Component 1 Victry Simbo
Brief In an increasingly developing world it is important to understand and acknowledge all architectural styles, African Architecture is one that has been scarcely looked into in the contemporary world and there is a gap in the market to create a contemporary shopping mall inspired by African building techniques and styles. It is the idea of taking the old and developing it into something modern and contemporary without destroying its zeal and purpose. The objective is to design a permanent shopping centre that takes inspiration from African design influences. Both interior and exterior should include some form of African patterns, shapes, colours and materials but used in a modern and contemporary fashion that allows traditional African architecture to be brought into the 21st century. The building should have a spa like feel and experience, including different space and facilities( facial, manicures, pool sauna, massages etc.) but create to give the visitor an experience rather than just a session. The purpose of this is to take the rush and business feel out of the typical shopping centre while keeping the energy and electric feeling to shopping and eating. The spa should be an experience, it should be felt , breathed and engage with the visitor. It should not overcome the ultimate goal of a typical shopping centre but enhance it. Due to the many components being addressed in the brief, the primary themes should be juxtaposition and contrast, combining different cultures and atmospheres to create a dynamic space and experience. With this the secondary theme would be linear, this would be sued in partnership with the primary themes but not as to overpower it . The use of straight line sans angles I feel with remove some of the complexity of the primary theme and allow a good contrast.
Specification • • • • • • • • • • •
Primary theme is Juxtaposition and contrast while secondary theme is Linear The structure interior and exterior should take inspiration from African Architecture Shopping mall should be designed in a modern and contemporary manner Shopping mall should be about 177,000 square metres Spa experience to be felt throughout the building but not overpower purpose of Shopping mall The mall should have two interior levels and one exterior. Three floors in total The mall should have different shops, restaurants and cafés that appeal to all ages and people. Approximately 200 shops and 50 restaurants Able to accommodate those with disabilities. Seating areas both inside and outside Free WIFI Parking Lot connected to the mall
Location – Bromley-By-Bow
African culture is all about community and creating a stimulating community that educates and entertains a shopping centre is therefore appropriate for a city like Bromley. The centre can be seen when people are on the train and they can walk along a path by the river from the station. Although a brisk walk it does add suspense to visiting the mall and experiencing a whole new cultural environment. By choosing Bromley-by-Bow it is an area that is under construction, it has various cultures and ethic backgrounds and with that comes innovation. With the building of new homes requires local shops and places to visit.
The area is a gas station, which releases gas to the community in times of desperation however they are becoming very rare and replacing them with a shopping center would be more beneficial to a growing community and people. The area is vast and expansive for a center to be constructed on the site and close to the station. The location could be very useful in my themes of juxtaposition and contrast, the location id made of high-rise block buildings all flowing the same methodology. By differing my canter to the rest of society will help me match my theme.
Statistics
Population- 14,480 Population 2021- 27,800 Average age range- 27/29 Largest Ethnic groups: White British, Bangladeshi, Other White 16-64 largest age range – 67.5% Income deprived families- 62% 60.5% of families with dependant children Average Salary- £34,303 These statics show that Bromley is a growing community and is expected to reach almost 30 thousand by 2021, therefore providing a shopping centre would be crucial to aid this growth and allow people to feel comfortable with resources being close by that is provide by local shops and the shopping centre near by. It is also important that the centre attracts all age ranges in Bromley with shops and restaurants alike and that residents can also afford the facilities provided and feel comfortable with the building provided.
Bromley-By-Bow Centre 35 years old Services- Health and wellbeing, Gardening activities ‘The Community Zone’- For the community, inspires more people to learn and grow and make new friends Fundraisers- Macmillan cancer awareness events This center is catered to helping people in the community and by understanding how they do so can help me add these similar features to my shopping center, so that it is not just an attraction for shopping for visitors outside of Bromley but also for locals. Fundraisers are there to help keep center running and educate and help the community.
Great Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe Great Zimbabwe was ruled my the Karanga who were a Shona speaking people who built the monuments. They created large enclosures as religious temples built on an astronomical basis in accordance to African tradition. The monument was built from 1200 to 1450.
The enclosures is in an elliptical shape with 244 meters diameter. The constructors used granite to build the monument, and a building method of dry-stone walling. There is not mortar used to build the walls, that are 10 meters high. Inside there are concentric passageways and a number of enclosures.
I began to experiment with materials that I felt contrasted each other such as glass and the granite stone used to build Great Zimbabwe. The glass I saw upon doing primary research and felt the design would be a good compliment with the stone.
The stones are rough and closely compacted, it adds a natural feeling to the overall surrounding. For Great Zimbabwe the monument added to it surroundings and did not distort it or damage it. It uses natural materials and sits on the natural ground it was made on.
