Week 8: Design Development

During Week 8, formal space needed to be arranged in response to the programme that had been set. Working on the mangrove metaphor, the following three images show how diagram progressed to a series of spaces.

Now that there are formal volumes and spaces prescribed, I would like to further explore how mangroves can inform the structure of the building as well as how the differing angles and lengths of the trees' branches and roots can affect organisation of individual spaces within the building. The end design I intend to be organised organically, but to be constructed with modern materials such as glass and metal in a sustainable way.

Area for further development also exists in how the building will respond to the subtropical climate of Brisbane. I would like to include some locally responsive design solutions that will demonstrate to the public what can be done to accommodate climate opposed to mechanical methods such as air-conditioning. 

Week 7: Architectural Resolution

This week i further investigated the site and the types of users within the Architecture community in Brisbane. It was discovered that Brisbane city, particularly within 5km (walking distance) of the site there are many practices, businesses and institutions that exist. This is demonstrate in the image below:

The large purple rings indicate distance whilst the smaller dark purple rings indicate practices, businesses and institutions, as well as orange indicating site. This result is of no surprise given the density surrounding the site, shown in the image below:

It has been identified that surrounding the site is a mix of high density mixed use properties, with the introduction of more private dwellings the the east of the site, seen as part of New Farm. 

The major site issue recognised has been flooding. The below diagram shows areas that were affected by flooding in the 2011 floods. Overland flooding from the river is indicated in light blue. You can see that almost all of the HSW site was inundated by flood waters. 

As site issues have been investigated, i also began to further develop my 'mangrove metaphor' and how this could inform form and space. I began with simple diagrams that were taken from last week's sketch and then digitised, seen below.

I have kept in mind the idea of separating the structure into three different levels. I want to create an open podium area at the bottom of the building that will be open grassed areas. This is to accentuate the roots of the mangroves and also elevate the building to minimise flooding impacts. My tutor has also suggested the possibility of different levels in the building that could be close off in times of flooding. 

Week 6: Developing Metaphor

During Week 6 tutorial we had a pin up of site analysis. We were to then further develop on this. My individual site analysis began with a map which identified location in Brisbane, and a simple Nolli map. While these are common, I find that they are very helpful in understanding type, size and density of buildings surrounding a site.

I found that closest to the HSW site many large commercial, residential high rise and mixed use buildings existed, common with that of Brisbane City. Although to the East and West of the site, moving towards suburbs such as New Farm and Spring Hill, a definite decrease in size and density can be seen as residential housing blocks are introduced.

This prompted thought about the type of people that may visit the site. As we are to use the guidelines of Yasu and our tutor, we still need to develop our own brief. In order to create and fulfil a successful brief, i believe it is important to understand users that would make most use of this site.

As part of this assignment we are to set parameters to investigate and solve, otherwise we will find it difficult to develop a strong brief in which to respond to. I have therefore chosen to investigate visitors to the site who are involved in the architectural profession. I want my learning centre to be educational for the architectural profession, a place where architects and those interested in architecture and responding to Brisbane's subtropical climate can come to be educated and educate each other.  In addition to this it has been considered to include possible headquarters for the relocation of RAIA offices from Southbank. My building will therefore include a type of public lecture space, office spaces as well as secondary spaces to service these functions.

With this in mind, a programme of space can be developed. My building is to include:
- Lecture hall to accommodate 100 people
- Small learning spaces to accommodate up to 4 people at a time
- Two office spaces, approximately 50 metres square
- Reception
- Lunch room
- Toilets
- Store
- Services

Developing Nature as a Metaphor:

As part of our theme group 'Learning from Nature' we are to look to nature to help solve site issues that have been investigated, and solve them with examples from nature. I have identified a major site issue as flooding, and for several reasons (already discussed) believe that the mangrove plant is a good example to inform my design. Concept development sketches are below: