A Design Diary

sara mitrova

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Introduction Second part of the final year edited diary, present document follows the narrative of final year`s major project. Its focus is the analysis of the Accelelrator, building and business start-up incubator, bringing a design solution that would be responsive to local architectural aspects, people`s needs and activities, and the vision of the organization.

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RESEARCH

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SURVEY

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CONCEPT

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RE FLECTIVE NOTES

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All research has been carefully edited

Site survey,s sketchmodels, concept experimenting

Design thinking

Conslusions & suggestions

BRAND/BRIE F

Analisys & requirements

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04 February MAJOR PROJECT The Accelerator - survey short business plan: SURVEY + CLIENT + LOCATION + BRIEF importance of funtions in the space: + receive people and help + “hang out� facilities + London hut + mail boxes, aprox 200 + consider higher caliber people: mentors and other business professionals + inspire by the Institude of Directors (Pall Mall)

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the BRAND

First and foremost, Accelerator aims to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in the start-up phase of their new business ventures. We dedicatedly support current students and alumni from London Metropolitan University in materialising their innovative and creative entrepreneurial ideas, allowing them to build meaningful careers they love.

Our physical incubation service is based at Accelerator’s East London offices in Shoreditch. Accelerator provides budding entrepreneurs with a springboard to success. The provided office space, plus the added value of being surrounded by a community of likeminded entrepreneurs, adds substantial value to start-up businesses.

The Accelerator also offers virtual incubation for those businesses which are quite content with their current home office set-up.

All incubated businesses are offered the opportunity to attend high value events and training sessions with industry professionals, organised by Accelerator. Best practice is covered in areas such as; negotiation skills, environmental policy, networking skills, pitching ideas, legal, and intellectual property issues.

At Accelerator our physical and virtual incubated businesses benefit greatly from our professional student placements service. We work closely with London Metropolitan University to source the best students for your business’ needs.

Accelerator offers a range of professional and convenient meeting rooms for hire at our East London location in Shoreditch. (ref: www.acelerator-london.com)

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dream

support

career

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a space for...

entrepreneurs in start-up phase current students & alumni innovation creativity ideas skills community networking

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06 February meeting for Major Project brief, site survey

07 February notes + TO DO list: + plan diagrams - to be scanned and edited + intro about Accelerator + pictures of the current state, create a palette break + 2 sketches - area and building + MAP diagnostics - print, color wash, scan, edit

09 February accelerator Mind Map business Incubator - what starts here? start- DREAMS, IDEAS process - STRATEGIES, CONNECTIONS, INITIATIVE, SUPPORT +++++ professional incubator also: - virtual incubator - for businesses content with home office - high value events and training +++++ professional and convenient meeting room hire in East London

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site survey

GENERAL NOTES - add personality - rethink the lighting in the space [glass facade] - rethink the journey - elements/furniture to suit activities in the reception area - rethink meeting points - lighting, furniture, materials, acoustics - replacing elements [plants etc] - rethink materials - flooring, walls, space detailing - atmosphere - to suit the culture of the organization, community, location - general landscaping - predominant elements, details - storage - function vs. branding/appearance

ground floor - plan 31360 M2 28000 x 11200 mm ground level + 4 floors

Fire Exit

Indirect Access

structure columns

Reception

Corridor Foyer

Main Entrance

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front building elevation

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N-W-E offices and meeting rooms need of articial light throughout the e 250-35- lux

lighting & acoustics

working space 60-65 dB

S-W-E offices and meeting rooms strong natural light in the morning, u 250-35- lux working space 60-65 dB

entire day

use of artificial light in the after-noon

N-E due to glazed facade the reception area has the advantage of strong sunlight throughout the entire day 250-500 lux dynamic space 65-85 dB S-E glazed stairway strong natural light in the morning 200-250 lux dynamic space but narrower 65-75 dB

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current functions in the space working area

starting business offices and meeting rooms mentors, professionals, and other visitors accessing the spaces

meeting point

important balcony space used for meetings on each floor the only open space for work in building

reception area

all visitors sign-in/out point waiting area public & information point

location 35 Kingsland Road Shoreditch London E2 8AA The Accelerator building is located right at the heart of vibrant Schoreditch next to some of the best cafes and venues in East London.

