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. 

folie project: final panels.

These are the 3 A1 final folie design panels that were submitted. 

OUR DESIGN STATEMENT:  In today’s society, people’s self-perspective is one of high importance, inflated ego, and a general feeling that the world revolves around them. With the advent of new technology and social media, it is now easier for people to communicate their ideas and feelings to a mass audience. More than ever before, society is able to share irrelevant information and personal details through this new online forum. The folie proposal is a response to this current social issue.

Approaching Howard Smith Wharves, the folie appears as a solid, heavy mass at the base of the cliff face. Constructed of concrete and metallic cubes, it reflects the surrounding cliffs and river.  As one descends into the folie, the intimidating structure is fully realised. The dimly-lit, stark interior of solid and artificial concrete blocks overwhelms the occupants. Looking up through the small shaft in the roof, one is positioned to view the sheer scale of the intimidating cliff face. Like the fascist architecture of Nazi Germany, the folie represses the individual, stimulating a sense of insignificance and irrelevance.

  

A small screen, previously thought to be concrete, flickers to life, providing real-time imagery of the occupants. Another screen illuminates, sparking a chain reaction in which screens appear from all sides. Each projects footage of historic and current world events focusing on themes of destruction and devastation, but also highlighting significant human achievements. More than a folie, the space is in fact an art installation, a curated museum where footage is regularly updated.  

The users are confronted and overwhelmed by both the architecture and the footage. Their current life now doesn’t seem so significant. As the screens black out and the space once again dims, the occupants are left with one heavy realisation: they are not the centre of the universe.

project development.

conceptual development.

CONCEPT: 

Our group decided to relate our folie to a prevalent issue in today's society: with the increasing popularity of online social media networks, people are becoming more and more self focused and absorbed, making a big deal of the small things and a small deal of the bigger issues that are occurring in the real world. The aim of our folie, therefore, is to serve as a reminder, or 'reality check' that this is not a healthy mindset to have, and that we, as individuals, are not the centre of the universe.

exploring spiral forms: 'being too wrapped up in ourselves'

taking the user through a journey, where the space becomes tighter and more 'suffocating.'

reflective surfaces: notice the bigger picture.

highlighting one piece in many; symbol of the user.

digital projections on the ceiling of the structure.

solid-void theory: spaces shaped by solid objects are as important as the objects themselves.

series of cubes constructed of concrete to create a very dense, heavy environment.

using the physical context (cliff face) as an element of 'intimidation' where the user is made aware of scale and proportions

exemplars.

I always find it useful to look at precedents early in the design process. We often use exemplars as a basis for our own designs, twisting and adapting and adding to ideas that have gone before. Below are some of the projects I came across that really inspired me and set my ideas in motion. Each provides a unique learning environment and experience for users.

1. the morning line. [matthew ritche]

"this project proposes a ruin from the future, a new type of structure whose function can only be inferred not just by using it but by reading it." (quote from Design Playgrounds Article)

image retrieved from: http://designplaygrounds.com/deviants/the-work-of-matthew-ritche/ 

image retrieved from: 10 x 10_3 100 Architects, 10 Critics. (2009). p. 29. New York: Phaidon Press Ltd.

This project exhibits the connections between music, cosmology, architecture and art. The space is used to host performances by various composers and musicians. It is constructed from epoxy-coated aluminium units that are modular, stackable and transportable for future exhibitions at various sites. I think this is a really interesting and dynamic sound and visual composition, which is what ultimately encourages people to engage with it.

2. eco boulevard. [ecosistema urbano]

"the Eco-boulevard competition is organized with two objectives: one of a social nature, aimed to generate activity, and one of an environmental nature, the bioclimatic adaptation of an outdoor space." 

(quote from ArchDaily article)

images retrieved from: http://www.archdaily.com/6303/eco-boulevard-in-vallecas-ecosistema-urbano/

This project involves a collection of cylindrical towers containing vertical gardens in a barren district in Madrid. They operate as public spaces for residents in the area, and are also fitted with photo-voltaic panels to capture solar energy. I think this is a really effective 'activator of space' because the structure functions as both an environmental statement and urban icon that helps establish the identity for inhabitants of the district.

3. souffle. [holdup architecture & art direction]

"after making her/himself comfortable, the intruder shortly notices that any single vibration triggers an interaction with the structure. If fancied, she/he is given the chance to take control of the atmospheric elements projected on the ceiling." (quote from http://www.holduparchitecture.com/#souffle)

images retrieved from: http://www.archdaily.com/152921/souffle-holdup/

From an outside perspective, this structure looks relatively uninviting, austere and alien-like. It is imbalanced and thus instigates a strange and uncomfortable atmosphere. The interior environment, however, is far less hostile. Users must first remove their footwear before entering the intimate and welcoming space. Inside, their is a suspended microphone that detects any movement and translates it to projected images on the ceiling of the structure. I think this is a really successful project because of the interesting contrast between the interior and exterior environments which is surprising to the user, and the interactive experience it allows, where users can explore the relationships between sound and image.

4. le mur du mou. [yok yok architects]

"Distorting mirrors enter a shape of undisciplined echo with the world which surrounds it. We meet a different space, one itself unexpected, and the other strange and funny there ...The deformation changes our perceptions and brings to a new, alive and done wonders for the self-confidence visual experience." 

(quote from Festival des Architectures Vives 2011 Info Pamphlet)

images retrieved from: Festival des Architectures Vives info pamphlet 2011 6th ed

This is more of an art installation than architecture, however the concept behind the project is really clever and interactive. The mirrors reflect distorted images of the user, as well as the surrounding architecture/environment. It creates a warped world where users can explore different perspectives and perceptions.

what is learning?