As part of our week 2 exercise, we had to develop sketches to explore the interconnections between 2 pairs of drawings from week 1 exercise. We then had to re-draw the drawing from the opposite angle. I carefully selected the drawings that I paired together to try and create a unique combination.
I then used the axonometric drawings as the foundation of my final interconnection but really tried to focus on creating an element to allow for the linkage of both spaces together. I was inspired by the concepts that both drawings related to and developed my interconnection for both drawings based on these factors.
Below are the drawings that I paired together along with the interconnection made between them.
Axonometric 1
Axonometric 2
Interconnection 3 connecting Axon 1 and Axon 2
Interconnection 1 - Opposite Angle
Axonometric 3
Axonometric 4
Interconnection 3 connecting Axon 3 and Axon 4
Interconnection 2 - Opposite Angle
Axonometric 5
Axonometric 6
Interconnection 3 connecting Axon 5 and Axon 6
Interconnection 3 - Opposite Angle
The final step for this exercise was to develop the chosen sketch (Interconnection 2) using Google Sketchup and hen create an environment in Cry Engine and import the model to explore the relationship between the environment and the model. I was really inspired by the lightweight feel of my design so I decided to cantilever the model in between a valley as shown below.
Floating structure
Structure working with environment
"Reconciling
rather than bemusing the land is an essence of beauty that is rectified by a
building to which is only feasible by technology."
For the first task of Experiment 2 we were asked to develop 6 Axonometrics and then re-draw each one from a different angle. Below are the 6 axonometrics that I have developed.
Axon 1
Axon 1 - Opposite Angle
Nomadism is the dominant social force where time exchange and metamorphisis replace stasis. (Archigram)
Axon 2
Axon 2 - Opposite Angle
Adaptive reuse instigating a mediation between past and present to be inspired by and reinvent historic conceptualisations to further existing knowledge. (Winka Dubbeldam)
Axon 3
Axon 3 - Opposite Angle
To see radical changes of the world reflected in contemporary architecture. (Archigram)
Axon 4
Axon 4 - Opposite Angle
The crystallisation of urban complexity within the architectural object. (Winka Dubbeldam)
Axon 5
Axon 5 - Opposite Angle
Technology is an inspiration of new reality. (Archigram)
Axon 6
Axon 6 - Opposite Angle
The building as land art in itself. (Winka Dubbeldam)
We then had to select one of our axonometrics and develop it inside of Google SketchUp. Below are the screenshots of my model.
For the final step in our task, we had to export our model from Google SketchUp into Cry Engine 3 and add it to an environment that we prepared. I decided to cantilever a portion of my building from a cliff and the results can be seen below.
As part of my first experiment for the subject Arch 1101 I was required to develop a design consisting of three main levels, above ground, middle ground and below ground, for my two chosen clients, Shinya Kimura and Jiro Ono. This being my first experiment for this subject, I was rather grateful that the structure of my submission was made easy to follow by my tutor especially during my studio sessions where I had the opportunity to utilise Jeremy's experience and knowledge to succeed in understanding the concept of this experiment and what was required.
One of the most challenging phases of this experiment when I initially started was getting familiar with Google SketchUp and ensuring that I educated myself quickly and to a great extent to ensure that I expressed the integrity of my design to my full capabilities.
The Three Words -
To familiarise ourselves with our chosen clients and to expand our creativity we were instructed to come up with a series of nouns, verbs and adjectives to help define the characteristics of the various works of our clients. The end result was not only a combination of nine different conscientiously chosen pairs of words but it was the mind ticking and horizon expanding exercise that was much required to establish the levels of quality and adequacy required for my final design in respective of the exquisite works produced by my chosen clients. The submission for this exercise can be found by clicking this link.
The 18 Sketch Sections -
This particular exercise was rather challenging but strongly effective as it helped me develop my thinking and also allowed me to think outside the box and not to restrict myself. The concept of the 18 sketch sections was to develop spaces based on three ground planes which were below ground, above ground and middle ground which would be regarded as a showroom for both clients to present their work in.
This exercise also involved the chance to understand the term "section" and put it into practice. I was able to establish the location, size and proportions of various elements in my designed spaces in relations to the cut plane of my section which enabled me to gain a brief understanding of how my design might look like once fully developed.
However, one of the most vital parts of this exercise in my opinion was to capture the characteristics, feel and passion of my clients and their respective works and ensure that my designed spaces complimented these facts and delivered the same if not greater experiences to my clients when they interacted with these designed spaces. I came to learn that my clients Shinya Kimura and Jiro Ono are the ultimate artists at what they do and both adapt a very unique approach to how they work and I felt that my final design in the final stages must at least fit the context and lifestyle of my clients.
All in all the 18 sketch sections exercise provided me with strong foundations and a variety of designs to which I then could take further and refine to develop my final design.
The submission for this exercise can be found by clicking this link.
The 36 Custom Textures -
This particular exercise was initiated by forming a group in my weekly tutorial and recording as many words as we could come up that we could use to define the various characteristics of materials such as steel or timber. I then had to choose 36 words and develop a pattern or texture to which I thought best represented that particular word.
I felt that this exercise was important for my own development as it has enabled me to understand and feel the characteristics and properties of the various materials that I see and interact with on a daily basis, therefore providing me with the ability to apply these materials to their respective contexts.
My first experiences with this exercise were rather vague as I restricted myself to keeping my textures simple and common to the words that I chose. I then however began to expand my thinking and really applied myself to try and develop unique textures that I thought best defined my chosen words through the use of various sketching techniques.
