Art, Design and Architecture School Design - Preliminary study

THE ART DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL

PRELIMINARY STUDY Ruzha Sirmanova

Preliminary Study

2017

2

“Where do new ideas come from?

The answer is simple: differences.

Creativity comes from unlikely Juxtapositions.�

Nicholas Negroponte, WIRED

Preliminary Study

2017

ART, DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL

This would encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, to take in a new skill, a new software, a new perspective of design which would ultimately enrich their work and broaden their mind set and help to mould them into more competitive professionals.

The location of the building, is particularly important to the design, as it creates an opportunity to create a second grand entrance into the campus on the opposite side to the existing one at Reception. This would accommodate a large portion of the in-comers from Newsome and Aspley where the majority of student housing is. The site ties together the campus core, and the busy Queen Street South

A MANIFESTO

where the existing Architecture School is located. A current problem is the lack of connectivity between this building to the rest of the campus.

Currently, the largest and most popular school in the University of Huddersfield

Even though it’s only next door, the new

is that of Art, Design and Architecture.

site has the potential to turn into a vocal

Due to the amount of departments and

point. A link between Queen Street

courses within, the staff and students

South, the core of the campus and the

connected to them are split between sev-

existing main entrance at Reception.

eral buildings which bare no relationship

Concept Sketch, Jan 2017 Face to the Campus

between each other. This dislocation

Strong axis and views towards Castle

and lack of fluidity prevent the stu-

Hill, the Huddersfield Town Hall and the

dents from different courses to interact

university library guide the new building’s

and learn from each other’s design

location: at the rear of the site and snug

perceptions.

to the campus to avoid the existing issue of disconnection. This is the most charac-

This proposal for a new building for

teristic part of the property, based on the

the school, seeks to accommodate all

considerable difference in levels and the

courses related to art and design in

boundary with the canal.

order to create a platform for interaction, communication and the creation of a

Strongly enhanced by its location, the

design community between all students

proposal has the potential to become one

and all staff.

of the main elements in the townscape of the campus - a gravity force facing

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To work in unison and to avoid isolation,

both inwards and outwards, it can give

there are no course-dedicated spaces

a new face of the design community

planned by the strategic brief. Instead,

to the locals and invite them in to

flexible learning spaces have been cre-

diversify the design conversation and

ated based on the space-requirements

unplanned activity of learning even

of each course to facilitate interactions.

further.

cityscape

market research

group psychology

transparent

job opportunity

shared studios

axis

experience

open plan

mindful

market ave

open to public

fit to purpose

approachable

permeable

communal

unplanned

access

Preliminary Study

2017

contents D

1

MANIFESTO

IST P OSTAL D RI

H CT

NEW DESIGN SCHOOL

PAGES 04-05

STATEMENT OF NEED

CHAPTER 1

D5 DIST ICT H R

HUDDERSF'D & THE CAMPUS

TAL POS

CULTURAL CONTEXT

PAGES 08-19

CHAPTER 2

SITE A N A LY S I S & SITE EVALUATION

PAGES 20-29

CHAPTER 3

PROGRAMME/ ACTIVITIES LIST OF ACCOMMODATION

6

PAGES 30-49

CHAPTER 4

PRECEDENT STUDIES MARNE-LA-VALLEE ERASMUS UNI'TY

PAGES 50-58

CHAPTER 5

ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA STRATEGY MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY hard landscaping and exhibiton space open to wind and rain vast and sunny

soft landscaping southern light sheltered green space socialising

existing greenery & soft landscape preserved

PAGES 59-65

CHAPTER 6

SKETCH DESIGN

PAGES 66-79

ORGANIZATION CONTEXT

the new green spaces blend in with the wildlife around the Huddersfield canal

CHAPTER 7

landscaped barrier or banking to protect from the elements

EXERCISE 01 THE FUTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGY AND VR TECH

PAGES 80-97

CHAPTER 1 CULTURAL CONTEXT

THE MULTI-LAYER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUDDERSFIELD AND ITS UNIVERSITY

demolition projects around the Huddersfield town center very clearly gravitate around the student demographic.

The Huddersfield university prides itself in being one of the fastest growing in the country. Therefore, it is no surprise that a large amount of recent developments within the town are in some way connected to catering and attracting new students in.

New university facilities, large sports

HUDDERSFIELD- AN EDUCATIONAL C E N T E R

Newly built, recently refurbished and

halls and a variety of student accommodation determine the character of the town's new builts. Considering the new college buildings as well, it is clear that Huddersfield is large educational center in terms of new developments.

It is interesting to explore the relationship between these modern developments with their historical context dating back to the Victorian era - determining the new builts' locations - majorly outside the ring-road and the Huddersfield town center conservation area.

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1

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TOP : 04. HUDDERSFIELD LAW SCHOOL MIDDLE : 03. KIRKLEES COLLEGE BOTTOM : 13. REFURBISHED STUDENT HOUSING

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01. KIRKLEES LEISURE CENTER 02. STUDENT A 07-08-09. CARPARKS 10. OLDGATE ACCOMMODAT

3

6 7

5 11 10 14

13

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4

Key 9

Recently Built Major New Developments 8

Recently Demolished New Brownfield Sites Recently Refurbishes Existing Buildings

ACCOMMODATION 03. KIRKLEES COLLEGE 04. HUDDERSFIELD UNIVERSITY 05. POLYSEAM FACTORY 06. FORMER LEISURE CENTER TION 11. PALACE STUDIO ACCOMMODATION 12. THE PACKHORSE KITCHEN 13. BROOKES YARD ACCOMMODATION 14. STANDARD HOUSE ACCOMMODATION 15. UNDERGROUND

Preliminary Study

The university and college centrism has both its positive and negative effects on the town center's property market and commuting patterns.

On one side it gives the local economy a significant boost during the academic year but on the other - it affects the property market in the town center. Over saturated with student living, it doesn't offer much variety for accommodation for young families and professional; it also creates a pre-condition for even higher property prices in the proximity near the campus.

The extreme location division between student and non-student housing prevents the two main demographics of the area to mix and splits the community into two polarities.

The diagrams on the right hand side show commuting data of the Huddersfield area proving that the university is in the top three locations commuters travel to (marked with blue) all thee way from bigger cities nearby. This makes clear that the university is one of the largest single-institution job providers in Huddersfield.

THE UNIVERSITY IS ONE OF THE LARGEST SINGLE INSTITUTION EMPLOYERS IN THE HUDD AREA

2017

JUST 1 OF TOWN CENTER HOUSING PROPERTIES FEATURES A GARDEN

70% OF ALL RENTALS WITHIN THE TOWN CENTER ARE FOR

1 EMPTY PLOT AVAILABLE TO RENT IN THE TOWN CENTER IS CURRENTLY PARKING

ÂŁ 156,829 CURRENT AVERAGE PRICE PAID IN HUDDERSFIELD

+0.81% VALUECHANGEIN THEPAST3MONTHS HUDDERSFIELD Images Left: A heat map of the Huddersfield town center demonstrates the higher prices of properties near the university campus, the heart of town and the Greenhead park.

Above: A pie chart represents the amount of available properties to rent or/and buy within the ring road based on data from December 2016 Right: The diagrams demonstrate the commute to and from different locations in Huddersfield proving that the majority of the population commutes to work outside Huddersfield (shown in red). Blue colour marks locations where commuters travel to with the University in the top three destinations.

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Commute to Fartown

Commute to Huddersfield University Commute to Hudd Town Center

Commute from Holmfirth

Commute from Shelley

Commute from Brighouse

Commute from Leeds Road

Commute from Lockwood

Commute from Golcar

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HUDDERSFIELD CENTER READ IN DISTRICTS CONNECTIONS WITH THE UNIVERSITY We have identified 7 distinct districts

and experiences extreme fluctuations in

Retail

defined by typologies, character and

occupancy over the course of 24 hours.

This is the largest town centre district

urban grain. Only 3 however of major

which typically has the highest pedestrian

interest to this study.

occupancy during the day, remaining fairly high in the evening due to a large number University

of restaurants and bars. Whilst the majority

There are two industrial districts around

The university campus has developed

of the district resides in the town centre

the town centre, one to the south and

through the reuse of existing buildings

conservation area, slithers of land in the

one to the northern east. Both of these

and a series of tailored developments.

centre of the area are unprotected resulting

districts feature large urban blocks with

Whilst the eclectic range of buildings

in a more diverse range of materials and

plenty of open space for access and

typologies would otherwise create a rift

styles compared to the north of the town.

circulation. The two districts adopt a

in the collective nature of the district, the

The two main routes through the district,

similar character blending old Victorian

identity of the area is reinforced by the

Kings Street and New Street have evolved

mills with contemporary factory buildings.

contrast of character to the town centre

from distinct nodes which have changed

Both areas are lacking in public spaces

and the constant student occupation.

over time.

In 2009, the Kirklees Council have

OPTION 2 HORSESHOE

commissioned URBED to generate a

The second option is to turn the ringroad

proposal for the redevelopment of the

into a horse-shoe shaped bypass which

Huddersfield town center.

would connect the town center and the

urbandevelopm't proposal: URBED new 3 options

Industrial

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University campus, and encourage busiOPTION 1 TOURNIQUET

nesses based around the canal, based on

They suggest three options to tackle the

the URBED online report. (URBED, 2015)

underused areas surrounding the ringroad. According to the URBED website,

The designers suggest partial implementa-

the bypass could either be turned into

tion of Option 1 as well in order to make the

a boulevard by the addition of multiple

bypass more attractive and easily crossable

points of controlled pedestrian move-

by pedestrians. (URBED, 2015)

ment, cycling lanes and vegetation.

