studio
AIR
architectural design studio 2012 progress journal tim nguyen tutor: marcus fajl
TABLE OF CONTENTS page 4 BEIJING NATIONAL AQUATIC CENTER page 5 NITEROI CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM page 6 STUDLEY PARK BOATHOUSE
OSCAR NIEMAYER
The ‘Water Cube’ is a design created by the Australian architect firm PTW, along with assistance from engineering and construction design companies. This contemporary design takes into consideration the natural landscape and conditions, and makes use of modern materials and construction techniques.
Located at the Boa Viagem viewpoint in the city of Niteroi, this saucer shaped structure emerges from the rock face and blooms outward like a flower. It was a design created from the revolutionary figure of a double curvature. It overlooks the bay like a lighthouse, and can appear to be suspended in the air. There is a layer of water underneath the structure where lights are located, illuminating the structure and providing a feeling of lightness to the building.
It takes into consideration the importance of environmental sustainability, a major concern in modern architecture. The polymer, ‘ETFE’, used for the molecular skin, is a ‘light-weight glass’. The glass-like qualities allow solar heating, and the light weight of the material reduces the need for as many load bearing materials, reducing embedded energy. Also considered is the seismic conditions of the area. The molecular skin, based on the formation of bubbles in soap lather is unique in that whilst appearing complex and random from the exterior, is actually formed with many uniformly shaped bubbles, allowing efficiency in its production. It seems random, however, the design is actually very repetitive and adheres to a set of rules which allow it to be completed correctly and efficiently. Even with the parametric nature of the building, it still has been derived from an original human generated concept.
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WEEK 01
PTW ARCHITECTS
Niterói Contemporary Art Museum
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WEEK 01
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Beijing National Aquatic Center
Niemayer’s concepts for this design are by no means groundbreaking. He was able to discover a new way to achieve those concepts in this design. This design is very literal in its representation of concept. Should this become a new direction of architecture? The cost of this project suggests it is perhaps not practical. However, it certainly is a passage which could be taken in architectural development.
“It appears random and playful like a natural system, yet is mathematically very rigorous and repetitious.” - Andrew Frost, Director, PTW Architects
“My work is not about ‘form follows function,’ but ‘form follows beauty’ or, even better, ‘form follows feminine.’”
Niemayer seeks to achieve a beauty in his architecture. He does not govern himself by rules or by restrictions. He designs his buildings based on concepts he would define as beautiful. The Niteroi Comemporary Art Museum is no different.
- Oscar Niemayer
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WEEK 01
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Studley Park Boathouse TIM NGUYEN My first ever design for an architecture oriented studio. A design based on the ideas and style of Mario Botta, it was an implementation of his ideas into a design which was of my own creation. Botta was a source of inspiration for this design, but it was not so much because of the appreciation of his style. At this stage, it was about learning the processes of a Master, and through following those processes and understanding his ideas that I was able to continually learn about the architectural process. On reflection, I am able to accept that; the final product may not stand out on a grander scale, its proposed materials might not have considered all the available options, and the plans generated may not be perfect. Yet it still remains beautiful on a personal level. It is truly impossible to achieve a perfect design. However, improvement will come with experience. It represents a personal transition to the start of a new stage in my architectural journey, and presents the idea that architecture is about individual just as much as community. Perhaps, it is not the opinion of the professional that is the most important. The untrained have the purest and most uninfluenced view.
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