Granite- Granite is an igneous rock, made up of quartz, feldspar and mica. It is light in colour and a hard crystalline rock and is resistant to erosion.
Diebedo Francis Kere – Dano Secondary School
Kere uses materials that are in close range to create building and sites that are innovative and modern. He is able to understand the surroundings and engineer a building and site that adheres to both he community and its environment without compromising their culture and understandings but enhancing it. He also contrasts materials and combines them together in order to contemporise the community but also uses materials people recognise . Diebedo Francis Kere, is an architect from Burkina Faso and studied at the Technical University of Berlin. He created the Kere Foundation , which helps sustainably improve the lives of people on Burkina Faso. He combines traditional building techniques and materials with modern engineering methods. He works to build schools, libraries, and national parks for communities.
Kere uses vibrant colours for the windows and this maybe to demonstrate some of the cultures in the villages love of colours but also0 adds vibrancy to the buildings. Furthermore Kere makes the layout simple and easy to manoeuvre around, with simple seating area in-between to break apart the buildings.
Opera Village This design intrigued me due to the use of rectangular and circular shapes all combined together. There is contrast in the building types, which all vary, some being smaller than other, some being longer than others, all gathered in one area. This could come as an advantage in my own design, combining different sizes and shapes together helps to create a place that not only contrast but is able to worm well together at the same time. Furthermore Kere uses simple shapes to compare together. The idea of a complex type building structure where one has to travel is also interesting, it promotes a change of scenery and experience due to the different sizes. The Opera village is a school complex made up of varied building types and designs all in one place and has an epicentre which resembles a stadium that everything revolves around. Due to this I will explore different shapes that juxtapose and are capable of working together.
Lycee Schorge Secondary School What interests me about this structure is how Kere was able to take natural resources like wood and transform them in a modern way. There is a sense of continuity but also innovation through the combination of natural and man-made. This is combined in a linear fashion, through straight lines and sharp edges both inside the structure and outside The use of lines and connecting them together creates a relationship between the natural and man-made throughput the whole building. The natural is the protector of the manmade and the contrast tells a story of how African natural building techniques and the ability to take advantage of their surrounding comes at a much greater advantage than that which is manmade.
The structure is aesthetically pleasing and the combination of natural and manmade is one I will look into further and how the use of linear form can enhance and add more depth to a building.
Rendering Lycee Schorge Secondary School into a model When re-creating the Lycee Schorge it was my objective to understand how the materials worked together and combined to create such a diverse structure and how different materials could be combined to create a contrast that complemented the environment and was also subtle in nature. I have yet to determine whether I want to create a subtle contrast which blends in with the environment or whether I combine African and western materials in an extreme fashion.
I used paper straws to imitate the wood and silver foil as the covering to imitate the corrugates roofing. The cardboard acted as a base. Through this I was able to understand how the structure was formulated and created in such a way that the wood is the most important aspect as a shelter and exterior of the entire structure. Furthermore I was able to play around with the linear aspect of the building formulating my own base shape and understanding that the shape of the circumference created was very important in maximising space. The building also creates a community feel which I think is an interesting concept to explore further and try to create with my shopping center. A shopping center should be able to bring together both the imitate community and surrounding people from different regions to cohabitate in an area and space that they feel comfortable and sheltered in which this rendition has taught me to try and explore.
EK3 Mall- Germany The EK3 Mall is both linear and curvature in its structuring. The front of the mall takes a very interesting form with the small windows that are all different sizes, and the large exterior combined together. The pattern created on the outside has an African feel and I feel by building would be enhanced by African patterns being a part of the building. As a result I will look at patterns in relation to my linear theme looking at patterns of African origin. However I will disregard the separate windows that are on some of the surfaces as I want my windows to flow and not be disjointed but the contrasting sizes of windows I will look further into.
This buildings main aspect is the roof top seating area which I feel would go well with the spa sensation I am trying to make. The rooftop is able to attract direct sunlight without causing too much of a headache due to the high-rise walls around it. This would be a great pace to cool of and relax after along day of shopping, it is open and the glass surrounding it connects the inside to the outside. In a shopping centre outside area is typically around the shopping centre however having it on top of the roof not only gives more space inside but it allows people to relax which is the feeling I will be trying to achieve.