This would improve the dialog between

OPTION 3 GRID

the town core and beyond by boosting

URBED’s third options for the Huddersfield

circulation and the town’s overall appear-

town center is to bring back the Victorian

ance the architectural team suggests.

grid. (URBED, 2015)

(URBED, 2015)

CURRENTLY THE CAMPUS IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TOWN'S ACTIVITY - FORMING ITS OWN DISTRICT SLIGHTLY OVERLAPPING WITH THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE TO THE SOUTH. THIS CONNECTION PRE-DETERMINES THE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDINGS IN THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED SITE ALL OF URBED'S PROPOSALS LOOK INTO UNFOLDING THE TOWNCENTER TO THE SOUTH EAST TO 'LOOK' TOWARDS THE WATERFRONT RE-IMAGINING THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT OF THE SETTLEMENT. SUCH DEVELOPMENT WOULD CONNECT THE CAMPUS AND THE TOWN & CREATING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Listed Building

Vegitation and Wildlife

Districts

Key

Key

Private Grassland Habitat

Industrial District

Water and wet lands Habitat

Public Transportation District

Woodland Habitat

University District

Trees Habitat

Northern Quarter District

Urban Habitat

Retail District

IST P OSTAL D RI

1

Public Grassland Habitat

HD CT Greenhead Residential District

Civic District Postcode Boundary Line Wildlife

TAL POS

D5 DIST ICT H R

Preliminary Study

Building Typologies - Huddersfield's Independent Businesses.

It is important to mention that the majority of the vacant properties lies on the smaller scale. All large size units are taken up by major companies such as Subway, Rayman, McDonalds, Nandos, Costa Coffee and so on. Nearly half the unit area within the ringroad is owned or rented by major companies. Further investigation shows that if broken down, the area of those is spread between 5 focal points: Kingsgate, Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Wilko. This results in preventing smaller businesses of renting larger units, raising the average rent prices and driving independents out of town and in bigger settlements such as Leeds and Bradford. Andy Jackson states rent prices are comparable between Huddersfield town and cities around, but cities guarantee larger turnover for possible tenants making the choice of most business owners obvious (Jackson, 2016). The diagrams to the right clearly show the constraints in size in the vacant units, regardless of their central location.

10% of the town center footprint is unoccupied. This figure has been further influenced by the closure of BHS.

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THE MAJOR SELLING POINT FOR TOURISM IS THE LARGE AMOUNT OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

2017

The large amount of independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, housed in numerous arcades and markets frame the retail character of the Huddersfield town center.

On one hand the demand for those is majorly determined by the amount of students who tend to visit such spots and create a need for this niche of the market. On the other - this gives Huddersfield a unique quality that could attract shopping tourism. However, these independent/craft businesses appear to require larger spaces to rent than what is available. This is clear from the amount of empty small units.

GIVING A RETAIL ASPECT TO THE NEW ART, DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL WOULD NOT ONLY GIVE THE STUDENTS A PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE AND SELL THEIR DESIGN WORK BUT IT WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNIQUE QUALITY OF HUDDERSFIELD AND ITS INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES ATTRACTING MORE PEOPLE AND CREATING A LARGER REVENUE WHICH WOULD BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.

Vacant Properties Independent Businesses Unoccupied Units Within the Ringroad Locally Run Cafes, Restaurants, Shops and Bars

Chains Supermarkets, National and Global Brands and Department Stores

Preliminary Study

The culture, arts and creativity of Huddersfield.

Various events take place in Huddersfield during the year. The majority of them, with only a few exceptions, take place within the town center. There are annual/seasonal events organised with the help of the local authorities, such as Food Festivals, Christmas villages and cultural celebrations which encourage diversity and invest in the micro economy promoting local businesses and generating quick turnover. Another institution that is involved in the majority of larger scale events is the university which policy is based on being a multi-cultural center - various events take place to celebrate this but are often closed to the wider public. The main stem of creative activities, however, are on the smaller scale, ran by communities with common interests or local business owners. These can happen as often as once a week and attracts regular customers. Gigs, sketch crawls, ale trails, craft fairs and amateur exhibitions attract more revenue in the long term due to their repetition.

These are a possible opportunity to encourage tourism based on the events’ uniqueness.

THE UNIVERSITY REGULARLY RUNS EVENTS WHICH CELEBRATE ITS MULTI-CULTURAL STUDENTS' DIVERSITY

2017

MAKING THE NEW BUILDING MORE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WILL CREATE NEW KIND OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE STUDENTS AND THE LOCALS. THERE ALREADY IS AN OBVIOUS INTEREST IN ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE EVENTS. AT THE SAME TIME THE UNIVERSITY IS ONE OF THE LARGEST INSTITUTIONS IN TOWN TO RUN SUCH EVENTS. THEREFORE CREATING A SPACE THAT CAN GIVE THIS OPPORTUNITY WOULD BENEFIT BOTH PARTIES.

Key Authority Subsidised Event Festivals, Food or Craft Market Performance Theatre, Dance, Comedy Small Scale Event Gigs, Buskers, Pop up Shops Creative Arts Exhibitions, Pop up Shops, Sketch Crawl Music Event Gigs, Karaoke, Acoustic Night Food Food and Drinks Festival, German Market

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Preliminary Study

2017

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CHAPTER 2 SITE ANALYSIS

CLIMATE AND VEGETATION TOPOGRAPHY AND THE CANAL ACCESSIBILITY AND DESIRED PATHS AXIS AND NODES VIEWS IN AND VIEWS OUT BUILDING TEXTURES

Preliminary Study

analysis

site location & immediate context

2017

the site is location on Queensgate and its key characteristic is that it bridges the campus and a main road shooting off the south end of the ring road...

0.13km total uni campus 2

0.01 km total site area

2

7.69% 3.00m level difference on site of total campus area

2.02m

level difference with Queen Str Studios

4.82m level difference

1 2

22

9. Faith Center 10. Estates Building 11. Milton Building 12. Ramsden Building 13. Science Building 14. Queen Street Studio 15. Canal Side West 16. Canal Side East

3

13 5

8 12

6

11 10

with University Rd Key 1. St Pauls Hall 2. Harold Wilson Building 3. Technology Building 4. Central Services Building 5. Business School 6. Lockside Building 7. Buckley Theatre 8. West Building

4

7

9 16

15 14

Preliminary Study

site evaluation & climate data

analysis

2017

daylight, and particularly north light, is of great importance to the majority of activities most art and design students undertake, such as: drawing, model-making & sewing...

N

MORNING

MIDDAY

AFTERNOON

1:5000

09am

revealed-britains-wettest-cities---7953017 Wind speed - Huddersfield - Climate Robot United Kingdom. (2017). Weatheronline.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2017, from http://www.weatheronline.co.uk

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400m

500m

the site. This, as well as its size and general flat na-

12am

ture, make it unsheltered from rain and the strong winds coming from the West and South/West. At the same time there are no obstructions to the direct sunlight so it receives rays throughout the day from the South - this is also the most open elevation of the site. From every other side, mills and university

04pm

buildings rise.

It is situated relatively far from the university core but is close to the Huddersfield ring-road and it links a large off-shoot from the ring-road and University street which leads into campus from

Sirmanova, Ruzha et al. Huddersfield: Urban Study. 1st ed.

eningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/

300m

No large trees or buildings are in close proximity to

Sources:

2 January 2017, from http://www.manchesterev-

200m

campus and town center.

Bottom three images: Shade study of the proposed site on Queensgate South at 09am, 12am and 04pm. These are the busiest times on campus: before and after lectures and peaking at lunch time. Considering the site to work as a second entrance to the campus for those coming from the student residential quarter, it will receive a large amount of footfall during those hours similarly to the University Plaza, situated on the opposite end of the campus. The two can turn into the two poles of the micro-cosmos.

Manchester barely makes the top 10. men. Retrieved

100m

strategic location in connection to the University

Top image: Shade study of Huddersfield town center in winter shows the sun directio in the morning, noon and afternoon during the most part of the academic year (September-May) It shows that whatever is built on site would cast a large shadow to the North throughout the most of the year. Therefore a new school design would require this to be taken into consideration.

Ottewell, D. (2017). Revealed: Britain’s wettest cities - and

0

by its openness and large size as well as its

Images

Huddersfield: N.p., 2017. Print.

100m

The character of the site is mostly conditioned

16.4kph west+sw average wind speed direction of 50% of winds jan

sept

highest wind speed

lowest wind speed

04áľ—Ę° rainiest town in UK

102.8 cms rain/year

Aspley. This location is particularly important as it could pave the way to creating a second main entrance to the campus. Furthermore, this would be an entrance that connects the student residential quarter.

This would prove useful as the existing parade entrance links the campus and the retail quarter of the town center but is located on the opposite site in connection to where most of the students

currently the site is not sheltered from the elements - it receives sun throughout the day but is also open to strong winds c

Huddersfield has relatively mild winter and

40

SEPT TO NOV

cool summer.

