibly take away from it.

Ritual EXERCISE THREE

TUTOR: MRS.. SHAW-HINES

NO. OF SESSIONS: FOUR ARGENTINE TANGO

TASK: Break the assigned ritual down and decide on 4-6 critical events in the ritual and perform them, indicating connections. After careful analysis, design and generate space that act collectively as a representation of the ritual.

A ritual is a prescribed or established form of a religious or an other ceremony, that follows a carefully prescribed sequence. Hence, special attention was paid to every aspect of the ritual from the people to their very personal preferences.

~Graduation

WORDS OF THOUGHT: ~Determination ~Perseverance

~Identity

10

11 For this exercise ergonomics was key, hence, in class we took body measurements of our group members to help to design the space to an appropriate size.

1

3

4

2

5

6

12 The main idea behind the design was to create a space for the tango, and the tango alone. Providing for the necessary space the ritual requires. A dance which has been passed down from generation to generation, deriving from its purest form, thereby developing many variations. Hence, I studied a variation and created a space that was said to be too rigid for the ritual. Suggestions were made to open up the space by making the vertical barriers slope to allow the vivid movements of the dance.

13 The design of this space was for one couple to dance at a time and exit at the end. As for the thick barriers that surround the space for the ritual emphasizes the ritual, solely determining the space.

Mediation EXERCISE FOUR

TUTOR: MR. FERRON

NO. OF SESSIONS: FOUR NORTH FACADE

TASK: To design a suitable envelope system that would create a delightful interior space by successfully mediating between outdoor conditions (Jamaica) and desirable indoor needs (light, thermal comfort, views). One will be given a particular orientation/ side to design an appropriate and aesthetically pleasing envelope system.

GUIDELINES: 1)Mediation will take place within a 2m wide zone, which cannot be habitable.

2) Total height 6m, one space private and the other public.

The Azimuth played a very helpful and instrumental role in calculating the sun angles to weather against the sun’s harmful rays.

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JUNE 21st

NOON 8 A.M 15 This was an analytical stage in the design of skin to mediate the forces from the exterior for interior comfort. The main reason behind this idea was to study the impact the sun has on the north façade. The sun on its worst is June 21st. This study was very helpful as the shading devices best suited to mediate the sun’s rays, keeping out the harmful rays and allowing diffuse light. In this I personally got a better understanding of the rotation on its axis.

4 P.M

16 On the left are the vignettes from interior of the structure displaying level one and two in correspondence with the section on the envelope system (image above). The space ratio between the fins on level one and two were constructed to need of the private and public spaces.

17 This final outcome was good but it had a slight downfall as the north faรงade does not need protection like other faรงades. It was a bit overprotected but it was designed like this to provide privacy and still allow a decent view without being too opened. The main idea was to cater for the worst and block out the harmful sun rays., allowing diffused light. The vertical louvres were position at 45degrees pointing in a north western direction to easily allow night breezes. Alone with greenery to help channel breezes in to ground floor level.

RITUAL PROCESS

INSPIRATIONAL IMAGE

CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES

BY SAGE NORVILLE

Bath House 18

PROJECT ONE

TUTORS: MR. FERRON & MR. STANLEY

NO. OF SESSIONS: EIGHT

RITUAL AND MEMORY TASK: To create an architectural artifact that celebrates the ritual of bathing.

In my design, I sought to create an Oasis within a hectic urban setting. A place that evokes feelings of psychological peace and contentment as well as physical rejuvenation. Hence, capturing some of the key properties of the Finnish Bath House.

~Relaxation

WORDS OF THOUGHT: ~Refreshing ~Equality

~Escapism

SITE

9M HIGH BLDG

LAYOUT AND CIRCULATION

3M HIGH BLDG

9M HIGH BLDG

3M HIGH BLDG

19 The images above give a good sense of context which was very important, as a very key requirement was to cater to pedestrian thoroughfare from street to street. This factor had a major impact on the circulation and layout of my scheme.

The main objective in the laying out of the spaces centered around the Sauna.

Octagonal Shape based on the 8 basic steps of Finnish Bathing Ritual. (see page 18) Dominant –Entrance , Reception & Sauna BRIEF o o o o

Subdominant – Washing Room.

Reception (entrance) = 3 persons at a time Male & female changing rooms = 5 persons at a time Washing Room = 10 persons M/F Sauna = 10 persons at a time

Subordinate – Changing, Resting & Relaxing .

LAYOUT OF SITE A

B

SECTION A

B

SECTION B

A 20 Here we have a plan and two sections which gives an idea of the layout and the space. The scheme is divided into two sides - a male and female. For instance, the section shows hierarchy from the trellis roof of the resting and relaxation area to the slope flat roof of the sauna. Within section A and shown in plan, the two sides are a mirror image of each other, which was in an effort to symbolize equality for all which is a feature found in the Finnish Bath House.

QUEEN STREET ENTRANCE

‘OASIS’

KING GEORGE LANE ENTRANCE

SAUNA

21 These vignettes show a variety of private, semi-public and public spaces, which the site demands: The private areas like the ‘Oasis’, sauna, washing and rest and relaxation areas bring relaxation and refreshment to all that enter these spaces.

Semi-public spaces refer to spaces like the reception.

For the public space like the pathway for pedestrian thoroughfare provides an experience from the moment one enters the site, one is greeted with grass paving, greenery and water features creating a connection with nature .

These connections with nature ties in with the peace and escapism which this urban oasis has to offer.

WASHING

PERSPECTIVE OF PHYSICAL MODEL

PLAN OF MODEL

VIEW FROM KING GEORGE LANE

22 The mass model was made at a scale of 1:100, completely of chipboard with exceptions of the trees which were made of sketch tissue, foam balls and wooden dowels. The result was to give an idea of the site itself. The absence in the representation of the adjacent structures was critical as it cause the lack of context.

3D RENDER OF SITE

23 The Overall design of the Bath House was to be suitable for a Jamaican Urban setting. The entrance to the Bath House was critical, as access and entrance to the actual Bath house was treated in a similar manner from either street.. From this exercise, I learnt that context is very important as it dictates a lot of the decisions. Especially, for this scheme which demands the opposite, which its surroundings has to offer.

For future designs, I grasped the importance of plan, layout and circulation, which is very critical. It is not simply laying out spaces for a specific activity but rather show hierarchy. With reference to my design where the plan is very symmetrical for both male and female, where as the male should be more dominant.

Conclusion This semester was very educational and interesting as the classes were pretty well organized. I did not only learn from in-class sessions but I got a taste of the Jamaican culture and I also got a good idea of the life of an architectural student. More importantly, I learnt the importance of key principles in architectural design, such as Form, Memory, Ritual, Mediation and climaxing with the design of the Bath House which put all these principles taught, to the test. This semester, was definitely a beneficial one and I look forward to learning more at the Caribbean School Of Architecture, Jamaica.

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A PRODUCTION