Architecture Portfolio

Vili-valtteri

Welroos

102237966 Academic Portfolio 2012/13

STAGE 2

BA Architecture

Newcastle University APL

Vili-valtteri Welroos BA Architecture Academic Portfolio 2012/13 Stage 2 Newcastle University APL

Personal Information

Objectives: - to showcase and analyse the work accomplished during Stage 2.

- to present the skillsets gained during the 2012/13 session of my studies.

Vili-valtteri Welroos 07768882796 originofuniformity.blogspot.com

Education

Part 1 - BA Architecture Newcastle University 2011- current European School of Brussels II 2001-2009 Achieved the European Baccalaureate with an 86.4% average.

Employement

Work-Experience at Ryder Architecture Newcastle (March 2013) Work-Experience at PlusArkkitehdit Oy in Helsinki (August 2007)

Thresholds of Privacy

‘As well as establishing a boundary, the line of the circle defines a threshold - an interface where you pass from outside to inside and back again.’

‘Imagine the difference between: being outside; being inside; and the strangely unresolved state of being in-between, just on the line, neither inside nor out.’

(Simon Unwin, 2012, p.19)

List of Contents Architectural Design 2.1 ARC 2001

# Additional/Improved Work

work completed after/based on feedback

1.

Year Design Report

2-3

Project 00: Charrette

SD*

Project 01: Learning Journal

5-11

Project 02: Placed, Displaced

13-19

Project 03: Simplicity, Economy, Home

21-29

Project 04: Civic Centred

31-37

Project 05: Section Alley

38-47

Work Experience at Ryder Architecture Newcastle

48

Non-design Courseworks

49

ARC 2023 The Place of Houses

50-51

ARC 2010 Environmental Design and Services

52-55

ARC 2009 Architectural Technology (semester 1)

56-62

ARC 2009 Architectural Technology (semester 2)

*SD: Separate Document List of Contents

Year Design Report This Academic Portfolio presents the most important pieces of work I accomplished during the 2012-13 session of my studies at Newcastle University.

The year began with a short Charrette Project in which all the year groups within the school were divided into large project groups of different nature. The focus of my Charrette was to think & present possible ideas for the improvement of Northumberland Street in the heart of Newcastle. I spent most of this group project recording our progress and creating a timelapse of the work achieved in the five days. I think recording accomplished work is an essential skill I continued to develop throughout the year. This methodology climaxed in the Work Process Booklet, I created within the Section Alley project in the end of the year.

B-line Charrette

Throughout the year, we were given a Learning Journal to complete weekly. This document should be an alternative record of the work and learning done throughout the year. It should be read along with this Academic Portfolio & my selection of sketchbooks. Interestingly, the process of creating such an edited journal is one which inspired my learning - to think about what and how architects and designers actually learn. The task had similarities with how I worked in my sketchbooks and how I recorded and analysed my progress in my blog. It can perhaps be best described as a self-criticism of the progress done, instead of a document showcasing a final result.

The Placed, Displaced project: designing a house for two on a given site in Newcastle. I felt most in control of my work during this project, perhaps because of its focused scale. The limits given in the project were helpful and encouraged me to measure everything surrounding me. In the project our tasks were mostly done at 1:20. I found this was easier to relate to than larger scales used in later projects. However, I did use the knowledge gathered during this project to create moments of focus within the later projects. The feedback encouraged me to continue working three-dimensionally and to think more in section.

The Simplicity, Economy, Home project followed the end of the Placed, Displaced project fairly swiftly. This project was longer and more complex. It was clearly my weakest project, because I did not feel inspired in its finishing stages to complete the minutiae necessary for a truly successful project. Perhaps this was because of the fairly substantial list of requirements suggested for the final review. In the feedback I got asked for some visual studies, diagrams and an axonometric drawing that would explain the whole project efficiently without needing to explain it. I used this feedback to my benefit in the consequent projects.

Placed, Displaced

Simplicity, Economy, Home

I spent the Winter break focusing on three separate pieces of coursework which dealt with the ideas that we had been studying in the first semester of the academic year.The nature of the courseworks was varied through which I learned some important skills that I am using right now while composing this Portfolio. These skills encouraged me to continue working on my skillset.

I enjoyed the Civic Centred project the most during my studies here at Newcastle. I worked hard to learn new ways of keeping track of my own progress throughout the project. I dropped the compilation of the Learning Journal and my blog completely, and changed into a new way of focusing my progress-work. I believe this change might have made me quicker in the design-progress and made me able to compile the work I had done into a reasonably accomplished outcome. The feedback of this project suggested some more atmospheric exploration of the key parts of my design, and perhaps a finalised elevational study.