20

It receives a large amount of rain in compari-

0

son with the rest of the country and due to its -20 JAN

MAR

MAY

JUL

SEP

NOV

near proximity to the Pennines - it is characteristic with its strong winds from the West and

DryBulb Temp - Min DryBulb Temp - Max DryBulb Temp - Average

South/West, which are at their strongest in the MARCH TO MAY

September to November and the Decem-

Monthly Temperature

Images

ber-February quarters - which are a large part

Top: Annual temperature data for Huddersfield Middle: Annual rainfall data for Huddersfield Side and Bottom: Quarterly wind study for Huddersfield

of the academic year and this when the most people will visit the site in focus.

RAINFALL 80mm

60mm JUNE TO AUG

20 c

40mm

10 c

20mm

TEMP JAN

DEC TO FEB

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Preliminary Study

the site axis are of major importance to the proposed design the existing roads - Chapel Str, University Rd and Commercial Str provide views of the site from a great distance A

B

C

D

C

University Road

B

Analysis

topogra phy and axis lines

2017

rcia lS tre

et

The three axis lines meet in the middle drives the design proposal.

Co m

me

of the site forming a focal point which A

A

and add a dramatic element and a sense

C

allow views of the site of a great distance

B

main road coming into the campus. The

Queensgate South

The three axis lines are led by the three

D

of arrival to it.

The names of the axis lines (A-B-C) note their hierarchy to the design proposal.

The main axis considered is the one

Route A comes from the parade entrance

running along University Rd, connect-

and the heart of campus; B - from the

ing the site with University Reception

public way and the ring road; C - from the students' residential quarter.

26

the close proximity of the Huddersfield Canal and the Colne River mark the South/East edge of the campus as low-risk floor zone. The site is not included due to its height but is on the boundary N Canal/River Broad Canal MORNING

MIDDAY

AFTERNOON

Low Risk of Flood River Colne High Risk of Flood

Buildings

1:5000 100m

Section AA

Section BB

Section CC

Section DD

0

100m

200m

300m

400m

500m

Preliminary Study

analysis

access, views and materiality

2017

the circulation patterns of the campus show a very clear need to use this opportunity to connect Queensgate South and Commercial street The two diagrams show an obvious grid and pattern of movement through, around and into the campus. The proposed site is the only blank that offers no permeability. Therefore the design strictly looks on how to take on this opportunity and improve the existing connectivity.

Pedestrian and vehicular access is visible on each side of the campus. However, there is lack of connections in the south/west. This makes connecting certain buildings away from the heart of the university difficult - and buildings which seem close in plan take longer to connect. Even though it is on the very edge of the existing campus, the site's size allows new access between the buildings which are further away such as Queen Street Studios.

Furthermore, it will provide a new vehicular access into the university which doesn't necessarily require joining the ring-road.

Castle Hill is one of the most beloved landmark of the local community.

Another force of the design is the views out of the site. St Pauls Spire, the Student Services

The site's level and location offer a view of both the hill and the Victoria tower, as well as the road leading up from Newsome.

High Rise, the Kirklees College, the Town Hall and the Ramsden Building along with Canal

On a clear day the tower is easy to spot and on a grey winter one - it is hidden in fog, with only its silhouette visible - giving an eerie dramatic sense.

Side's listed chimney are among the various peaks in the skyline - visible from the site. They

This is a view of major cultural importance to Huddersfield and is considered in the design proposal in its communal aspect.

mould the desired views and axis out of it.

04pm

28

the materiality is largely predetermined by the industrial character of the site - Victorian vernacular architecture meets its modern counter-part

Both as part of the surroundings and re-used on campus mill-buildings are

example of the University's approach towards the local architecture and its

scattered around the site. Local drystone, grey slate, cobbled roads and natural

modern take on it. The language of the campus is expressed in cool-grey

stone retaining walls mark the materiality of the site. In the top right corner, an

minimalist concrete features, red brick tiles and occasional green spaces.

Preliminary Study

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CHAPTER 3 PROGRAMME

THE USERS AND THEIR COURSES THE EXISTING FACILITIES LIST OF ACTIVITIES LIST OF ACCOMMODATION

Preliminary Study

the technology block spacialt eanalysis: xtiles

2017

32

The department of Fashion and Textiles

various machines which could cause harm

is currently split between the CAB and

if used incorrectly. Weaving and sewing

Technology Buildings. The courses

machine studios are featured in large

within the topic of textiles are as it

quantities as well as textile printing

follows:

workshops. The facilities include a spray-paint booth, water spraying booth

Costume with Textiles (BA)

to clean the used patterns, irons and

Fashion and Textile Buying Management (BA)

boards, as well as washing machines.

Textile Practice & Surface Design (BA/BSc) Textile Practice & Textile Crafts & Arts (BA/BSc)

The spaces include a separate storage

Textile Practice & Textile Design (BA/BSc)

room (90sqm) and include units in each

Creative Pattern Cutting (MA)

workshop, with a lot of the materials,

Fashion Textile Practices (MA)

stored underneath the large working tables.

Smaller embroidery and laser-cutting studi-

The connections between fashion-tex-

os are also part of the Tech building, along

tile-costume design become apparent

with 3 CAD rooms.

from the course names and the contents of the workshops. A visit to both buildings

The majority of the workshops and

has made it clear that the spaces tend to

PC labs include a small office for staff

be cluttered and at the same time full of

support.

" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN. WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE." - Alice, Graduate Textile & Surface Design

Preliminary Study

& fine art

the technology analysis: block pspacial h o t o g ra p h y

2017

34

The department of Art and Communi-

and all work and materials are hung

cation is currently housed in the CAB

around it.

and Technology Buildings. The art courses within are:

Three CAD rooms are also part of the art work space. Their studios are situated

Photography (BA)

near the printing services. They have got

Contemporary Art and Illustration (BA)

no natural light provided and are in black

Illustration (BA)

where photography is housed and white in the fine art area.

" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN.

Very few studios belong to the art related courses. There are two major photogra-

Both studios were busy and cluttered

phy studios, one of which is open plan

making it clear that these courses need

and includes 6 pods separated with

a larger area to occupy and more storage

black-curtains.

space to accommodate their needs.

The fine art studios are among the most personalised working space in

WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE."

the two buildings. A large open plan area is partitioned into small pods each including a seat and a drawing board

- Matt , Final Year Student Graphic Design

Preliminary Study

the technology block spacialc oanalysis: stume

2017

36

The department of Fashion and Textiles

Many of the drawings hung on the walls are,

is currently split between the CAB and

however, drawn by hand implying the stu-

Technology Buildings. There is current-

dents in the course need flexible working

ly only one course within the topic of

space where they can use a computer or

costume design.

sketch and draw by hand.

The costume design working space very

The position of the studio in the Tech

obviously conveys the connection with

building was in between the textile print-

both fashion and textiles. This is based

ing workshops and the fine art drawing

on the machines and amenities used,

rooms - a somewhat natural transition

as well as the spaces needed.

- giving the students an opportunity to flow into each of the two spaces accord-

Ironing boards, sewing machines and

ing to the need to either create textiles

mannequins fill the costume design

for clothing or accessories/masks and

studio. Cutting patterns and drawn masks

other objects.

hang on the walls.

The many sewing machines in the studio The course uses the CAD rooms provided

make it clear that this is a loud space where

to work on designs and create textures

ear-plugs are usually provided.

and patterns.

" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN. WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE." - Matt , Final Year Student Graphic Design

Preliminary Study

the creative analysis: a r t s spacialfas h io n

2017

38

The fashion related courses are majorly

boards. The same tables seem largely un-

situated in the Creative Arts Build-

derused, with materials and kit left on them

ing. However, their close connection

and turned into storage surfaces. Everyone

with textiles which are located in the

is stood around equestriennes working on

building opposite make it illogical for

their designs. There is majorly artificial light

the two to be separated. The fashion

coming in the room regardless of the large

courses provided are:

windows wrapping round the majority of vertical surfaces.

Fashion & Textile Buying Management (BA) Fashion Communication & Promotion (BA)

There is a 'panic point' to deal with

Fashion Design, Marketing & Production (BA)

burns and any other damage done by

Fashion Design & Textiles (BA)

machines. Three small offices of support

International Fashion Management (MA)

staff are located near the exits.

The fashion sewing and clothes' pro-

In the large narrow open plan hall, par-

duction space is cluttered and full of

titions divide the sewing machines from

machines, hot presses, ironing boards and

the rest of the spaces. It is debatable if

mannequins. It is extremely hot and it is

this reduces the noise levels when some-

difficult to walk through it without fearing

one uses them.

one will push things off the tables and

" I LIKE THAT SOME SPACES SEEM TO HAVE BEEN BUILT FOR PURPOSE LIKE THE MUSIC RELATED ROOMS - BUT NOT OURS. THEY ARE JUST A BIT DULL AND DON'T ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY. ALSO, IT IS ALWAYS REALLY HOT OR REALLY COLD" - Rachael, Graduate Fashion Design & Communications

Preliminary Study

the creative analysis: a r t s spacial d igital arts

2017

40

The digital arts are part of the Art

vided on one side of the rooms and storage,

and Communication Department.

sink and cutting/photography facilities on

These courses are majorly based in

the other. Tutors' offices are situated inside

the Creative Arts Building but still use

the studio spaces to encourage interaction

workshops and printing services in the

with the students.

