Component 1 - Klaudija Lukosiunaite (29/04)

Component 1 Klaudija Lukosiunaite 900328

Brief: An unfinished construction, in 23-55 North Street, Romford has been abandoned since 2010 - Causing businesses nearby to suffer, as the unpleasing construction drives away customers. Small business owners in the local area complain that “it used to be a vibrant area” and that the unfinished construction has “killed the streets.”

The purpose is to work with the existing infrastructure and re-design the space into a permanent Design Center. The Design Center will take most of its inspiration from my recent visit to Copenhagen where I had visited the Danish Architecture Center, and consequently was inspired to create a Design Center in a location local to me. The interior and exterior of the main structure as well as outdoor social spaces should prioritise functionality with the main focus being the people utilizing the space - by providing a safe, enjoyable setting and a comfortable environment for both visitors and employees. Traditional building materials such as wood will be used throughout in direct contrast to the existing concrete of the building, to not only create a raw and nature encompassing design but to also show a sense of development and revitalisation within the existing building. However, my overall and long-term aim is to reconnect people with the natural environment of the local area, by having a consideration for the existing landscape and how nature could be introduced throughout most of the design.

For my main building (Design Center) design, the most distinctive and primary theme will be geometric form, taking inspiration from the existing façade of the Basque Health Department Headquarters which will provide inspiration for the exterior structure of my main building. Another main theme I will be exploring in this project is landscape & Nature, which will inspire the structure of the extension design as well as design features of the interior spaces throughout this project.

Article pages such as ‘iLiveHere’ label Romford as “Britain’s worst place to live” and ‘TheTab’ suggesting its the ”Worst Hometown Ever”. Being someone that lives local to the area, I can identify that the town has a lack of identity, with the majority of buildings (located around the shopping mall and the high-street) stuck with similar design/building regulations from the early 2000 (when the Brewery shopping center was built). I believe by introducing a Design Center, it will stimulate renovation and interest to develop and improve the surrounding area. Furthermore, boosting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating more social, pleasant and nature encompassing spaces for locals, essentially providing insight to the potential appearance of Romford in the future.

In the long-term, by bringing architects and designers to the area, I believe this Design Center has the possibility to introduce projects within the town, such as re-designing and modernizing the high-street, introducing more contemporary communal housing and urban planning whilst incorporating nature throughout.

Brief & Specification for Component 1 Specification: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The main buildings (Design Center) façade should take inspiration from existing façade’s The main buildings (Design Center) interior space should be inspired by existing design centers and nature encompassing buildings The Design Center Extension should take inspiration from landscape architecture The Design Center and Design Center extension should be designed in a modern and contemporary manner Reception Gift shop Offices/Private meeting rooms Workspaces for designers/ employees Space for conferences/ meetings Exhibition/gallery space that can be adapted to host different events 2 Cafés, one roof-top Café (main building) and one outdoor Café (extension) Rooftop Terrace Indoor and outdoor social spaces Employee and Visitor parking Walkways/access ways that connect different areas of parts of the design Washroom facilities including M&F and disabled Able to accommodate those with disabilities Access to all floors of the design Free WiFi

Location

Derelict Construction: North Street, Romford

Romford Recorder – Published 27 June 2019 The derelict North Street construction remains abandoned 9 years after building was halted.

Businesses in Romford’s town center are “sick and tired” of the derelict 16-storey building that towers over the street – they believe the “eyesore” construction drives away shoppers.

Introducing a Public Space with a Carpark, Design Center Extension, Café and Toilets

Main Building

Site Perspective

Primary Photos

Location Opportunities: the chosen site has limited restrictions in terms of its size and shape. Therefore, this allows multiple design opportunities and functions within the space.

Derelict Brownfield Site

Working with a large surface area of land adds the opportunity to incorporate landscaping, inviting people to enjoy the open, natural space. the site being located by a main road makes the site easy to commute to, especially as it will primarily function as a design center, the site would expect to see a large quantity of visitors, which would require good transport in order for people get to and from the location.

The River Rom (which runs through part of the site) has been disregarded and currently serves no use. By working to re-design the current location will allow opportunities to make use of the river as a natural public space feature.

Derelict Construction

Location Challenges: A main reason for choosing to work on this location was due to the existing derelict construction.

I decided that as a part of this project I will keep the existing construction as a main feature of the space. Consequently this choice limits me in my ability to be explorative and creative in developing a structure for the building. Therefore, there would be more focus into its function and how it will work with the surrounding space.

Car Park (Back left) & Round-about (Right)

As I want to achieve a nature encompassing design throughout the space there will have to be careful consideration for the structure of other elements in the project such as the DC extension and café – making sure they are unobtrusive and work in harmony with the natural landscape.

(21st September)

Location Review

Site Elevations

FRONT ELEVATION

BACK ELEVATION

LEFT ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

Site Perspective & Plan

DERELICT CONSTRUCTION

DERELICT SITE

RIVER ROM

(Sketch Up Generated Computer Model)

Site Potential Layouts

Current Site:

Site Shape:

DERELICT BUILDING

ROADS

DERELICT BROWNFIELD SITE

Key: -

Design Center DC Extension Café Toilets

-

Public Space Elevated Walkway Car Park

RIVER ROM

Potential Layout 2: This layout follows the concept of having an extended façade from the main building (DC) which would behave as a huge extending canopy, hovering over the main functional design elements (e.g. café, toilets) and providing a sheltered outside public space incorporating the natural landscape. Whilst this layout can be functional as all main elements are located near one another – the design of the canopy could be overly obtrusive.

Potential Layout 1: This layout is relatively spaced out across the site.

Each functional element of the site (e.g. café, toilets) would be interconnected by public space pathways and nature.

The main design element of this potential layout is the proposed extension that would be located at the round-about – however this would be difficult to achieve due to its limited size and access restrictions.

Potential Layout 3: This potential layout is largely facilitated by the idea of introducing a nature encompassing landscape and making sure the main design elements are not too intrusive. In order to achieve this, I decided to consider extending the DC below ground level. The main functional elements would be located in close proximity to one another whilst the rest of the site would be dedicated to public walkways and natural landscaping.