Civic Centred

I spent a week during my Easter holidays doing work-experience at Ryder Architecture in Newcastle. Even though it was more experience than real work, I understood many things of how an architectural practice works and what kind of work is expected from people part of such practice. I thought it would be acceptable to add the work done during that week into this portfolio, since the week really helped me to become inspired with the work I do in the studios.

The Section Alley project was an analytical group project based in a Chare in Newcastle. We were supposed to design a shelter for a musician. No plans were allowed, and I really enjoyed this, since it strenghtened my three-dimensional thinking. Working in a group and designing something as part of a team was quite challenging, yet rewarding. I found this project a good opportunity to be keep all our group work nicely organised by compiling all our process-work into a document full of the details that make the every-day life of an architecture student.

Compiling this Academic Portfolio along with the Learning Journal has taught me many skills and showed me that I can learn a lot by doing. Hence, I have developed a fascination with the way designers learn, not only through education, but before, after and during. That is why I am looking forward to continuing my studies and my learning.

Section Alley

page 1

Project 00: Charrette Day 2 Timelapse of ideas

page 2-3

Charrette P.00 The intention of the B-line Charrette project was to create an ideas competition for Northumberland Street in Newcastle.

Our approach as a group was to divide the tasks of the week into specific aims for each day in order to come up with a large variety of ideas and to be able to show the results of the process effectively to a range of people who had not participated in the project.

These tasks were done in the following order and captured in a timelapse video which was shown at the final presentation on Day 5.

Day 1: Site Analysis Day 2: Site Proposals Day 3: Modelling Site/Ideas Day 4: Modelling Day 5: Final Presentation

page 4-5

Placed, Displaced P.02

a House for two This project is based in Jesmond, Newcastle. Its aim is to create a new home for a gregarious couple who enjoy cycling, an active lifestyle and entertaining guests. Their requirements include privacy, thermal comfort and flexible spaces.

In this project it was key to remain within the defined three-dimensional boundaries by the row-houses of the area. This led to a multiplicity of different design permutations being explored.

Privacy and the creation of thresholds were highly important for me within this project. How to create spaces that can be perceived, but not seen at the same time. Movement through thresholds and the passage of time include factors that were taken into account.

Project 02: Placed, Displaced - House for two A short design project to design a row-house for two on a given site in Jesmond, Newcastle.

There were several limits given for the shape and form of the design. Several demands of the clients were specified. Importance was given to thermal comfort, the design of small scale spaces.

The demands of the project included: - functionality: natural light & declarations of thresholds of privacy.

- the creation of thermal & ergonomic comfort.

- using the technologies learned in the environmental services module.

- delight: usage of drawings and models effectively.

- evidence of progress and process.

page 6-7

1:20 Scale Facade Study rendered, showing brickwork with special double-length bricks that create a unique facade for the row-house and makes it easier to identify.

Presentation Board of the Placed Displaced project.

Final Model with a selection of study models shown in the final presentation.

Placed, Displaced P.02

Placed, Displaced P.02

Plan Key: Entrance Hall 1.

Bike Storage/lightspace 2.

Living Room 3.

Kitchen Dining 4.

Shower Room 5.

Bedroom 6.

Workspace 7.

Flexible Sunspace 8.

A.

B. Axonometric A. 1:20 Plans B. Atmospheric Photograph C. Atmospheric Interior Render D.

page 8-9

C.

D.

Selection of Model Images 1:20 model showing stairs 1:20 model showing section 1:50 Study models and 1:20 Final model Initial 1:50 development model View from the back of the 1:20 model Sectional photograph 1:20 model facade

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Placed, Displaced P.02

7.

Placed, Displaced P.02

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Original 1:20 section 1. sketch sections showing staircase space 2.

Revit render of house KDL 3. page 10-11

Placed, Displaced P.02

3.

#

Revit renders/more sectional thinking.

page 12-13

Simplicity, Economy, Home P.03

a Foyer for Newcastle A place of security within a world that has not given much hope to eight unpriviledged youngsters. In this project we create a combination between work and home to help young adults between the ages of 16-25 to advance in their lives through a wood workshop.

The wood-workshop in the core of the Foyer offers training, while there is accommodation provided for eight.

This accommodation explores similar ideas learned in the Placed, Displaced project, but at a larger domestic scale.

A small community of complex individuals with different understandings of life will dwell within the Foyer. Hence the creation of pleasant spaces which encourage social interaction and a sense of being part of something became important for me.

A combination of materialities that create different thresholds was clearly important for my development through this project.

