This tutorial session was based on the concstruction of physical models to develop our concepts. Personally, I felt that this tutorial wasn't particularly useful as I had already passed this stage in my design. I realise that the session was to explore multiple concepts in 3D form which I did start to do with my other initial concepts however as they weren't developed to the same level, I decided to continue with the design that I had already developed and was happy with.
As this was our first and only tutorial beforethe folie design was due, I was initially hoping to recieve some feedback on my intial concept model to ensure it was suitable to fulfill design criteria. But due to the high student-tutor ratio it wasn't practical for one on one critiques. Yasu did briefly talk to me regarding my model and gave me some good feedback regarding the high tension high segment. He suggested to ensure it was a strong part of my concept ie opposing forces other wise it may detract from my design. Every component must contribute to the conceptual delivery.
Looking back on the previous sketch, I realised that one componenet wasn't contributing to the concept which was the vegetation covering one side of the H structure. This may not make the concept clear as the H shape may not be clearly distinguishable if the two sides are from different materials. Both sides will be made uniform in future design stages.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Further Sketches and Development
The following sketch was developed using the physical 3D model as a base. It was aimed at determining which materials would be used for each element. The choice of materials is based on the site with stone representing the cliff faces, metal portraying the Storey Bridge, glass reflecting the water and the timber relating to the timber at the top of the site.
Design Development
The following sketches were part of my intial process at developing a symbolic form using the symbols HSW.
The images above show that my thoughts regarding the initials and symbolism were only in a 2d plane which were then extruded. I was after a more abstracted representation which requires site interaction to gain full experience and meaning. To do this, the letter S was studied in a more three dimension approach which then allowed interaction with the other letters in other planes.
The images above show that my thoughts regarding the initials and symbolism were only in a 2d plane which were then extruded. I was after a more abstracted representation which requires site interaction to gain full experience and meaning. To do this, the letter S was studied in a more three dimension approach which then allowed interaction with the other letters in other planes.This above process eventually led to the sketch shown below which seemed to resonate with the concepts that I have been trying to portray.
Floor plan development then occured to ensure the structure was contained within the 5m boundary. The W can be seen easily within the floor plan on the right.
Site Choice
The choice of site for he folie intervention will have a profound bearing on the theoretical concept of CREATING A SIGN FOR THE SITE. To be successful in advertising the site, it must be positioned where good visibility is available from all access points to the site. It should be the first element that site users see. The image below shows the position that the folie will be located to maximise its exposure. As you can see, it will be placed at the entrance to the site, creating a gateway element.
Concept Development
Based on the content within the week 3 lecture, it was obvious that my intial design concepts were practical responses to the site and site users without much abstraction or theoretical background. Due to this, I went back and re-read my notes on the week one reading regarding Bernard Tschumi's La Villette folies which in my opinion depict the experiental qualities and success that we are trying to achieve.
The three key messages learnt from this reading were that folies can SYMBOLICALLY EXCEED THEIR FUNCTION, BECOME A SIGN FOR THE SITE and become ACTIVATORS OF SPACE. The activation of space is a key aim of the folie design and one of my initial design concepts was using the folie as a sign for the site. So the only thing missing from Tschumi's guide is the symbolic nature of the design. It is important to create symbolism which is explicitly unique to the site for which you are designing. Therefore, I believe the best way to incorporate unique symbolism into Howard Smith Wharves is to utilise the intials HSW.
These elements could appear in an abstracted manner in which site users would need to move around the site and structure to gain full meaning. This would help to activate the site, as would the intended function. My intial design concept suggested the interaction with the predominant site users - exercises and cyclists by creating an area for additional exercise and a place to stop, rest and enjoy one of Brisbane's best (yet uncelebrated) views. This intial function will be carried forward into the design as I believe it is the most practical funtion for the current site as it appears as a halfway point on the exercise route linking the Botanical Gardens and New Farm Riverwalk.
The three key messages learnt from this reading were that folies can SYMBOLICALLY EXCEED THEIR FUNCTION, BECOME A SIGN FOR THE SITE and become ACTIVATORS OF SPACE. The activation of space is a key aim of the folie design and one of my initial design concepts was using the folie as a sign for the site. So the only thing missing from Tschumi's guide is the symbolic nature of the design. It is important to create symbolism which is explicitly unique to the site for which you are designing. Therefore, I believe the best way to incorporate unique symbolism into Howard Smith Wharves is to utilise the intials HSW.