Chosen Layout:

Key: -

Design Center DC Extension Café Toilets Public Space Elevated Walkway Car Park

INITIAL DRAWING OF SITE PLAN

Stages of Developing the Site: (Project Part 1) Main Building Reconfiguration and Design.

: (Highlighted) Proposed Location

(Project Part 2) Extension to (Design Center) Main Building including a Car Park, Toilets and Cafe

(SKETCH UP DIGITAL MODEL SITE PLAN)

: (Highlighted) Proposed Location

Final Site Layout

(Project Part 1) Designing the Main Building

EXISTING BUILDING (BEFORE REDESIGN)

DESIGN CENTER (COMPLETED DESIGN)

Secondary Research

BLOX, Copenhagen

Existing Design Center FRONT ELEVATION PERSPECTIVE OF LEFT ELEVATION BACK ELEVATION

Satellite Image

LEFT ELEVATION

Plan

PERSPECTIVE OF ‘BLOX’ BUILDING

Architects: OMA RIGHT ELEVATION

Mixed Use: Exhibition spaces, fitness center, offices/co-working spaces, café, bookstore, restaurant, twenty two apartments & an underground automated public car park.

Layout of Building Uses: HOUSING

Area: 28000m2

OFFICES DAC PARKING

Year: 2018

Interior Research What I like about the design of BLOX is that part of the building is situated below ground level (under the main road the building is built upon).

The below-ground level of the design consists of functions such as the car park, lobby, reception and gift shop of the DAC. This concept of incorporating a below ground-level space as a main component of a building has heavily influenced the final outcome of my main building extension.

DAC MAIN ENTRANCE DAC LOBBY/RECEPTION

RIGHT ELEVATION

Primary photos of interior spaces (taken 29/07/2020) DAC LOBBY/RECEPTION

DAC MAIN ENTRANCE

PERSPECTIVE OF RECEPTION DESK

PERSPECTIVE OF RECEPTION ENTRANCE

PERSPECTIVE OF ENTRANCE STAIRCASE

PERSPECTIVE OF RECEPTION PUBLIC SEATING

Experimental Physical Model (Inspired by the DAC)

LAYERS

PLAN

PERSPECTIVE

PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

3D Model Created Using Found Objects (Staples)

TOP, PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

Design Opportunities: PERSPECTIVE SKETCH UP DIGITAL MODELS

FRONT

The potential of following this design concept could be successful due to its non-constrictive design in terms of its scale and how simply the shape and layers could be reconfigured to suit the landscape of the site.

Moreover, this can allow the main building to consist of more functions and more spacious rooms that could serve especially well as gallery and exhibition spaces for a large quantity of people visiting the place.

BACK

RIGHT

LEFT

Design Challenges: LAYER 1

LAYER 2

LAYER 3

LAYER 4

Whilst this design could provide space for several functions and allow more consideration for the interior layout and design, it faces its own challenges.

PERSPECTIVE This design will limit me in achieving my main objective of designing an unobtrusive and nature incorporating architectural construction as well as facilitating the existing derelict building.

SIDE ELEVATION

Therefore I chose not to develop this idea further as an outcome.

MOODBOARD OF POTENTIAL APPEARANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

Design Requirements

Main Building needs to provide: • • • • • • •

MAIN BUILDING

Reception Exhibition Space Conference/ Meeting Rooms Studio/ Workspaces WC Café Rooftop Terrace

Solution To Facilitating the Space FACADE

Part 1 - Reconfiguration: When analysing the existing building I considered that having all 5 floors as functioning spaces was unnecessary, therefore I made the decision to reconfigure the ground floor into a more open and spacious room that could host large sums of visitors at a time without the worry of the space being overcrowded.

My solution to reconfigure the entrance and ground floor was to extend it below ground level which will create a bright and open space.

This room can function as a lobby, reception and gift shop.

RECONFIGURATION

Part 2 - Façade: The existing structure as it stands only has its structural frames. In order for the construction to work as a building that will host people, it will require walls or some form of exterior shell to My solution to create the exterior cover the walls of the structure is to design face of the a façade. To do so I will research building. existing façades and geometric forms that will inspire its design.

Entrance Lobby:

Reconfiguration

In this section of my project, my focus is to reconfigure the ground floor.

Considering the main building will form the space in which most visitors will be attending, it would be expected to see a large quantity of people. Therefore, without risking the space feeling too overcrowded the decision was made to create a larger more open space for the purpose of functioning as a lobby, reception and a gift shop.

In order to achieve this I had to extend the ground floor below ground level. This enabled me to form a clearer entrance and flow through the design center including more space to consider both a staircase and an elevator (for disabled access to all floors) within the floor.

This underground extension also forms as part of the connection between the main building and extension design of the design center, as well as the car park (created later in this project).

In the first stage of reconfiguring the ground floor I had to create an open space and a clear entrance to the Design Center from the Romford high-street.

The requirements for the entrance lobby were: • • • • •

Access to Elevator Access to Car Park Staircase Revolving Door Emergency Door

The main design concept of this entrance lobby was the high ceiling, created by cutting through two floors of the building.

REVOLVING DOOR

EMERGENCY DOOR

ACCESS TO CARPARK

STAIRCASE ELEVATOR ACCESS ELEVATOR

Staircases:

Ground Floor: In the second stage of reconfiguring the ground floor, the idea was to simply extend the floor below ground level, in line with the entrance lobby.

This extension to below ground level provided space for a large indoor staircase from the ground floor to the first floor.