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location - map - local

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location - map - general

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location - map - trans

Hoxton Overground station

the Accelerator 35 Kingsland Road

Old Street Underground station

Schoreditch High Street Overground station

Moorgate Underground station Liverpool Street Station Underground station

sport links

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location - Schoreditch/Hoxton London statment area

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MODERN

Accelerator

RAW YOUNG CREATIV START-U

shoreditch

G VE UP

HISTORICAL

09 February location research

Social & Cultural Survey of Shoreditch & Hoxton

New Report Provides Unique Insight into one of London’s most Vibrant Neighbourhoods A new report paints a candid portrait of the Hoxton and Shoreditch area of East London, and celebrates all that is local providing an invaluable resource for the community and potential new development.

The Shoreditch & Hoxton Social & Cultural Survey was commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation following its own recent move to the area. Written and researched

by General Public Agency, the report discusses the area’s distinctive character and identity, and includes interviews with many residents and key players in the community.

“Our move to Hoxton is a sign of our intent to engage with the rich fabric of UK life,” says Andrew Barnett, Director of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch. “Our work needs to be grounded in the real life experience of individuals and communities and, as this social and cultural survey graphically demonstrates, there are few better places to do this than in the Hoxton/Shoreditch area which lies at the heart of a good deal of the capital’s social, cultural and educational activity.”

Illustrated by young local artist, George Edge (aged 14), the survey explores the identity of the neighbourhood from the perspective of residents, workers and others active in the area such as developers and landlords. Perhaps because of their city fringe status, many in Hoxton and Shoreditch define themselves as being at the cutting edge and celebrate the area’s unique spirit and community.

“General Public Agency’s Social & Cultural Surveys provide detailed and sensitive portraits of different neighbourhoods,” explains Lucy Musgrave, Director, General Public Agency.

“These form a new approach to urban research that can support the work of funders, developers, architects, planners and policy makers, making them more responsive to existing neighbourhoods’ strengths and values. As communities, government, the private and the third sector grapple with the implications of the Climate Change Bill and the Sustainable Communities Bill, a detailed understanding of the “local” is an essential first step to helping communities help themselves.”

Sandra, local resident, puts the success of the area today down to the Hoxton spirit: “It’s like people have discovered us, we’ve been here for ages… it’s like people have seen it and want to be a part of it – which is great – I think it’s the spirit – the place has got spirit, not sure why, but it’s here and it never leaves you.”

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The survey discusses the history of the area as a place that accommodates changes, with the rise and fall of the furniture, clothing and printing trades, the influx of new immigrant communities, and the growth of the art scene. The report also looks at the pros and cons of recent rapid changes such as the surge in both day-time creative businesses and the night-time entertainment economy, now valued at £9.5 million.

“There has long been a notable disparity between the incoming culture and economies and the existing residential communities, particularly those located north of Hoxton Square,” says the survey. Father Paul, Augustinian and Parish Priest adds: “It strikes me that there are two Hoxtons, the Hoxton south of the square, and the Hoxton behind the church, the real Hoxton.”

Sheridan, owner, the SCP furniture showroom, embraces the healthy fragmentation of the area and praises Hackney for changing the planning laws to live-work. He says: “It still has a good mix of design studios and creative people, and is still at the bottom of the commercial market – it’s cheaper than Clerkenwell, so it will always attract newer, younger people.”

In recent years local organisations such as the Shoreditch Trust and the Shoreditch Property Company have sought to channel the changes brought by recent gentrification to benefit the local communities. This includes the provision of affordable workshops and studios, and proposals for a new cinema in the area. In 2005 The London borough of Hackney changed its licensing policy to control and limit the growth of night-time economy activities which have aggravated crime, noise pollution and environmental degradation.

“The Shoreditch community has always been in a state of flux,” says the survey, “but there is a real need to balance the requirements of the night-time economy and entertainment industries with those of residents and other local stakeholders…With more new developments planned, and the expansion of the City thrusting northwards, the need to consider all the communities within Shoreditch seems ever more important.”

The report was commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch as a portrait of this special area of London. The Foundation will use it as resource to guide future partnerships and projects including a number of schemes planned for the neighbourhood. Its findings will be disseminated at a symposium in Spring 2010 and the report will also be distributed locally SOURCE: http://gulbenkian.org.uk/news/news/66-Social---Cultural-Survey-of-Shoreditch---Hoxton. html

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15 February BNY Mellon project presentation at BDG discussion on future corporate environment general notes: + companies may not be interested in technology straigh away, only going for tested ideas + look for small details when chaning things + environmental sustainability becoming even more important: water, and energy + 2020 unpredictable + new incubator-style offices + how it looks vs. how it functions + forums where people from different organizations would come together and discuss views and ideas --- manufacturers + testing is SO important + renundancy formula + MINORITY REPORT + importance of communication and training + opportunities for workers + should manufacturers be more reasonable and offer testing solutions to organization? + furniture manufacturers that combined furniture with technology: ---- SYSCO + VITRA ---- BENE; NICE wall ---- Steelcase : mediascape

Steelaces, Mediascape + BENE, NICE wall

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26 February

brief mapping

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RSA competition

+++++ a vision of the future workplace OR an aspect ILLUSTRATION +++++++ alternative ways of working +++++++ design solutions for work-life balance ++++++++ allocating workspace ++++++ independent work and team work facility +++++ future-proofed product/furniture design ++++ new vision of how, when, where we work +++++ sustainability RESEARCH +++++ demographics +++++ globalization +++++ societal change ++++ technology +++++ sustainability

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Social benefit Research Design thinking Commercial awarness Execution Magic

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suggestions from tutorial class: --------> sustainability: LIGHTING + considering atmosphere ->>> programming lighting ---------> information library + pamflets ---------> paper, manufacturer, recycling?

plan + ideas -=============> future communities, facility areas that would bring people together -------> research about future jobs, demographics, communities ------------> considering health, simplicity, freshness --------> research ERGONOMICS ------> stronger imput from workers - a working space that is flexible, adaptable, interactive -------------> research materials

RESEARCH NOTES: + paperless office + future: more GLOBALIZED + transition from fossil fuel to alternative energy + rapid development in China, India... + the middle aged to be the ganing generation + virtual jobs, basis for many jobs + start from the assumption that 2030 will look nothing like now + environmental + renewable energy + advanced manufacturing â&#x20AC;&#x153;The next decade will see the return of manufacturersâ&#x20AC;? - Tim Page, senior policy officer at PVC + augmented reality + robots and artificial intelligence + business - more solid foundations, simplified + nanotech and biotech

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01 March Finalising concept

? future + RESTRUCTURE

+ new communication

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2030 design:

simplicity health & ergonomics community innovation

2030 workplace the iWork capsule & the Molecule plan

CONCEPT

It might be true that by 2030 we`ll meet our boss and collegues as holograms, but it will not be only technological innovation reshaping the working environment.

Renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, advances in nanotech and biotech industry are key factors to impact future workspace, and also inspiration to my concept.

I have looked into creating a working hub based on the predictions that by 2030 we should have almost complete freedom over our environments. Using the hotelling system, workers will be able to book a capsule selecting the approximated period of time they need it for, and one of the following atmospheric options: conversation/ library/ virtual/ inspirational. Each of these would confer specific features such as lighting and colouring. After the booking, the person will be given the reference of a space that would have appropriate furniture and devices needed for the option they choose. They will also know who else would be working in that space (if it was a shared working space).

At the end of their â&#x20AC;&#x153;stayâ&#x20AC;? a short report about materials recycled and energy saved will be given, but also information about how the work impacted their general health and well-being.

The new work hub layout is inspired by the structure of molecules, with shapes and forms proving revolutions in nano- and biotechnology, looking nothing like today`s traditional and regimental offices.

My concept is about creating a 2030 working culture that would encourage creativity, exercise and interaction. Instead of letting workers to become slaves to technology, using it to create and facilitate a NEW intelligent working space.

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blend shared capsule

info centre the park-

private capsule

future office plan - MOLECULE [re]STRUCTURE

inspired by the 2030 nano and biotechnology explosion

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05 March Major Project, meeting with mentor Philip Rose, Speirs & Major general notes and observations: + check St. Martin`s hotel for reception area, lighting + banners + undersize of the balconies + look at the real walls in space, and their surface + the night transparency of the building + tasks and functions in the space + aply something to glazing - vinyl? - vail? - creating shadow play, materiality + Arab Institude of Paris, by Jean Nouvel + hard flooring, polished stone? + consider acoustics + reception, lighting - theatrical piece, + relate lighting to tasking + glazing film, bronze mesh + reconfigure the space, activities, landscape routes + meeting rooms - sizes, types, screens? + breakout area + communal space + hot-desking + how many businesses are in the building? + look at Innocent Smoothies offices + Clive Wilkinson - Mother + David Chipperfield studio + curtains for breaking the space? + waiting area + what needs to go in the space? + variety of shapes + pods ---- as business suites + look at existing materials

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+ balconies --- balustrades, acoustics + hang lighting + roof, light impace + enclose? + gallery - change the location ----> incorporate in the communal area + privacy vs. communal space + orientation, sun, baffles + work benches + power points! + high tables + fish tank pods, solid balustrade, letterbox style + structure! look at where the columns are ---> removing walls?

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06 March ideas + to-do LIST: RSA - research nano and biotech future products M.P. - localize columns - space square metrage - space planning - add windows - finish sketch-up building massing - present all floors - functions

22 March inspiration + work planning * existing building materials, core materials * accelerator BRAND colors * mood board * MIND MAP

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atmoshpere inspirational image VIEWPOINT: n. 31 design by Ploypan Theerachai

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25 March who is the design for? Who are the people entering the Accelerator building? ------------> DEMOGRAPHICS - questions for the peple working in start-up businesses, + staff

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A few quick questions about the Accelerator building...

1+ What are the areas/rooms in the building you tend to use other than your office? How often?

2+ How often do you do you tend to leave the building during the day, and why? (breaks? meetings?)

3+ Where do you usually have your meetings?

4+ Do you find there is enough privacy for meetings in the balconies? Do they work alright for meetings?

5+ Would you generally prefer quiet and privacy for your meetings, or an open meeting space would be even better?

6+ Do you ever get to meet people from the other businesses? If not, would you be interested to?

7+ Who are your visitors at the Accelerator? How often to you get visitors?

8+ Does the building present enough information for guests/visitors about where to go? In other words, do you find reception (waiting area) and signage system efficient enough?

9+ Please name some â&#x20AC;&#x153;little thingsâ&#x20AC;? you find annoying in how the building works. It can be anything at all.

10+ What other activities would you like to be able to have in the building? (library? private phone call areas?)

11+ Should your working environment be more inspiring? Or do you find this aspect unnecessary?

12+ Would you like the environment at the Accelerator to be a smarter, a more professional environment, or rather more casual/creative/interactive?

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33 start-up businesses people demographics

visitor +

staff

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local

27 March general building analisys -------- massing --------- local style/color/materials

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nostalgia 60s/70s post-modern architecture

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metal concrete glass wood

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predominant texture/colour in the space

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ground floor, working area ----------------> stage 2 ---> THE HUB

reception area ----------------> stage 1 ---> THE ATRIUM

stage O.

recep

reorganiz

textu balco

26 March start of Accelerator concept, the 2 stages:

stage O

hub

designin hot-des

lighti

the glaz

ceilin solut signa mate

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ption area

zation & furniture

ures & colors onies

O.2

area

ng an open space, with the purpose of interaction, sking, meetings, shared work

ing/shading solutions

zed facade

ng design tions age erials

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materials --------- meta...........existing material! needed ------------ mAaterials - use local + light timber?

----------------theme - accelerator? nostalgia? raw???? start-up?? creativity? maasculine/professional?

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inspiration

----------- the bench ------ the pockets of CONVERSTATION space -------------exposed materials, which also links to the modernist origin of the building

new colors and textures ------ light timber ----- local floor colour ------- introduce BRAND colours ---rethink shading = new transparencies, light layers

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what are the decisions for the FIRST STAGE?

walls/space organization

waiting

balconies lockers doors reception desk natural light

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walls/space organization moving the gallery space from balconies area to the reception area

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waiting replacing the old sofas with stylish, simple wooden benches

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balconies pocket-spaces for CONVERSATIONS AND BRAINSTORMING

space to scribble information/stationary pockets

lockers turning a modular practical unit into element of character

level 1

level 2

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lockers transforming modular practical unit intro an element of character

