Final Thoughts

After another semester of Architecture Design, I came to the conclusion that we as a student body spend far too much time doing tasks that don’t, now or in the future, aid in our career path.  It is a shame to think that we are not going to be equipped with the tools we require to potentially become mildly successful designers.  I am starting to wonder why it is we study Architecture at a University when it is clearly not capable of educating us, the students, in the field.

We seem to dance around the real meat of what it is to be an architect and pretend for 4 years, 5 if you bother to do a masters, that if you can justify an idea will big words and nice images, you have gained everything you require to be successful.  Just say, “well the light comes in here” , the breezes here and the structure is somewhere under the shell, between the service spaces and insulation.

Although I feel my design this semester was below my usual standard, I tried to do what others would not, and whenever you do this you come across conservative mindsets that don’t like different, and don’t like change.  Every thing needs to be symmetrical, never asymmetrical, that would be to radical.  Below are to images of motorcycles, one has a  symmetrical front end the other an asymmetrical front end.  Both look good but the asymmetrical design is so intriguing.

And now the final posters for DAB710.  Thanks for reading…

 

Week 12

Floor Plan of 7 on Grey

Week 12 Question – The added inclusion of real world clients has created a sense of particulation, with the notion of being apart of something real.  As opposed to something made up by the tutors or the Unit coordinator.  Whilst in most part this is a great idea, I feel the inclusion of a theme group and a real client is somewhat ambiguous.  In some cases the two ideas collide like stars in the sky on the same orbit plane.  This means we are left with a less than sensible outcome for all parties.  Something real, something un-achievable, is unfortunately the conclusion to such endeavours in which too many ideas clash in a project that could of been like a beautiful butterfly, drifting along the thermal layers of air in summer time.

To view the process video please go to –

Week 11

Week 11 Question – Scale models enable us to pretend to be small people and look at how things appear in the larger scale of human existence.  Without such miniature models, we couldn’t gain the knowledge of spatial awareness and would be unable to gain a sufficient level of Perspicacity.  It also teaches us hand and eye coordination, and not to put glue on our fore finger or thumb then forget that there is in fact glue present on the fingers and proceed to stick said fingers together.  This is known in the industry as a “Rookie Mistake. Thus is the important of a good quality hot glue gun to eliminates this hazard.

 

Week 10

Week 10 Answer.  Reflection is up most important is gaining a new point of view as to future endeavors and to which insure that similar mistakes are learned from.  I prefer to reflect under a tree in autumn, with a cool cider, preferably pear cider, in my left hand.   I have found this to be the most important and relaxing way to in which embark on a reflection status of state of mind.  All of man kind should take part in such simple pleasures, and forget about tomorrows troubles.  As we can not change tomorrow, we can only affect the now.

 

Week 9

Week 9 Program Design formulated conceptual assimilated process of exciting fun and splendour.

Week 9 Question.  I have been able to apply critical thinking to my testing and analysis on the design by incorporating numerous external factors that have added together to make a whole.  This whole or rather complete idea is without a doubt a sense of Perspicacity and completeness.

 

Week 7

Conceptual Design –

Expanding on from the mass modeling ideas, the concept has been designed to ensure a easier integration into the site.

 

 

Massing Model and Site –

The physical model explores how the building sits within its surrounding context, and it looks rather delightful i might say.

Week 6

Week 6 blog question – What are the meaningful findings from your site analysis/ context research that inform your master plan and conceptual design process?

Answer –

The key findings to my research of the site, is that the vehicle has dominated the site and has shaped it’s ability to perform it’s function.  Looking at the greater area has provided an avenue to direct traffic from this site to a nearby existing route that already can cater for a heavier flow of traffic.  This will enable the site to reach it’s potential and enhance the nearby southbank parklands and provide a new avenue for pedestrian access and social interaction within this inner city site.

Planning and Programming

To provide a functional building to enhance the site and also enhance the social interactions of locals and the greater population, extensive programming needed to be formulated to compile a successful outcome.

The structure will include a community space, a recording studio, a commercial space, retail opportunities and a public library.  To provide a sensory aspect to the design a pedestrian foot path will traverse under the structure giving the idea of a gate into the northern part of the southbank parklands.

Initial Mass Modeling –

A concept of an open building that the public can walk under to mimic a gate/entrance to southbank as seen below

Week 5

Week 5 Blog Question –Based on today’s lecture by A/Prof Marcus Foth, how do you think Urban Informatics can be applied to architecture and your design process?

Answer – With reference to Marcus Foth, Urban Informatics is the study of people, technology  and the place itself.  Looking at numerous and differing urban contexts that are developed from new opportunities which are formulated by real-time, ubiquitous technology. This  new digital domain enables the study, design and practice of urban experiences.

The exploration of this concept within my own design process has allowed the collaboration of large amounts of data to be seamlessly integrated into a simple yet descriptive medium In this way,   I will look into the concept of creating a building that links into a cpu, which reacts to the individual users and what their current vital statistics are and use this to adjust the spaces around each user.

SITE ANALYSIS- The site is a hub for the creative center of Brisbane. Hosting a live performance venue, an art gallery and museum among other numerous sites. The overwhelming bombardment of noise will require some consideration in implementing a new space to function at this site. The heritage listed buildings will need to be enhanced but whatever structure is to sit on the proposed site.

The site is a very congested and at times dangerous place to interact with, a major bus station and train station sit within the area analysed.  This site could benefit greatly from a non-vehicular zone and this might promote the use of the southbank station when events at Qpac are on.  From the few times I have been to the site, most attendees of Qpac drive there cars and would rather pay upwards of $20 to park.

Further analysis of the site shows exactly where the noise pollution is gravitating from.  The site also is positioned well for morning and afternoon breezes as soon in the mapping exercise below.

To further understand the opportunities and constraints at the site, I investigated the greater area surrounding the proposed lot.  Looking at the major traffic nodes, pedestrian access points and public transport networks present currently at the location as seen in the mapping exercise below.  (Click on images enlarge)

Week 4

Week 4 Blog Question – How has the site evolved from its original state to its current condition?

Answer –

The site has transformed on many levels.  in the early 1900’s it was the final stop of the interstate train line from Sydney.  It was a hub of activity just west of the CBD of Brisbane.  Today, the site has become a center for the Arts and Cultural influences not only on a national level but the international influences are able to be displayed for the local populous.  The Axis of grey street remains as it was over 100 years ago, and it shows, with the modern automobiles taken precedence at the major nodes, the site is now a complex and poor planned intersection that needs to be upgraded to ensure the space and surrounding area is usable.  For this site to become successful, careful planning incorporating several levels of analysis, is required to activate this site and open up the dormant potential that lays hidden within this site.

Bonus Question –  Throughout the lecture James talks about a few common themes throughout the work. Please tell us what you think they are?

Answer- The importance of ensuring that context and culture are kept in the mindset of the design at all times to ensure that the new form fits into the surrounding/existing  landscape and enhances the larger area rather than just creating an ego inspired form.  The purpose and function of the design needs to take precedence over the look and feel of the final outcome

 

SITE VISIT –

The site seems to suffer from a sensory overload and my first thoughts are to create a space that deprives all the senses. A place people come to remove themselves from the not stop bombardment on our senses. I was at the sight for an hour and there are several things that I felt must be improved on. The Grey st and Melbourne st intersection is very busy and very confusing, there is far too much happening to be able to make a safe crossing as a pedestrian.

The possibility of closing of the top end of grey st has entered my mind, this place is very displacing, and I feel uncomfortable being here. It is not a pleasant space and is most likely under-utilised by users of public transport and the general public