The requirements for the ground floor were: • Exhibition entryway • Elevator • Staircase

The Staircase Requirements were: • 2 Staircases • Access from High-street to Entrance Lobby (Left) • Access from Ground Floor to First Floor (Right)

Elevators:

ELEVATOR STAIRCASE EXHIBITION ENTRYWAY

The Elevator Requirements were:

REVOLVING DOOR

EMERGENCY DOOR

• 2 Elevators • Access from High-street to Entrance Lobby and Roof terrace (left) • Access from Ground Floor to all above levels of main building (Right)

Floor Layout

5) ROOFTOP CAFÉ/ & TERRACE FLOOR 4 4) STUDIO/ WORKSPACE

FLOOR 3

3) CONFERENCE/MEETING FLOOR

FLOOR 2

2) EXHIBITION FLOOR

FLOOR 1

GROUND FLOOR

1) RECEPTION

RIGHT ELEVATION

Floor Requirements: 1. Ground floor: Elevators x2, Staircases x2, Reception, Gift Shop, Public Seating, Green Space, Access to Car park, Access to Extension.

2. Floor 1: Elevator, Staircase, Exhibition Space, Toilets.

3. Floor 2: Elevator, Conference Room, Private Meeting Rooms x3, Toilets.

4. Floor 3: Elevator, Work Space, Group Studio Space.

5. Floor 4: Elevators x2, Café, Terrace Public Seating, Green Space.

ROOFTOP CAFÉ & TERRACE

STUDIO/ WORKSPACE CONFERENCE/MEETING FLOOR

EXHIBITION FLOOR RECEPTION & GIFT SHOP

Geometric Exterio

Secondary Research

Basque Health Department Headquarters, Spain

The façade of the Basque Spain follows an evident g

Existing Façade’s

Consisting of interconnec panes, the façades geom exposed exterior wall of th element of the building. polyhedral glass façade

Polyhedral Structural Form Manipulation

Section Drawing

or Structure:

Design Opportunities:

PLAN

e Health Department headquarters in geometric structure.

cted, irregular-sized polyhedral glass metric design covers the entirety of the he building –Being the main design

The opportunity of this geometric (polyhedral) design is how easily it can be manipulated and adapted to suit the buildings structure.

PERSPECTIVE

As my project is largely focused on ’adaptation’ to an existing building – this façade design helped inform the exterior structure of my Design Center.

Developing this Design Concept: LEFT ELEVATION

PERSPECTIVE

Due to the simple and efficient structure of the Basque Health Department Headquarters geometric façade, I decided to develop this concept further.

In the next section of this project I will be exploring geometric structure through tetrahedral experimental model making which will form the inspiration for my final Design Center Façade.

Experimental Physical Model (Inspired By Basque Health Department Façade) Paper Modelling Tetrahedral Pyramid:

Perspectives of Pyramid

Grouping Tetrahedral Pyramids

Outcome of Grouped Tetrahedral Pyramids

Further Research – Tetrahedron Architecture: (In response to Crossrail Roof Garden latticed Awning) Modelling With Toothpicks: PLAN OF HOOD Latticed Awning

PERSPECTIVE

SIDE ELEVATION Exploring structural form

Primary Photos (29/09/2020)

Crossrail Roof Garden, Canary Wharf

Façade – 3D Models

MODELLING WITH COLOURED PAPER (FOLDING AND SCRUNCHING)

Model 1

FRONT ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION

PERSPECTIVE

MODELLING WITH WAX BLOCK (CARVING)

Model 2

FRONT ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION

PERSPECTIVE

Façade – Digital Model Process of Digitally Developing the Façade:

SKETCH UP PERSPECTIVES:

EXISITNG BUILDING

PLAIN EXTERIOR LAYER ADDED

IRREGULAR LINES DRAWN ONTO EXTERIOR LAYER

DIGITAL MODEL PERSPECTIVE

PUSHING/PULLING LINE EDGES

CREATING A BLACK FRAME AND FILLING GAPS WITH GLASS

DIGITAL MODEL TOP VIEW

FINAL RENDER OF MAIN BUILDING WITHIN SITE LOCATION – VIEW OF ANGEL WAY AND HIGHSTREET

HIGHSTREET

BUILDING MAIN ENTRANCE

ANGEL WAY

Final 3D Model

3D Physical Model Evaluation:

This Final 3D Physical Model was constructed with primarily Cardboard and Paper. The Façades triangu toothpicks. What I found successful about this model was how well the toothpicks worked as a frame fo individual triangles, then grouping them together). The toothpicks were not overly intrusive and therefor floors of the model. I also found that creating the ‘below-ground’ level of the model was relatively easy underground floor. What I could have done better was more consideration for the area of each floor. A adjust my measurements so that the length was shorter than its true size. In this case, I should have sized fit the measurement requirements

PHOTO OF 3D MODEL IN OUTDOOR SETTING

DIFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF 3D MODEL

ular structure on the other hand, was made only of or the façade (after constructing them into re allowed a good view into each of the interior y, as I used a cardboard box to frame the As I had a limited sized cardboard pieces - I had to d down the overall scale of my model, in order to

Final 3D Model – Analysis Main design Features: The main design features of this physical model was the below-ground level and the construction of the façade.

4th FLOOR

3rd FLOOR

• Façade created using tooth picks. Covers the entirety of the model other than the ’building entrance’ and ’terrace.

• I was able to construct the ’below-ground’ level of the model by constructing the model onto the base of a card-board box, then using the empty space within the box as the ground floor.

Building Entrance

2nd FLOOR

1st FLOOR

BELOW-GROUND LEVEL

GROUND FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

ELEVATOR ACCESS

CAR-PARK ACCESS

GIFT SHOP AND CAR-PARK ACCESS

1st FLOOR SECTION DIVIDERS

TOILETS

ELEVATOR

4th FLOOR

3rd FLOOR SOCIAL STUDIO SPACE FOR EMPLOYEES WORKSPACE

CONFERENCE ROOM

ACCESS TO ELEVATOR

STAIRCASE AND GREENSPACE

ENTRANCE /LOBBY

2nd FLOOR

ELEVATOR

3 PRIVATE OFFICES

Key: CAFÉ

STAIRCASE ELEVATOR PUBLIC SEATING RECEPTION GIFT SHOP TOILET

SOCIAL MEETING POINT FOR EMPLOYEES

ROOFTOP SOCIAL GREEN SPACE

TOILETS

OFFICE ROOM CONFERENCE ROOM WORKSPACE CAFÉ GREEN SPACE EXHIBITION SPACE

Digital ArchiCad Elevations:

LEFT ELEVATION

FRONT ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

BACK ELEVATION

Final Digital Model

Interior Space - Elevations Digital ArchiCad Interior Sections:

FRONT ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

FRONT ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

Key: STAIRCASE ELEVATOR PUBLIC SEATING

RECEPTION GIFT SHOP TOILET

OFFICE ROOM CONFERENCE ROOM WORKSPACE

CAFÉ GREEN SPACE EXHIBITION SPACE

Interior Space - Inspiration

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Biophilic Design

EXTERIOR RESEARCH

Satellite Image

Plan

Architect: Thomas Heatherwick Use: University Campus Area: 2.0km2 Year: 2015

Reason for Inspiration: I decided to research the building of NTU, Singapore, as I was fascinated by the the relationship between nature and the building. The building has nature encompassing roof terraces and most of the interior space has hints of nature.

Looking at the interior space of the building, I focused on the main, central lobby, where each balcony is enhanced with nature.

Interior Research

OPEN LOBBY

PERSPECTIVES

OPEN LOBBY

Open Workspace PLAN

ELEVATION

Interior Space - Inspiration

Cross-rail Roof Garden, Canary Wharf

Nature & Architecture FRONT ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION Satellite Image

PERSPECTIVE

Plan

Reason for Inspiration:

Use: Railway Station, Restaurants, Public Space

After researching the NTU building In Singapore, I felt that I lacked enough inspiration for my interior space, so I decided to look at buildings local to me that incorporate nature. As I researched the latticed awning of the Cross-Rail in Canary Wharf, I wanted to extend my research on the same structure, however now focusing on its interior spaces.

Size: 475-metres (1,558 ft long)

In this case, I looked at the Cross-Rail Roof Garden as it is well known as a nature encompassing public space, which could provide inspiration for my building.

Architect: Foster and Partners

Year: 2015

Interior Research

ROOF GARDEN

ROOF GARDEN

SIDE ELEVATION

PERSPECTIVES

PLAN

STAIRCASE

Interior Space

CAR PARK ACCESS WAY

ELEVATOR

Entrance - Location

REVOLVING DOOR

GREEN WALL RIGHT ELEVATION

ELEVATOR ACCESS WAY

GREEN SPACE

Design of the Entrance: Consists of: Elevator, Staircase, Access to Car park, Green Space.

The main design feature of the Design Center entrance is the large ‘Green wall’ covering the entire wall above the staircase and the central green space with pla features are likely the first thing visitors will see when entering the design center, which is why I decided to incorporate it there. This ‘Green wall’ provides an insight t suggesting there would be plants and nature throughout the space.

Another design feature is the high rise ceiling, reaching just below the third floor of the building. This design feature creates a bright and open space in which light c

ants and a center tree. These design to what the interior space looks like,

can enter through.

Interior Space GIFT SHOP

Ground Floor

ACCESS WAY TO EXTENSION DESIGN

RECEPTION DESK ELEVATOR INDOOR TREE

- Location

REVOLVING DOOR RIGHT ELEVATION

PUBLIC SEATING (FRAMED WITH NATURE)

GREEN SPACE & STAIRCASE

Design of the Ground Floor: Consists of: Elevator, Staircase, Reception, Gift Shop, Public Seating, Green Space, Access to Extension.

The main design feature of the Design center ground floor is the wood panels that frame the reception desk of the ground floor. The wooden paneling provides a c designated green spaces green hosting a variety of plants and a tree by the reception desk, giving more life to the spacious room.

contrast between the raw concrete walls of the building and creates a more warm-feeling space that feels united and fit to occupy. There are several

Interior Space First Floor

ROOM SECTION DIVIDERS

- Location

TOILETS

ACCESS WAY TO ELEVATOR ELEVATOR STAIRCASE

RIGHT ELEVATION

Design of the First Floor: Consists of: Elevator, Staircase, Exhibition Space, Toilets.

The main design feature of the Design center first floor is the room section dividers, which I had individually constructed by grouping wood slabs to create a frame. exhibition space to be reconfigured in accordance to the event or what is being showcased at the time. The space remains open without any permanent feature can be adapted to suit the occasion or the sum of visitors.

This simple design feature allows the es other than the toilets so that the room

Interior Space

SOCIAL MEETING POINT TOILETS

CONFERENCE ROOM

Second Floor

ELEVATOR - Location

PRIVATE MEETING ROOMS

SOCIAL MEETING POINT

GREEN SPACE

SOCIAL MEETING POINT

RIGHT ELEVATION

Design of the Second Floor: Consists of: Elevator, Conference Room, Private Meeting Rooms x3, Toilets.

The main design features of the Design center second floor is the meeting rooms and the conference room. This floor and the third floor is strictly dedicated to emp customers. As the design center can facilitate approximately 15 highly skilled designers, this floor provides just enough room to provide 3 private meeting rooms, a c

ployees of the Design Center. This floor in particular is dedicated for employees to meet and discuss future and current projects as well as arranged meetings with conference room and toilets for these employees and designers.

Interior Space Third Floor ELEVATOR SOCIAL STUDIO SPACE

WORK/STUDIO SPACE

- Location

SOCIAL MEETING POINT RIGHT ELEVATION

Design of the Third Floor: Consists of: Elevator, Work Space, Group Studio Space.

The main design feature of the Design center third floor is the sectioned work/studio space. With this floor, I wanted to keep it relatively open, however still quite priv productively, however still keeping it relatively open and connected to the employee social studio space, to give the facilitators of the space a choice in which the interconnected,

vate and appropriate to function as a working environment. I decided to partially section off the work/studio space for employees to work privately and ey would like to work. So now instead of one large and open room I provided the floor with two designated spaces that are still spacious and partially

Interior Space Fourth Floor - Location

RIGHT ELEVATION ELEVATOR

OPEN TERRACE

ELEVATOR

Design of the Fourth Floor: Consists of: Elevators x2, Café, Terrace Public Seating, Green Space.

