HERNANDEZ PORTFOLIO | 2023-24
REFRACTING VAUXHALL LIBRARY
An expressive Library for future communities.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
An Innovative visitor centre in the Peak district. 02
THE NESTING PROJECT
A Residential House inspired by local farming. 03
THE RELAX INN
A library Intervention for university students 04
PERSONAL SKETCH BOOK
Curation of sketchbook pages of mixed media
REFRACTING
AN EXPRESSIVE LIBRARY FOR FUTURE COMMUNITIES
Year: Second Year Academic (2024)
Typology: Library and Enterprise
Location: Vauxhall, Liverpool
Situated in the heart of a sad and unmotivated community, the site of Eldon Grove is in desperate need of renewal to aid its dying population. My library encourages creative expression for all age groups and supports the local creatives by allowing a space to kickstart their business.
Following the concept of refraction, which splits light into its separate wavelengths, I aimed to highlight the individualities that make Vauxhall unique while also strengthening the community through their differences. My library combines the utilities of a traditional library with expressive spaces and workshops.
SITE IN CONTEXT Telephone Exhange
2 Our Lady's RC Primary School
3 The Trinity Catholic School
4 A59 Motorway
5 Our Lady's RC Church
AirBnB
STRENGTH
Views of City Centre and Church
Good vehicular & pedestrian access
Close proximity to AirBnB's
THREATS
Noise can deter visitors
Future decline in population
Area safety is a concern
WEAKNESS
High crime rates
Pre-existing derelict Grade II
Noise pollution from the motorway
OPPORTUNITIES
Popularity from tourism
Host Church and school events
Create a safe zone for locals
SOCIALLY ISOLATED
SCHOOL CHILDREN
UNABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES
UNEMPLOYED
CONCEPT OF REFRACTION
The design is informed by refraction, a simple concept in which a light prism separates white light into its constituent colours. This idea addresses the need for a dedicated space
Maximising the natural light to create inspiring spaces.
Dedicating specific spaces to cater for indiviual needs.
Attracting visitors by creating a beacon for expression.
DISPERSE
PARTI DIAGRAM
SKETCH
BRICK WALLS
STONEWORK
STEEL FRAMES
ROOF TILES
FRONT ELEVATION
PRISM VISUALISATION
FRONT ELEVATION SCALED 1:100
SIDE SECTION SCALED 1:100
Reception 2 Art Exhibition 3 Art Workshop
Multipurpose Hall 5 Delivery and Storage
Discovery Zone
Archive and Reading Zone 8 Office Spaces
9 Silent Study
Group Study FIRST
Art Exihibition
Lounging net room
Cafe and seating
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
AN INNOVATIVE VISITOR CENTRE IN THE PEAK DISTRCT
Year: Second Year Academic (2023)
Typology: Visitor Centre
Location: Kinder Scout, The Peak District
'The internet has solved the problem that the physical visitor centre was primarily designed to solve: offering help in a convenient way' - The Telegraph
'Form follows Function' reimagines the typical visitor centre by providing a unique experience people can't get online. It is situated in Kinder Scout (part of the Peak District) which is home to a very famous political movement called the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass in 932. This project aims to introduce more visitors into the Kinder scout region through the celebration of this historical triumph.
KINDER ROAD, THE PEAK DISTRICT
STRENGTH
Scenic views
Proximity to Campsite
WEAKNESS
Rocky & steep terrain
Noise pollution
OPPORTUNITIES
Uniting community Nature design
THREATS Landslides Flooding
01 ORDER 02 FREEDOM
Model inspired by the rigidity of the rock and stone walls surrounding the site.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
The design is informed by juxtaposition of freedom and order, which describes the power struggle of the mass trespass. The design also quotes its surroundings- having both a river and stone wall feature in the chosen site.
Model inspired by the fluidity of the stream flowing through the site.
SIDE SECTION
THE RELAX INN
A
INTERVENTION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Year: Second Year Academic (2023)
Typology: Library roof addition
Location: Loughborough University Campus
My project creates a designated space for students to relax with a multi-sensory walkway which aims to prepare students for the perfect nap.
It is a well known fact that students do not get enough sleep especially during exam season. Lack of sleep makes it harder for students to focus whilst working which can lead to high stress levels. However, studies show the multitude of benefits of taking a power nap, break or simply to disconnect from your desk. It can make you feel refreshed, boost your concentration and improve your ability to retain information.
CONTEXTUAL COLLAGE
INTERIOR COLOUR ANALYSIS
STUDY AREA
Areas dedicated for study consist of a dull colour scheme. This can subconciously deter students from studying by leaving them unenergised and unmotivated to work.
Other areas such as the cafe consist of bright pops of colour which draws students into buying processed form of energy rather than seeking a more sustainable source.
CAFE AREA
UNIVERSITY STUDENT
THE SLEEP CYCLE
My design is informed by the sleep cycle and its circular shape. The sleep cycle is split into sectors representing the four different phases of sleep (N, N2, N3 and REM). My intervention quotes this shape to form three individual sleeping pods. I took inspiration from Japanese capsule pods and functionalism.
A large proportion of university students dont get the required amount of sleep which can be detrimental to their studies. My intervention aims to decrease that number by introducing designated sleeping pods. RECTANGLE
THE WALKWAY
SIGHT
Dim Lighting
Limits distractions
Dark environment
SMELL
Scent Diffusers
Lavender smell
Promotes relaxation
SOUND
Classical music
Induces tiredness
Optimise nap
PLAN SCALED 1:500
INTERVENTION PLAN SCALED 1:50
INSIDE THE SLEEP POD
This is a chair/bed design which would be placed in every sleep pod. It has an interchangable form depending on the users preferred sleeping position. Its design is inspired by modular furniture.
What does it mean to dwell? Can a home be tailored to an individual?. To answer these questions I created my own fictional craftsperson to inform my design.
My character, Robin Axewood is inspired by the historical link of birds and farming in Laxton, a small rural village known for its open farming system. My final design is inspired by the bird's nest- It's simple yet effective interweaving of sticks and twigs creates a circular shape to nest birds. Axewood's workshop forms the central 'nest'.
BIRDHOUSE MAKER
LAXTON, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
My design is inspired by a platfrom nest- characterised by their platform-like structures mainly constructed out of wooden sticks. They are able to be built anywhere, uniquely versatile to any environment. My design uses this principl to create a house which can adapt to the topography of our given site.
PLATFORM NEST
CUP NEST
BURROW NEST
CONCEPT PLAN
NEST INSPIRED FACADE
ELEVATION SCALED 1:100
CONCEPT SKETCH
MAIN WORKPLACE AXONOMETRIC
A watercolour artwork showcasing the central 'nest' in my house design. The nest seperates the private from the public spaces, and is also fitted with a workspace in its centre.
