Form Finding and Massing Study

Precedent Study

HOOKE PARK – AA School’s Woodland Campus

Educational facility for design, workshop, construction and landscape-focused activities

AA Wood Lab is developing the role of the woodland campus in Dorset, Hooke Park, to educate architects on the sustainable use of forest products, both to build projects and to guide new forms of research.

They find alternative ways to the production of industrial timber and traditional construction by developing new methods and technologies for the efficient use of wood.

The projects are supported by a team of diverse expert practitioners, including craftsmen, designers, engineers, robotics, a jungler and more, in an environment that combines forest, studio, workshop and construction space.

Iteration 7: Root form created by using precedent studies

This modeling in the East Residential Block shows the roots extending towards the Quad from the green area. Three root lines make up the main structure. This structure is connected to each other and to the main building by secondary roots. Extending geometry expands the existing building space. Iteration 7: Model view of the Root-shaped Structure

This form covers the east facade and the roof of the upper floor. The existing structure on the ground floor and first floor is in position and the new design is designed together with the existing structure. There are no major changes for the existing facade on the west facade.

Sketches showing the application of the proposed design to student rooms and common areas in residential buildings. The changes made in these areas are more detailed in chapter 3 proposed design. Section of Residential Blocks and proposal design sketch

This work shows the design extending inwards from both sides of the college, and the scattering building elements.

Sketch showing the decision-making process of construction technique and materials

Trying different techniques for the proposed structure and extending windows on the west facade outward

Final Decision for the Structure

After all iterations, precedent studies, and sketches, the final design decision is a structural design that attaches to and gets support from the existing structure. The facade is divided as a Voronoi surface and forms the wall with transparent surfaces. The main structures are connected by secondary structures. The ground floor and first floor spaces extend forward and additional space is created. In this sketch, the cladding and other materials fill the main structural elements. However, as this may lead to insulation problems, the idea of covering the exterior completely is more ideal. There are details in section 3 proposed design.

Program of Spaces

The laboratory building is the main building of the project and is located in the eastern residential block. This Laboratory has the spaces needed, machines, and laboratory equipment for bioplastic research and production. In the sketch below, the locations of the spaces on the floors according to the private-public relationship can be seen. Accordingly, the working areas and common areas are on the ground floor, the main lab and research area are on the 1st floor and the production area is on the top floor. This positioning has changed in the proposal design. The production area is located on the ground floor so that the machines can be moved easily and are not on the same floor as the adjacent student rooms. Study spaces and common areas are located on the top floor.