The main design feature of the Design center fourth floor is the public terrace se seating invites visitors and Design center employees to socialize and have food PUBLIC SEATING (FRAMED WITH NATURE)

CAFE

eating which is framed with plants and nature. Situated in the middle of the terrace and running all the way from the outdoor elevator to the café. This public and drinks whilst being able to view the extension design from above and parts of Romford.

(Project Part 2) Designing the Extension

EXISTING BROWNFIELD SITE (BEFORE REDESIGN)

EXTENSION (COMPLETED DESIGN)

Secondary Research

Earthquake Memorial Museum, Wenchuan

Landscape Architecture

Satellite Image

Plan

Architect: Cai Yongjie Use: Memorial Museum Area: 15 hectares Year: 2013

Section Cuts/ Elevations

Design Opportunities: As my main focus of this project is to reconnect people with the natural environment, I decided to research this landscape design as inspiration for my extension design.

The Earthquake Memorial Museum, Located in Wenchuan, is successful in incorporating the natural landscape as a main design feature, with the main building constructions seamlessly hidden within the ground.

This design concept would be successful to incorporate within the brownfield site location of my project, as the site is large.

Therefore this sort of design could provide my space with a variety of functions, without compromising the natural landscape of the site.

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF SITE

Design Requirements

Extension needs to provide: • • • • •

EXTENSION SITE

Car Park Café Gallery Space WC Public Seating Areas

Solution 1:

Extension Plan CAR PARK GALLERY CAFÉ/ TOILET

The first solution to designing the ‘extension’ is to construct a new building on the brownfield site.

This new building will have to be in some way connected to the existing building such as by a walkway to provide a clear flow/journey through the Design Center.

The extension will have to contain a gallery space, car park, a café and public toilets.

Solution 2:

CAR PARK GALLERY CAFÉ/ TOILET

The second solution to designing the ‘extension’ is to extend the existing ground floor below ground level and construct the extension partially submerged into the terrain.

This extension will have to take into account how it will adapt to the existing landscape without being obtrusive in comparison to the main building. Instead it should amplify the existing landscape by adding more aspects of nature.

Extension - Model 1

PLAN

LINEAR MODEL USING MIXED CARDS, PAPER AND PLASTIC

PLAN (WITH ADDED COLOUR)

SIDE PERSPECTIVE

FRONT PERSPECTIVE

SIDE-FRONT PERSPECTIVE

BACK PERSPECTIVE

Design Opportunities: PERSPECTIVE SKETCH UP DIGITAL MODELS

BACK

FRONT

LEFT

RIGHT

This linear design could potentially be a successful outcome for my ‘extension’ as it follows a simple design, however still incorporating different components and levels that could behave as different functions of my extension. This design has similarities with the DAC in Copenhagen that I had researched in the beginning of my project, which proved to be successful in multi-functioning. This design is also not too large and over bearing, which means that the remainder of the site could be open public space, incorporating nature.

Design Challenges:

SKETCH UP MODEL WITHIN PROPOSED LOCATION

FRONT PERSPECTIVE

SIDE PERSPECTIVE

I decided not to continue further with this design. concept as I felt that it does not fully permit me to produce what I set out to achieve and I felt as though this design does not fully incorporate the natural landscape of the site. So as I move on in his project my main focus will be the incorporation of a below ground level and more consideration for the l landscape.

PLAN MOODBOARD OF POTENTIAL APPEARANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

Extension - Model 2 MAIN BUILDING

PAPER MODEL (IRREGULAR CUTTING)

EXTENDED SITE

Design Inspiration – Landscape Architecture: Key: FRACTURED LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Earthquake Memorial Museum, Wenchuan

-

Exhibition Space Public Space Café Toilets Car Park

Design Opportunities: In comparison to the previous, proposed design of the ’extension’, this design has greater consideration for the sites landscape.

FRONT PERSPECTIVE

SIDE PERSPECTIVE

SIDE-FRONT PERSPECTIVE

This ‘extension’ model incorporates a partially submerged into the ground design, where the roof of each structure, is an extension of the sites landscape. These roofs could potentially grow trees and in the possible future form a natural forest which incorporates architecture.

SKETCH UP MODEL

Developing this Design Concept: FRONT

LEFT

Due to the potential success of this design, I have decided to follow this through in the next stages of my project, by creating a second model following the same techniques and concept.

BACK

RIGHT

MOODBOARD OF POTENTIAL APPEARANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

Extension – Final Model CARDBOARD MODEL (FROM TRIANGULAR CUTOUTS)

FRONT ELEVATION

BACK ELEVATION

LEFT ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

FRONT PERSPECTIVE

PLAN

Creating Model:

PLAN

LAYERED PLAN

Developing this Final Model: From exploring the process of cutting and assembling left-over pieces of card to produce an abstract ’extension’ design, I was able to produce mood-boards that to a degree accurately represents the possible outcome of this design.

I realized that this design permits me to incorporate the natural landscape, whilst also providing the four primary functions I set out to construct as an outcome of the extension being: • Toilets (M,F & Disabled) • Café • Exhibition Space • Car park

MOODBOARDS OF POTENTIAL APPEARANCE IN PERSPECTIVE

LEFT PERSPECTIVE

Planned Extension:

Functions and Further Inspiration for extension: Following from the previous 3D model, I was able to identify three designated structures to be constructed on the brownfield site: • Car Park (Including elevator to ground level, outdoor public space) • Gallery (or exhibition space - which extends directly from the main Design Center Building below ground level) • Café (including M,F & Disabled toilets) • Surrounding Space (provides an open natural landscape, with public seating an public walkways.

What I also had noticed from the previous model of the ‘extension’ was how the structure of the design appears to look like shards, partially submerged within the ground.

Almost appearing as though the shattered remnants of the glass façade of the main building.

