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: