Boscage Amphitheater by Whitney Nguyen

Boscage Amphitheater -

TROPICAL HOUSE

DESIGNING A PERFORMANCE SPACE

Whitney Le Nguyen

Designing a Performance Space

table of contents

01 02 INTRODUCTION

PRE-DESIGN PHASE

Program Outline

Site Analysis Precedent Research

03 04 05 DESIGN FOCUS

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

FINAL DESIGN

Design Concept Material Research

Schematic Designs Preliminary Designs

2D Visuals 3D Visuals & Perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Competition Information

Hosted by Unfuse, Tropical House is a competition that is described as follows: Montserrat is once again becoming inhabited by locals and the government is constructing methods of turning “ash into cash”. And plans are in circulation to exploring the revival of this community. Tropical House is a competition in which includes a challenge to design a musical retreat center that functions as a studio for artists as well as creating a public platform for local community activities. The aim is to revive the culture of music, an element the place was once associated with. A question to consider during the creation of this space is: Can the culture of music, that was once its landmark, be resurrected?

Design Objectives

The challenge is to design and create a musical retreat center that functions as a studio for artists as well as creating a public platform for local community activities. While developing each space, the following objectives should be included: Although a volcano is not part of the included zone, it is active. Design for a possible unpredictability. The design should be a part of nature rather than overwhelming it. Spaces should be designed for a variety of activities apart from performances.

Climate

Nicknamed “Modern Pompeii”, the island of Montserrat is often in the path of hurricanes and the climate is tropical and mild. There is little variation in temperature or precipitation during the seasons and the average temperatures range from lows of 70–76 °F (21–24 °C) to highs of 80–86 °F (27–30 °C). The warmest period is from June to November, which is also the hurricane season. Annual precipitation averages about 57 inches (1,448 mm).

Population

Montserrat’s population is mostly composed of African ancestry, with small numbers of people of European and mixed descents. Previous to the mid-1990s, Montserrat’s population was relatively stable because of emigration and a low birth rate. The island’s population exceeded 10,000 in the early 1990s, but during the volcano crisis, more than two-thirds of Montserratians departed; some returned but the late 1990s. However, recurring eruptions discouraged people to resettle, and access to the southern two-thirds of the island has been restricted since then.

Economy

Tourism and agriculture were once Montserrat’s main economic activities. Damages caused by Hurricane Hugo and the volcanic activity during the 1990s essentially demolished the economy. Since then, Montserrat has relied heavily on British and Canadian aid to build new transportation infrastructures and providing services. On the other hand, most of the island’s agricultural land, with the exception of some root vegetables were still produced for the domestic market when the eruptions occurred.

Cultural Life

Although North American culture has become a major influence, Montserrat’s society contains a mixture of African, Irish, and British traditions. Traditional rites such as the jumble dance, a manifestation of folk religion, almost disappeared by the 20th century. Jumbie music helped produce a trance-like state in worshipers who searched for cures for ills or the lifting of an obeah spell (a traditional form of witchcraft). Folk music declined partially because of the imported musical styles like calypso, reggae, soca, and pop. Prior to the economic disturbance caused by the volcanic eruptions, Montserratians enjoyed a reasonably high standard of living which included dependable housing and imported consumer goods. On the other hand, the older, rural residents still obtained more traditional lifestyles based on their heritage, land, and church. And extended families, and connections with family members overseas are still an important aspect for all Montserratians.

PRE-DESIGN PHASE

SITE ANALYSIS

Above - Plan of Montserrat Left - Land use plan of Woodland site limits

Woodland Area Woodland, Montserrat was created during the 1960s and covers 446 acres of the island, and a majority of this land is occupied by residential areas and undeveloped lots. The residential areas are occupied by both residents and foreigners which makes a significant contribution to Montserrat’s economy. Woodlands beach is also an important feature of the area in which provides one of the most attractive and well serviced beaches in Montserrat. And because of that, many recreational and social activities are held here.

Site Plan With the site area of 33,700.72 square meters (approximately 362,752 square feet), this project will have the ground coverage of maximum 20,000 square meters (approximately 215,278 square feet) and a height limit of 15 meters (49.21 feet). The design site is right next to Palm Loop, Woodland, Montserrat. This place is known for its villas and properties owned by many business enterprises. The area is known for its resemblance to coastal Ireland and is the Irish ancestry of many of its inhabitants.

Location Montserrat is an overseas island territory of the United Kingdom. It is 11 miles (18km) long and 7 miles (11km) wide and has a narraw coastal plain. There are only a few beaches on this island and they mainly consist of gray or brown sand due to its volcanic origins, with only a single white sand beach lined with coral reefs to the north of the island. Roughly one-fifth of this island is woodland; among the island’s rare and endangered animals are Montserrat orioles, Montserrat galliwasps (a species of lizard), mountain chickens, and large frogs found in the lowlands.

Wind Study The image to the left provides a visual model of how the wind’s direction and speed can include but is not limited to evaluating comfort, wind loading on structures, as well as pollution and natural ventilation in the surrounding lands and proposed site plan.

Sun Study The image shown to the left provides a visual model of how the sun’s light and shadows will impact the development of the proposed lands and surrounding streets, parks, and other properies in the area. This sun study also allow the observation of how natural light can penetrate into the proposed plan. Designing with the sun in mind can help reduce heating and cooling loads, and decrease unwanted glare and heat and discomfort.

PRECEDENT RESEARCH

Nuptials are completed on the rooftop, where the two staircases widen and connect to unite the bride and groom, who travel up separate flights. Once the vows are completed, the couple can then pick one route and descend. together.

Photography by Koji Fuji / Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Ribbon Chapel by Hiroshi Nakamura

Completed in 2013 and located in Hiroshima, Japan, the 80m² Ribbon Chapel stands in a garden of a resort hotel midway on a hill, enjoying the panoramic view of Seto Inland Sea that borders the city of Onomichi. As described by Nakamura, the two spiral staircases of the Ribbon Chapel seamlessly connect at their 15.4 meter summit to form a single ribbon, just as two lives go through twists and turns before uniting as one.

The design of the intertwining spiral stairways that cross at several points provide support for one another and in turn produced a freestanding structure. At the core of this movement is a chapel, where the people who have supported the bride and groom are waiting. The chapel aisle looks toward and existing symbol tree. The altar stands before the tree, and 80 seats are in position to view the ocean and trees.

Site Plan

Floor Plan

Aside form the symbolic nature, Nakamura stated that the double stairs were chosen to create a stable structure. The two staircases support each other horizontally, while steel posts bear the vertical load to form a stable structure. The stairs are clad in vertical planks of white-painted wood, and have titanium zinc alloy handrests that withstand erosion from the sea breeze.

Photography by Koji Fuji / Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Curno Public Library and Auditorium by Archea Associati

Located in Bergamo, Italy, Curno Public Library and Auditorium was conceived in 1997 and completed in 2009 with the area of 1960 m². This project is a monolith of concrete pigmented with iron oxides, completed with the decoration of bas-relief engraved letters of the alphabet. The image above captures this building looking towards the square, which resembles an open book where the words engraved in its pages - enrich and give identity to the bare surfaces of the cement.

This type of mixed designs achieved a concrete structure that has a high resistance and durability that has been enriched by a surface treatment that is comprised of sediments of pigmented cement with iron oxides, and finished with a coat of protective silicone. And the ideation of the letters on the surface of the walls were made possible by positioning plastic matrices onto those surfaces.

Located in a larger area, this project is meant to be a school and community services complex. Curno Public Library and Auditorium is also assumed to be an element of a different generative dimension of a public space; A space that is capable of designing itself into a new square, contemporary theater, and with its extension and stairs, is a representation of a traditional space for meditation and observation.

Images taken by Pietro Savorelli

This building is divided by a long corridor bounded by a concrete double wall that connects the square to the back of the middle school and specifies two distinct parts that contain the main functions: the Auditorium, and the Library. By taking into consideration of the environment where Curno Municipal Library and Auditorium is placed, incorporated within the walls of the building are polystyrene panels of different thicknesses. This creates an effective thermal caulking between the interior and exterior of the building.