Project 03: Simplicity, Economy, Home - Illuminated Circulation

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page 14-15

Figure Ground drawing Site Plan 1:200 Improved facade study Series of development sketches Final Presentation

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Simplicity, Economy, Home P.03

Project 03: Simplicity, Economy, Home ‘From imprisonment to the freedom of the skies’

My design for the Foyer at Strawberry Place has a strong link with the outside world - a long skylighted space that runs through the entirety of the building next to the main corridors of the rooms, the common room and the workshop. This design allows for light in the interior spaces and works as a way to keep in contact with the weather and life outside.

The rooms of the people are a sort of refuge from the world, a place of escape, yet a place to escape from. From the small, enclosed space, into the comparative lightness of the corridor of the ‘sky-space’, the corridor for the light, the extension of one’s room, one can be part of an architectural promenade: through the building - from the room, through the corridor, outside, around the Foyer, past the display windows of the cafe, into the main entrance of the Workshop, in which the skypace frames the verticality of the space: creating a sense of being part of something; having a purpose.

Vertical timber strips create a sensation of being in a forest, through which glimpses of light and the spaces wihin the Foyer can be seen. Additionally they create a link with the exterior world, and perhaps a sense of entrapment, a feeling of wanting to escape from one’s own prison; the prison of the mind - a ‘prison’ one can escape from willingly.

The public parts of the building include the workshop and a cafe, which are visually connected to each other and the street; inviting the pedestrian into the Foyer, to appreciate the work created by the youngsters inhabiting & working within it.

In order to create a sense of homeliness for the habitants, each of them have been given a snug in their room, in which they are expected to create a personal, comfortable chair from which they are able to look out onto the busy street.

4.

5.

Simplicity, Economy, Home P.03

#

A.

B.

page 16-17

Journey images A. 1:50 Section A-a B. Top Floor Plan C. Floor Plan D. Floor Plan E. Section B-b F.

C.

1. Foyer Reception 2. Bike Storage 3. Self-contained Flat 4. Cafe 5. Workshop 6. Workshop WC 7. Storage 8-15 Rooms 16. Common Space 17. Kitchenette 18. Laundry 19. Storage 20. Flat Bedroom A 21. Flat Bedroom B 22. Flat KDL

Simplicity, Economy, Home P.03

D.

E.

F.

Simplicity, Economy, Home P.03

1.

Selection of Model Images

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7. page 18-19

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Simplicity, Economy, Home P.03

# Far Right Interior view of room Above Plan of room 1:20 Model Images: 1-4. 1:200 massing on site.

5. 1:100 final model.

6. 1:100 final model (detail).

7. 1:100 final model.

8. 1:100 study model.

9. 1:50 sectional model.

#

page 20-21

Civic Centred P.04

a Civic Centre for Tynemouth to design a complex medium-sized public building for the community of the small sea-side town of Tynemouth.

The choice of several sites was given, and different functions would need to be accommodated by the design. This amount of choice should give a vast variety of design possibilities.

I chose a very central site on the historical Front Street and designed a centre that would combine a Moot Hall provision with a Literary Co-op along with the core facilities.

A division was made based on the nature of the site. A clear gap left by the history of the town. At one side, the cultural literary co-op, where one’s mind can be spontaneous and free. At the other side the government provision, where strict rules apply. These two inter-act but remain separate.

Project 04: Civic Centred - Front Street 49 ‘between two extremes’

My design is emphasized by a the division that seems to happen on the site. To the East is the sea, a volatile and spontaneous seascape. To the West is the land, with its townscape. An atrium within the design creates a separation between the two functions: the Literary Co-op and the Moot Hall.

The chosen location for the Literary co-op was the East side; the more spontaneous and free sea-side. The Moot Hall is to the side of the town, more strict with its planning, more measured. The atrium, like the site, divides these two functions.

A.

Street Front

D. B.

C.

1:10 detail model 1:200 study model 1:200 site model 1:100 study model

1:100 developed model 1:100 Final physical model on site 1:50 Key Space model

page 22-23

1:200 concept model

Key panoramic showing context A. Figure ground drawing B. Joint image of all models C. Initial diagrammatic axo D.

Final Presentation & Site Analysis

Civic Centred P.04

Panoramic view of the northern side of Front Street 1.

View of the site 2.

Example of existing passageway on Front Street 3.

Historic building front next to site 4.

The back of the historic building 5.

Site frontage in context 6.

1:200 Site model with context 7.

1.

Inspirations taken from site: 1. Achieving views with height 2. Gaps 3. Secret passages 4. Heritage 5. Front/Back 6. Old/New 2.

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Final Presentation Board with models at Final Review

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4.

Civic Centred P.04

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1. Concept of Bookshelves.

2. 1:10 model of bookshelving unit with integrated seating to enjoy reading.

3. Conceptual render.

4. Front Street Elevation in context 1:100 5. Axonometric projection.

6. Perspective section on site. #

4.

page 24-25

3.

