the st. kilda experience.

Experiencing St Kilda as an architect provided a deep appreciation for the suburb’s architectural diversity, historical significance, adaptive reuse projects, sustainable design practices, and the dynamic interplay between the built environment and the cultural scene. One particular site that stood out was the Peanut Farm Reserve located beside Luna Park. During my visit to the site with Nick and Stacey, we were greeted by a pleasant rainy weather, with a gentle drizzle in the air.

As we explored the area, a strong sense of community enveloped us. People engaged in friendly conversations with each other, exchanging smiles and little waves as they crossed paths. It was evident that this was a place where individuals connected with one another, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.

Adjacent to the Peanut Farm Reserve, we discovered the Veg Out Market, which has been running for over 20 years. This accredited VFMA farmers’ market takes place on the first Saturday of each month. It attracts producers from across Victoria who directly sell their delectable produce to customers. The unique aspect of this market is that the person you buy from is the very person who played a role in making, baking, growing, picking, packing, preparing, and loving the products they offer. This connection between producers and consumers brings a slice of rural life to the city, creating a Saturday morning food gathering experience unlike any other.

Overall, the experience of the site was characterized by a tranquil and soothing environment. The vast grass field provided ample space for people to sit, relax, and alleviate stress. It promoted a healthier form of gathering for the community, allowing individuals to reconnect with nature and each other. This blend of architectural diversity, communal spirit, and opportunities for interaction with local producers creates a distinct character thathelped us pick it as our site.

Predicting the effects of climate change on the chosen Site.

Site Analysis

(Zoning and Sun Shade Analysis)

Site Iso illustrating the different zones near the site.

The mix of residential, recreational, and green spaces near the site aligns perfectly with our design vision for a community-driven project. It provides the ideal setting for fostering social connections, encouraging active lifestyles, and promoting a sense of belonging among residents.

Site

Site Iso illustrating the different modes of transport to the site.

Site Analysis (Demographics Analysis)

Diagrams illustrating the population density,Indegenious status of people, Cultural Diveristy, Average Median Age and modes of transport that people chose for commute to work.

Food Source Map

(australia)

Food Source Map

project 1.3 - re-experience

In the field of design research, our process involves conducting thorough research, generating ideas through ideation, and ultimately proposing design solutions. For architectural designers specifically, studying precedent projects serves several purposes: Inspiration and Ideas, Understanding Context, Problem-solving, Learning from Mistakes

In this project, our focus was on re-experiencing exemplary spaces that pertain to various aspects of food production, harvesting, storage, experimentation, preparation, consumption, and recycling, among others. Through this re-experience, we delved into the issues and opportunities presented by these spaces, translating our observations into sketch or diagrammatic models that effectively communicate our findings.

Mid Journey

Midjourney is a generative artificial intelligence program that I have used here to experiment, generate and iterate on design concepts that hold potential for future implementation in the design process. Through a series of diverse prompts, I have employed Midjourney to iterate on envisioned spaces, allowing me to visualize and articulate my ideas more effectively. Although it required some time and experimentation with prompts to ensure the generated images aligned with the project’s objectives, Midjourney proved to be immensely beneficial in advancing my creative process.

prompt

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This image generated by Midjourney showcases an appealing arrangement of plants in the dining space, offering an inspiring concept that could be integrated into future designs. The ambiance portrayed in the image, characterized by soothing blue lights, provides valuable insight into potential lighting options for the project as well. It effectively illustrates how the inclusion of plants and a specific lighting scheme can contribute to the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of the space.

The image produced by Midjourney highlights an intriguing roof pattern that harmoniously interacts with the sky, creating a visually open and inviting atmosphere within the space. The incorporation of lush greens and the inclusion of water for aquatic plants present exciting elements to anticipate in future designs. The combination of these features contributes to a pleasant ambiance and offers a promising direction for the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

The image generated by Midjourney showcases a captivating double-layered plantation technique that offers a unique approach to incorporate vertical framing within the space. Additionally, the presence of a framed roof allows natural light to filter through, creating a visually refreshing and invigorating environment. This concept presents an enticing visual aesthetic while also providing a practical and engaging design element for the space.

The image created by Midjourney offers a compelling perspective on the building design. It presents an isometric view that highlights the incorporation of an open roof plantation and recreational areas, showcasing the potential for rooftop amenities. This concept is particularly appealing as it suggests the integration of rooftop recreational spaces and greenery. The image sparks enthusiasm for the idea of utilizing rooftops as versatile and inviting areas that harmoniously blend leisure and natural elements.

realistic vertical aqua farming centre, melbourne, australia

The image generated by Midjourney captivated my attention due to its portrayal of vertical farming integrated within an aquatic environment, facilitating the practice of aquaponic farming. This concept not only holds technical feasibility but also possesses an appealing aesthetic that makes it an enticing space to be in. The image presents a harmonious combination of innovative agricultural techniques and an inviting ambiance, showcasing the potential for a sustainable and visually captivating environment.

