15 minute read
2.7. Analogue analysis
- The position of the building on the site, its orientation, recreation areas next to the buildings
2.7.1. Sport and Fitness Center for Disabled People, USA
Fig. 17. Sport and Fitness Center for Disabled People, USA Architects: Baldinger Architectural Studio
Year : 2012
It was the first center for disabled people in the USA. The aim was to remove all barriers as well as to involve people with disabilities in an active lifestyle. The building is fully equipped and adapted for people with disabilities, which affects the overall architecture.
Fig. 18. Active and passive zones in the building
Fig. 19. Shapes of the building Almost the entire building is an active zone, only a small part is reserved for passive recreation. This passive part stands out both in location and in form.
The architecture is distinguished by simple forms, but the passive zone differs from the general architecture. The shape of the building does not differ much from neighboring buildings.
Fig. 20. Materials
The most important feature remains adaptability for people with disabilities.
Fig. 22. Location Interior and exterior materials are intertwined. Facade decoration is also used in the interior. All finishes are done in neutral tones.
This is the presence of a track for wheelchairs, specially equipped showers, locker rooms, the gym itself. The truck is located in the gym and is at a height so as not to intersect with the main hall.
Made sports that are most accessible and popular for people with disabilities.
Fig. 21. Building features
It is located near the city center among a large number of buildings. A convenient approach is provided to the building from all sides.
Fig. 23. Site plan Almost the entire territory of the site is allocated for parking. This is also due to the location of the building. All activity takes place inside the building and in the courtyard where the pool is located.[10]
2.7.2. Cultural - Sport Complex For Disabled, Iran
Fig. 24. Cultural - Sport Complex For Disabled, Iran Architects: Experimental Branch of Architecture Year : 2011 Due to the special reasons inherent in this region, this project has become one of many complexes focused on people with disabilities. Also, the purpose of the building influenced the overall architecture, which can be seen from the ramps that run through the entire building.
Although the whole building is designed for active recreation, the building has a large area reserved for passive activities. A lot of space is occupied by ramps, a hall, and places of rest. In this case, the division of zones goes mainly by floors. Fig.25. Active and passive zones in the building
Fig.26. Shapes
Fig.27. Building features
Fig.28. Location The building has a fairly simple rectangular shape. Interest in the building is preceded by façade solutions, through the glass façade one can see the internal structure of the building.
Among the features of this building is also its focus on people with disabilities. Numerous ramps, roof tracks for wheelchairs, special racks for equipment appear from here. A lot of space is needed to accommodate the ramps going through all the floors. Therefore, a spacious hall appeared in the height of all floors.A lot of space is needed to accommodate the ramps going through all the floors. Therefore, a spacious hall appeared at the height of all floors.
It’s located in a densely populated residential area. The height of the building was provided by site restrictions. The restrictions also affected the appearance of a park and sports grounds next to the building.
Fig.29. Site plan Due to building restrictions and soil, the site was built on a small part. Near the building there are floors for games, green areas. Parking is located on two basement levels.[11]
Other examples are not specialized for the disabled.
2.7.3. Strøm Spa Vieux-Québec, Canada.
Architects: LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design
Year: 2018
It’s a SPA complex in the city, designed in the city, but surrounded by water and natural greenery, where visitors can relax. (Fig.27) The complex is located on the site of a former port, which influenced the choice of materials for decoration.
Fig. 30. Strøm Spa Vieux-Québec, Canada
scale. We can see that active and passive zones are mixed. Moreover, the active zones are mainly located outside the building. The space of the active and passive ones are open, and the passive ones have a fairly standard height and
The shape of the complex is unregular, but the simplicity of the layout of the volumes make them blend as part of the horizontal landscape and allows their anchorage to the site. (Fig.28)
Fig. 31. Materials
The materiality of the buildings, both interior and exterior, through the use of materials such as grayish wood, black metal and Corten steel, evokes port landscapes as well as maritime spirit and history. Facade materials are transferred to the interior. Sufficiently dark shades prevail in the passive zones. (Fig.31)
Laid on the banks of the St. Lawrence, it evokes the harbor history of the site. The complex is located within the city, on the river bank. The building is oriented in such a way as to "catch" the best landscapes.
