Project 2: Concept Consolidation

Following the Week 5 & 6 Studio sessions and after consultation with Yvonne, I decided that my concept would be to create a very dynamic & responsive building that relates back to the central concept of the folie (which was to stimulate people's awareness of their surroundings - this can be modified to be more specific for Project 2 - people's awareness of their natural environment and the presence of nature). My concept also addresses the key site issues. In designing a building that is responsive to changes in the natural environment (for example, a dynamic facade that responds to changes in the position of the sun, wind speed & direction or temperature), I would be introducing an element to the site that is always 'moving' - both visually and physically so that distant observers of the site, as well as users of the site are able to experience this. The brief I have set for myself, therefore, is to design a building that generates a sense of movement, that integrates disconnected elements of the site (the cliff and the river), that highlights the presence & influence that the natural environment should have on our architecture and urban environment, and lastly a building that draws inspiration for sustainable design principles from biomimicry examples (e.g. in controlling light and shadows in the building, harnessing natural ventilation, storing energy, climate control, and the collection and storage of water). The next step from this stage is to research these biomimicry principles, and to consider the function or programme of what my building will be. It will be best to develop the programme in relation to the concept of making people aware of their natural environment and the state it is in.

Project 2: Identifying Site Issues

These were the initial site analysis panels pinned up in the Week 5 Studio. We were asked to investigate some of the key issues we recognised from the site. I focused on the neighbouring zones in New Farm which were mainly residential and commercial, but could probably expand this to include some of Fortitude Valley and the CBD. I also did a brief movement analysis (vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist traffic) around and within the site, and noise study to identify the key areas where sound is generated from. On the second panel I looked at some more specific issues of the site. Firstly, its sense of disconnection from surrounding elements, especially because of the physical separation by the cliffs. This can cause people to be very unaware of the presence and significance of the site, so in my building design I would like to address this. Another factor that causes the site to go unnoticed is that it is static, yet surrounded by many paths of movement (on the story bridge, along the streets at the top of the cliff, and along the Brisbane river with its ferry networks). A more in-depth mobility and speed analysis would be helpful in exploring this a little further. The third most important aspect of the site is that it is narrow and thus currently negative space which we tend to move through mindlessly. A positive, 'dwelling' space is required on this site for people to feel safe within and want to congregate in.

Therefore, based on these social site issues, I want my building design to become a dynamic entity that people are drawn to. My initial thoughts on achieving this were particularly through the built fabric, perhaps a responsive facade that moves in response to a natural element like the sun or the wind.