Hyper Realistic Modern Future Food Centre Interior View

The image generated by Midjourney perfectly aligns with the space I envisioned for my design ideation. It seamlessly combines elements such as vertical farming, recreational areas, and a double-height space. This concept allows for the exploration of design components like double volumes, creating a sense of depth and intrigue as one moves through various interconnected spaces. The integration of vertical farming adds an innovative and sustainable aspect to the overall design. It’s an exciting combination that offers ample opportunities for creativity and functional aesthetics.

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The image generated by Midjourney perfectly aligns with our design hypothesis, which centers around the influence of aquatic species on architectural spaces. This captivating image effectively portrays a structure resembling a jellyfish, demonstrating how such a design can integrate aquaponic farming concepts. It offers a visually intriguing representation of how the natural characteristics of jellyfish can inspire and inform the architectural elements, resulting in a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.

The image produced by Midjourney beautifully combines a central farming space with surrounding areas, presenting an appealing concept that I am eager to incorporate into my design process. The inclusion of a prominent central growing space, visible from every other area, emphasizes the importance of hydroponic farming and its crucial role in the future. This design concept effectively highlights the integration of sustainable agricultural practices within architectural spaces, offering both functional benefits and visual appeal.

hyper realistic modern food innovation centre with vertical farming for the community, interior view

The image created by Midjourney provides valuable insights into the effective design of a space by aligning different areas with their respective programs. This double-height space features large windows that flood the area with abundant natural light and create a visual connection to the surrounding environment. Notably, one side of the space showcases a thriving growing area, while the lower floor accommodates a conveniently placed kitchen space. This design iteration optimizes functionality and convenience, allowing for seamless interaction between the growing and culinary aspects of the space prompt

hyper realistic hydroponic architecture for the future food innovation centre, interior view

The image generated by Midjourney presents a well-lit space that harmoniously combines a kitchen area with a staircase leading to a double-volume farming section. Within this single space, various elements seamlessly coexist to create an engaging and functional environment. The ample lighting enhances the overall atmosphere, while the presence of a conveniently placed kitchen area allows for seamless integration of culinary activities. The staircase serves as a focal point, guiding the way to the elevated double-volume farming area, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices within the design.

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Prompt

hyper realistic modern future food centre in middle of city, melbourne

The image generated by Midjourney showcases an intriguing arrangement of voluminous spaces, where a single roof and interconnected floors visually connect different areas. This particular space exemplifies a holistic approach to farming, as it incorporates farming throughout rather than confining it to a single designated area. This design choice emphasizes the central concept of promoting hydroponic farming, creating a visual focal point within the overall space. The image portrays a dynamic and integrated environment that encourages exploration and engagement with sustainable agricultural practices. It presents a compelling vision for the future of farming and its integration into architectural spaces.

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The image created by Midjourney delves into the possibilities of integrating sustainability and urban farming directly into the building facades, showcasing a departure from the conventional notion of confining such practices to designated spaces. This exploration highlights how architecture can play a vital role in promoting and accommodating sustainable initiatives seamlessly within its structure. The image demonstrates a visionary approach that envisions the incorporation of greenery and farming elements throughout the building, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. It inspires the reimagining of urban spaces, encouraging the integration of sustainable practices into the very fabric of our built environment.

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The image created by Midjourney focuses on the concept of pods and their versatile applications within various functions of buildings. These pods can serve multiple purposes, including plant growth, aquaponics farming, and even recreational spaces designed for relaxation. The image showcases the potential of incorporating these pods as flexible and adaptable modules that can be integrated seamlessly into architectural designs. This concept highlights the importance of maximizing space efficiency while promoting sustainable practices and creating inviting environments for people to enjoy and unwind.

The image generated by Midjourney highlights the intriguing concept of nested pods, where one pod is seamlessly integrated within another. What stands out is the captivating visual of placing these nested pods within a large window, allowing the building facade to open up and provide stunning views of nature and the surrounding outdoors. This design element creates a harmonious connection between the built environment and the natural world, inviting the outside beauty to become an integral part of the indoor space. The image showcases a thoughtful integration of architectural design and the appreciation of the surrounding landscape, resulting in a visually striking and immersive experience.

The image created by Midjourney provides a glimpse into the future of food innovation centers. The architecture depicted exhibits futuristic forms, characterized by bulbous and cutting-edge design elements that exude a distinct robotic aesthetic. One notable feature is the skylight, seamlessly integrated into the structure, which not only enhances the overall visual appeal but also allows natural light to permeate the space. It presents an inspiring vision for how architectural design can intersect with technological advancements to shape the future of sustainable and innovative food production.

Prompt

Realistic With Modern Interiors Food Innovation Centre Interior View In St Kilda

The image generated by Midjourney evokes a question within me about the potential consequences of envisioning a future dominated by robotic structures. While the image showcases the allure of futuristic designs, it also prompts me to consider whether these robotic structures will truly deliver the efficiency they promise or lead to greater complexity and challenges. It raises concerns about the potential for unintended consequences, such as increased dependence on technology, potential disruptions, or the need for complex maintenance and management systems.