Materials and Construction Decisions

A few of the latest images taken before this weeks technical review. Things will have to change though. Less direct sunlight from the south, reinforced concrete portal frames amongst other things.

Some sketches in progress

In order to get to grips with materiality throughout the building I have decided to sketch my way through the spaces and make the decisions this way. It seems to be much more successful than to simply hatch a plan or elevation in CAD as it gives me the chance to discover where depth and recess should be applied and what lighting conditions will affect the space.

Forest Growth

Just a quick image as I begin to emplore the forest space and its depth. This image will grow as I gather more textures and information about the space

Timber Swimming Pool

At present I am trying to work out how feasible it is to have a timber lined swimming pool(or at least timber appearance to the lining). Not completely resolved yet.

Pool Progression

Tactile Plans & 3D view of pool

Review comments

Before my review I knew I was not happy with the way the forms were turning out at the moment and this was also brought up by Michael Stacey and Steve Platt. They did however understand that the form was not decided and the renders merely represented the aural spaces I have designed. They seemed fairly happy with the layout and arrangement of the site, few areas need looking at and resolving in more detail (car park/drop off and retail units). I think I did a fairly good job of explaining the reasoning behind each placement and the journeys I am creating.

The points they brought up were:

- Why are the buildings the shape they are - if it is about the aural experience should the outside visuals tell you about the internal audio experiences? Or is it more like the Jorn Utzon Bagsvaerd church with rational plain exterior and undulating aural interior.

- Working out the structure and how these buildings would be made will help the drawings and also the design of the spaces.

- By 'calming' certain buildings and spaces down, this will help enhance the more interesting architecture. If the Sports played in the dry sports hall do not require anything other than a quiet box then this is what should probably be provided.

- References - Alvar Aalto plans, Utzon Church, Palladio, Sergison Bates.

The main question that still remains is how I am going to present this in the final review. I have plenty of ideas but I just havent had the chance to fully think it through.

This project is too big!

I am beginning to realise how much I have to resolve when I start to model everything in 3D. This project is a little bigger than I had originally planned and I understand why previous 6th years advised against large buildings. Oh well......

Doggy Drop-off

I was reminded that the Guide Dogs require a secure "Spending Pen" to relieve themselves. I have incorporated this into my NRSB design and expanded the building for the other uses set out in the Briefing document.

Finding form through Audio experiences

I have been working out the aural experiences throughout my site and am now trying to put it all together into a three dimensional space that works on a practical level.