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indoor doors replacing wooden doors with glazed ones

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natural light replacing grey blinders with lightweight, semi-transparent fabric made by Kvadrat

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04 April meeting with mentor Philip Rose, discussion about the project so far OBSERVATIONS: - consider adding colour to glazed balcony rails + ceilings in order to create the COCOON feeling of the space/UNITY - add more â&#x20AC;&#x153;convo bubblesâ&#x20AC;? on the walls, more space to scribble + stationery pockets - extend the gallery on the at least one more level - consider that lighing on the balconies have to be functional, even with playful feeling ---- they can be globes-shaped or ceiling-mounted - in terms of balconies ceiling you can continue the same language from the reception desk - consider lighting the art work --- track-mounted spots

- unify colour termerature - consider existing lighting positions, no woring needed - consider how high fixtures can be accessed? --- think about maintanance - don`t forget to be BOLD

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artificial lighting

functional lighting for balcony areas - level 1 + 2 --------keep position, change lighting objects

06 April other building dyagnostics

keep position, change purpose ---------

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night lighting for glazed facade, adding colour, no function

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meeting

survey What are the areas/rooms in the building you tend to use other than your office? How often?

How often do you do you tend to leave the building during the day, and why? (breaks? meetings?)

Where do you usually have your meetings?

Do you find there is enough privacy for meetings in the balconies? Do they work alright for meetings?

Would you generally prefer quiet and privacy for your meetings, or an open meeting space would be even better?

Do you ever get to meet people from the other businesses?

If not, would you be interested to?

Who are your visitors at the Accelerator? How often to you get visitors?

Does the building present enough information for guests/visitors about where to go? In other words, do you find reception (waiting area) and signage system efficient enough?

Please name some â&#x20AC;&#x153;little thingsâ&#x20AC;? you find annoying in how the building works. It can be anything at all.

What other activities would you like to be able to have in the building? (library? private phone call areas?)

Should your working environment be more inspiring? Or do you find this aspect unnecessary?

Would you like the environment at the Accelerator to be a smarter, a more professional environment, or rather more casual/creative/interactive?

v young

break & network

visitors professionals

better fa-

inspirational atmosphere

better light-

interaction people already

serendipitous

08 April finding solutions for the reception desk

simple, rectangular-shaped desk to unify lines in the space

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structure to have the acoustic insulation purpose, looking at appropriate products

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RENDERS - building elevation & section --------- traditional media, Modernist render style ---------------- watercolor, pencil hatching, promarkers

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reception desk details

metal drawer

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09 April

INSPIRATION - MODERNISM - BAUHAUS -

- FRANK GEHRY

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12 April STAGE 2 - CONCEPT PROCESS + local historic reference ------ GLASS glass used as functional material scultptural rather than flat glazed panels -----> ---> creating â&#x20AC;&#x153;cocoons for brainstorming, meetings, private phone calls

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Research

GLASS design - The Woods, by StokkeAustad and Andreas Engesvik - Colour Glass by Scholten & Baijings ----------------------------------------how to combine glass and Modernism?------------------------------

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The forest is a place where many spectrums of scales are collected.

Where the ranges of physical scales of that of a body and large urban scales relate to one another and coexist. Under this premise, the city of Tokyo is akin to a forestâ&#x20AC;?.

Meschede. F, Sou Fujimoto, Futurospektive Architektur, Exhibition Kunsthalle Bielufeld, Walter Koenig, 2012, p82, ( accessed, 21,02.2013)

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16 April organizing the HUB space, design solutions that answer the Modernist character of the building and complete the “glass tree” design

“thread structure” that changes height, materiality and function

“glass trees” along the thre meeting spaces, private ph

ead structure used as hone calls

20 April functions --------------------- functions --------------- functions ---------------------- functions

storage extrude sitting

bridge slide fold/unfold

detach

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24 April finalising the project - HUB sections

26 April final PLAN - ground FLOOR - THE HUB COMPLEX & reception area

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final VISUAL - suggesting atmosphere of the HUB complex

glass-trees - Modernist inspiration - used as micro-spaces to facilitate start-up business brainstorming, meetings etc

Frank Gehry-inspired furniture elements mix of materials, patterned details