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 

SketchUp Model

 Materials in Model:

36 Textures

Light to Dark Textures:

 

Axonometric and Parallel Projections of Interconnecting Prisms

Axonometrics:

The architecture features overlapping layers and transitional areas which encourages fluid and adaptable living conditions, customary in Indian tradition.
+
Drawing in natural light through forms which in turn diffuses light and creates ambiance.

Establishes a hierarchy of spatial organisation in that primary spaces are often centralised, whereas secondary spaces are placed on the fringes.
+
Form does not necessarily follow function.

Interrelationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
+
Emphasis is placed on strong geometric forms of the building, which in turn dramatically influences its relationship to light.

Parallel Projections:

Establishes a hierarchy of spatial organisation in that primary spaces are often centralised, whereas secondary spaces are placed on the fringes.
+
Form does not necessarily follow function.

The architecture features overlapping layers and transitional areas which encourages fluid and adaptable living conditions, customary in Indian tradition.
+
Drawing in natural light through forms which in turn diffuses light and creates ambiance.

Final Design:

Emphasis is placed on strong geometric forms of the building, which in turn dramatically influences its relationship to light.
+
Interrelationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Axonometric Sketches

Louis Kahn: Establishes a hierarchy of spatial organisation in that primary spaces are often centralised, whereas secondary spaces are placed on the fringes.

Balkrishna Doshi: The architecture features overlapping layers and transitional areas which encourages fluid and adaptable living conditions, customary in Indian tradition.

Balkrishna Doshi: Drawing in natural light through forms which in turn diffuses light and creates ambiance.

Louis Kahn: Form does not necessarily follow function.

Balkrishna Doshi: Interrelationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Louis Kahn: Emphasis is placed on strong geometric forms of the building, which in turn dramatically influences its relationship to light.

Introduction to EXP2: Concepts

List of concepts relating to the two chosen architects, Louis Kahn and Balkrishna Doshi, as brainstormed by the class. 

Louis Kahn:

• He establishes a hierarchy of spatial organisation in that primary spaces are often centralised, whereas secondary spaces are placed on the fringes
• Focussing on functionality whilst giving life to architecture
• The materiality and method of assembly of the building should be clear to anyone who sees it, this creates a grander sense of weight and presence
• Form did not necessarily follow the function
• "Each space should have its own shape and form"
• He juxtaposes both materials and geometry, using not only conventional materials like concrete, but also using timber in unexpected ways
• "All matter is made up of light, and matter casts shadows, and the light and shadows make a space."
• There is a relationship between servant and served spaces, whereby servant spaces like stairways and corridors facilitate the function of the served living spaces
• Emphasis placed on strong geometric forms of the building, which in turn dramatically influences its relationship to light

Balkrishna Doshi:

• Interrelationship between indoor and outdoor spaces
• Drawing in natural light through forms which in turn diffuses light and creates ambiance
• Traditionally geometric shapes are made to look new through materiality
• Brutalism and ruggedness of raw materials such as brick and concrete
• "Landscape is the primary architectural mediator, the ground and building are in separable."
• Relates his architecture to the history of his home country of India. Brutalist form relates to the skilled craftsmen of his culture
• Flexible rather than rigid approach to the structure
• Responding to the tropical climate of the site
• The use of columns to define a space
• The Buddhist caves of Ajamta and Ellora inspired Doshi to design the interior with circles and ellipses
• The architecture features overlapping layers and transitional areas which encourages fluid and adaptable living conditions, customary in Indian tradition

Animations

A video showing views and sections of my model as a whole: the above ground workshop, ground level exhibition space, and below ground workshop.

A video showing views and sections of the above ground 'balance' workshop for client Revival Cycles.




A video showing views and sections of the below ground 'elevate' workshop for client CJ Hendry.