Images taken by Pietro Savorelli

Since Curno Public Library and Auditorium has two distinct functions, this building is required to maintain compliance with fire prevention regulations - a clear separation between the two areas provide them with a clear corridor. The central corridor represents the cornerstone of this project with plant and structural features, while the two 40m concrete walls make up the carrying structure for the Auditorium cover, reading room, and accommodation for the air conditioning system, and the distribution of electricity and fire prevention systems.

DESIGN FOCUS

Design Concept

As a part of the Tropical House Competition, this is a project where the creation of a retreat center will function as a studio for artists as well as visitors and locals. By taking into consideration Montserrat’s tropical conditions and implementing those into the design, this gathering space will have residents from around the world encase by its lush woodlands. Inspired by the nature that surrounds Montserrat, Boscage Amphitheater creates the simplicity of movement that transpires between nature’s inhabitants and human beings. By doing so, the incorporation and inspiration of Montserrat’s gorgeous environment is delightfully taken advantage of. Furthermore, with the vast amount of space to work with, Boscage Amphitheater is projected to become a platform to aid the resurrection of music with its stylistic space as a harmonious and versatile performance space. By including various combinations of modern furnishings and accessories with natural materials, this emits an explorative flair throughout the space. Boscage Amphitheater’s basic modules and frames will reinforce the enhancement of natural lighting and guide visual interest into each space while simultaneously creating a cohesive and flowing scheme when transitioning from each space. Beyond showcasing the peaceful relationship that transpires between nature’s inhabitants and human being, the incorporations and inspiration of Montserrat’s gorgeous environment is delightfully taken advantage of. Furthermore, with the amount of space to work with, Boscage Amphitheater is projected to become a platform for communities around the world in the aid of resurrecting the culture of music with its stylistic space as a harmonious getaway.

Visualization

The idea of these images can support the fundamental elements of the concept for the interior as well as exterior environments.

Images sourced from Pinterest

MATERIAL RESEARCH

LIGHT NEUTRAL COLOUR This colour will be used for the background and supporting elements. This colour will not take the limelight and will be used to add depth.

DARK NEUTRAL COLOUR This colour will be used to align with the rest of the colour scheme.

Colour Theory

The projected colours scheme for this project are chosen to be warm and inviting; creating an air of abundance and comfort for all to enjoy. Since white is no longer a base colour of this look, the organic hues alongside manufactured hues layer to create a clean yet earthy feel to the design.

BOLD MAIN COLOUR This colour will be used for grabbing attention, highlighting important information, and used for calls to action.

COMPLIMENTARY COLOUR This colour contrasts and compliments the bold colour.

ACCENT COLOUR This is a neutral shade that pairs well with the bold and complimentary colours. This will help ground the colours and can also be used as an accent colour.

TIMBER

WOOD SPECIES

OAK

STAINED

BROOM FINISH

ASH

TROWEL FINISH

CONCRETE FINISHES

Material Selection

Boscage Amphitheater is created with a combination of manmade and organic materials in its natural surroundings in order to achieve a Hygge design style - a peaceful, serene space that is free of clutter to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures. CONCRETE Due to its good durability and resistence to all natural hazards and fire, concrete is suitable for all climates and will be used in various finishes.

TIMBER Good for moist climates, timber is lightweight and ideal for skeleton structures.

ASH Commonly used for furniture pieces, ash wood is tough and resilient with its composition alongside minimal shrinkage when drying.

