Wednesday 31 May 2017

EXPERIMENT 3: THE BRIDGE

W E E K   1: Introduction

ARTICLE 



Key words derived from the article:



Infinite
Supported
Unified
Distorted
Intricate
Connected

Drawing inspiration from these words, and the information provided in the article, I developed a distinct and significant theory. 

THEORY: 


How can the differences between very distinct and separate spaces be diminished when they are each connected to one unique structure (i.e.: the bridge)? 

18 ONE POINT PERSPECTIVES 


The following one point perspectives were based off the architecture included in the article, the key words, and the theory that forms the basis for this experiment. 














W E E K   2: The Bridge

6 TWO POINT PERSPECTIVES 




MOVING ELEMENTS

 Fig.1.1: the circular bridges can be seen connecting to neighbouring buildings. 

Fig.1.2: two moving elements at rest position. 

Fig.1.3: two moving elements captured while moving. Assume that the other two rectangular parts of the bridge shown in Fig 1 follow the same motion. 

W E E K   3: The Plan


ORIGINAL PLAN


The plan chosen to form the basis of the bridge is Mies Van De Rohe's 'Skyscraper'. The way each of the three buildings is connected to the central structure parallels to the way in which the circular bridges from Fig 1.1 were connected to surrounding buildings. 



FIRST DRAFT

The first draft attempted to create unity between the three buildings as well as integrating the chosen plan into the design of the school. 

Fig.2.1: beginnings of the first draft. 

Fig.2.2: the circular part of the bridge draws inspiration from the circular center of the chosen plan. 


W E E K   4: Move

SECOND DRAFT

Completion of the second draft of the school saw a reinvention of the bridge and the way in which it interpreted the theory. Revisiting the one point perspectives, it was decided that the best way to achieve absolute unity was through the design featured in the first one-point perspective titled "infinity". 

This was because the above draft required rectangular extensions from the circular part of the bridge in order to connect with the square-house and surrounding buildings. The design below, however, connected each building without the unity of the bridge being interrupted. 

Consequently, the unity between each of the buildings became more fluid and thus answered more closely the concept of how people could move between distinct and entirely separation spaces without noticing this separation. 


Fig. 3.1: updated concept referring to the theory of "infinity" and "unity.


Fig.3.2: this draft still draws inspiration from the chosen plan through the way a circular structure is connected between three buildings.


36 CUSTOM TEXTURES

Fig. 4.1: LEFT TO RIGHT: rotational, linear, scalar, vortex
Fig. 4.2: LEFT TO RIGHT: speed, fluid


PEER MARKING 



W E E K   5: Final Submission 

REAL TIME LUMION CAPTURES











TEXTURES IN MODEL



MOVING ELEMENT 1: WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
 Fig. 5.1: platform at lowest height
 Fig. 5.2: platform at maximum height. Wheelchair access made possible through the rise and decline of this moving platform. 

MOVING ELEMENT 2: SLIDING GLASS CEILING
  Fig. 6.1: glass ceiling completely covered.
  Fig. 6.2: glass ceiling partially covered.



DROPBOX LINK TO LUMION

https://www.dropbox.com/s/z0teebuw67c0775/FINAL%20SCHOOL%20AND%20BRIDGE.ls7?dl=0 


Wednesday 26 April 2017

EXP 2: THE SPACE BETWEEN

INTRODUCTION

The two architects chosen for this task were Peter Zumthor and Mies Van Der Rohe. Both architects, although distinctly different in their approach to design and innovative architecture, present a number of similarities and differences through their works. While Zumthor focuses on the materiality and form of an object in order to connect it with its environment, Van Der Rohe does this through the vanishing and dissolving of boundaries to give the illusion of more space. 

PETER ZUMTHOR (Alive)

Concept 1: Materiality: Colour and Texture

In all of Zumthor's work, special emphasis is given to the colour and texture of the structures he designs. This is empitomised in the Klaus Field Chapel, were a unique blend of concrete and timber logs is used to create a tent like structure. The use of warm and natural material allows Zumthor to merge his building with the surrounding environment. 

Concept 2: Light and Shadow

Zumthor is often fond of using glass and facade to control the catchment and refraction of natural light within hise buildings, as evident through the Kunthaus Bregenz Museum Buildings. Use of this concept allows Zumthor to maintain a solid and imposing structure that still manifests laws of physics and nature to present a truly distinct structure. 

Concept 3: Materiality: Function and Expression

This concept is best represented in the Thermal Bath Vals, where the concrete slabs were constructed from greiss extracted from the surrounding landscape. Thus, Zumthor employs this concept through the way his building is an expression of its context through its materials. 

Concept 4: Form: Boundaries, Separation, Division

Zumthor, unlike Van Der Rohe, defines clear and distinct boundaries within the spaces he designs. For example, the Topography of Terror Museum represents a shape that is not symbolic however is incredibly powerful. This effect is achieved through the definition of such boundaries that create a solid and stark structure. 

Concept 5: Geometrical Carvings

Perhaps the most prevalent concept employed throughout his designs, Zumthor often creates geometrical carvings in most of his architecture as an attempt to strictly define boundaries and separation but also to add dimension to the overall materiality of the space. 


MIES VAN DER ROHE (Dead) 

Concept 1: Form

Van Der Rohe's specific use of the concept of form is particularly evident through the Farnsworth House. The manifestation of a glass box allows Van Der Rohe to create a structure that feels bounderless and free, despite resembling the form of a cage or box. 

