Week 11 | Masterplanning

This week I worked on developing a greater context for my project 3. As my formalisation presented in the interim presentation was lacking in context and concept, I have decided to really work on strengthening these aspects for my final proposal.

The image below is of the masterplan I have been working on. This should provide me some greater surrounding context which I will now use to help re-evaluate and develop my form which is the next step. I can then insert the design back into this plan and work on the elements at a closer scale for a more detailed masterplan.

Week 10 | Exemplar Architecture

Interestingly while researching other performing arts centres a couple designs struck out to me. There were a few different designs for the Taipei Performing Arts which bare noticeable similarities to the design I presented in the interim presentation. I am thinking I may be able to use them as exemplar architecture for the next stage of design development.

The formalisation here bares striking similarity to my connected leaf structure. As my design is separated by different programs, this design also separates and designates functions.

The central foyer as already utilised in my design.

This is the second design I found for the Taipei Performing Arts Centre. The structure is also 2 major sections connected with a large shell or envelope.

As shown in plan the upper levels are connected via a concourse. Furthermore as in the previous design the structure is underpinned by a large central foyer.

The rear of sections of the building is completely glassed providing views and a unique perception of the site.

Week 10 | Design Redevelopment

Resolving Perception

This week I have focused on stepping back from my design presented in Week 9 and re-evaluating my concept to establish a stronger design parameter. As my concept is 'Perception,' this week I researched about the elements involved in perception and how human interpretation impacts this.

Elements of Perception

I. Line or Edge

- auras

- relationship between edge, volume and space

- invisible or implied lines

- visual movement

- interrelationship of lines

II. Shape

- shape relationships

- energy fields

- positive/negative space

- tensions

- balance

III. Colour

- hue

- intensity (or saturation)

- value

IV. Value (degree of light and dark)

- direct

- reflected

- absorbed

- translucent

- symbolic

- inner

- divine

V. Texture (surface character experienced through touch or the illusion of touch)

- hot cold pressure pain hardness resistance/pliability

- texture wetness vibration shape flow and movement

- weight rough smooth jagged

Week 9 | Presentation Reflection

After presenting my draft proposal and viewing my peers presentations in Week 9, I have decided that the most difficult task to date has been developing a very strong and clear design concept. Additionally explaining my ideas, concepts and developments is also something I believe I struggled with during the presentation. I have found that there are ideas in my mind which I have inadequately mentioned how they all link together. Even while the concepts may be very clear and synthesised in my mind the viewer of my presentation indeed even the users of my building may have difficulty understanding and connecting and this is something I realised I will need to work for project 3.

Furthermore I feel that the concepts I have, in particular my biomimicry process is not as sound as I once felt it was. I think my interim design has lost some of the elements of my concept Perception and formed more of a concept on layers which was not my intention. Again the biomimicry process of filters in the natural world does not feel quite so resolved as an imitation of a particular natural process and needs to be more resolved before it is incorporated into my design. Perhaps I need to look back through my design development to see if there are any more primary ideas which could strengthen my overall concept and biomimicry process.

Week 9 | Interim Formalisation

As layering was an important parameter in my design process one of the first methods I used to develop a primitive formalisation of my building was to first look at the different design functions and programs of the structure, illustrated in the diagram below.

I separated the design into 2 cultural program; both with a different overall function, an education facility for teaching drama and performance arts, and a retail/leisure facility which would all be tied together by a large foyer.

To tie in my biomimicry process, I chose to look into how the natural world filters its own environment and creates a zero waste condition - cradle to cradle/ones waste is another organisms sustainance.

This is was a process I looked at in terms of the envelope of the structure and the roof design most importantly. I also explored the roof shape in terms of natural ventilation and cooling and then went about designing roof systems which acted as environmental filters.

The first filter is a Photovoltaic roof structure which envelops the majority of the building. The roof was modelled after the idea of a 'leaf as a filter.' The roof contains structural holes which allow for ventilation and cooling as well as diffusing and harnessing natural lighting for the day. The roof is also laced with photovoltaic cells which; just like photosynthesis in a leaf, generates solar energy during the day.

The Green roof which covers the performance hall is a reflection of a forest and how many leaves and trees work together as an ecosystem filtering the natural environment. The green roof insulates the building while filtering pollution in an urban environment.

The final roof is a Permeable Green roof which acts similarly to the Green roof yet it allows ventilation and sunlight to permeate providing a naturally stable indoor environment without the use of air conditioning and artificial lighting systems.

The ideas come together to form the roof plan as shown above. Below is the initial formalisation of my design for the presentation. It shows how the concepts have come together as a first draft and influential tool for my project 3.

Week 8 | Developing Form

After reviewing my design concepts and filtering I utilised the layering concept in the form of leaves. This was then separated into the designated programs which were reevaluated. The programs and their associated spaces are listed below:

PROGRAM 1 [performing arts]

lower level

- stage

- rear of stage

- dressing rooms

- toilets

- performing arts hall

upper level

- box office

- lobby

- toilets

- performing arts hall

PROGRAM 2 [exhibition]

lower level

- lobby

- storage facilities

- toilets

- staff offices

- mirrored gallery

upper level - main exhibition

PROGRAM 3 [education facility]

lower level

- administration

- toilets

- flex workspace

- dance studio/s

PROGRAM 4 [retail/leisure]

lower level

- cafe

- restaurant

- bookstore

Week 8 | Concept Specific Site Analysis

As a starting point for formalising my design concept I began by listing the layers (filters) I would utilise:

- ventilation filter

- airflow layering system

- sunlight filter (shading device)

- perspective screening devices

These four main criterion needed relevant research to ensure resolute form of the building. The first diagram was constructed utilising information found online http://www.windfinder.com/ The predominate wind directions are shown below, with the size of the arrow dependant to the wind probability. This diagram will help me decided how to best face my layering systems to harness good ventilation and adequate shelter from unpleasant drafts.

Annual Wind Direction Diagram

NNE winds are experienced August through December, ESE winds January though April and SSW winds are felt May through July.

The sunlight diagrams have been constructed focusing on the amount and general shading patterns during different times of the year and day. The lighter transparent grey shading illustrates the shade during Winter while the solid black shows the shade during Summer. This information will be utilised to help me decide how best to include my shading facade for patron comfort and sustainable building design.

8AM

Noon

4PM

Week 8 | Design Development

As I had already decided on my thematic program of a Performing Arts centre I began my design phase with a basic spatial adjacency bubble diagram. The Performing Arts centre was chosen to link together the cultural nodes of Brisbane and connect them together via the greenspaces of the city. This was the idea behind my activation of the HSW site and enveloped the ideas associated to layered design and filtering with my Biomimicry theme group. Firstly I listed the different spaces my building would require:

PROGRAM 1 [performing arts]

- Foyer + Box Office

- Main Theatre (Performance Hall)

- Stage

- Rear of Stage

- Projection Room

- Exhibition Space (Gallery)

PROGRAM 2 [retail/leisure]

- Bookstore

- Cafe

- Restaurant

PROGRAM 3 [educational/drama facility]

- Storage Space

- Flex Studio Space (Dance Space)

- Dressing Rooms

SERVICES

- Staff Offices

- Bathrooms