Civic Centred P.04

5.

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Civic Centred P.04

page 26-27

Reception Waiting Area The Desk General Stacking Area IT Provision Pre-school Children/ Creche Debating Chamber Administrative office Teaching Space Mayoral Office Interview Rooms Coffee Shop Boiler Room Cleaners Lookout Garden

Third Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

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Civic Centred P.04

Section B-b

Section A-a

Civic Centred P.04

Selection of Model Images

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1. Building process of 1:10 bookshelves.

2. 1:100 study model.

3. 1:200 concept model front.

4. 1:200 concept model back.

5-7. 1:50 Atmospheric study model of Debating Chamber.

8. Render of the interior of the Literary Co-op.

page 28-29

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Civic Centred P.04

8.

page 30-31

Section Alley P.05

a stage in a Chare Plummer Chare is a highly vertical and sectional space in Newcastle Quayside. It is a small medieval passage-way that remains between two historical buildings.

This analytical group design project aims to explore spaces without the use of plans, and to give proposal for a music performance platform within one of the many Chares in the Newcastle Quayside area.

The Chares in Newcastle are the remaining passageways that lead up to the city centre. Most of them are now unused, dark and dodgy. Our aim was to create a reason to frequent the alley again.

The aim was to design something that will attract people to re-use and re-discover these Chares as musical spaces.

The group-work climaxed in a Final exhibition, in which we showed our design and research work.

Project 05: Section-Alley resonate; ‘the quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating.’

Group 14

1.

2.

3. page 32-33

Phase 1: understanding & communicating the context.

Section Alley P.05

The Feeling in the Chare: enclosed: ‘I felt small, the space made me feel small. It made me wish I was bigger’ hidden: ‘You wouldn’t know it was there; it wasn’t obvious’ OUR task is to make it

more obvious by introducing our intervention to the Chare. dark, dingy: ‘I wouldn’t want to spend time there’ - OUR idea is to make people want to stay and come in the Chare. narrow: ‘I felt it was restricting, I couldn’t do much in such a space’ vertical: ‘I felt like I couldn’t escape. I felt like I was in the bottom of a well’ regimented: ‘The pattern bricks...’ straight edges: ‘There seemed to be a perspective, enhanced by the verticality and enclosure and narrowness of the Chare, that pulls to a space beyond. THIS is the space we will create our Intervention in.

Experiential interview of visitor to the Chare...

5.

The Chare in its context 1.

Series of photographs of the Chare 2.

1:100 sectional model open 3.

1:100 section model semi-open 4.

1:50 model of Chare facade 5.

4.

Section Alley P.05

Our group was inspired by Plummer Chare, because of its variety with it’s diverse spaces; a very dark and vertical space in its beginning, next to an open and bright space, leading to the sharp verticality of the staircase which is enhanced by the church at its end.

After the site analysis, we designed a flexible intervention for the Chare. We decided to create a series of quickly demountable timber frames of the width of the entrance of the Chare (about 1400mm). These would create an enclosed corridor. Sound, would resonate within, enhancing the performance of the busker.

The person taking part in the journey through the frames would not see the performer, but would hear and feel the sound of the beat.

The performer would at first be hidden from the listener while enclosed by the frames.

This would encourage them to view the performance from the surroundings.

The spaces that can be created with the frames are varied, but we decided to select a specific location within the Chare. This would be the stage of the performer.

The main shelter for the busker could be erected anywhere within the corridor of frames. This space would be sheltered with wings attached to the frames, so that people could hear the performer, while he remains dry...

page 34-35

Phase 2: proposal for musical performance shelter

Section Alley P.05 Viewing Slot

1. development sketches.

2. 1:20 model showing how the elements of the frames can move.

3. 1:1 model of 3 frames.

4. method of joining the frames together.

5. publicity with 1:1 frame leading to the Architecture Building.

6. publicity attached to 1:1 frame.

7. Photomontage of the proposal on site.

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Section Alley P.05

1. enclosure, materiality page 36-37

Rendered Sections

2. closed, open

3. perspective, the eye

4. approach, open

5. approach, closed

6. vertical, alley

7. closed, rising

8. it watches...

Section Alley P.05

Work-Experience Ryder Architecture Newcastle (March 2013)

page 38-39

page 40-41

page 42-43

page 44-45

page 46-47

Non Design Courseworks ARC 2023 The Place of Houses ARC 2010 Environmental Design and Services ARC 2009 Architectural Technology (semester 1) ARC 2009 Architectural Technology (semester 2)

page 48-49

page 50-51

page 52-53

page 54-55

page 56-57

page 58-59

page 60-61

page 62

Vili-valtteri Welroos, 102237966, Academic Portfolio, Architecture, Stage 2, Newcastle University.