OAK With its attractive colour, oak wood is exceedingly strong, heavy, and durable qualities will be used in various manners to contrast with the other

LOBBY

ENTRANCE CONCESSION

PUBLIC WASHROOMS MALE x2 FEMALE x2

1,615 215

140 (male) 180 (female)

2,000

450

(for concession)

• •

• • •

AUDIENCE SEATING AREA PERFORMANCE SPACE BOH WASHROOMS

900

<625

625

100 (male) 160 (female)

260

(6sf pp; up to 100 people)

DRESSING ROOM

485

500

EQUIPMENT & STORAGE

350

OBSERVATION DECK

(entire upper level)

(OPTIONAL)

TTL AREA USED TTL AREA AVAILABLE

CONSIDERATIONS

FF&E

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

PLUMBING

PRIVACY

DAYLIGHT AND/OR VIEW

PUBLIC ACCESS

TTL SPACE REQUIRED (sq ft)

sq ft REQUIRED

CRITERIA MATRIX

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

•

Seating (handicap) Lighting

• • • •

Accessibility Traffic Hub Circulation Ventilation

Changing station Toilet/Urinals/ Sinks Lighting

•

Accessibility

Handicap seating

• •

Accessibility Acoustics

• • •

Accessibility Acoustics Lighting?

•

Toilet/Urinals/ Sinks Lighting

• •

Prep stations Lighting

•

Circulation

•

Seating (handicap)

• • • •

Accessibility Traffic Hub Circulation Ventilation

5,085 15,129

LEGEND Y

Yes

Important but not required

ADJACENCY MATRIX

RELATIONSHIP DIAGRAM

LOBBY

ENTRANCE CONCESSION

OBSERVATION DECK

PUBLIC WASHROOMS

SEATING AREA

Entire upper level

SEATING AREA 900sf

PUBLIC WC 450sf

PERFORMANCE SPACE

LOBBY BOH WASHROOMS

2,000sf

STAGE 625sf

EQUIP & STG

DRESSING ROOM

350sf

EQUIPMENT & STORAGE ROOM OBSERVATION DECK

LEGEND

DRESSING ROOM

BOH WC 260sf

500sf

LEGEND IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT

IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT

CLOSE & CONVENIENT

CONVENIENT

CONVENIENT ACOUSTICAL PRIVACY NATURAL LIGHT W/OR VIEW

GEOMETRIC PROGRESSIONS

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

STAGE 4

STAGE 5

STAGE 6

Analysis of 2D Geometry

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

STAGE 4

STAGE 5

STAGE 6

Analysis 3D Geometry

VISUALIZATIONS

JANITOR’S CLOSET

WOMEN’S W/C

DWN 12 RISERS

OBSERVATION AREA

MEN’S W/C

DRESSING ROOM

AMPHITHEATER

DWN 12 RISERS

RECEPTION

OBSERVATION AREA

CAFE & SEATING

SET BUILDING AREA DWN 12 RISERS

STORAGE

Floor Plan Boscage Amphitheater has a total available area of 15,000 square feet. Upon entering this building, the first is the reception area that is adjacent to the cafe - this is convenient for guests to check in and relax. There is an ourdoor audience and performance space following an indoor observation space allowing people

the comfort of indoor and outdoor seating. During their visit, guests are able to freely participate in concerts and to create music in a comfortable environment without any worries; all while enjoying the luscious environment.

MAIN ENTRANCE

FINAL DESIGN

Design Overview With the design of Boscage Amphitheater, a few concepts from each precedent have been taken into consideration into the implementation of this design. This includes the idea of having a simple yet meaningful gathering space for a variety of activtities apart from

performances. This results in a space that invites and welcomes passerbys with its casual nature and uncomplicated design for everyone to enjoy and collaborate in its proximity.

DWN 12 RISERS

SECTIONS & ELEVATIONS DWN 12 RISERS

DWN 12 RISERS

BACKSTAGE

AMPHITHEATER

OBSERVATION AREA

AMPHITHEATER

OBSERVATION AREA

RECEPTION

CORRIDOR

EAST-FACING BUILDING SECTION CUT

BACKSTAGE

EAST-FACING BUILDING SECTION CUT

CAFE & SEATING

SIM

DWN 12 RISERS

CONCRETE

GLAZING

NORTH-FACING MAIN ENTRANCE ELEVATION

AMPHITHEATER

EAST & WEST-FACING ELEVATIONS

Erected with concrete walls, the wooden slats for the amphitheatre will create an open space for passer-by’s and for the audience to enjoy.

