Final Folie Design Presentation Board

Final Folie Concept:

(as presented on the presentation board)

The concept of this folie design is derived from 3 key ideas presented within G Bure's 'Bernard Tschumi' text. It proposed that folies can SYMBOLICALLY EXCEED THEIR FUNCTION, FORM A SIGN FOR THE SITE and ACTIVATE SPACE. Based on this, my design aims at creating a landmark gateway for Howard Smith Wharves, something which is symbolically rich and gives quick recognition of where one is. To create a distinct SYMBOLIC FORM, the intials of HSW were used in an abstracted way in which different letters are visible as you move around the site and structure. The symbolic nature of the structure does not encroach on the provision of space with the layout organised in a way to create effective functional areas.

The symbolic function itself helps to CREATE A SIGN FOR THE SITE and this is amplified by its positioning at the entrance to the wharves creating a gateway element. This position was also chosen due to the visibility from all point of access to the site creating the landmark function, signifying the site and attracting users. It will be the first element of the site that users will see. Interaction with site users is the key way in which the folie attempts to ACTIVATE Howard Smith Wharves. The predominant site use of Howard Smith Wharves in the current day is as an exercise link between the New Farm River Walk and the City Botanical Gardens. The folie appears as a good halfway mark of this exercise route and therefore is perfectly positioned to provide additional exercise activities, bicycle racks and a resting area all while enjoying one of Brisbane's best views in an enhanced environment.

The structure is made possible by using lightweight timber for the cantilver platforms. By contrasting this light material with the heavy stone structure of the stairs, it gives the effect the the platform is floating in midair. The two stainless steel columns angled in opposite directions are crucial for holding the cantilever structure and are held in place by high tension wires. the stainless steel straps held in compression over the structure provide shade for the western sun and can be seen through multiple voids in the timber 'S' structure creating spatial variety. The materials chosen were based on the site with the stone representing the cliffs, metal portraying the Storey Bridge, glass reminiscent of the water and the timber relating to the vegetation at the top of the site.