I would look at making the roof top seating area larger and capable of accommodating spa features and booths, so people can enjoy the sun and have an experience
Westside Bruennen- Bern, Switzerland The reason this mall fascinates me is its use of shape and the varied shapes it uses that are in contrast with each other but are able to work together. The different shapes represent different part of the shopping mall, the large sharp angular parts of the building are not only different in color but in texture, arrangement, size and shape. All relatively contrast to the rectangular form of the rest of the mall. The angular portion of the building represent the spa area of the mall, however this separation is one that I am trying to avoid as much as possible and make the spa part of the entire building. It is also the placement of the building that intrigues me and it surrounding, the building is placed above a motorway, it immediately attracts the views attention almost like a form of advertisement, its surroundings are green, creating a futuristic feeling to the natural surrounding it has with the motorway almost being part of the design and intentionally made part the design.
The interior also follows the angular structure and pattern of the outside, compromising of angles and diagonal lines that are both in the ceiling and the shapes of the shops. This sense of continuity is one I want for the visitor to experience. The diagonal and linear fashion of the entire interior is one I am looking to create, something that is consistent but has variation enables the building to include contrast that is subtle. There is also an outdoor roof top near the indoor spa that I want to look further into as rooftop fixtures help to use as much space as possible and also allow people to escapes the world by being and feeling on top of the world- creating that experience.
Spa – Termalija Family Wellness
The Termalijia Family Wellness centre is a holiday retreat that allows families to come along and relax in a private area. It offers many treatments such as various saunas to detox the body- Finnish sauna, Turkish sauna, salt sauna etc..- it also offers various pools for al ages, rock climbing facilities and outdoor relaxation areas. The wellness centre was build in such a way that it could accommodate both summer and winter seasons, with open areas to allow light it and connect the outdoor with the indoor. The roof is very geometric and is held by static strength so the pool indoors can be covered without supports which allows both the interior and exterior to connect with divide.
The interior allows fro both adult space and kids space to be combined together. There are white flower pots that are large and allow people to walk on water while walking on there paths, they line the inside of the pool and the edges of the pool. There is a kids area which is colourful and contrasts the calm colours of the rest of the building, this change in bold colours is really interesting and something I would want to explore further, looking and clam and extravagant African patterns and design methods.
Myer Bourke Street Development The interior is very spacious and is very open. The floor has different textures of carpet and cold surfaces together. The shops are like display sets like galleries and exhibitions. I feel this creates a very relaxing feeling in the store and blocks restriction, opening up stores is a concept I want to look into further, this place is referred to as the atrium.
This building lines in the middle of the city, it not a separated but among the rest of the other buildings. This is an interesting concept among, of how to make a building stand our among others and attract many people. The colors stand out using golds and yellows, and the black is used to contrast and dull out the colors. The entire building follows the same pattern that is linear triangles, this pattern is also seen in African art and patterns the sense of repetition. As a result I will go forth and look at repetition in my building and using African patterns as a design in my building but in the interior. The pattern along the front of the building is overpowering and is not the feeling I am trying to make. The roof interior also follows the pattern of the outside and falls into the building, the roof only has one area where sun is able to penetrate but this area is large enough to cover the entire interior and leave the entire building bright. The artificial light is used to enhance the display cases.
Experimenting with Shapes This is my first experimentation exploring shapes and how they differ, I used clay which was one of the materials used by Africans to create their homes. I them moulded the clay to become different sized rectangles and triangles. I then rearranged the shapes in a way that allowed them to form buildings but could potentially be changed. As I am looking for juxtaposition and contrast by varying my building shapes which I gained inspiration from the research I had done. Contrasting shapes is an easy way to present juxtaposition however I need to do further research into how other building deal with different shapes and sizes and combine them together. Despite this I will be experimenting further combining the research I have with the models I have created to create a potential shopping centre.
This is another experimentation I did with shapes and clay. I wanted to look at diamond shapes and also triangles that I found during my research. I also used plaster to cast the triangles
Generation of ideas using models and research
Mar Adentro- Miguel Angel Aragones This is an Apartment complex created in Mexico in 2016. I wanted to look further in exploring water and how it can be used in architecture and as a way of accompanying it with my spa experience. Water can be very relaxing when used correctly and can be manipulated to suit the surroundings. This complex also has a very good outdoor area that works well with the water, and I wanted to study how the architect has accomplished this and how they arranged their seating area in unison with the water. The apartments surround the pool complex as a nest and are all connected, they allow for a good view of the swimming view and almost as a protection for the pool. The building follow a symmetrical format ad the pavements connect to the front of the building to allow access to the rest of the apartment complex.
In the centre of the pool there is a relaxation complex were people can sit and relax as if they are on the beach. There is a hut type fixture made of wood the allows relaxation away from the light and is a tranquil setting area for people. further more there is also contrast in the furniture types that come in different shapes , sizes and textures which could help contribute to my juxtaposition and contrast theme.