These elements could appear in an abstracted manner in which site users would need to move around the site and structure to gain full meaning. This would help to activate the site, as would the intended function. My intial design concept suggested the interaction with the predominant site users - exercises and cyclists by creating an area for additional exercise and a place to stop, rest and enjoy one of Brisbane's best (yet uncelebrated) views. This intial function will be carried forward into the design as I believe it is the most practical funtion for the current site as it appears as a halfway point on the exercise route linking the Botanical Gardens and New Farm Riverwalk.
Weeek 2 Lecture Reflection
This lecture, focusing on the folie design and the creation of a strong concept was really helpful in developing my personal design. A key thought related to communicating a thought and communicating a reponse to this thought. The lecture re-highlighted the design criteria and experiential qualities multiple times which immediately suggested that our folie must meet all of these criteria to be successful.
The implication that this lecture had on my personal design development were profound. As yet, my design concepts are fairly simple, practicle reponses to the site and site users. The exemplar folies presented all seemed to contain extensive theoretical backgrounds and were abstract in their way of presenting thei message.
The grid layout implemented by Bernard Tschumi within La Villette to spread his folie interventions throughotu the site seems successful in that it allows people to move through the site in unique ways while experiencing different qualities at each mark along the way. Theis concept creates a journey through the site, activating the entire site. This is another key aim of our folie design - ACTIVATION OF THE SITE.
Although our primary folie has already been restricted to a 5m x 5m boundarym if a similar principle was used within future design stages, it would help to activate Howard Smith Wharves. Multiple follies could be designed, each with a different experiental quality and function.
Another interesting theme of the lecture was how such an abstract and unique project such as Lebeus Woods' Space of Light project can be followed from intial design concept to physical models and shadow photography to construction documents to ulitmately its real world application and construction.
The implication that this lecture had on my personal design development were profound. As yet, my design concepts are fairly simple, practicle reponses to the site and site users. The exemplar folies presented all seemed to contain extensive theoretical backgrounds and were abstract in their way of presenting thei message.
The grid layout implemented by Bernard Tschumi within La Villette to spread his folie interventions throughotu the site seems successful in that it allows people to move through the site in unique ways while experiencing different qualities at each mark along the way. Theis concept creates a journey through the site, activating the entire site. This is another key aim of our folie design - ACTIVATION OF THE SITE.
Although our primary folie has already been restricted to a 5m x 5m boundarym if a similar principle was used within future design stages, it would help to activate Howard Smith Wharves. Multiple follies could be designed, each with a different experiental quality and function.
Another interesting theme of the lecture was how such an abstract and unique project such as Lebeus Woods' Space of Light project can be followed from intial design concept to physical models and shadow photography to construction documents to ulitmately its real world application and construction.
Intial Design Ideas
Concept #1 - Folie as a Sign
Concept #2 - Air Raid Shelter
- Folie designed to interact with predominate site users - exercises and cyclists.
- Split level, with an area to do additional exercises
- Place to stop and rest on the top level in the form of a viewing platform with seats and newspapers provided each morning
Concept #2 - Air Raid Shelter
- Controlling and releasing views - framed views
- Transition of views with entire view gradually exposed.
- Solid to light construction - entrapment, concealment, confinement
- Partially hidden entry point, protection, sense of security
- Sunlight filtered through tree on western side - giving additional protection
Concept # 3 - Ships Hull
- Reconnecting the site with its past history as a successful wharf
- focusing views of the occupants - identifying the Storey Bridge as the focus of the site
Further Site Analysis
Maps showing possible areas of folie intervention
descripition of each possible site - what would work, what wouldn't
Site photos
descripition of each possible site - what would work, what wouldn't
Site photos
Site Research
Plans have been submitted by Brisbane City Council to transform Howard Smith Wharves into one of the city's most defining features. It will occur in three stages as outlined below:
The site also has rich history which should be explored to gain insight into any features which should be retained, rebuilt or could act as inspiration for future designs for the area.
