Final Model: The Bridge

EXTERIOR

The form of the architecture school responds to the geometry of its environment by following the curve of the Roundhouse and mimicking its circular shape throughout various spaces. 

The green roof allows the building to harmonise with the landscape.

The bridge is suspended over the walkway between the Squarehouse and Roundhouse. The glass walls give the building a sense of lightness and it appears to float above the passersby. 

Connection to neighbouring building. 

The spiral ramp with projecting computer labs, offices and meeting spaces and the shell shaped lecture theatre and gallery building. The spiral and shell forms are directly inspired by geometrics found in nature and formed the foundational design  concept of the school. 

View from Squarehouse. As the relationship between the building and its environment is of utmost importance, it can be seen how the design does not overpower the space but rather compliment it with its light form and use of natural materials. 

Constructing the school around the large tree was crucial in maintaining and celebrating the existing landscape. 

View from inside from which the central tree can be more greatly appreciated.

INTERIOR SPACES

Taking inspiration from the Slow House by Diller and Scofidio, various functional spaces could be created from the curved 'pop-outs'.   

The space has been divided to allow space for staff offices and computer labs for students. 

'Constant' texture on walls of computer labs.

The staff meeting room.

External view of studio spaces.

With multidirectional moving walls, the studios can transform into adaptive spaces that can reflect a required function, be it more individually focussed or collaborative. 

'Linear' texture on tabletops.

The circular shape of the library establishes it as the 'central learning hub' of the school. The skylight and glazed walls allow for plenty of natural sunlight to enter the space creating a welcoming environment. 

View out of the library at the university beyond.
'Scalar' texture on floor.

Student meeting room and general socialising area is accessed directly from the library.

The striking shell of the lecture theatre adds an interesting sculptural design element as it is an architecture school. 

The curve of the seating is reflected by the glass dome of the roof.

Below the lecture theatre is the gallery space which has been placed on ground level to allow for public access. The curvature of the gallery wall creates a logical path for people to view exhibited works. 

SketchUp Model: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/caab64f7-f3e3-477a-9793-b27a03907a40/UNSW-The-Bridge-Model

Lumion Model: https://www.dropbox.com/h 

Peer Evaluation

Moving Elements

- Adaptability - Dynamic -

The walls of the studio spaces have been designed such that they are able to slide in multiple directions. This allows for greater flexibility in transforming each individual learning space and adapting them to respond to specific needs at any given time. 

- Geometrics - Inspired - Sustainable - 

The louvres wrapping around the exterior respond to building's need for sun shading to prevent it from overheating and enhance the comfort of occupants. Just as a mimosa fern's leaves close upon contact, each louvre acts independently upon sensing harsh direct sunlight and turn accordingly.   

Final SketchUp Model

The building's form follows the curve of the Roundhouse

Studio spaces

Office rooms and meeting spaces

Lecture theatre

Corridor of studio spaces

The Plan

"Slow House" - Diller + Scofidio, 1990

 

Inspired design of the Slow House implemented in my SketchUp model.

36 Movement Textures

18 Sketch Perspectives

Introduction to EXP3: Theory

Theory:

In order to create sustainable architecture that effectively responds to its specific environment, we must look to nature and become inspired by its capacity for adaptability and evolution. Only by investigating natural geometrics can we create dynamic and transformative architecture.

Five Words:

Dynamic 

Sustainable 

Inspired 

Adaptability 

Geometrics

News Article:

Arch Daily. “LAVA Unveils Transformation of Energy Storage Center into a City Icon in Germany.” Accessed May 10, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/797225/lava-unveils-transformation-of-energy-storage-center-into-a-city-icon-in-germany.

EXP2 Final Light Rail Model

Concept: Sustainability

The overarching concept of my light rail station design is sustainability, as a focus on the future environmental impact of architecture is crucial. This is reflected through key decisions on the use of structural materials and detailing. The main body is constructed from concrete that has been recycled from demolished buildings thus repurposing an otherwise discarded material while giving strength to the structure. Additionally, the high thermal mass of concrete aids towards maintaining a more constant and comfortable temperature within the space, negating the need for energy intensive heating and cooling systems. The detailing of the timber balustrades is not only visually pleasing but its low embodied carbon, energy efficient production, and its ability to be easily recycled in future contribute to reducing the station's impact on the environment. On the roof of the station there are a system of photovoltaic cells that have been arranged to accommodate its curved surface. With sources of renewable energy becoming increasingly important and prevalent, these panels will provide not only the station itself with electrical power but also the university on a broader scale.

The Exterior:

The structure's design has been centered around the two concepts of Louis Kahn and Balkrishna Doshi's work respectively, that emphasis is placed on strong geometric forms of the building, which in turn dramatically influences its relationship to light, and the interrelationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Entrance: 

The entrance and bridge of the structure can be seen to reflect the concept "emphasis is placed on strong geometric forms of the building, which in turn dramatically influences its relationship to light", as the interconnecting rectilinear prisms makes for a dramatic form and the use of glazing for the roof allows for natural light to filter into the space. 

The Station: 

The curvilinear structure of the railway is formed such that it explores the "interrelationship between indoor and outdoor spaces" as its roof and wall that provide shelter from the elements as well as the exaggerated vertical balustrade that gives an illusion of an enclosed space while being open to allow for an immediate connection to the environment. 

Custom Textures on Model: 

Patterned stone tile

Recycled concrete

Photovoltaic cells

Links: 

SketchUp: 

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Lumion: 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ssicky1mvxrr7p/Lumion%20Light%20Rail.ls8s?dl=0