Concept 2: Opacity: Positive and Negative Spaces

Van Der Rohe employs this concept through the creation of dynamic spaces created via the inclusion of natural light. His ability to manipulate and catch light adds to the bounderless aspect of his architecture. 

Concept 3: Materiality: Function and Expression

This concept is also employed by Van Der Rohe but, unlike Zumthor, it is done in a way that allows the outside world and architecture to merge together. Van Der Rohe achieves this by exposing raw and natural material to achieve a connection to the environment and "bring the outside in". 

Concept 4: Dynamism

Dynamism serves to further dissolve boundaries between the inside and outside in Van Der Rohe's work. It acts as a mechanism to enhance the transcendence of a building with its environment. 

Concept 5: Dissolving Boundaries Between Inside and Outside

The most important concept used by Van Der Rohe, and the driving factor of his architecture. By dissolving the boundaries between built environment and natural environment, Van Der Rohe is able to achieve a level of architecture that not only manipulates the creation of space but also creates an illusion in the mind of greater space than there actually is. 

CONCLUSION 

Overall both architects represent distinct approaches to creating and dissolving boundaries between the inside and outside. 

WEEK 1: THE CONCEPT

TWO CONCEPTS

CONCEPT 1: MATERIALITY: FUNCTION AND EXPRESSION

This concept, used by Zumthor, will be used in the light rail stop to address the issue of SUSTAINABILITY. As a consequence I will be choosing materials, where possible, that benefit the natural world whilst also deliver beautiful finishes the structure being created. Zumthor often chose natural materials and exposed them to create form and give effect to his buildings, hence I will attempt to emulate this through the light rail stop. 

CONCEPT 2: BOUNDARIES BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

I have chosen to incorporate BOTH of the architects' distinct approaches to this concept. Zumthor used this to create solid form and clearly define boundaries between the outside and inside, which I will attempt to employ. Van Der Rohe, however, used air and light to do this which I intend to also explore through other aspects of my stop. Overall my the employment of this concept within my stop will be a testament to both Zumthor and Van Der Rohe's distinct uses of this concept in their own work. 

6 AXONOMETRICS

BELOW (LEFT TO RIGHT): 
Inside/Outside - Boundaries, Seperation, Division - Light and Shadow
  


ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): 
Boundaries, Separation, Division - Inside/Outside - Form

LUMION

Chosen: Inside/Outside


WEEK 2: LAZINESS

3 INTERCONNECTING AXONOMETRICS

 

LUMION


The axonometric chosen to base my model off is the first one that appears above. The creation of the underground space in between the amalgamation of prisms immediately speaks to mind the idea of a "tunnel". This will be the core mechanic with which the light rail stop will be based on, with planes to lower the road in order to create  more immediate space. 

WORK IN PROGRESS...

The image above was a section that came to mind after experimenting with the prisms in different ways. As it shown, the chosen form of rectangular prisms has remained for the most part but certain aspects have been added and removed to create a shape that more closely resembles that of a light rail. Three, overbearing arches were added to create shade and define boundaries between the outside world and the light rail stop as Zumthor would have done. The rectangular forms to the right of the original prisms have been interpreted as buildings and infrastructure for the purpose of situating the design within its appropriate context. The various levels created in this stop help to reinforce the idea of "seperation, boundaries and division" that Zumthor used. However, the presence of large holes in the tops of the now spherical shape allows light and shadow to cast a presence at the stop thus allowing dynamism as Van Der Rohe explores in his architecture. 

WEEK 3: TED

36 CUSTOM TEXTURES

FINAL LUMION CAPTURE


The final product is the amalgamation of both key concepts of materiality and boundaries between the inside and outside. The holes create in the large, concrete arches allow light and shadow to play a continuing role in keep the space alive. The use of raw and dense materials such as corrugated concrete and timber, however, creates boundaries within the space and thus an atmosphere of security and purpose. 

Sustainability has been taken into account through the use and promotion of natural materials where applicable. On multiple levels, including the underground recreation/rest area, grass has been planted to promote greenery and to immerse the space within the environment. Continually, the use of timber columns to support the concrete arches has been carefully minimised, especially through the "jenga-like organisation" of the larger poles. Quite clearly, this design has been influenced by Peter Zumthor's "swiss sound box" which was created as a "raw space for people to exist and live". 

A yellow light scales the concrete retaining wall of the stop, adding an opacity to the space at night. Moreover, red lights have been implemented into the floor which light up when it is UNSAFE to cross the light rail tracks.Custom textures have been included, featuring the tiles on the ground (LIGHT), the dark arches on the concrete wall (DARK) and the rectangular texture in the underground recreation room (MEDIUM) that can be viewed in the section below. 




SECTION

The above section was included to provide a clearer analysis of the structure of the light rail stop, but also the concepts prevalent throughout it. Evidently, the underground recreational area/bathrooms are reminiscent of Zumthor's creation of a distinct boundary between the inside and outside. This is enhance through the materiality of corrugated concrete panels, as seen in the Klaus Field Chapel, that create warmth and more clearly define the underground structure of the space. Continually, the choice to situate this space underground removes it from the rest of the "outside" and thus more starkly contrasts the inside with the outside. 

Dropbox Link

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/g0xw84m7ut8zext/AAAWSQ8vy0_ep_x3fRPIV5kxa?dl=0