Howard Smith Wharves were originally constructed in the 1930s in conjuction with the Storey Bridge. It was aimed at becoming one of the largest employment generating facilities of the Forgan- Smith government. It was originally built as the Brisbane Central Wharves but was leased by the Howard Smith Shipping company. The construction of buildings began in 1934 with the first structure being a two storey reinforced concrete building. Other buildings included three berths and five storage sheds. During 1941 and 1942, World War 2 disrupted the site and five air raid shelters were built below the cliff face. These shelters still remain and are examples of some of the most intact air raid shelters within Australia, as shown below.
- Hotel and Tourism Precinct
- Restuarant, retail, gallery, entertainment and commercial precinct
- active outdoor recreation, entertainment and community facilities
Precinct 1 is situated on the western side of the site and includes the area directly under the Storey Bridge. Existing sheds, building and wharves will be retained and a new building will cater for short term accomodation, resturants, shops, tourism boat operators, visitor centre, offices, indoor sport/gymnasium and recreational facilities.
Precinct 2 is located in the centre of the site and will offer a combination of new buildings and public open space with uses including restuarants, retail, galleries and commercial opportunities
Precinct 3 is located on the eastern edge of the site and will boast a large proportion as accessible and attractive parklands, a range of facilities including bbqs, picnics, play equipment, public toilets, wharves and river access, new access paths and lifts to connect top and bottom of site, the rehabilitation of the severely damaged 170m timber wharf in front of the current wharf buildings and finally, repairs to ensure the integrity of the world heritage buildings. Below are artistic representations of phase 3 of the project.
The site also has rich history which should be explored to gain insight into any features which should be retained, rebuilt or could act as inspiration for future designs for the area.
Howard Smith Wharves were originally constructed in the 1930s in conjuction with the Storey Bridge. It was aimed at becoming one of the largest employment generating facilities of the Forgan- Smith government. It was originally built as the Brisbane Central Wharves but was leased by the Howard Smith Shipping company. The construction of buildings began in 1934 with the first structure being a two storey reinforced concrete building. Other buildings included three berths and five storage sheds. During 1941 and 1942, World War 2 disrupted the site and five air raid shelters were built below the cliff face. These shelters still remain and are examples of some of the most intact air raid shelters within Australia, as shown below.
Since Howard Smith moved downstream, other users of the site have included the Water Police, and the Queensland Government for storage purposes.This background information has showed the cultural and hertiage significance of the site and its importance to Brisbane city.
The Brisbane floods of 2011 significantly affected the site and Brisbane City Council's development proposal. This is obviously a very signifiacnt factor which should be considered for the future.
The Brisbane floods of 2011 significantly affected the site and Brisbane City Council's development proposal. This is obviously a very signifiacnt factor which should be considered for the future.
Urban Walkshop
All of the following images were completed as part of the urban walkshop studio conducted as part of DAB525 - Architecture and the City. It was included as part of my design journal for Howard Smith Wharves as it was our final destination and the series of pictures capture a path of travel to our site and identtifies links which can be made between the city and the site.
The three images below is an example of Gordon Cullen's serial vision. The series of advances sketches show the clear edge between the botanical gardens and the city and how the city becomes more defined the closer you get.
The three images below is an example of Gordon Cullen's serial vision. The series of advances sketches show the clear edge between the botanical gardens and the city and how the city becomes more defined the closer you get.
A line of sight is created between three landmarks via the axis of Albert Street, helping one to navigate through the city. This is shown below.
Although an obvious edge and change in condition is evident between the botanical gardens and the city, a transition of vegetation is applied to soften the edge
Cathedral Square doesn't really work as a convential CBD square due to being surrounded by busy streets on 2 sides with offices on another. The final side is bordered by the cathedral which is typically only busy on weekends
Initial Thoughts on Howard Smith Wharves
Altough low scale, the two built features within the gardens act as landmarks. The paths are organised around these features in a way reminiscent of one of Paris's town planning schema.
Using Lynch's theory, City Hall could probably not be classified as a modern day landmark. When it was built and was the highest tower in the Brisbane CBD, it was obviously a significant landmark. Now however, it has been overtaken by surrounding buildings and has therefore lost its visual significance.
When first looking at King George Square, it appears that it is edgeless on the 2 sides facing roma street and queen street. However when looking a little wider at the city layout, it appears that past Ann Street, the grid like orientation of the CBD changes to an angled projection. Therefore an interface between 2 different conditions (an edge) is created. It is likely that these two differences are due to seperate planning stages.
Like City Hall, Central Station was once a landmark of Brisbane, however is now overshadowed by the apartment building directly behind it as shown below. It can still be classified as a monument however due to its influence over city planning. It creates an axis running through the ANZAC memorial, through ANZAC Square, across the Old Post Office Square, along the laneway running through the Old Post Office and onto St Stephen's Cathedral.
Following Kevin Lynch's Theory, the ANZAC Monument is a memorial, helping people reconnect with their history and past relatives who have served.
Views of the Australian Flag through each side of the Memorial invokes a sense of patriotism
Edges in ANZAC Square are clearly defined due to the split level layout
As the square is offset from the cathedral, it cannot be said, based on Lynch's theory, that the Cathedral is a landmark or monument. It is no longer an outstanding landmark of the city and hasn't changed any of the adjacent spatialities.
It is difficult to define the edges of the square with vegetation blending in with vegetation outside of the square.
Cathedral Square doesn't really work as a convential CBD square due to being surrounded by busy streets on 2 sides with offices on another. The final side is bordered by the cathedral which is typically only busy on weekends
Which brings us to HOWARD SMITH WHARVES
Initial Thoughts on Howard Smith Wharves- Restricted Access
- Easily Defined Edges - water and cliffs
- Lack of Interaction and Connection
- No infrastructure to enjoy one of the best views in brisbane
Week 1 Reflection
The main concept of this unit seems to be the enhancement of our digital representation (beyond representation) and our critical analysis of theories and architectural concepts. I personally look forward to enhancing my digital representation techniques through computer generated tools and environments as my experience in this field is limited. 3DS max, revit and Corel Draw are the limitations of my computer generated design, therefore I have had to develop my hand drawing style to the best of my ability. Hopefully, some tutorial will be given to all students on programs which we can use to develop and present our ideas. This seems like the aim of the unit so no doubt this will be included.
The consideration, identification and debating of theories will be interesting especially if it is possible to have large scale group discussions as I find this is when I learn most particularly about the types of views that can be made which you may not have thought about yourself. Opens up points of investigation which may help develop research or designs.
My initial thought regarding our focus site for this unit was somewhat uncertainty as I had never been to Howard Smith Wharves nor did I know where they exactly where located. This opened my eyes as to the amount i have explored Brisbane since moving here two and a bit years ago. There is an obvious need for flood protection as based on the photos provided within the lecture and the site seems to be a transition zone between 4 different districts - fortitude valley, new farm, CBD and Kangaroo Point. Which is most likely to use the space?? Kangaroo Point is seperated by the Storey Bridge, Fortitude Valley and New Farm are seperated by the cliff, therefore is the CBD the best market for a design or is connection required to other districts to create a community space?
The cliffs and Storey Bridge are obviously the most recognisable and dominant features of the site.
Folie design seems to be an appropriate starting point to look at for the urban rejuvenation of Howard Smith Wharves. Start at a small scale will hopefully allow us to develop an initial concept which can then be developed and advanced to the large scale development which is obviously following the folie design.
Criteria seem well set and self explanatory as are the design qualities which are important for our folies to achieve.
Bernard Tschumi's folies are immediately recongisable as part of La Villette due to the red colour pallette and matching aesthetics.
The idea of splitting up into theme groups after the folie design is completed is a new approach compared to design studios completed in the past. Not how sure how successful it will be. If we are each able to have a say in the direction our design will go it should be interesting as it will allow for a large variation of design proposals over the entire class. The one question remaining is if each group will design a different type of building or program? If so, not sure how the marking can be compared and cross referenced across themes?
The consideration, identification and debating of theories will be interesting especially if it is possible to have large scale group discussions as I find this is when I learn most particularly about the types of views that can be made which you may not have thought about yourself. Opens up points of investigation which may help develop research or designs.