The submission for this exercise can be found by clicking this link.
The Stair -
As part of this staircase exercise I was required to develop a combination of staircase designs to suit my designed spaces for my clients. The vital factors that I had to abide by was to efficiently and properly link the three spaces together and think about how the staircase(s) complimented the overall design and also my clients and their daily routines.
I also had to ensure that the various guidelines that applied such as minimum tread depths and maximum riser heights from the BCA were taken into consideration and adequately executed without negatively influencing the integrity of the design of the staircase(s).
One of the most challenging parts of this exercise I thought was the fact that I had to expand my imagination as much as I possibly could to disallow myself from producing a common and rather boring design for a staircase. I felt that this was rather tricky to preform upon the sketching of the first staircase sections but I knew that those sections would provide a solid foundation to then expand on and further refine to satisfy my design needs at later stages of the design phase.
The submission for this exercise can be found by clicking this link.
The Draft Models -
Throughout this whole experiment I never felt that I should be restricted to abiding by the first designs that I developed but rather use those designs as foundations and inspiration to further refine and approach my ultimate design. I believe that in doing so, I successfully established the correct mind set for myself when taking on projects such as this first experiment. I believe that this will potentially always allow me to satisfy what I have set out for in a project and in this case was to produce a design that fulfilled and complimented the styles of my chosen clients.
As part of this exercise I took two sections which I developed previously and developed them using Google Sketchup which can be viewed below. Frankly speaking, these two draft models were never the ultimate designs that I thought would satisfy me and this fact was further clarified after a discussion with my tutor Jeremy.
I however did not feel negatively impacted by this fact because I and as mentioned above used these draft models as foundations to further improve and refine to reach my ultimate design in the final stages of this experiment.
Draft Model 1
Draft Model 2
The Final Design -
The Concept
The concept behind my final design is to strongly compliment the characteristics of my clients Shinya Kimura and Jiro Ono and the way they carry out their work. After researching and watching videos of my clients in the initial stages of this project, I familiarised myself with my clients and developed a solid understanding.
The "above space" is dedicated to Jiro Ono. When designing this space, I particularly focused on the organic nature of the works produced by Jiro Ono such as Sushi and strongly believed that to compliment this organic feel, I had to design a space which housed these characteristics. I believe that I did not only successfully execute this concept and what I believed would compliment the nature of Jiro Ono's work but I was also able to design an aesthetically pleasing space.
The "below space" is dedicated to Shinya Kimura. Throughout my research of Shinya Kimura, I came to realise that he is a simplistic person who has a common space and uses common methods to carry out his work but strongly relies on his skills to produce the exquisite work that he produces. Another factor which influenced my design of the space for Shina Kimura was his use of steel and heavy machinery and this is why the shape, form and profile of my "below space" carries the feel of bulkiness and solidness to compliment the nature of Shinya Kimura.
The "middle space" brought with it many challenges and factors that I had to process and adapt to, to ensure that I did not harm the integrity of other spaces. My final design of the showroom uses a mixture of curves but also straight solid walls which compliment the organic nature of Jiro Ono and the mechanical mind set of Shinya Kimura.
The Stair
The staircase for my final design was designed based on various factors. I felt that it had to aesthetically be regarded as a sculpture yet also be functional to link the various spaces together. I also wanted to carry out the staircase throughout all three spaces to keep the feel of consistency and to also use the staircase as a symbol to link all three spaces together.
The Animations -
As part of our final exercise we had to develop three animations in Google SketchUp conveying our model. By using Google SketchUp I was able to produce the following animations.
My Final Thoughts -
This first experiment brought many challenges with it which I felt were difficult at times to undertake but I was able to successfully take them on and complete them. I also found that getting use to Google SketchUp was also challenging but because it was a vital tool for this experiment I applied myself to learning it through the help of my tutor Jeremy and online tutorials.
All in all I believe that this particular experiment has benefited me greatly and has allowed me to set a benchmark for myself when taking on future projects. I have strongly familiarised myself with the design process needed to take on projects from the initial research stages to the final design stages and will reflect on my positive experiences that I encountered in this experiment for future projects.
As part of our independent study we were asked by our tutor Jeremy to look at a specific website which contained a variety of stair designs. I had a thorough look at all the stairs shown on the website and selected my favourite 3 which I think have inspired me. 1. Super Minimalism Via the Contemporist, by Paulo Merlin, photos by Joao Morgado, March 11, 2013.
What led me to choosing this particular stair design to post on my blog was the fact that it feels so lightweight. Stairs are regarded to be an important component of a building because it links spaces together and are often bulky and heavy to provide enough structural adequacy. However, this particular stair design chooses to be different by being such a lightweight structure yet still serving for the same purpose and that's to link spaces together.
This particular staircase has to be one of my all time favourites as it captures my feeling towards what I think architecture should be all about. I strongly believe in sustainability and re-using materials and this stair case heavily resembles these concepts from an architectural point of view. The look of the rusted metal in an industrial scene is such a perfect fit. This staircase in particular has inspired me to re-think my stair design for my client Shinya Kimura because I believe that an industrial designer such as Shinya Kimura can strongly relate to such stair design and re-use of materials.
My final choice of stair design is such an exotic piece of artwork rather than a staircase. The design shown above takes the basic concept of stair design and throws it out the window and recreates the meaning of "think outside the box". One can say that the dull look of concrete surrounding the staircase shown above is as boring a space could get. However, this staircase plays a vital role in defeating this feeling and creates a very exotic feel of this space.