EXTENSION

Elevations of Sketch-Up Model:

Developing the Extension Layout of Building Uses

LAYER 6

LAYER 5

PLAN

LAYER 4

LAYER 3

LAYER 2

LAYER 1 PERSPECTIVE

FRONT

EXHIBITION SPACE CAFÉ

BACK

TOILETS CAR PARK ENTRY LEFT

LIFT/ENTERANCE TO CAR PARK

RIGHT

PUBLIC WALKWAY

DISABLED ACCESS

STAIRCASE

Digital ArchiCad Elevations:

FRONT ELEVATION

BACK ELEVATION

LEFT ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

Final Digital Model

Final 3D Model

3D Physical Model Evaluation:

This Final 3D Physical Model was constructed using cardboard alone, with added elements of peop explores a more accurate representation of scale using the primary shapes and spaces of the area with this 3D model is that it provides a general understanding of the space and its size to the viewer. is adding the model to the context of the location, such as displaying it within a replicated 3D mode Adding details to the piece such as windows and doors would make the piece clearer to the viewe the buildings from the outside areas.

ple and trees to give scale. The piece generally with little added detail. What I found successful . However, what I feel could have been improved el of the location, including the part 1 design. er as to where entrances/exits are and separate

Interior Space Exhibition Space

ACCESS WAY TO MAIN BUILDING

ROOM SECTION DIVIDERS

OUTDOOR ACCESS AND ENTRANCE - Location

PLAN

Design of the Exhibition Space: Consists of: Outdoor access, access way to main building, open exhibition space (with section dividers).

The main design feature of the Extension exhibition space is the room section dividers (as seen in the main building exhibition floor). I kept this space open without a a large open side window out into the public space.

any permanent features, so that the space could be reconfigured and adapted to suit the occasion. The space is bright and open, with three roof windows and

Interior Space

OUTDOOR ACCESS TO TOILETS FEMAILE TOILETS

Toilets

STORAGE ROOM

MALE TOILETS

DISABLED TOILETS

- Location

CAFÉ ACCESS TO TOILETS PLAN

Design of the Toilets: Consists of: Outdoor Access, access to café, Disabled toilet, Male Toilets (4 cubicles), Female Toilets (5 Cubicles), storage room.

There is no specific design feature to the Extension toilets, other than providing space for a storage room (cleaning equipment) and male, female and disabled toil the Design Center and public space.

lets for visitors of

Interior Space

SEATING

Café STAIR CASE

SEATING

BAR

- Location

FOOD PREP & STORAGE ROOM PLAN

Design of the Café: Consists of: Access to toilets, Staircase, Bar, Food prep/storage room, seats approximately 35 people (bottom floor 16, top floor 19)

The main design feature of the Extension café is is the two floors, which provided more space for seating and better access to the outside public space. The space

e encompasses many plants, framing most of the tables in the space, especially along the walls of the space.

Interior Space ACCESS WAY TO MAIN BUILDING

Car Park

CAR PARK SPACES

CAR PARK SPACES

- Location

PLAN

ELEVATOR TO OUTDOOR PUBLIC SPACE

OUTDOOR ENTRANCE TO CAR PARK

Design of the Car Park: Consists of: Elevator, car access from angel way road, pedestrian access to main building, pedestrian access to outdoor public space, 23 parking spaces.

There's no main design feature for the Extension car park, it follows a simple design, only to facilitate as employee and visitor parking with access to both the main building and the outdoor public space (either by elevator or access way). Whilst the design only provides 23 parking spaces, the choice was made so that employees would have a provisional parking space, whereas for visitors, they would be encouraged to commute by bike, bus or train (as the site is located directly next to a bus stop and a 10 minute walk to a train station).

y

Social Space Outdoor Seating

- Location

PLAN

Design of Outdoor Seating: Consists of: Green space, pubic seating, access to and from each public space location by walkways and staircases.

Throughout the Extension design, there are several designated public seating areas, each located by green spaces of trees and a variety of other plants. The publi socialize and enjoy the outdoor environment.

ic seats are inspired by simple rock formations, which aren't too obtrusive and fit in with the natural environment. These public seating areas encourage people to

Evaluation of Component 1 DC & Extension Upon review of the final outcome of my Component 1 (part 1 &2), overall it was successful as I achieved what I had set out to produce. The Design Center and Extension consists of each of the functions that were required within the specification. In addition, the design encompasses nature throughout the interior and outdoor spaces by introducing many dedicated ’green spaces’ and live plants in most rooms. Each function/feature of this final outcome has careful consideration for the easy access to each floor and each location including disabled access to every space. The outcome does not lack any specific functions, and each design feature of the space is finalized and completed. Whilst the outcome design does not follow one defined theme/concept throughout, the space is still interesting and unique in different aspects, such as the varying design of the façade of the main building and the structure of the extension.

On the other hand, whilst I am happy with my final outcome of the project, there are certain things that could have been more successful. For example, when reviewing the final outcome, the main building and the extension do not flow/coordinate with one another as smoothly as a design that had a direct overground extension from the main building (following the same geometric design) would. In addition, I could have better and more evident use of the River Rom as part of the design concept, which could have potentially been a main design feature. For example by designing part of the extension (part 2) out over the river rom. Lastly, with more background and historic research into Romford (Historic Market Town), there could have been the potential to revitalize its history by introducing a new modern market place and pavilion design alongside the extension or along the River Rom.

FINAL OUTCOME OF PROJECT (PART 1 & 2)

ESSAY: TO WHAT EXTENT HAVE DESIGN PROJECTS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN RECONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE? Introduction: A growing population and global urbanisation has enabled humans to have better access to schools, employment and healthcare facilities. However, it has also posed challenges for the human race: Introducing pollution, overcrowded conditions and a growing concern for our fragile environment. It is common for buildings in urban areas to be seen as intrusive and not in harmony with the environment by disregarding the natural landscape they were initially built upon. It is important for architects to ensure that nature and architecture work hand in hand as opposed to conflicting one another in order to restore a balance between humans and the natural environment. Research has indicated that nature can uplift the spirit by giving us a visual connection with the outdoors. It can also ‘reduce stress, produce more positive emotional functioning and actually improve our concentration’, providing the initial standpoint as to the importance of living amongst nature. Modern buildings should have a respectful approach to the environment, essentially by bridging the gap between nature and architecture. When architects are designing buildings, they should be mindful of how it may influence the existing landscape. By introducing elements of nature this will not only implement a green approach but it would also make people knowledgeable of the fundamental importance for humans to connect with nature.

There are numerous examples of small and large-scale projects that have shown an enthusiasm and respect towards the natural environment, whilst also trying to engage its human occupants in a sensitive manner.

Throughout this essay I will be assessing the extent to which four different architecture and design projects: ‘Earthquake Memorial Museum’, ‘Botanical Garden of Culiacan’, ‘Cycling through trees’ and the ‘Barbican Centre’ have been successful in their designs that amplify the surrounding space and encourage people to experience nature with an ecological awareness.

Cai Yongjie achieved the design of an unobtrusive urban landscape through construction, the ‘Earthquake Memorial Museum’ that incorporates the natural landscape as its predominant feature. Tatiana Bilbao was responsible for the revitalisation of Botanical Gardens in Culiacan following an organic design that immerses people into a nature encompassing environment. Architects Burolandschap have engaged humans with nature by integrating the activity of cycling within a natural landscape. Alongside these design projects, I will also be assessing how the brutalist Barbican Estate (which has undergone several small-scale nature projects, led by volunteers) has introduced beauty to a concrete building through green-space nature gardens.

Earthquake Memorial Museum: The intention to build the Earthquake Memorial Museum had taken inspiration from the 2008 earthquake in China, which was regarded as one of the world’s most deadly earthquakes in terms of the quantity of its casualties. The county, Wenchuan in China was the epicentre of this earthquake and therefore the decision was made to construct a memorial museum for those who had lost their lives as a result. Whilst the purpose of the design is to function as a museum with expansive interior spaces where visitors can roam and observe, its successful exterior design will be my focus within this essay.

The museum’s structural design visualises a fractured landscape, inspired by the concept of land breaking apart in response to an earthquake. The beauty of this large landscape construction is how it seemingly integrates and mingles with the existing land, and the design achieves this appearance in several ways.

Firstly, the building is partially constructed below ground level with a green terrain serving as the roof for the infrastructure, hence its unobtrusive occupancy. Secondly, from looking at the photo above of the museum, the initial outwardly appearance appeals to me through two main materials in use, that being: the green terrain roof (which is a continuation of the surrounding landscape) and the dramatic brown weathering steel that acts as the walls of the museum and appears to mimic the brown soil of the ground.

The choice of these two obvious materials allows the large structures to take on a simple appearance that is in touch with the surrounding landscape. Lastly, what strikes me the most about this design concept is how encouraging it is of the natural environment: whilst the large construction provides functionality through its vast spaces, to facilitate the visitors of the museum, it is seamlessly hidden into the ground, un-disregarding the landscape it is built on. Furthermore, it is suggested that over time the landscape will grow trees and form a new natural biome which will incorporate human activity in a sustained manner. The horizontal vastness of the site invites visitors to take prolonged outdoor journeys in order to get from one end of the site to the other. This encourages visitors to view and experience the extensive green landscape (almost 15 hectares) whilst taking this journey. However, it can be argued that the 15 hectares of landscape could have been designed for multiple purposes such as including dedicated spaces for outdoor activities, that would further influence people to engage with the natural environment. However, I feel that at a temporal scale, with the predicted development of a new forested environment, the way in which the sites occupants interact with the space and natural environment is likely to strengthen.

Botanical Garden of Culiacán: The Botanical Garden of Culiacan, located in the middle of the city of Culiacan, is a public space garden hosting a range of activities such as picnics, sports and purposes as a space for people to enjoy the green landscape. The botanical garden went through the consideration of a second project that would introduce the ‘installation of 35 works of art and a set of 15 small pavilions’ which was later designed by Architect Tatiana Bilbao and was eventually completed in 2012.

The office of Architect Tatiana Bilbao was put in charge of ‘reconciling nature with architectural order’ in the Botanical Garden of Culiacan. In a 2019 interview with the Louisianna Channel featuring Tatiana Bilbao, the Architect raises the question of ‘how do we form a relationship between the structures humans inhabit and the nature these structures are built upon?’ which she seeks to answer and makes the purpose of her work within the Botanical Garden of Culiacan. Bilbao believes that architecture and nature are two counterparts that should dialogue with one another, which is an evident motive seen in this project. Within her work, nature has an invasive attitude towards the architecture constructed. For example, this can be seen in the image above of the pavilion design ‘Open Auditorium’ which takes on a simple and flexible design which leaves space for nature to cultivate within and around the structure.

Whilst there is a large focus on the aesthetic composition of Bilbao’s designs, the structures lack an ecological awareness in terms of their building material.

Bilbao’s designs such as ‘Open Auditorium’ are constructed of concrete, which remains exposed, providing a stark contrast between the structure and nature.

Therefore, it can be argued that Bilbao is creating more damage to the environment than enhancing it. However, to reduce the damage to the environment that Bilbao is contributing to, she could have considered the use of more sustainable building materials such as timber for these structures. Overall, the designer’s strategy was to understand the space and merge it with the existing garden, and in doing so, the people exploring the space are engaging with nature.

Cycling through trees: ‘Cycling through Trees’, situated in Belgium, was designed by Architects Burolandschap and completed in 2019. ‘Cycling Through Trees’ is essentially a double-circle elevated cycle lane, which is constructed as an extension to the existing Limburg cycle route network located in the midst’s of a forest in Limburg, Belgium.

The purpose of the design is to encourage people to experience the natural environment through the activity of cycling in a new, exciting and unique way.

The image above shows a section of the elevated cycle lane running through the tree tops. From observing the photo of the cycle lane, I see that it takes on a simple appearance and sticks to an earthy brown tone that camouflages with the surrounding trees. Due to its minimal and unobtrusive design, the cycle lane shows a respect for the existing natural environment. Furthermore, as the designers were mindful that the cycle lane should have the least possible impact on its surroundings, the structure was built using a single crane and weathering steel (consequently no concrete was used). Whilst the ‘elevated’ design does create an exciting experience for users, it lacks functionality. Due to the doublecircle design, cyclists who are using a bike solely as a form of transport, are unlikely to cycle the structure as the journey would take longer. Therefore, the cycle lane is better suited for exercise. Overall, what makes this design successful is its ecological awareness, the experience it provides and impact it has on its user.