Technology Building. The digital arts courses are:

It appears that all 4 courses are housed in this space, where they share thoughts, ide-

Animation (BA)

as and facilities, as well as various lectures

Graphic Design and Animation (BA)

and tutorials on the subjects they have in

Graphic Design (BA & MA)

common.

Digital Media (MA) Printing, binding and cutting is a major The spaces used in the CAB are rather

part of these courses' work and very

fluid and overlooking the ring-road. There

little facilities are provided for them in

is plenty of storage and various partitions

this space. They have free access to the

and moving walls to divide the open plan

printing studio in the building opposite.

space into three still large rooms which

However, its availability and opening

can be separated further. TV screens,

times are restricted to business hours.

projector screens and computers are pro-

" I LIKE THE FLUIDITY OF THE OPEN PLAN SPACE AS WELL AS THE OPENNESS AND THE VIEWS TO THE TOWN. WHAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM IS HOW COLD IT IS IN THE DOUBLE HEIGHT AREAS. ALSO, WE DON'T HAVE A KITCHENETTE." - Matey , Final Year Student Graphic Design

" I THINK THE CONNECTING ROOMS THAT CAN BE PARTITIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR A CREATIVE SPACE BECAUSE IT ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION ...AND ALSO MEANS THAT WHEN SEPARATE SPACES ARE REQUIRED IT CAN BE EASILY ACCOMPLISHED" - Becky, Final Year Student Graphic Design

Preliminary Study

the creative analysis: a r t s spacial Queen Street S

2017

42

Queen Street Studios houses the

The major drawback of the building is that

department of Architecture and 3D De-

it is located almost outside the campus,

sign. It includes the majority of studios

isolating the students inside it from the

for all courses which are part of the

university life and activities.

dept. However, taught lectures are still being held in several other buildings .

A walk through the floors shows a need for

The courses it entails are the following:

a large workshops space, along with a spray booth, a laser-cutting and a 3D printing

Architecture/ Arch International (BA&MA)

facility along with a support staff office

Architectural Technology (BSc)

attached to them.

Construction Project Management (BSc&MSc) Interior Design (BA)

It appears that there is insufficient

Product Design (BA/BSc)

or 2-direction light in the studios

Building Surveying (BSc)

which could be a major problem when

Quantity Surveying (BSc)

sketching, painting or technical drawing.

Advanced Architectural Design (MA)

Also, the horizontal circulation and the

Design Integration & BIM (MSc)

open plan layout clash where privacy is

Professional Practice Management (PgCert)

sought during crits and tutorials cutting

Sustainable Architecture (MSc)

off access to facilities and offices on the

Urban Design (MA)

other side of certain studios.

" I WOULD HAVE LIKED MORE STORAGE SPACE FOR ART SUPPLIES AND MODELS AND A DESIGN-BASED LIBRARY FACILITY. MAYBE SOME PRIVATE ROOMS TO TALK TO THE TUTORS AND BIGGER INDIVIDUAL DESKS IN THE DESIGN STUDIOS. " - Kristina, Final Year Student Interior Design

" I REALLY LIKE THE SHARED WORK SPACES AND THE AVAILABLE PRINTING FACILITIES. BUT THE STUDIOS ARE NOT BIG ENOUGH AND TEND TO HAVE SUCH LAYOUT THAT CAUSES INCONVENIENCE IN THE CIRCULATION. ALSO, WE NEED MORE NATURAL LIGHT." - Aleks, M.Arch 2 Student Architecture MA

Preliminary Study

2017

TYPICAL USERS' PROFILES The following information is based on interviews, observations and experience.

All names and details have been changed

STATS NAME: Iain, 28 OCCUPATION: Part-time architectural assistant COURSE: Architecture Part III HABIT: Iain works two days a week. The rest of the time he spends mainly in the studio. He likes to have his personalised desk where he can leave his books and notes and use his laptop. He tends to bring his lunch but sometimes eats in the studio cafeteria. He tends to build his physical models in the studio so he needs storage and occasionally extra space.

STATS NAME: Alanah, 21 OCCUPATION: Part-time barmaid COURSE: Textile and Surface Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Alanah often works in the studio in order to use the facilities in the workshops. She brings her own lunch but she buys coffee daily from the cafeteria. She like working alone but surrounded by people and wishes for her own semi-open 'cubicle' to pin up her work and keep her supplies. She also likes when she can have 24 hour studio access.

STATS NAME: Richard, 57 OCCUPATION: Full time tutor and lecturer COURSE: Graphic Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Richard spends most days in studio tutoring or marking work. He likes interacting with the students even when there are no scheduled classes so he doesn't mind if they stop or visit his office to ask questions. He goes out for lunch with other tutors and prefers teaching in an informal manner because he believes this is the best way for them to learn.

44

STATS NAME: Hannah, 35 OCCUPATION: Part-time tutor COURSE: Product Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Hannah commutes from Leeds every day and prefers to have lots of storage to keep things she might need if she is staying late in the office. She likes coming in early in the morning to have her breakfast in her office. She is working on her studies between tutoring and checking student essays so needs plenty of space. Hannah only works 2 days a week.

STATS NAME: Sonia, 19 OCCUPATION: Student COURSE: Fashion Design BA (Hons) HABIT: Sonia is new to Huddersfield. She likes staying in the studio for long periods of time where she makes new friends and learns from the other students. She wishes she had somewhere to rest and change the scenery sometimes. Also, she likes reading magazines in the studio but she can't take them outside the library which is in a different building.

STATS NAME: Philip, 26 OCCUPATION: Library Student Helper COURSE: Animation HABIT: Philip spends a lot of time on campus due to his parttime job. That is why he only spends time in the studio during scheduled classes or when he needs to use the facilities. The rest of the time he studies at home. He comes to the studio to print and scan his work and likes when he can find a PC that is close to these machines. This is the only time he requires one.

Preliminary Study

2017

3D DESIGN & DIGITAL MEDIA & GRAPHIC DESIGN

ARCHITECTURE & ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY INTERIOR DESIGN

ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION

COURSE CLUSTERS

CONTEMPORARY ART & FINE ART

COURSE CLUSTERS

SPACES PROVIDED

WOOD AND METAL WORK WORKSHOPS SPRAY ROOMS

FLEXIBLE SPACE TO STUDY IN GROUPS AND ALONE TO ACCOMMODATE DESKS WITH PC'S, MACS AS WELL AS EMPTY ONES

SPACE WITH WHITE NATURAL LIGHT COMING FROM ONLY ONE DIRECTION FOR A DRAWING BOARDS STUDIO

PAINTING AND SCULPTURE STUDIO LASER-CUT WORKSHOP 3D PRINTING

ACTIVITIES

conclusions

Activities: Activities: Using various machines to Work on computers and work on wood and metal laptops, sketch, draw, write, Associated with loud noise, read, take and copy notes, messy studios, could be dantype, make models gerous to an extend - close Chat, make calls, have coffee, proximity to medical room/ have tutorials and informal first aider's office crits

46

Activities: Teaching technical drawing to new students, studio to house light boxes and guillotines as well as drawing boards

Activities: Assisted and self-serviced use of those spaces

Based on the findings about the different spaces the courses require, as well as the needs of the students and staff interviewed, this diagram was developed to show the major overlaps in workshop and studio areas, as well as lecture halls and classrooms between them and the opportunity to reduce the overall area of the project and utilise all spaces more by shcedulling different courses in the same space on different days of the week. This strategy, requires a larger common area to be used when students visit the campus outside scheduled classes.

The research and the conversation with the users was helpful to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the existing buildings n terms of their work and spacial requirements; to understand the group psychology and the dynamics of each studio and workshop: where more light is needed; where storage is required and what sort of work areas suit them best to maximise their university experience.

Further conversation helped to find out what sort of spaces are needed more than in the past and how the university buildings would develop in the near future. A summarised list of these findings is to the left.

COSTUME DESIGN & FASHION DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY

TEXTILE DESIGN

PRODUCT DESIGN

COURSE CLUSTERS SPACES PROVIDED

SEWING MACHINES STUDIOS,

& TEXTILE PRINTING WORKSHOPS

DARK ROOM, PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

PRINTING STUDIO TO HOUSE A0-A4 PRINTING, BINDING AND CUTTING SELF AND ASSISTED SERVICES

ACTIVITIES Activities: The production of clothes and costumes, hiring models, Changing outfits, Fitting space to adjust Clothes sizes

TOILETS SHOWERS CHANGING ROOMS KITCHENS CAFETERIA STORAGE ROOMS SERVER ROOM LOCKERS BIKE STORE

Activities: Taking and Editing Photos in connection to various courses

REST AREAS

Activities: Weaving machines studios, textile painting and fabric printing machines

SERVICE CENTER/RECEPTION

CAFE FOOD HALL BOOKSHOP/ART SUPPLIES BOX-OFFICE - To SHOW ALL SHOWS/EXHIBITIONS/GUEST LECTURES ETC. (public)

Activities: Printing Large formats on various sizes paper, to offer binding service and a photo printer. Possibly a shop counter to sell higher-priced paper/ink/binding products

LIBRARY (TRB) THEATRE

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OFFICE FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE FOR A START UP COMPANY

EXHIBITION SPACE FORMAL CRIT SPACE CAMPUS CIRCULATION CONNECTION

Preliminary Study

accommodation analysis: list spacial present & future

2017

Images Top image: Shade study of Huddersfield town center in winter shows the sun direction in the morning, noon and afternoon during the most part of the academic year (September-May) It shows that whatever is built on site would cast a large shadow to the North throughout the most of the year. Therefore a new school design would require this to be taken into consideration.