Tate Museum For my Primary research I began by looking at the Tate Modern Museum, trying to see how they combined different shapes together. A place that was previously a power station was reconstructed however they kept its essence such as the turbine hall and the chimney. The boiler house became the galleries. This was a fascinating discovery but also upon it renovation the extension used the same bricks as that from the power station. This is a good combination of old and new materials that I can uses as away of juxtaposition that the Tate demonstrates both in height and materials. i can use this with my combination of African materials and modern European materials.
Tate Museum Floor Plans
Orange – Galleries Blue- Cafes, restaurants and bars Dark Grey- walking area Light grey- escalators and toilets I created floor plans for the Tate Modern Museum in order to allow myself to understand it further as to how museums distribute their space and how space is used to it maximum capacity. I also wanted to understand how building of different sizes are connected together. Museums are similar to shopping malls, I wanted to know how they differ and how they compare to one another. The galleries flow within one another and that is a different approach instead of doors, people can flow from one store to another. It does exist in places like Debenhams. There are small quantities of cafes and restaurants which I would like to expand upon and create different restaurants on different floors.
V&A Floor Plans I also did some primary research on the V&A and how they organised their facilities and galleries. I focused on the ground floor and noticed how compacted it was and they used as much space as possible. The V&A is also old fashioned and keeps that with them in the building structure. There is a garden a quarter way back in the museum, which I feel is a nice contribution as the amount of galleries compacted into one area needs breathing space. It is not the style I am trying to create however the combination of garden and building is a good way of understanding how open space can be cooperated with an interior.
Experimenting with Primary research using Sketchup
I creating models using my primary research that I had quired from the Tate Modern. I then translated these models and previous knowledge into possible structures that I created on SketchUp.
The first model created was inspired by the Tate Modern building. I added a bridge that connects the two sections of the building. The structure is very linear, comprising different right angles and geometry , which ties in very well with my theme. The building however is high rise, going form the ground up, It imitates a skyscraper that is meant for business rather than pleasure and relaxation. Following the specification the shopping center only has two levels, however the space is very narrow and compact. This means there would be very little breathing space in busy period. The triangle in the center makes for a very impractical space and customers would find it harder to move around the building. Overall the structure does not accomplish the brief, it is impractical as a shopping center, it does not promote relaxation but continues the busy and rushed atmosphere that visitors have just come out off. Most importantly it does not contain any African features which are particularly essential for a successful building.
This model has a very community feel, a building working together to provide different needs for people. Each building would potentially have one purpose such as restaurants, shops, gym or cinemas. The surrounding area would be designated for relaxation, customers would be able to relax by the pool while watching the world pass by. Each building is a different shape and size, which ties in very well with my juxtaposition and contrast theme.
I used both contemporary and traditional African features to create this building. There is a central building and around its subsidiary buildings, this makes up the community culture that Africans have relied on for centuries. It is important to create a place allows customers to take time in the fresh air while enjoying their shopping experience, every building offers a new adventure instead of continually being in one building. Furthermore the materials sued here all contrast from one anther, the thatched roof and granite floors combined with the rocks that line the pools of water . This experiment also helped me see how materials react together and how this can influence a building. The pools are only there to enhance the relaxing feel but are not for use.
Although this building does explore traditional and contemporary, as a shopping center it would not be very useful. The pools prove to be a health and safely issue especially since shopping centers can get very crowed and busy. Furthermore the narrow pathways could also cause a problem as people enter and leave different places, wide shopping centers need a lot of ground to allow for a lot of floor space. It is only small components that I could potentially look further into to develop, such as having a thatch roof and exploring pools further in such a way that they do not obstruct but enhance the overall feel of the building.
Canary Wharf Cross-rail examination
The roof garden at Canary Wharf Cross rail is an extravagant development that is particularly interesting to study. It celebrates plant life but also the history of Canary Wharf. The roof garden promotes sustainability and allows visitors to connect with nature, which is very difficult in a metropolitan city such as London. The roof forms an escape for the everyday individual, with restaurant located close by, it is a comfortable space to relax and enjoy both day and night. The combination old and new is seen through the history of canary wharf that is continually reinforced with information boards around the garden. The roof garden is designed in such a way that privacy is maximised , with small intimate spaces .
Fountain construction analysis
Wall fountain Plumbing needs to run behind the wall of the fountain for the water. The pipe must not show and the fountain must have basin for the water it fall into. They can be attached using mortar and special t-blocks. Flatter bricks help for easier stabilisation. Solar panel fountains provide enough power for the fountain to function, they do not have to be attached to the main power supply and do not require hardwiring. Water distribution- some can be connected to the buildings water supply and work as long as water is turned on. Others run on a water cycle where fountain hose uses a pump that recirculates the water on a continuous basis but water level has to be checked. Fountain finishes – concrete and stone do not require immense care and give more of a natural look. Bronze and copper fountains have natural outdoor settings and require a little more care. Lighting- amber lights are soothing as well as coloured.
