simondroog Simon Droog, M.Sc. Dirk Costerplein 151 2624 TW Delft T: 06 4575 6678 E: simon@simondroog.nl W: www.simondroog.nl
1.1 sanctuary Escape the rush is the
graduation project for my master’s degree from the Faculty of Architecture, TU Delft. While doing research on
Emotion in Architecture,
with Paul de Vries, we developed a new design process that focusses on the concerns (needs and wishes) of the users. Escape the rush - a yoga
centre at the heart of Delft - is the result of putting this new design process to the test.
By acknowledging the needs of society, a sanctuary - a place for reflection and relaxation - right in heart of the city seemed to be something that a lot of people are lacking in their busy lives. This yoga centre fulfils that need. Basic architectural Tools have been used to help people get away from it all for a while, before returning to their hectic daily lives.
escape the rush
a yoga centre at the heart of Delft
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crowded city Our lives are complex and chaotic. The overwhelming speed of society makes it almost impossible for us to stand still, to reflect.
a place for reflection Place for reflection To offer a place for reflection in our fast and stressful society.
Transition from the crowded city to a place of reflection Design a building that facilitates the transition from the crowded city to a place for reflection.
emotion
appraisal
Prospect
Refuge
stimulus
concerns
Dramatizing a haven
basic concerns
design concept
Model of basic emotions shows that our concerns determine our emotional response - see master thesis on Emotion in Architecture for details.
Design concept based on these requirements:
• • • •
Refuge and prospect Exploration Dramatizing a haven Proportions
• • • • •
Retreat from city Austere design Comfortable atmosphere Link with nature Contemporary design
retreat
Barrier from the city
• Closed facades in brick • One distinct entrance in the centre
• Guided route from city to sanctuary
refuge Security
• Heavy construction; thick walls • Horizontality; low ceiling and deep
proportions
rooms
• Prospect still possible - big openings
link with nature
outside
inside
water ponds
• Connection with outside through courtyard and patios
• Contact with natural elements - wind, water, heat/cold
route architecturale
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
slow down through architecture By prolonging the route to the yoga rooms, visitors get the chance to let go of their hectic daily lives.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Entrance Courtyard with water pond Reception + cafe Gallery Patio from gallery Patio with water pond Yoga entrance Yoga room
contrast Transitions by adding contrast
• • • • • • • •
Open and closed Heavy and light Inside and outside Introvert and extrovert High and low Light and dark Warm and cold Crowded and peaceful
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aldo van eyck - twin phenomenon; Aldo van Eyck describes twin phenomenon as a reciprocal relationship between two obverse qualities, such as light and dark, which depend on each other for meaning. The reciprocal relationship requires the presence of one quality to give meaning to the other. Creating relationships between the inside and outside or finding a powerful balance of light and shadow becomes an important aspect of architectural composition.
concept As an experiment to see how water can improve the quality of living, it was added to all scale levels into this project. improve quality of living
• Water on urban scale • Water on building scale • Water on dwelling scale An apartment building set on the banks of the canal includes an urban park and water arena for the neighbourhood. A spa & wellness centre in the plinth provides a much needed place for relaxation for all the inhabitants of the apartment building & surrounding dwellings. The possibility of having a pool right in your living room or on your balcony was added for relaxation at home.
living + water
urban water
water view
Bring the existing water of the canal into the neighbourhood.
The apartment building is lifted to allow the neighbourhood views over the water.
building Four towers on v-columns house twelve aparments each. The towers are oriented to take in either the early sunrise in the east or enjoy the sunset in the west while providing a magnificent view over the water.
The apartments with pool on the balcony stack on top of each other to create the unique facade that marks the design like a signature.
dwellings Four towers with dwellings of different size and typology surround a glass central core that facilitates both elevators and emergency staircases. All four dwelling types have the possibility to have a pool right inside your apartment. Would you like to have some extra living space or take a swim right after you wake up in the morning? All right here in your own apartment. The choice is yours.
urban idea A parking garage in the plinth of the complex has enough space to facilitate both the apartments and visiting guest of the spa & wellness centre. No more cars that clutter the surrounding area. In addition, the urban park and water arena on top provide a place to enjoy the pleasures of the water on a sunny day.
un-conventional A small city in the city where living, working and recreation come together in one building. By turning the design process upside down and starting with the model first and then work my way back from functions and floor plans to urban setting, conventional thinking was replaced with some personal out-of-the-box experimentation that resulted in a Microcity.
MICROCITY
programme A triangular plinth topped with three towers holds a diverse programme:
living, working & recreation The plinth functions as the foundation that supports the towers both structurally and functionally. The offices, fitness centre, shopping & retail and urban park support the people living in the dwellings above.
legend I. II. III. IV. I
I
II
I
III
IV
I
housing offices urban park fitness centre + shopping & retail
science centre Within two half-spheres full of exciting things to do and discover, Science Expo is the perfect place for anyone with an inquiring mind. Everything in the science centre is connected to science and technology. Exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations.