Bottom three images: Shade study of the proposed site on Queensgate South at 09am, 12am and 04pm. These are the busiest times on campus: before and after lectures and peaking at lunch time. Considering the site to work as a second entrance to the campus for those coming from the student residential quarter, it will receive a large amount of footfall during those hours similarly to the University Plaza, situated on the opposite end of the campus. The two can turn into the two poles of the micro-cosmos.

Sources: Sirmanova, Ruzha et al. Huddersfield: Urban Study. 1st ed.

Huddersfield: N.p., 2017. Print.

Ottewell, D. (2017). Revealed: Britain’s wettest cities - and Manchester barely makes the top 10. men. Retrieved 2 January 2017, from http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ revealed-britains-wettest-cities---7953017 Wind speed - Huddersfield - Climate Robot United Kingdom. (2017). Weatheronline.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2017, from http://www.weatheronline.co.uk

48

Queen Street Studios houses the

Building Surveying (BSc)

department of Architecture and 3D De-

Quantity Surveying (BSc)

sign. It includes the majority of studios

Advanced Architectural Design (MA)

for all courses which are part of the

Design Integration & BIM (MSc)

dept. However, taught lectures are still

Professional Practice Management (PgCert)

being held in several other buildings .

Sustainable Architecture (MSc)

The courses it entails are the following:

Urban Design (MA) The major drawback of the building is that

Architecture/ Arch International (BA&MA)

it is located almost outside the campus,

Architectural Technology (BSc)

isolating the students inside it from the

Construction Project Management (BSc&MSc)

university life and activities.

Interior Design (BA) Product Design (BA/BSc)

A walk through the floors shows a need for

" STUDY IS ACTIVITY OF THE NIGHT " - Anonymous Queen Street Studios houses the

Product Design (BA/BSc)

department of Architecture and 3D De-

Building Surveying (BSc)

sign. It includes the majority of studios

Quantity Surveying (BSc)

for all courses which are part of the

Advanced Architectural Design (MA)

dept. However, taught lectures are still

Design Integration & BIM (MSc)

being held in several other buildings .

Professional Practice Management (PgCert)

The courses it entails are the following:

Sustainable Architecture (MSc) Urban Design (MA)

Architecture/ Arch International (BA&MA)

The major drawback of the building is that

Architectural Technology (BSc)

it is located almost outside the campus,

Construction Project Management (BSc&MSc)

isolating the students inside it from the

Interior Design (BA)

university life and activities.

" I WOULD HAVE LIKED MORE STORAGE SPACE FOR ART SUPPLIES AND MODELS AND A DESIGN-BASED LIBRARY FACILITY. MAYBE SOME PRIVATE ROOMS TO TALK TO THE TUTORS AND BIGGER INDIVIDUAL DESKS IN THE DESIGN STUDIOS. " - Anonymous

BASEMENT WORKSHOPS NOISE CIRCULATION RECREATION HALL

STUDIOS UPPER FLOORS

GROUND FLOOR PUBLIC & OFFICES

:

290m2 20 people 580m2 30 people 50m2 5 people 80m2 10 people 70m2 5 people

TEXTILE WORKSHOP: FABRIC PRINT/DYE TEXTILE WORKSHOP: WEAVING TEXTILE WORKSHOP: EMBROIDERY METAL/WOODWORK WORKSHOP LASER-CUTTER & 3D PRINT WORKSHOP

To include 3 spray booths which can be used by all Noise Factor (Health & Safety)

ART SUPPLIES STORAGE SUPPORT STAFF OFFICE x 3

For all using the workshops - to be divided by 3 Each to be a double office

PHOTO STUDIO (CAMERA HIRE DESK)

To include dark rooms x 2

PLANTROOM

One in each wing

RECEPTION DESK & BOX-OFFICE BOOK AND ART SUPPLY SHOP PRINTING SERVICES RECRUITMENT AGENCY ENTREPRENEUR OFFICE SPACE CAFE

To sell tickets for shows, exhibitions and performances

ADMIN STAFF OFFICES IT STAFF OFFICE & SERVER ROOM STAFF MEETING ROOM GROUP OFFICE x 8 DOUBLE OFFICE x 3 STAFF KITCHEN x 3

Open plan Connect server room with heating*

INTERVIEW ROOM x 3

For interviewing new students and staff

FORMAL LECTURE HALL CLASSROOM x 2

Public For scheduled teaching sessions in large groups

FLEXIBLE STUDY AREA INDIVIDUAL STUDY AREA GROUP STUDY PODS

Open plan studios 400m2 200 people Seating arrangement around the brim of the open plan studios 80 people Within the open plan studios (Can be hired) 50m2 60 people

SEWING FASHION STUDIO ART/DRAWING STUDIO MOTION CAPTION + PHIDIAS LAB

Noise and Heat Factors (Health and Safety) Messy

EATERY RESTING PODS SKY PARK

Food hall Airport rest pods To host events and gatherings

ATRIUM MARKET AVENUE MARKET AVENUE SHOPS

Main public space inside Main public space outside

Noise Factor (Health & Safety) Assisted and self-service

Assisted and self-service 2 staff - part time Small flexible space

4-5 people in each Offices to be scattered throughout the building** One on each floor

90m2 36m2 6 people 200m2 8 people 400m2

15m2 4 people 30m2 100m2 50m2 2 people 20m2 4 people 30m2 50m2 20 people 20m2 5 people

240m2 32-40 people 45m2 10 people total: 27m2 30m2 100m2 200 people total 40m2 80people

1890m2 250 people 50m2 20 people 190m2 35 people 900m2 200 people 300m2 80 people 900m2

300m2?

7,454m2 excluding circulation

Preliminary Study

2017

50

CHAPTER 4 PRECEDENT STUDIES

MARNE-LA-VALLEE, B. TSCHUMI POLAK BUILDING, P. DE RUITER ANALYSIS THROUGH SKETCHES

Preliminary Study

2017

STATS

Marne-la-Vallee Architecture School

CLIENT: Architecture School

Tschumi’s brief was to develop the Parisian school of architecture in a dual fashion: to accommodate the existing institution, as well to predict how the education system will develop and require in the future. His response to this notion is to design to foster unexpected social interactions, which are the base of architecture students learning, rather than in classes.

This has been executed by creating a cityscape within the building, encouraging communication between students and with the university staff.

The building comprises of a focal core; a inner courtyard within the guts of the building which houses the majority of both the vertical and horizontal circulations. A multi level criss-cross of open passages such as: staircases and bridges interconnect the different ‘organs’ of the building. This turns it into a ‘promenade‘ with various points of arrival and departure, and various route options and short-cuts, just like a city.

MA R N E - LA -VA LLE E A R CH I T E CT URE S CH OOL BER N A R D TS C H U MI AR CH I T E CTS

Bernard Tschumi Architects

Marne-la -Vallee LOCATION: Paris, France ARCHITECT: Bernard Tschumi DURATION:1994-1999 Only Phase I completed

This network connects the ten stacks that surround the core. These tower blocks house the programmed activities.

Tschumi calls them generators and has used the notion of them in other designs Images

- their purpose is to charge the density of

Top: B. Tschumi Concept Sketches, School of Arch, FIU Middle: Construction inProgress - Marne-la-Vallee Bottom: B. Tschumi - E/W Section and Floor Plans (NTS)

the core - to feed the circulation into the central space.

Sources Bernard Tschumi Architects. (2017).

Tschumi.com. Retrieved 25 January 2017, from http://www.tschumi. com/projects/15/ HDA | Hugh Dutton Associés, Bernard Tschumi Architects, Peter Mauss/ESTO · Ecole D’architecture. (2017).

Divisare. Retrieved 25 January 2017, from https://divisare.com/ projects/62897-hdahugh-dutton-associesbernard-tschumi-architects-peter-mauss-estoecole-d-architecture

52

up by two main elements - objects. In this case, these are a lecture hall and an exhibition space. Both partially hiding behind perforated metal sheeting but largely prominent, they are raised within the 6-storey high open space to allow access underneath. The objects enhance further the established cityscape-esque quality of the building. This receives added depth from the main source of natural light being directly above.

The building almost looks like a shed, or a lid over clusters of other buildings, streets, squares and open spaces. The city scape is obvious.

The visual permeability exaggerates this notion. The two centers are put in the same grid as the generator stacks, as it is visible on the plans, and then they are shifted to form a zig-zagging form. This way every element gains the maximum amount of views towards as many other elements as possible: people can see each other, meet, talk, observe, stop and go again, encouraging the bustling and busy nature of the space. This is further represented by the large glazed roof. The natural lighting coming directly from

Objects, Generators and Circulation are the three main elements of the design.

The open plan of this courtyard is broken

above contributes to the city atmosphere

strike an interest but without disclos-

as it resembles being outside.

ing too much. The attract with their mysticism - elevated above the ground

The monolith, yet elegant structure also

floor circulation yet close enough to feel

creates a feeling of being surrounded by

connected to the public space between

buildings in the street.

the entrances.