Swimming pool Block and linear technique- Masonry blocks and vinyl linear and linear has a life span of 510years. A gunite shell is used as frames where shotcrete is sprayed and finished with a waterproof render and tiles. A polyethylene shell is used on the outside.
Comparing Lakeside and Westfield Shepard's Bush Large department stores Outdoor walkways Indoor walkways Entrances and exits Restaurants Small booths
• • • • •
Lakeside takes up more ground space where was Westfield in in a secluded area which means it is very restricted in circumference Westfield has a good balance between shopping and food stores, allowing for a wider variation of restaurants and food courts that is distributed throughout the entire building. Compared to Lakeside where restaurants and food courts are very secluded making shopping more of a priority. In Westfield, the stores are placed in within large blocks, this means they are maximising the space they have, furthermore the store spaces are embedded within one another showing a lack of space. Whereas the stores in lakeside line the edges of the store, and more space is given to individual stores so that they are not embedded within each other. Because of the layout of the stores, Westfield has a much more complicated walkway throughout the shopping centre as the visitor must manoeuvre throughout each block to find their store, which could make the experience more tiring. Whereas Lakeside has a simpler walkway that is fundamentally a straight line throughout the whole building. Westfield has small booths in the walkways that allow the visitor to see and experience more as they walk around the centre, whereas Lakeside has fewer booths, this could be as a result of having more stores therefore booths are not particularly necessary.
Comparing Bluewater with Westfield Stratford
Bluewater shows the significance size has on a person's experience at a shopping centre, with a large circumference the designer can fit in a multitude of varied shops and restaurants that can appeal to larger group of people. It also allows for more breathing and manoeuvring space that Westfield does nor offer. However Westfield shows the impact an outside are can have on an experience, providing a fresh escape from the inside, it offers a whole new world of shopping and dining that is unique to the visitor. The better one can manipulate a large patch the more successful and accomplished a building can become.
Blue water is divided into different sections that offer a variety of different attractions and shop for visitors: •
The Guildhall- has a selection of classic and high fashion retail and lifestyle stores The village- has restaurants for fine dining, lifestyle stores and boutiques Rose gallery – offers the best of the high street Winter Garden- family dining areas Thames walk shops that appeal to a fashionable urban audience The plaza- cinema, gravity trampoline park, bars and restaurants
• •
The sections appeal to different age groups, interests and desires and categories. This makes it easier to find different stores and restaurants as the differentiation is clear. Compared to Westfield where the stores are in blocks and are distributed in no order or genre. Bluewater has 350 stores and restaurants combined compared to Westfield with 250 stores. Westfield is a much more compacted space, which fills up very quickly and easily, this makes navigation harder and it is harder to relax and enjoy your time when trying to move around people. compared to Bluewater, due to it being large there is plenty pf space to roam, sit and relax and navigate through calmly.
Experimenting with materials
The bottom level is wooden , contains the shops , inspired by investigating other existing shopping centers in Westfield Stratford. There will be no outer areas, and everything is contained inside the structure. There are multiple entrances that allow for people to have many exits and entrances and this is especially important as shopping centers can get very packed, therefore it is important to have enough exits and entrances. The second level that is made of fresh mud , mixed with glue, represents mud brick. This has ben designated to restaurants, also a very closed area, it contains searing areas and a multitude of both fine dining and fast food restaurants. however this proves to be impractical for a shopping center, which requires food areas to be located at different location in the building. This allows for smaller crowds in one area when trying to find food. The fabric structure represents a thatched structure, this creation inspired me to investigate pavilions as an addition to the mall. This can amplify the relaxation and spa feel I am trying to create in my structure.
This rendering I took the pavilion and rendered it to try and create and building. The black lines represent a simplified version of the structure, that mainly focuses on angles and straight lines, this was done to better understand the basic forms and shapes that run across the building . The final model created is a combination of creating a functional structure that has a little flair o compliment it.
This structure began as an experimentation with plaster that was placed on top of fabric, left to dry in a shape. This created a very interesting form that I then was able to manipulate. I added metal and wire around it a way of combining different textured materials together. What I then created seemed very restrictive, although being able to combine African features- such as the windows used by Diebedo Francis Kere. Although dynamic in from, it would exaggerate the busy and rushed feel that I am trying to eradicate from a shopping center.