The facility is located on the bank of the river and it’s designed so that from all parts of the building there is a view of the water.
Fig. 32. Location and view
The site is divided perpendicular to the river by buildings, terraces and basins. This fragmentation allows the presentation of different thermal zones, each developed to offer unique sensory universes, linked together to form a complete experiential journey. Fig. 33. Site plan The spaces are designed and deployed to maximize access and views of the river. The ensemble of recesses and protrusions allows for a variety of framings that enhance the contemplation of the waterfront panorama.[12] 2.7.4. Somnus Hotel & Spa, Druskininkai, Lithuania Architects: arches Area: 5680 m² It's a SPA hotel for recreation, treatment and entertainment of visitors. (Fig.34) The context for the composition was an old oak tree that grew on the site of the current complex. The idea of branching branches was reflected in the overall external design. Fig. 34. Somnus Hotel & Spa, Druskininkai, Lithuania. Architects arches
The functional model ensures choice possibilities for the resident: once he wants to socialise, he will find several meeting spaces, and if he wants to hide or fall asleep - he will find his own quiet corner. In such a context, on the ground floor halls, restaurants, lounges, SPAs are designed, while the bedrooms are situated on the upper floors.
Fig. 35. Active and passive zones
The fact that the building is sufficiently proportional and has a standard ceiling height both in the active zone and in the passive one, although in the plan we see dynamic forms, especially of the active zone. Fig. 36. Shapes
The composition of the building resembles a tree with branches. The architect was inspired by the old oak that stood on the site of the hotel. This is where angular walls, disproportionate contours and non-standard roof solutions come from.
The hotel's public spaces continue the external spaces, so the same finishing materials are used. Meanwhile, the rooms are designed as a textured, soft area, where a moss-like carpet combines with 3D walls. The lighting, as in the forest, indirectly spreads from everywhere no one is allowed to disturb the dreamy state. The play of light is transferred to the hotel spaces: the light falling on the textured interior walls creates the feeling of being in the woods. The interior is a realm of dreams, where it is significant to avoid contrasts. The transition from light to dusk can be seen everywhere: in the common areas as well as in the hotel rooms. (Fig.37) Fig. 37. Interior The object is located within the city limits, but not in the very center. It’s located in the historic healing resort of Druskininkai, where old wooden villas reside, mineral springs gush, and pine forests flourish.
The building stands next to the river, and there is also natural greenery right next to it.
Fig. 38. Location
The analyzed object occupies almost the entire area. More space is left in the area where the hotel rooms are located. [13]
Fig. 39. Site plan
2.7.5. Forest Valley Hot spring Center,Chengde, China Architects: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio Area: 1560 m² It’s a wellness center in a valley far from the city, where people can take a break from the bustle of the city and relax. As the building is located in a mountainous area, separate volumes of the building symbolize mountains. Also, the choice of materials is
based on the similarity to natural stone. (Fig.40) Fig. 40. Forest Valley Hot spring Center,Chengde, China. Architects B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio There are 8 towers in total with different heights and angles. The first floor at the two of the towers provide hot spring pools, while at the rest of the towers provide service spaces. The second floors at the eight towers are 2 spas, 5 pools and a rest space. Outside the towers, we design large open plant landscape areas covered in glass boxes. They are all closed loops with no end, leaving plenty of possibilities of circulation for guests, just like walking in the forest. Along the circulation paths, Fig. 41. Active and passive areas
small-scale functional spaces such as coffee shops, rest areas, makeup space and retail are scattered around to enrich the walking. The building has an interesting non-standard and different heights of the active and passive zones. This creates a different sensation in each area. The design attempts to simulate and correspond to the form of a continuous mountain range through creating a form of spatial combination of soaring vertical solid towers and horizontal transparent glass boxes.
Fig. 42. Shapes.
Volcanic rocks and hot springs are both geologic formations after volcanic eruptions. In order to express the energy of nature, we select volcanic rock as the material for external walls of the towers. The horizontal glass-box space reveals a sense of transparency and blur, contrasting with the solid tower buildings.