The sections make it obvious that being in

The change of flooring material below,

one of the generators must almost feel like

quickly changes the atmosphere to a

being in the top rows of an amphitheatre

more familiar and secure one, sheltered

and looking down to the activity below

under the center of attention, almost

you.

hidden away yet in the middle of the busiest space in the building - the grand

The objects, are wrapped inside fine mesh,

open space is broken up in chunks to gain

making the interior just visible enough to

a more human scale.

Images An object in the middle of the circulation atrium breaks up the large open plan courtyard, giving it a more human scale by dividing it into separate spaces.

The diagram above shows the relationship between the objects, generators and circulation all working together to bring to reality Tschumi's thesis of creating a grand hall of unplanned activities.

Sources Tschumi, B. & Kim, J. (2003).

Tschumi (1st ed., pp. 112117). London: Thames & Hudson.

Walker, E. & Tschumi, B. (2006). Tschumi on architecture (1st ed., p.

Chapter 09). New York, N.Y.: Monacelli Press.

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STATS Paul de Reuter Architects

CLIENT: Erasmus University

Polak Building, Erasmus University

LOCATION: Rotterdam, Holland

brief established by the Erasmus University of Rotterdam was to create flexible space that could be used in different ways in the future and for this to be done in a most sustainable way in keeping with the rest of the campus, which is among the greenest in the country.

The design response to the brief is best synthesized in the theme of ‘natural where possible - mechanical where necessary‘. They have incorporated an alternating programme in the Polak Building which is currently used as a library facility but is to home the science community in the future.

The loose open plan spaces not only allow this transition but also create an environment which encourages small scale education - which is Erasmus University’s learning strategy. Furthermore, the building focuses on the user’s needs by looking into the future of learning and the students’ needs. A supermarket, launderettes, book shop, Canon printing

POLA K BU I LD I N G , E RAS M US UNI V ERS I TY PAU L D E R E U T E R A R C HI T E CTS

ARCHITECT: Paul de Ruiter The two main concerns of the strategic

DURATION:2015 Part of the university library but to house the science community in the near future

Images Top: Interior Shot from the Polak Building Atrium Middle: Site Plan - Paul de Reuter Architects (NTS) Bottom: Interior Shot of the Polak Building Circulation

Sources Erasmus University Rotterdam / Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017). ArchDaily. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www. archdaily.com/782555/erasmus-university-rotterdam-paul-de-ruiter-architects Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017).

Paulderuiter.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.paulderuiter.nl/ en/projects/polak-building-slash-erasmus-university-rotterdam Paul de Ruiter Architects - Project - Polak building - Erasmus University Rotterdam.

(2017). Archello.com. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://uk.archello.com/en/ project/polak-building-erasmus-university-rotterdam Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Schoof, J. (2017). A Glass Cube with Gills Breathing: University Building in Rotterdam. Detail.de. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www.detail-online.com/ article/a-glass-cube-with-gills-breathinguniversity-building-in-rotterdam-27833/

54

services, safes and even an employment agency are housed on the lower levels of the building, creating a home-like convenience for the user.

Like Tschumi’s architecture school in Paris, the commodities included encourage a city-scape atmosphere of a building that can offer 24-hour support. Another similarity between the two projects is the large atrium which lets natural light from above and houses the circulation in and between levels. All activity generators are arranged around the inner courtyard feeding people in the building’s core. This forum offers an array of activities, seating areas and spaces which encourage conversation and interaction.

The ground floor is almost part of the public area outside, with its fluid spaces, retracted façades and general openness. It successfully fulfils the brief to invite everyone in and be used as a transit point.

The E rasmu s U n iversit y camp us i s vote d the most su stain ab l e i n H o l l and .

Top: Section - Paul de Reuters Architects (NTS) Bottom: Ground Floor Plan - Paul de Reuters Architects (NTS) Showing the diversity and fluidity of the public spaces, inviting everyone to come in and use them.

An external shot of the Polak Building showing its glazed skin and ventilation fins sitting on top of the recessed ground floor.

Preliminary Study

2017

PR E C E D E N T STUDIE S A N A LYS I S THROUGH SKE TCH E S Obj ects, Gen erato r s a nd C i rcu l ati o n a re th e th ree ma i n el emen ts o f th e desi g n .

Images Top Left: A 3D diagram clearly shows the relationship between the Objects and Generators in Tschumi's school of architecture. The visual connections between the elements is best represented there, showing all dimensions of their relationship.

The circulation is the logical paths between the objects and generators.

Middle Left The section through Tschumi's school of architecture shows the relation between the two objects which are facing each other. The users of both can see each other, overlook the circulation, observe the ground floor movement and take a glimpse of the activities in the generators.

56

Bottom Right A similar generator is the atrium in the Paul de Ruiter design, where the city-scape is achieved through creating various centers of activities which are visually connected.

Top Right The ground floor can be seen from all directions and can be approached from various entrances making the spaces blend with the outside and merge with the campus.

Bottom Left The way the conversation between objects and generators is achieved is visible on the plan diagram. Each element is placed in a zigzag grid so maximum visibility is achieved.

Preliminary Study

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58

CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES ORIENTATION MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY

Preliminary Study

Paul de Reuter Architects Polak Building Sustainability Strategy The transparent design of the glass box is a translation of the inviting message the Polak building aims to send to the campus visitors.

However, it takes full notion of issues such as overheating by shading each facade with vertical fins. These have a dual purpose as they accommodate the winds coming to the site from all directions and let fresh air in creating a completely natural ventilation system that is controlled manually from within.

‘In addition, Polak Building has incorporated a climate control system, and optimal insulation, natural ventilation and minimal technical installation. Unique is the façade, where fresh air flows in via hatches, that can be opened manually, in the louvres.

Differences in depth of the slats help protect the glass from direct sunlight while providing shade at the same time.

All together, these sustainability measures are to result in a GPR rating of 8.5. GPR is an officially recognized Dutch measuring

To m a k e u s e o f t h e s t r o n g w i n d s m a i n l y Prevailing from West and South West

2017

instrument used to calculate a building’s en-

yellows, reds and oranges have been used

vironmental friendliness.’ (ArchDaily, 2016)

in the range of furniture as they have a psychological effect on viewers.

The building’s position and that of the atrium respectively uses the sun path so that all spaces are lit by naturally and the use of artificial lighting is minimised.

Solar cells are situated on the flat glazed roof. They add to the quality of the atrium when naturally lit with the patterned shadows they cast over the ground floor.

All interiors have been designed by Paul Ruiter Architects following the sustainability requirement of the brief. All natural resins and recycled wood have been used throughout. Calming whites and happy

Images Top: Polak Building - Natural Ventilation Fins making use of strong winds on site, Paul de Ruiter (2017) Middle: Polak Building, ArchDaily (2017) Bottom: Polak Building Facade Fins, ArchDaily (2017)

Sources Erasmus University Rotterdam / Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017). ArchDaily. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www. archdaily.com/782555/erasmus-university-rotterdam-paul-de-ruiter-architects Paul de Ruiter Architects. (2017).

Paulderuiter.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.paulderuiter.nl/ en/projects/polak-building-slash-erasmus-university-rotterdam Paul de Ruiter Architects - Project - Polak building - Erasmus University Rotterdam.

(2017). Archello.com. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://uk.archello.com/en/ project/polak-building-erasmus-university-rotterdam Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Rotterdam, E. (2017). Polak Building: EUR. nl. Eur.nl. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from https://www.eur.nl/english/campus_facilities/construction_campus/realized/ polakbuilding/ Schoof, J. (2017). A Glass Cube with Gills Breathing: University Building in Rotterdam. Detail.de. Retrieved 26 January 2017, from http://www.detail-online.com/ article/a-glass-cube-with-gills-breathinguniversity-building-in-rotterdam-27833/

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ventil ate d fa ça d e s an d K R I ON c l ad d in g pan el s a re bot h f lex i b le a n d su stain ab l e KRION is a new generation solid surface

artificial light out during the night - which

material produced by the PORCELANOSA

gives it a glowing effect.

GROUP. It is flexible and fully recyclable as it consists of 2/3 natural minerals (ATH Aluminia Trihydrate) and a low percentage

Ventilated façades ensure a healthy indoor

of high resistance resins.

clime in all seasons through layering. They are easy to install and cost efficient in terms

Krion is cut to size so it has no constraint

of the building's temperature regulation in

over the design. It is usable both in exterior

the future.

cladding and in interiors to create solid surface feature pieces such as reception desks/show-

This type of system offers optimal moisture

cases and even kitchen worktops which allows regulation by minimising rainwater penetrathe building's language to be continued both

tion and condensation by draining through the

inside and out

gap in the two leaf system visible in the detail drawings below.

It is produced in a large variety of colours and is easily fixed when damaged by filling in any

In terms of practicality, the ventilated system

cracks and dints with extra material. It with-

doesn't require pre-drilling and is easy to fit

stands any weather conditions its colouring

panel by panel and thus reducing installation

doesn't fade as it is UV resistant.

costs.

It gives a monolith feel to a facade but is

Furthermore, the gap between the Krion

light and almost translucent as it is able

Panels and the thermal insulation offer service

to let natural light in during the day and

space for duct housing and pipes.

Images Top: Perforated Krion Facade Detail Second: Porcelanosa Krion Reception Third: Perforated KRION panels and ventilated facade - Institut d'Optique d'Aquitaine - France Bottom Left: Krion Ventilated Facade Horisontal Detail (NTS) Bottom Right: Krion Ventilated Facade Vertical Detail (NTS)

Sources "Building Solutions | PORCELANOSA".