These sketches are all colour coded, each colour represents a different material that could potentially be used on the buildings. Brown- This colour indicated using a traditional building material on the shopping center, this could be granite, clay or mud brick. The blue represents modern materials as a comparison consisting of glass, concrete and metal. The elements of having a roof, garden has been a continuous endeavor as a result each variation has a potential roof garden. This model has a very simple design for the ceiling of the roof garden, however as a way of amplifying the design to the shopping center, I will explore potential variations to ceilings that could also be linked to the pavilion design.
Design Manipulation using tracing paper
Here I used primary and secondary research to produce varied outcomes on tracing paper. Looking at shapes and forms predominantly from African origin, which I manipulated and transformed into potential structures. Using tracing paper allowed me to easily alter and refine the experiments.
Triangles are an interesting shape as they allow for a composition of intriguing shape san forms to be created however it is a restrictive shape that can struggle to accommodate large spaces for a shopping center
Developing triangles in structures
Establishing connection between rocks and building
This page is a development from the manipulation I had done on tracing paper. Here I used the initial idea and transformed it into different variations to see how space could be efficiently used to allow for maximum shopping, eating and relaxation experience in the shopping center
I also played with shape and found that changing to a hexagon allowed the rocks and building to become one. This is a very important concept that anything juxtaposes can also become one, so that people and visitors can connect and experience this too.
Stone and Boulders are a very versatile material, that has been used for centuries, not only in Africa but around the world. It is important the stones, are used in such a way that does not disrupt the overall flow of the building but compliments the entire structure both outside and inside.
This model I combined with broken mud pieces that where used to represent rock, this was to show the contrast that could be created and how it could be potentially distributed around a building. In the sketches I removed the rocks, to enable me to try and find ways in which the structure can be manipulated and changed to create a building.
The polystyrene at the rear of the model where meant to represent boulders. In my models I felt the blue film could be great as a roof cover for the roof garden. However the distribution of the boulders seemed a little impractical in their positioning to allow for maximum functionality and the entire structure would be very closed off.
Both models created were made from plastic which was scored as different angles to produce a shape. I then combined each model with different components.
Frank Lloyd Wright – Falling Water Materials used: Reinforced concrete- The concrete is a mix of cement, sand and rounded river gravel. this material was used to create the terraces that stand out of falling water , they were stepped and curved to provide a canopy walkway and used to create the stairs, eaves and ceiling all in the building. Advantages is that is allows for an aesthetically pleasing contrast of material with he stones, the smooth texture combined with the rough allows the building to blend in intensely with its surrounding. However this type of reinforced concrete is hard to preserve and needs constant maintenance and reconstruction. Stone masonry- the stone was acquired from a nearby quarry, it is laid in a rough, shifting manner to keep that natural look that the surrounding rocks may have. This unifies the building with surroundings instead of displacing it. However this arrangement and deep crevices mean that water has the potential to enter the walls. This becomes a problem during the winter when the water freezes and thaws Glass- The windows in falling water connect the inside to the outside, some areas have a cantilevered design, this is where glass meets glass to create an ‘invisible’ corner window, this creates a dramatic and uninterrupted view of the outside. Steel- Steel bars are used within the concrete to provide tensile strength. A mesh steel was placed in the walls and floors. The windows and doors were too constructed of steel.
These are experiments of combining different materials: Glass Metal Concrete Stone masonry Granite Boulders Thatch
Understanding flow around a potential building
The is a potential shopping mall create from my triangle experimentations and from the research done of Frank Lloyds Falling Water . It shows the flow that the building takes and how individual would travel around the building. However this building is very restrictive, and people are contained in a certain space. It does not fully incorporate all the aspects indicated in my brief and specification and its functionally with the terraces is limited.
Exterior Path Interior Paths Terraces Entrances and Exits
Understanding Daniel Libeskind- the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal
Here I am analysing and understanding the construction of the extension of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. How the interior and exterior coincide with each other and work together to create a dynamic museum. Also trying to understand the way light enters the interior in such way the works well with the artwork and exhibitions in the museum. The furniture is also a concept that is worth considering, as it also works in unison with the angular forms of the extension.
Incorporating traditional Zimbabwean patterns in buildings
Developing and combining Ideas
These sketches are inspired by David Adjaye and Daniel Libeskind done on tracing paper. The base of the drawings came from the practical models created, I then advanced them by taking different components from the architects. Libeskind’s manipulation of buildings combined with Adjaye’s use of African patterns on the exterior of his building, helped me to produce these three variation of buildings. The use of pattern creates a very aesthetically pleasing exterior while also praising African culture. Libeskind decontructivist style of architecture, aids in creating contrast with a building, It works particularly well when it is placed beside a very simple form or shape. The use of pattern and colour as well as material could really bring out the African feel and style, I am trying to project. Libeskind, offers the contemporary and modern architecture style that is needed to bring out that perfect contrast.