SOUTH-FACING ENTRANCE INTO THE AMPHITHEATER

Resilient fabric baffles will be used to encase the amphitheater creating a unique experience alongside the performances while creating an acoustical barrier to the surrounding environment.

SIM

DWN 12 RISERS

OBSERVATION AREA

CAFE & SEATING

WEST-FACING MAIN BUILDING INTERIOR WALL OBSERVATION AREA

This main feature of this space are the unique pendant lights that include microphone characteristics that cascade down from the ceiling; alongside those are comfortable and unique seating options for the entire family and audience members to experience.

WOMEN’S WASHROOM

CAFE & SEATING AREA

Wooden slat walls repeat throughout this building and anchor this space with the use of simple pendant lights and a lowered ceiling height to create a more intimate atmostphere in this space of service.

In this space, various finishes of concrete create a clean ambience that mix in with the clean lines of the wooden accents.

BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM

Erected with concrete walls and accented with the wooden partitions, the dressing room creates a space for the cast to prepare for their performances.

3D VISUALIZATIONS

01.

02.

DWN 12 RISERS

01.

DWN 12 RISERS

02.

01. Main Entrance. Erected with a concrete facade, glazing frames the entrance that allows guests to experience the space from the outside environment. 02. Side Exterior. The side of the building includes an entrance into the amphitheater in which invites passerbys to join in on the performances taking place.

01.

02.

03.

DWN 12 RISERS

03.

01. 02.

DWN 12 RISERS

01. Reception Area.Upon entering the building, guests have access to the receptionist for any inquiries about the space and upcoming performances. 02. Cafe. Adjacent to the reception lays the cafe for guests to refuel and refresh themselves with snacks and beverages.

03. Indoor Observation Space. A space for guests to relax and enjoy performances away from the outdoor tropical environment. Pendants that light this space reflects the musical aspect of this building with unique cascading microphones.

01.

02.

03.

DWN 12 RISERS

02.

DWN 12 RISERS

03. 01.

DWN 12 RISERS

01. Amphitheater. Standing at the top of the amphitheater you can observe the performances taking place. From the ceiling hangs resilient baffles that act as both a distinctive acoustical barrier as well as an eye-catching feature as the tropical breeze comes through.

02. Amphitheater. From the stage, performers have full access to interact with the audience members. 03. Dressing Room. A space for performers to prepare and rehearse for their performances.

REFERENCES

ArchDaily Author(s). Curno Public Library and Auditorium / Archea Associati. Published April 13, 2019. https://www.archdaily.com/592697/curno-public-library-and-auditorium-archea-associati

Archdaily Author(s). Ribbon Chapel / Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP. Published February 4, 2015. https://www.archdaily.com/594947/ribbon-chapel-nap-architects

Climatestotravel.com Author(s). Climate – Montserrat. Unknown Published Date. https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/montserrat

Columbus Travel Media Author(s). Introducing Montserrat. Unknown Published Date. https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/caribbean/montserrat/

Graham F. Welch , Michele Biasutti , Jennifer MacRitchie , Gary E. McPherson and Evangelos Himonides. Editorial: The Impact of Music on Human Development and Well-Being. Front. Psychol. Published June 17, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01246

Mairs, Jessica. Intertwining staircases around the glazed core of Hiroshi Nakamura’s Ribbon Chapel. Dezeen Magazine. Published February 5, 2015 https://www.dezeen.com/2015/02/05/intertwining-staircases-spiral-wedding-chapel-hiroshi-nakamura-japan/

Pattullo, Polly. Montserrat. Encyclopedia Britannica. Last updated 10 Sep. 2020. https://www.britannica.com/place/Montserrat-island-West-Indies

Thomas Schafer, Peter Sedlmeier, Chrstine Stadtler and David Huron. The psychological functions of music listening. Front Psychol. Published May 24, 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741536/

Unfuse. Tropical House - Designing a music retreat center. Published November 26, 2019. https://uni.xyz/competitions/tropical-house/info/about

Worldometers.info Author(s). Updated daily. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/montserrat-population/