DESIGN PRINCIPLES METHODS
Wajiha Kamal Afsar
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Contents Form Finding Praxis Drafting Digital Image Processing Design Module Comparitive Board Tectonic Board Future Design Modules
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Form Finding The models were made using salt and dough dipped in hot candle wax. This was then run under cold water which formed crystalised drips to represent the skin of coral.
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The task was to choose a form from the natural environment which could lead our design process in innovative and inspirational ways. It was to be a concept idea that we were to study and take further into our design proposals. Our group chose Coral from which we took three main ideas:
Growth by Aggregation as reprsented by the image above which shows how coral
grows and expands by aggregation leaving behind dead residual limestone which forms a dead core A
Branching Process is how we decided to record its growth from its intial stages to one where it was quite developed and branched out.
Experimentation with two methods: the salt dough models below 3ds max
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At first we began with a few divisions of the coral stems. As we moved stage by stage we aggregated the stems dividing them randomly. As they divided, they created spaces between each stem or polyp, that controlled its own micro climate. As the coral grows it leaves behind a dead core. All the activity and life is on the perimeter of the branches.
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The process of dividing branches was recorded by using special coding software to help give some parametrics to the Coral as mostly it was quite random in growth.
The background image is the ‘Stanstead Airport’ which implies a similar branching process to coral in its structural system. 8
Growth by aggregation was depicted by overlapping several branching processes as each stage progressed.
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Praxis Drafting This was a process that involved several overlays of coral branching to create an image that depicts just how growth is achieved. The faded divisions are new coral branches that are growing by leaving reisidual deposits of limestone behind. They are building up on each other as they rapidly gain height. Some polyps receive more nutrients.Hence they grow quicker which leads to concentrated growth in some areas compared to others. 10
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Digital Image Processing
Using the concept of Coral Growth with the ideas of branching, micro climate and aggregation comes the theme of designing for an older generation. This generation between the ages of fifty years and above, needs an active organic community that is secure but still feels a part of the city which is still connected to the world in terms of transport, communication and community. The theme of community is important in this scheme as the proposal is to bring this ‘older generation’ to adapt to a busy city site while still being able to achieve their need for a tranquil and enjoyable space where they can perform activities together. 12
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Design Module The site chosen was located in Cardiff city centre enveloped by the river and cardiff central train station With main roads and the Millenium Stadium located near it is a loud and busy area.
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The coral elements of growth by aggregation is depicted in this scheme in that its first and second floor are slotted on top of each other.The main access is via lifts that bring the residents up to their apartment flats. One outside lift is shared with two flats. The ground floor consists of only single dwellers so they don’t get lonely higher up while the first floor has flats for couples and families. The idea of ‘micro climate’ taken from coral is represented in this scheme through the interior courtyard and roodtop garden ideas. The rooftop of the one below becomes a garden path for the apartments above The idea of adaptability which coral incorporates can be a part of this scheme.As the community grows it can expand over the river by building on top of the apartments already alloted. 16
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Comparative Board The concept of random branching is the driving force behind this scheme. The negative spaces formed from the path of the branches is what become the solid apartment blocks. The placing of the courtyard is another random division incorporated from coral
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Tectonic Board
Experimentation in lasercutting to help form apartment blocks to use for the design module scheme. 20
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Future Design Module: RHYL
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A desolate, vacant town located in the North of wales is the site for the next design module in which the Honey Club, a run down building is to be renovated.
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PROMENADE ELEVATION LOOKING TOWARDS SEA
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The scheme begins with the idea of reconnecting with the community and helping them to understand their town better. Meeting the young children was the first step in understanding the town and its run down environment.
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DESIGN PRINCIPLES METHODS
Wajiha Kamal Afsar
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