Potential shopping center 1
Shopping center takes inspiration from Daniel Libeskind combining them with simple shapes to create a functional building
Developing Final Idea
Shops and stores Restaurant Seating areas
This idea was crafted from pervious experiments with models that I reevaluated and found the potential to combine together, I took the influence I gained for Daniel Libeskind and created a building that evoked a community feel, it was enclosed allowed the potential for outdoor space that could promote a relaxing feel and meet the needs of both the community and the purpose of a shopping center. It also address all the themes' that I have flowed throughout the entire project and Africanism would be part of the aesthetic rather than the look itself,
Final Shopping center Design
ArchiCAD rendering of my final design for the shopping centre, as well as sketch my final design in its location.
Sections and Elevation of Building
Part 2
Brief Following on from the previous shopping centre brief requirements. The client has requested another shopping centre development in a different location. They found it imperative to continue the use of African influences as a prominent part of the shopping aesthetic and experience. However this time they wanted the shopping centre to have a bigger impact on the immediate community. They acknowledged the advantages that arose by areas having community centres and the lack of funding they receive. The clients felt compelled to add a community centre has part of the shopping centre design, both as a separate entity and something that is embedded in the overall construction. They needed it to provide activities and fundraisers for the community and be appropriate for the community it is , located in. The clients particularly liked the Deconstructist theme that was prominent in the last design. Therefore requested for it to be continued in this project. Furthermore they wanted to keep the theme of Juxtaposition and contrast as they felt it was more appropriate. They really want the different functions of the building to connect without disorientating visitors and enticing both locals and visitors to the centres.
• Specification • • • • • •
Assessible for people of all disabilities Outdoor seating area Outdoor activities, e.g basketball Outdoor gardening facilities Free WIFI Shopping mall should have 45-50 shops, pharmacies and restaurants and cafes • Shopping and community centre must connect but contrast in looks an purpose • Community centre must have more leisure space and activity space than shopping centre
Location Romford Romford has a range of shopping centres, from the Liberty, The brewery and The mercury. All are located in the same vicinity and are walking distance from each other. It is the epicentre for many people to shop, relax and run errands. It ranges in children, school students, adults and the old all enjoy different areas of the complex. However there is no prominent and active community entre that this wide community can enjoy. A revival in culture and community spirit would help to uplift this busy town
The Mercury The Mercury is a subsidiary shopping centre, it contains very large retail shops compared to smaller more personal stores in the other two centres. The surrounding residential areas and medical building by the Mercury, can all contribute value to the community centre, it will allow it thrive and give people an opportunity to connect both medically and socially. Providing close support system. The shopping centre should not be too large to eliminate relocation for the residents but work around the residents and allow them to benefit from the new centre
Community center A community center should attract the young and the old. Providing help, educational opportunities, advice, activities, stimulation and support for the surrounding community and anyone who requires it. They are predominantly run by volunteers, who drive schemes, fundraisers and manage expenses to run meetings and events for people. When used correctly, it can become the core part of a community, maintain moral, behavior and overall mental health. They have been deemed great instruments in helping people with mental health issues and help teenagers keep out of trouble while stimulating their talents and interests, advantages for the locals and individual. Community centers can provide activities such as exercise, cooking, social interaction, art and crafts, coffee mornings and holding playgroups. They provide a safe sanctuary for people to gather, make new friends and connect another around. Currently community centers only serve 10% of a community and this low average must be increased. By placing it close and part of a shopping complex, that naturally attracts all ages groups, it can allow for this new community center to gain support fast and attract these same ages groups in joining a community. Teenagers can have a place to gather and get advice and talk, bonding with the elderly and each other. Furthermore with the rise of mental health issues, community centers can help people overcome their anxieties and problems with support and confidence. Funding is right next door as shopping centers attract huge crowds that can help offer pennies to manage and run events for the center.
Activities/ Facilities • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Sports courts Library Large hall/ meeting areas Reception Kitchen Gym Art room Lounge area Study areas Small garden Front courtyard Toilets Music room Quiet room Café
Red Cross Volunteer House: A Meeting Place The main rectangular building is the Red Cross Headquarters in Copenhagen The architect's firm COBE added a triangular extension to the building, that connects to main building at the second floor. The extension has a floorspace of 750m2 and was built to house 32,000 Red cross volunteers as well the public and visitors. The volunteer space has a staircase above its entrance, which I feel is very inviting and welcoming for new visitors and those who work there. The space is specifically for the Red Cross volunteers providing enough space to gather, plan, eat, talk and capture the curiosity of those outside, encouraging others to help. The space encourages socialisation both outside the building and inside the building. Its attractive and invocative architecture has attracted new people come and join as visitors and to join the organisation, inspiring creativity and goodwill from the young and the old.
