BA Year 3 Semester 1: Weather or Not

The brief for this project was to design a weather station on the bank of the River Level, Windemere. Taking inspiration from the research report I counduted as a foundation for the project, looking at rising water levels and the effect this natural force has on architecture, coupled with a floodable site it lead to the idea of a flood research centre in the heart of the storm to be the funtion of the building.

The idea of ‘Stepping Stones’ sprung to mind when observing the unique characteristics of the River Leven site. Due to the rise and fall of the rivers water levels over the years, unique rock formations have been left scattered in an almost purposeful way much like a path leading down the slope of the site and to the current river level. Therefore feeling intrigued by the way this journey made me feel, I wanted to upscale this idea incorporating it to the buildings design and create a journey, creating emotion and drama with space.

Subsequently, bubble diagrams helped determine what spaces would be needed within the research centre and thus their hierarchy. These diagrams also planted the seed of the shape of the building by looking at how the function and spaces of the building shape the journey within.

Another core theme was for the building to welcome and connect with the public. A shift from the normality of the high walled houses of parliment of the South, ‘TNP’ achieves public transparencey through the glazed facades and public gallery. Alowing those of the public who wish to be heard a chance to effect the decesions being made within, also those within to see the world they are aiming to improve.