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.