Fig. 43. Materials
For the interior, we use three main materials: bamboo, timber and stone. By combining the lighting and the depth of the towers in four different layouts, we create a special sense of ritual for bathing in a hot spring. (Fig.42)
Fig. 44. Interior The site of this project is located in the valley of Rehe, the North of Chengde City in China in the center of a deep valley, far from the city center. Surrounded by mountains and facing tranquil water, the site is a natural place with serenity. Primitive forest environment also exists next to the site.
Fig. 45. Location
The building occupies almost the entire site. Recreation areas, usually located around lendmark, are concentrated in the center of the project and are covered with glass. Fig. 46. View from the building
This is due to the fact that the weather in this region changes frequently and in order to ensure the comfort of visitors, the walking and recreation areas are covered with glass structures.[14] Fig. 47. Site plan
2.7.6. Suure-Jaani Health Centre, Sure-Jaani, Estonia
Architects: Arhitekt Must Area: 3120 m² The building was born out of desire to resist the depopulation of small towns and the lifelessness of town centres. In order to activate urban life, a spatial program of a multifaceted public building
Fig. 48. Suure-Jaani Health Centre, Sure-Jaani, Estonia was erected. The building had to improve the town's public services (swimming pool, ambulance, police) and add value to locals’ quality of life (health centre, rehabilitation clinic among others), while also functioning as the town’s tourist and recreational destination (SPA, visitor centre, café). (Fig.49) Located in the city center, the complex is designed in the style of old traditions. The context assumes the use of local traditional materials. Passive zones "surround" the active zone on both the first and second floors. The active zone has more space and a relatively large scale. Passive is quite standard proportions.
Fig. 49. Active and passive zones
Fig. 50. Shapes At first glance, compositionally, the building may seem too simple and boring. However, we see that a lot of details have been thought out: the shape of the building is combined with the ports of the surrounding buildings, the use of glass gives a modern and light look. The building consists of similar shapes.
The building is finished off with the area’s characteristic red brick. The roofs of the energy-efficient building are covered with dark tiles integrated with solar panels by a local manufacturer. The use of glass makes it easier to look out the building. (Fig.51) Fig. 51. Materials
The interior repeats the same material as on the facades. The finishing of the interior and pool makes extensive use of polyurea coating and translucent stretch ceilings.[15]
As a result of the analysis, some patterns and features of recreational architecture were identified. 1. Basically, the closer a building is to the city center, the less space is left on the site for recreation and landscaping areas, which is explained by the natural factor of economy and limited land within the city. 2. Most often, active zones are clearly separated from passive ones either by floors or by corridors, to provide quality rest for those who prefer peace and quiet. 3. In half of the cases, the facility provides various types of services, which is due to the needs of a particular city / region. 4. The composition of a building depends on the functions it performs as well as on the environment in which the object is located. Sometimes the composition of a building helps to emphasize all the advantages of the environment in which the building is located. 5. Almost all analogs have different architectural solutions, which are influenced by both the region and the specific environment: forest, river, mountains or houses. This can also be explained by the fact that in this way an interesting design attracts visitors and helps to feel like in a completely different space.
6. All buildings use local materials, and all of them are in one way or another related to the place: historical background, environment, local traditional materials. 2.7.7. Analogues for the surrounding area.
Eastern and Western Bathing Resort, Denmark Area: 2000 m² Year: 2021 Fig. 52. Eastern and Western Bathing Resort, Denmark Inspired by nature’s own shapes, the circle is the basic concept behind the design. The interconnected bridges – with integrated buildings and facilities – will invite bathers to use the bridges as they move around the resorts – this way, the buildings and bridges will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. (Fig.52) [16]
Fig. 53. Saunaravintola Kiulu Wellness Saunaravintola Kiulu Wellness Area: 325 m² Year: 2020
Through Saunaravintola Kiulu, the waterfront is activated as it is an element most underscored by the architecture. Every viewpoint from within the structure frames the lake, offering different moments and perspectives through which to take in and enjoy the natural landscape. (Fig.54)[17] Fig. 54. Saunaravintola Kiulu Wellness, terrace.
2.8. Summary.
Today, the situation in the field of designing recreational facilities requires a special approach, because a person does not perceive buildings separately from the surrounding space. In order to competently solve non-standard tasks, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of a person's perception of the environment.