Porcelanosa-usa.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Krion Panel. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

KRION Reception. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Perforated Facade. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. Porcealnosa,. "3M Offices". Technical Book: Ventilated Facade : 121. Print. 2017.

S.A./N.V., Pittsburgh. "Ventilated Façades :: External Wall & Façade Insulation Systems :: Applications :: Building :: English :: Uk :: FOAMGLAS® Pittsburgh Corning".

Uk.foamglas.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

"Ventilated Facade Systems Contribute To A Comfortable Interior Climate". Rockpanel. co.uk. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

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A green roof offers not only aesthetic and social but also various environmental benefits. It encourages biodiversity and improves air quality and in many ways prolongs the life of a building making it cost-effective in the long run.

A green roof would obviously offer an aesthetic improvement to the site. It would benefit by creating a recreational space for students and staff to gather, hire out for events, hold the annual awards and other gatherings such as the spring ball and post-graduation ceremony parties. It will create a space where all students can socialise in a non-work environment and change the dynamics of group behaviour.

Some of the many sustainable characteristics of a green roof are storm-water management; moderation of the urban heat island effect; it is energy efficient by reducing the amount of electricity needed to regulate the internal temperature of the building; it increases the life of the building's roof structure and particularly the roof membrane; and it reduces noise levels.

Lastly, a green roof creates more jobs for the local community.

a s k y g a r d e n c a n o f f e r a n a cce s s i b l e s p a ce for reflection as well as social gatherings

2017

a green roof can benefit both the mind & the environment

Sources Benefits and Advantages of Green Roofs for Building Owners, Community. (2017).

Greenrooftechnology.com. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www. greenrooftechnology.com/advantages-of-green-roofs Ecological Benefits of Green Roofs | ZinCo. (2017). Zinco-greenroof.com. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www. zinco-greenroof.com/EN/benefits/ecological_benefits.php Green Roof Centre - Benefits of Green Roofs. (2017). Thegreenroofcentre.co.uk.

Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http:// www.thegreenroofcentre.co.uk/green_ roofs/benifits_of_green_roofs Introduction to Green Roof Benefits. (2017).

Livingroofs Enterprises Ltd. Retrieved 13 February 2017, from https://livingroofs. org/introduction-green-roof-benefits/ Images Top: City Sky Garden City Sky Garden. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Middle: Artificial Grass in Green Roof Green Roof - Artificial Grass. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Bottom: Green Roof - Timber Deck Sky Deck. 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

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natura l s u n li gh t a n d p revail in g w in d s mo u l d the propos e d d e s i g n e n v iro n me n tal st rateg y The orientation of the proposed design is strongly influenced by the gain of natural sunlight and the direction of the prevailing winds - by aiming to create shelter and use them in its own natural ventilation QUEEN STREET STUDIOS

system.

This is key in order to create a the best conditions to work in, as well as to encourage the use of the public space to the maximum of its potential. It is particularly important to avoid creating a wind tunnel to the Queensgate side of the site as this is the most open part of the area and is currently quite vulnerable to the elements. The following diagrams show the development of these strategies.

QUEEN STREET STUDIOS

Images Top: Thick cantilevered roof to shade the glazed South facade to avoid over-heating in summer Middle Left: Vertical opening in the walls sheltering the sky garden to allow air circulation but to offer semi-isolation from the elements. The sky garden is to be used for various events in the warmer months as well as for recreational purposes. This would add to the green spaces on campus which are currently minimal.

Images Top: Thick cantilevered roof to shade the glazed South facade to avoid over-heating in summer Middle Left: Vertical opening in the walls sheltering the sky garden to allow air circulation but to offer semi-isolation from the elements. The sky garden is to be used for various events in the warmer months as well as for recreational purposes. This would add to the green spaces on campus which are currently minimal.

Middle Right: Initial response to the site and its climate. The sketch diagrams show a development in the massing of the different elements of the proposed design in terms of wind and natural light.

Bottom: A sketch diagram of the recreation hall and its roof garden and their connection to the environment.

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The nature of a solid surface material allows the production of various and irregular shapes and angular panels and organic forms, both hollow and solid.

This particular property of KRION has been explored in several of the buildings' cladding and even furniture elements.

CHECKERED The most vast use is of paneles used as ventilated cladding system. The patterns these follow are unique to each volume of the building and are representative of different variations of checkered motifs, produced by the textile students.

ORGANIC The feature elements of the building are wide, perforated solid shells to dress the steel structure, and a large perforated cladding system shading the glazing covering the facade facing Queen Street South. This organic pattern is based on a lace texture, which is also typical to various courses throughout the school.

JOINTS The panels allow a seamless and visible joints depending on their area/panel.

These gave been assigned according to the appeal each block is intended to convey (organic or rectilinear).

KRION is fully recyclable and consists of 2/3's natural minerals & a low percentage of resins

2017

KRION as both cladding and shading solid surface panels

Sources "Building Solutions | PORCELANOSA".

Porcelanosa-usa.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Checkered Pattern. 2017. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.

Perforated Column. 2017. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.

Porcealnosa,. "3M Offices". Technical Book: Ventilated Facade : 121. Print. 2017.

S.A./N.V., Pittsburgh. "Ventilated Façades :: External Wall & Façade Insulation Systems :: Applications :: Building :: English :: Uk :: FOAMGLAS® Pittsburgh Corning".

Uk.foamglas.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

"Ventilated Facade Systems Contribute To A Comfortable Interior Climate". Rockpanel. co.uk. N.p., 2017. Web. 13 Feb. 2017.

Images Top: Lace Pattern Middle: Perforated Solid Surface Column Shell Bottom: Checkered Fabric Pattern / Variation

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natura l s u n li gh t a n d p revail in g w in d s mo u l d the propos e d d e s i g n e n v iro n me n tal st rateg y The large difference in levels dictates the design to a certain extent. A major part of the workshops is located partially underground to avoid noise disruptions, and place heavy machinery as close as possible to vehicular access.

However, the changing levels have been taken as an advantage to allow ventilation and natural lighting underground. This has been achieved through light shafts, around the building, as well as pierces in the landscape to allow access and daylight. Another major design driver are the prevailing winds which have push/pulled the blocks at the front of the building, facing Queen Str South to create shelter.

Images Top: Basement lighting strategy Middle: Wind accommodation and shelter Bottom: Air flow and levels Right: Sugamo Shinkin Bank - Shimura Branch. 2017. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.

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CHAPTER 6 SKETCH DESIGN

STRATEGIES FOOTPRINT LEVELS & MASSING CONCEPTUAL VISUALS & COLLAGE

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outlin e sketch st rategies : design concept idea

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the proposal aims to create an environment which can respond to all needs of the students during their work and stimulate creativity

The design proposal looks into creating a city scape within the building - with a main street connecting Queensgate South and Commercial Road. It contains an eatery, a book shop, an employment agency, printing services and

Images - Left Page

even resting pods on top of the existing spaces.

Top image: A massing and access strategy -

Furthermore it adds a new feature - the Market

sketch outline diagram

Avenue - small shops to give the students an

Middle image: Organic reading pods in a

opportunity to sell their designs, experience the

nursery school in Japan - Youji no Shiro

contact with public; do market research; gener-

Bottom image: Rest pod in an airport

ate income or show off their architectural/interior design skills. This idea is considered in close

Images - Right Page

connection to the Huddersfield unique quality in Top image: Resting area, separated with

the number of independent businesses. Such de-

a curtain

velopment could add on to the existing feature

Middle left: Pivoting panels - small group

in order to attract shopping tourists.

work space Middle middle: Open plan study spaces around circulation

Another major feature of the city scape is the sec-

Middle bottom: Workspace horizontal

ond wing of the building. It is intended to improve

arrangement

productivity by offering a resting space to clear the

Sources: AnteBlog. (2017). AnteBlog. Retrieved 14 February 2017, from https://anteblog.wordpress.com/ Witherly, J. (2017). Airport Resting Chambers : Airport Sleep Boxes. TrendHunter.com. Retrieved 14 February 2017, from http://www.trendhunter. com/trends/airport-sleep-boxes

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04 entrances the the building

02entrances aimed at students

01entrance

01entrance

for delivery access

open to the public

04levels in total throughout

80,000 m /total floor area 2

mind and restart. It includes a 'food hall' a resting area similar to airport’s with rest pods and a sky garden where students can enjoy the sun during the warmer months and also use as event venue for gatherings such as the end of the year show and balls. Furthermore this is connected with the exhibition space for the end of year shows which is housed in the opposite wing. They are tied together with an elevated warm connection.

the workshops and studios are separated between two floors - however, within their category they aim to be as fluid as they can The design is particularly influenced by the notion that

all need natural sunlight and are connected with

there is a major overlap in the spaces most courses

loud noise they are housed in the basement and

need .

connected to the resting wing through an underground below the Market Avenue.

Therefore a large open plan space for studios is provided taken almost a full floor on its own. It includes flexible study The design plans to introduce an element of spaces, as well as group study pods which can be hired

transparency to the Market Ave floor in order to

throughout the year and individual seating areas for those

visually connect the shoppers and the makers of

who need more peace. This strategy aims to encourage

all products. Seeing the making process would

learning through unplanned activity.

raise awareness of the skill and effort that go into

The workshops required by all courses make up a large

these designs and inspire new students to sign up

amount of the total area. Since they tend to overheat, don't

to the courses.