You will smell, hear, feel and see how the world works
urban context On the cultural island in Oulu you can already find the city library and theatre surrounding the square. Science Expo adds another cultural function to the island an formes the... ending of the city centre & completes the cultural island
...while still keeping the slow traffic connection with the island across the lake intact. In addition to being a science centre, Science Expo also provides recreational outdoor space in summer. You can enjoy the urban park and have amazing views over the lake.
plan You move through science expo like an infinity symbol ∞. Starting your journey into the world of science, you first enjoy a performance in the theatre, before taking the stairs down to envelop yourself in the thrilling exhibitions or join one of our hands-on workshops. You can also have a drink or eat a delicious meal in the bar/restaurant while enjoying the view over the lake. If you still have some energy left, please join a mindblowing lecture in our auditorium.
light Daylight flows into the science centre through a huge glass facade like the
sea comes in during high tide, while at night presenting all that’s inside like a show-box.
As you approach Oulu from the island across the lake, you’re captivated by the inviting presence of science expo. Your view through the wall of glass shows glimpes of what is to come once you’ll enter the world of science.
elevations The two half-spheres are lowered into the ground and covered with grass to emphasize the metaphor of two hills flowing from the natural landscape.
interior sketches design proposals For “one of a kind” luxury yachts interiors Use of exquisite materials like marble, macassar ebony veneer, polished stainless steel, fabric and leather panels It’s all in the details - Carpentry for these interiors is all craftmanship and is all accurately detailed to the milimeter.
Due to privacy regulations, I’m not allowed to disclose any names, locations and other specifics of the yacht interiors.
Child’s play The vertical city for families 2010 BNA competition for young architects entry
By [S!MPL] studio: Paul de Vries, Simon Droog - renderings: Dario Kristic
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We have an amazing view of the city from our apartment on the 5th floor while simultaneously watching our children play on our peaceful courtyard.
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play and discover, your environment grows with you Learn and enjoy, your parents nearby and feel at home, on your own playground.
The goal was to come up with a vision for a vertical city for families, in the tradition of Le Corbusier’s UnitÊ d’Habitation and translate that vision into a spacial concept. Our concept takes shape as we focus on usability - on the needs and wishes of the families living in the city. Vision Parents are leaving the city to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for their children. These small scale child friendly neighbourhoods are hard to find in the city at present, while easy to find in villages or suburbs.
A child friendly living environment provides a safe place for playing children with plenty of green and plenty of opportunities to explore the neighbourhood. At the same time the environment allows parents to keep an eye on their children. It is important for children to be able to slowly expand their living environment. Current high density urban housing projects, like flats and skyscrapers, are not designed to accommodate this growth.
fig. 3 Playground on the 5th floor
Family needs and wishes child friendly: safe, protectected, easy to read and green with possibilities to expand living environment. Of course a lot of options to play: slide, climbing, sports (soccer/ tennis/volleyball), hide and seek, tag, biking, skating, water games in summer, build fortresses, etc. Transitions from public (city) to private (house) provide safety and overview. Less complaints about noise. Connections with urban environment and possibilities for retail and offices. Playground: Children see their environment as one big playground. Control over living environment is essential to fig. 4 Perceived control over your living environment living in the city. E.g. options to adapt your house to seasonal changes or your preferred level of privacy. Options for amazing views and overview, but also for retreating and reflection. Multi-functional use of space provides a sanctuary for parents in addition to room for playing with their kids.
The vertical city for families is also highly suitable for other living solutions. Demographic diversity will automatically ensue over time. Functional mix Great diversity in size and shape of the plots offers many opportunities for a lot of potential support functions. Even changing functions over time is among the possibilities. For example, a supermarket that could provide for the families. Additionally, plots for small scale retail and entrepreneurs are present. Think: home offices or nearby. Possible functions that support family life: Child Daycare next to the playground on the 5th floor. fig. 5 Great diversity and flexibility Small school positioned under the playground
Supermarket inside the building
Office space: your home office or nearby in one of the two building blocks
Small neighbourhood shops on raised street level: barbershop, florist, butcher, pharmacy and clothing boutique, etc. all within the building.
Parking space: parking garage underneath the building
All these options provide plenty opportunities for exploitation.
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Transitions from public (city) to private (house) provide safety and overview.
if you happen to have any questions regarding my work, please don’t hesitate to ask them. I’m always happy to answer them. You can reach me through my contact information below:
simondroog simon droog @simondroog
Simon Droog, M.Sc. Dirk Costerplein 151 2624 TW Delft T: 06 4575 6678 E: simon@simondroog.nl W: www.simondroog.nl