The New Generation Youth and Community Centre by RCKa The Community centre was placed in Lewisham, South London. It was built to provide support and services for young locals and people. It provides festivities, and activities that stimulate young minds and broaden their creativity. Through this the building and its staff help to tackle issues of identity, social needs and sustainability. The building provides sports courts, a kitchen, a cafĂŠ, gaming, dancing areas, a recording studio, conference rooms and administrative facilities that attract people of all ages. The building also provides a garden area that separates the calmer spaces with the lively play areas. This community centre helps to add vitality back to the city and the local community. I like its ability to accommodate for both the old and the young, using varied activities both indoors and outdoors, with challenging activities such as rock climbing that help to push the boundaries for young people. It is a catalyst for social changes, and I want both the shopping complex and the community centre to brig new life to my location .
Initial Ideas generation
Inspired by African pattern and dance
I then looked at Zaha Hadid and her Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan. I was fascinated by how she created a very organic building that flowed very well, while juxtaposing in size and in tis surrounding location. I experimented with curves and repetition extracting different curves I saw in the building.
Experimenting more with curves and repetition These are further experimentations I created , looking as how curves can be manipulated and can be turned into both linear and organic forms. I used wire as it is malleable, easier to shape between angular forms and curves. I wanted to create a repetition that I had drawn previously and see how that would formulate and could be combined to create structures that varied in size. I really like how the linear can be manipulated to create different components of buildings that can be joined. I also liked the idea of putti the community centre at the back to make it part oft the buildings but also not distract from the shopping centre.
I created small floor plans of how the distribution between shopping centre to community could potentially be redistributed and arranged. .
I continued doing sketches inspired by the wire and combining triangular firms while allow the angles and shapes to juxtapose in a bid to try and generate ideas for my shopping and community centre combination. It is difficult to find formation and flow that allows the community centre to have its own privacy while not separating it completely form the shopping centre. However the idea of having the shopping centre in front of the community centre could help to allow this separation while connecting the two buildings. The juxtaposition can occur in a very subtle way by combining different size shapes and sizes into the building.
Further deconstructivist Experiments
El Museo de Arte de Denver
Museum by Daniel Libenskind. A Good architect for deconstructivist architecuture. I simplified the building into its shaed and researched them to try and find diffrent ways in which a buiding can be varied in size and shape.
The above sketches are off experiment models I did, juxtaposing different materials as well as shapes and forms. I will draw ideas for my building from the models, particularly experimenting with triangles and sizes. I want to find way of making triangles functional. As well as creating a complex of two or three separate buildings that have different functions. This would be easier as it would allow a good juxtaposition between buildings and space for activities and seating space.
Expanding from Wooden Blocks
I expanded from by experimentation the research done of Daniel Libeskind building. I cut out a few shapes similar to the sketches I had oden in my response. In the models I rearranges the shapes I had made to try and create a complex and makeshift buildings that could accompany my clients needs. However the initial models were very restrictive in form and movement to manipulate. Therefore I decide to take an elevation from each model and cut it up to create simpler shapes that I could experiment with on sketchup.
The sketcup images below show experimentation with the shapes I had created from the elevation of my model. Since African pattern rely a lot on repetition, I decide to play around with the repletion of my building arrangement and look to create a subtle connection with the African theme.
Random generation of ideas
Experimenting with triangles, curves, angles and repletion form previous experiments investigated.
The Mount Sinai Kyabirwa Surgical Facility
The Mount Sinai Kyabirwa surgical facility was built in Uganda for the local community. It was created using regional material and was built using the help of the local. Using redbrick and local businesses the lattice was crafted and embedded into the building. This use of pattern is very fascinating as it provides the facility with fresh air to regulate the I tense heat but also allows for a very pleasing aesthetic that is good to look at and connects with the local community as they use the pattern in their own homes. This use of pattern and arrangement in the building is one I will try and experiment with and use in my final buildings
Birmingham city library This library also uses pattern on it building by placing it over the overall structure as an aesthetic that show of the structure but adds an interesting and pleasing texture and aesthetic to the building.
Developing final idea
Final Shopping and Community centre in CAD
This is my final design for my shopping and community centre. I was able to communicate both entities in once surface area while creating two different African inspired characters that complimented each other but presented two different functions and purpose. It draws together different people and offers help in varied ways. The community centre has a larger leisure space to allow for a basket ball court and adding other activities and a garden. There is juxtaposition and contrast in the different sizes, heights and shapes of the building. I fell I achieved the deconstructivist theme as I was bale to deconstruct a building so that is contrast and of different form it environment but also allows flow with the different heights and angles of roofing.