The activity of cycling not only provides benefits such as fitness, well-being and serves as an ecological form of transport, it also allows people to be immersed into a natural landscape whilst having little to no impact on it. By building an elevated cycle lane, it allows cyclists to experience nature from a different perspective (above ground) that is both enjoyable and beneficial for a person’s well-being, fundamentally forming a bond between cyclers and the environment.

Barbican Centre: The Barbican Centre, designed by Architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, was first open to the public over 30 years ago in 1982. The three architects saw the destruction (being the result of World War 2) as a turning point for the future of London’s Architecture with an ambition to rebuild the 35-acre site (once known as Cripplegate) into a futuristic town. It was the collaboration between these three designers, the local community and local government that enabled the eventual development and construction of the Barbican Center. The purpose of the Centre is to function as an apartment complex and performing arts centre. Now, almost 40 years later, the center still undergoes small changes, such as developments to its appearance and enhancement of nature in its green spaces which will be the focus of this part of the essay.

In 2003, a poll voted Barbican Center as London’s ‘Ugliest Building’. Today, many people argue this statement. Writer and journalist Dave Allan-Petale (in his 2013 article) describes the building as interesting, drawing in on the ‘cool’ interior spaces and the scenery of plants and water that give the place an ‘organic feel’. From the image above of a section of the Barbican Centers green spaces, I have also been able to identify that the center has an organic feel to it, due to the evident scattered growth of plants. However, after further research, I was informed that parts of the center had remained uncared-for.

A recent article titled 'Nature survives in the tiniest corners': The City of London's wild heart’ by The Guardian writes a section (community garden) located at the back of the estate had remained ‘neglected’ lacking careful consideration, with parts of bombed out housing visibly poking out from the unevenly laid soil. Since the Barbican was constructed, the center had undergone several small-scale, volunteer-based projects dedicated to the greenspaces and wildlife in the site. In 2003, volunteers were committed to redevelop the neglected community garden by creating a more nature encompassing garden, inviting new wildlife to the centers green spaces. In 2018, volunteers came together again to build a bird hide and a library. With the success of these prospering gardens at the Barbican, the center won an “outstanding” award in the ‘London in Bloom’ competition in 2019. I believe that the volunteers decision to plant nature has to a large extent successfully softened the stark, concrete buildings. However, due to the strong dissimilarity between the concrete and nature, I do not feel that they work in complete harmony, which may always remain an issue. Overall, these small-scale volunteer projects have shown to have a considerable contribution to the changing character of the Barbican Centre and has invited visitors of the center to appreciate the beauty of the newly formed natural environments.

Conclusion: To conclude, I believe that in order for people to appreciate architecture, it is essential that Architects, designers and volunteers prioritise and counteract the issues we are faced with. One primal example being a posing formidable issue in the modern world as humans disconnect from nature. As we move ahead in the future, nature should provide us with the sense of belonging and be a primal motivation for design. Each project I have covered in this essay has successfully incorporated nature, however their effectiveness of reconnecting people with nature varies. Firstly, both projects by Tatiana Bilbao and Burolandschap were intentionally constructed with the purpose to reconnect people with nature through architecture as well as showing an environmental consideration which is what makes them successful at engaging the public with nature. Focusing in on the projects of Tatiana Bilbao at the Botanical Garden of Culiacan, Bilbao stated herself, that her intentions were to reconnect people with the environment which she had achieved within her work by creating little to no barriers between the environment and the architectural structures. Cycling through trees by Burolandshap has proven to be successful at directly engaging cyclists with the environment through an activity that creates benefits for both the environment and the cyclists, further strengthening the bond between people and nature. The Barbican Center has also been successful at reconnecting people with nature, but to a lesser degree. Whilst not being the primary intention of the design, it has introduced and incorporated nature to its design as a result of the publics contribution and ambition to improve the aesthetics of the site by introducing more vibrant and wildlife filled green spaces. The small-scale volunteer projects have proven to show people’s desire to strengthen their bond with nature. However, in long-term, without the public’s contribution and the growing popularity of the center, the ability to maintain these nature environments may become a greater challenge. Whilst each project has been able to achieve a certain degree of success in reconnecting people with nature, I found the Earthquake Memorial Museum to be the most successful. The Earthquake Memorial Museum, has formed a connection between the public and the natural environment whilst providing function at a large scale, unobtrusively. This project deviates from the other projects covered in this essay due to its temporal consideration. With plans to introduce a forest coverage over the construction, it shows the architects evident motive to have a long-lasting impact of this construction, that will eventually allow nature (forest) and architecture to bond and invite people to wander the forested landscape, essentially bridging the gap between architecture and nature.

Bibliography: Introduction https://canadiantimberframes.com/bringing-nature-into-architecture Earthquake Memorial Museum https://www.designboom.com/architecture/wenchuan-earthquake-memorial-museum-sichuan-china-cai-yongjie-tongji-university-07-25-2016/ Botanical Garden of Culiacán https://tatianabilbao.com/projects/botanical-garden https://www.archdaily.com/410393/botanical-garden-tatiana-bilbao-s-c http://landscapeasurbanismamericas.net/culiacan-botanical-garden/ Cycling through trees https://www.archdaily.com/924605/cycling-through-the-trees-burolandschap https://www.designboom.com/architecture/cycling-through-trees-limburg-belgium-09-23-2019/ https://focusonbelgium.be/en/lifestyle/come-and-cycle-10-metres-high-through-trees Barbican Centre https://www.montcalmroyallondoncity.co.uk/blog/history-barbican-centre/ https://double-barrelledtravel.com/londons-ugliest-building/ https://greenblue.com/gb/the-barbican-green-space-in-the-heart-of-london/ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/28/nature-survives-in-the-tiniest-corners-the-barbican-brutalist-london-wild-heart-aoe