My initial thought regarding our focus site for this unit was somewhat uncertainty as I had never been to Howard Smith Wharves nor did I know where they exactly where located. This opened my eyes as to the amount i have explored Brisbane since moving here two and a bit years ago. There is an obvious need for flood protection as based on the photos provided within the lecture and the site seems to be a transition zone between 4 different districts - fortitude valley, new farm, CBD and Kangaroo Point. Which is most likely to use the space?? Kangaroo Point is seperated by the Storey Bridge, Fortitude Valley and New Farm are seperated by the cliff, therefore is the CBD the best market for a design or is connection required to other districts to create a community space?
The cliffs and Storey Bridge are obviously the most recognisable and dominant features of the site.
Folie design seems to be an appropriate starting point to look at for the urban rejuvenation of Howard Smith Wharves. Start at a small scale will hopefully allow us to develop an initial concept which can then be developed and advanced to the large scale development which is obviously following the folie design.
Criteria seem well set and self explanatory as are the design qualities which are important for our folies to achieve.
Bernard Tschumi's folies are immediately recongisable as part of La Villette due to the red colour pallette and matching aesthetics.
The idea of splitting up into theme groups after the folie design is completed is a new approach compared to design studios completed in the past. Not how sure how successful it will be. If we are each able to have a say in the direction our design will go it should be interesting as it will allow for a large variation of design proposals over the entire class. The one question remaining is if each group will design a different type of building or program? If so, not sure how the marking can be compared and cross referenced across themes?
Week 1 Reading Notes
Reading A:
Curtis, W. J. R. (1996). Introduction. In Modern Architecture since 1900 (3rd ed.). pp11-17. Oxford: Phaidon
Curtis, W. J. R. (1996). Introduction. In Modern Architecture since 1900 (3rd ed.). pp11-17. Oxford: Phaidon
- modern is a term which all eras have used and therefore lacks true meaning
- modern architecture is often based on new technologies or construction methods
- history involves constant reinterpretation
- histographers tend to isolate a style and concentrate on its uniqueness without reference or comparison to other arhitectural developments parallel to them.
- fresh start architecture is often based on a reinterpretation of an older style and is therefore steeped in tradition despite being advertised as being untainted by predecessors
- modern architecture emerged against major social and cultural transformation
- 'the right balance is needed between the internal logical of the discipline, the influence of cultural forces and the social and personal dimensions of the indvidiual invention'.
- a tradition or style is often ruled by dominant forms and governing principles but may also contain diverse strands and regional emphasis
- 1920's - HEROIC PERIOD - through architects such as Le Corbusier, Mies Van Der Rohe, Walter Gropius
Question Posed: Digital Technology - Does it make modern buildings or is it just a trend?
In my opinion, digital technologies and 3D drafting programs have allows for the successful design of some modern buildings which may not have come to fruition without such technological aid. The ease of creating complex shapes without technical and time consuming mathematical caculations is the greatest advantage of computer based design. Allowing computers to do the calculations speeds up the process and allows more time to be spent on the actual design of the building. Designing in a 3D virtual world creates 'real time' models which can be edited and changed easily without the need to change every drawing by hand every time a change is made. Based on this, I believe that digital technologies are not just a trend but a useful tool in the modern age of architectural design based mainly on the efficeiency of time and the ability to create complex shapes and surfaces.
Having said this, I believe that hand drawing and manual 3d modelling still have their place in architectural design. This allows for designers to create their own recognisable style and traits. To maximise success, I believe that these methods should be collated to create the most successful designs.
Reading 2:
Bure, G. 2008. Paris/ La Villette. In Bernard Tschumi. ed. G. Bure, 47-73. Birkhauser: Basel
- Information folie, cafe folie, ticket folie, music folie, belvedere folie, observatory folie, stair folie, clock folie
- OCCUPY SPACE -> GENERATE MOVEMENT -> AMPLIFY ACTION
- La Villette - layers of lines, points and planes
- Folies = French name
- 26 folies in La Villette by B Tschumi
- 36x36 foot red cubes articulated according to program and requirements
- Multi functional, non functional, collide with and respond to other facilities
- Folies change according to their assemblage and topographic position
Key Ideas Gained - Folies should be:
- ACTIVATORS OF SPACE rather than scultural objects
- BECAME A SIGN FOR LA VILLETTE - immediately recognisable and linkable to the park
- SYMBOLLICALLY EXCEED THEIR RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS
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