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relationship between the site, the axis and the required building area

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outlin e sketch st rategies : design topography

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the axis and the access play a large role in the location and positioning of the building. They are both essential to achieve the goals of the brief in terms of creating a social hub

canal side chimney

The two massing models represent a sketch outline of the building in its closer and wider context. They have been used to determine the difference in levels throughout the site and in relation to its surroundings.

The two massing models make obvious the great difference in levels at the back end of the site facing the Canal Side Buildings. It has been established that in order to take the road up to Queen Street Studios, it needs to be split in two: one turning towards Aspley as existing, and one going uphill towards QSS. This access would encourage the movement through this side of the campus and increase the physical and visual permeability in it.

The models also show a notion of how the landscape could be dealt with. Two large chunks of land surround the new building. One is facing Queen Street South - this is less protected from the elements and receives less sun. It is also further away from the campus. The other one is almost in the center of campus and near the Huddersfield Broad Canal. The enclosed character of the space, and the close proximity to existing habitats makes it natural for this space to be soft landscape to encourage interaction .

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the generally flat site meets the canal and the road with a steep 4m slope - this is the best connection between the proposal and the campus hard landscaping and exhibiton space open to wind and rain vast and sunny

soft landscaping southern light sheltered green space socialising

the new green spaces blend in with the wildlife around the Huddersfield canal

landscaped barrier or banking to protect from the elements

queen street studios proposed road

existing road

retaining wall

existing greenery & soft landscape preserved

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EXCERCISE 1

THE FUTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF VIRTUAL REALITY

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the future of phenomenological architecture in the context of virtual reality technology and its effects on the global world, defined by the two-dimensional image

Ruzha Sirmanova

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PHENOMENOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF VIRTUAL REALITY

This essay seeks to answer how phenomenological architecture and its multiple perceptual layers can be re-introduced in the post-modern age, defined by the rise of the network society and the electronic image. It will look into the theoretical work of Steven Holl, Juhani Pallasmaa and Alberto Gomes regarding phenomenology; it will explore the theory’s connection to experiencing architecture through the full paradigm of human senses, and focus on the questions raised by architects Helena Casanova and Jesus Hernandez regarding the issues high-speed communication technology poses on phenomenological architecture.

In order to provide an answer, this work discusses the theory of phenomenology and puts it in the context of virtual reality technology (VR); it looks into the possibilities VR offers in terms of sensory design conception and perception, as well as the technology’s shortcomings at this point of is development. This essay is majorly informed by the written work of Holl and Pallasmaa, and more specifically by: Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture and The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses, as well as various articles and talks on VR, such as: VR is Totally Changing how Architects Dream up Buildings published by WIRED and Helena Casanova and Jesus Hernandez’ manifesto: Scale & Perception.

Lastly, this work will not look into VR as a presentation and client-communication tool or into augmented reality technology (AR).

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“Each day, its appearance varied with the dramatically changing shaft of light that passed through the open occulus. On rainy mornings, the cylinder of down pouring light contained flashes of raindrops reflected as they slowly fell on the floor and drained into the ingenious marble pavement grooves, which led into the ancient drainage system...A hazy day rendered the light from the great round orifice more visible, like a solid cylinder of morning sunlight.�

- Steven Holl

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“The building has been framed in direct relation with the dynamic process of daily life. Lights and shadows, changing during the day and during the year, underline the always-different elements of the silent, but potent building. It almost protrudes out of the scene, imposing its strict lines, its regular rhythm and the functionalism of its geometries. The surroundings play the most important role of the entire photo project: they create the atmosphere, establishing an intimate connection between the architecture and its context.�

- Francesca Lantieri

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CHAPTER 1 THE THEORY OF PHENOMENOLOGY Phenomenology is a philosophical theory about people’s sensory perceptions and the silent information they provide. Steven Holl and Juhani Pallasmaa put this in the context of architecture, claiming it is the only branch of art and design which can fully awaken all senses simultaneously. They note that phenomenology cannot be constrained to a philosophical school or a definition because it is both transient and subjective.

Perception relies on the five senses defined by Aristotle: vision, touch, smell, sound and taste. However, a fully articulated perception is gained by senses of the subconscioius, such as balance, scale and kinaesthetic (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014). These are the ones that gain architecture the further depth of complexity against other forms of arts and design. A photograph or a painting is a static, flat image of a scene the author has chosen to show, imposing on the viewer their own experience at a specific moment, while being in a building allows the eye to roam - to connect the frames of perspectives while approaching, and tie them in a cinematic sequence; follow the light changes, the smell and noise of the users or the lack of such, the silent conversation between the building and the body within, in terms of its size, proportion, position and movement. This is why architecture is the only one that offers “tactile sensations” allowing one to be a participant rather than an observer, defining the multi-dimensional character of the experience (Holl, Pallasmaa & Perez-Gomez, 2008).

According to Pallasmaa, architecture involves both the physical and spiritual presence of the body by generating a complex of impressions which can be perceived through the senses but are invisible to a drawing or a camera and therefore cannot be captured. He states that “movement, balance and scale are felt unconsciously through the body as tensions in the muscular system” and therefore design work interacts with the body of the viewer, making them mirror the sensations of the designer, creating a silent dialogue, communicated through the built environment, between the body of the architect and the body of the observer (Pallasmaa, 2014).

This is why re-living phenomenological architecture benefits one in terms of both the perception and conception of buildings. The participant gains a sensory experience, and if they are an architect – a starting point to design for generating sensory experience, which is essential in the global world (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014).

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{ a question }

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CHAPTER 2 PHENOMENOLOGY & THE SOCIAL NETWORK SOCIETY Casanova and Hernandez end their manifesto Scale & Perception by raising the question of the future of multi-sensory perception of architecture as its complexity is being reduced to a photograph; its importance declining under the modern concept of convenience and productivity in the digital era, characterised by the fugitive character of the two-dimensional image (Asanowicz, 2014). “But how can perception again play an important role in architecture of the Network Society? … How can a phenomenological architecture that promotes the link between architecture and place coexist with the reality of globalization?” (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014) If revisiting phenomenological architecture is essential in order to “maximise the multisensory perception of our environment” (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014), then what is the best way to fulfil this need without compromising the pragmatic high-speed lifestyle of the 21st century viewer and designer. In his essay – The Phenomenology and Philosophy of Simulacra on the VR (2014), Asanowicz defines the use of virtual reality as a new kind of architectural activity, and the designer as a “cyber-sculptor” who works within a full three dimensional artificial environment in a 1:1 scale. This allows one to create and manipulate space interactively - based on their first-hand experience of being inside their creation and the senses it provokes in full scale and through time.

When virtual reality is immersive, the experience is generated “directly through movement and interaction parallel to the real world familiarity” (Portman, Natapov & Fisher-Gewirtzman, 2015). The freedom to build simulations in controlled environment enables architects to go beyond the existing reality and test hypothetical designs by expressing their imagination with ease (Portman, Natapov & Fisher-Gewirtzman, 2015). In an article for WIRED magazine (2016), Lubell quotes VP of technology at Iris VR, George Valdes: When inside a virtual reality, you can look in all directions, walk, climb stairs, and even beam (via hand control) to any part of the structure, inside or out. You can also change the sun’s position, photograph details, add layers, and sketch… - proving that by entering a virtual simulation of an environment, the user can accomplish the articulated perception on the multi-sensory level, Casanova and Hernandez seek to achieve.

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{ virtual reality }

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CHAPTER 3 THE FUTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGY Phenomenological architecture allows to be developed and augmented intentionally rather than by accident. According to Holl and Pallasmaa, often phenomenological architecture is the result from the relationship of different layers of individual intentions forming only partially controlled complexities, which are mostly unintended and unpredictable. They note that phenomena vary in accordance to light availability, time of the day, season, position in space, juxtapositions and so on. A VR, however, can enable the designer to experience and adjust all of these factors, in a controlled environment prior to construction, unlocking a glimpse of the complex relationship between all building elements, as well as that with their context and impact on the body in any given circumstances.

The current advance of VR allows an experience very similar to reality by mostly relying on imaging to respond to the visual sense, which is historically regarded most superior (Pallasmaa, 2014). Further interferences with the real environment or the model such as the addition of sounds and smells, as well as other multimedia tools of coordination, complement the virtual reality and create a “multi-dimensional space of input-output data” (Asanowicz, 2014). The Omni treadmill allows the user to freely navigate within the model and observe the space in a sequence of frames which are natural to the act of approaching a building in reality (Goetgeluk, 2014); allowing the senses of scale, kinetics and balance to add to the realism of the virtual experience – “We feel pleasure, and protection when the body discovers its resonance in space” (Pallasmaa, 2014).

Technology is still at a state when the multi-sensory experience cannot be fully simulated. According to Pallasmaa, all senses (vision, smell, hear and taste) are extensions to the sense of touch and this cannot be recreated through VR. Nevertheless, Pallasmaa argues that vision can reveal what is already familiar to the sense of touch. He calls this phenomenon ‘ideated sensations’ and cites Bernard Berenson who claims authentic art stimulates the brain in a way that one can feel the touch of “the warmth of the water in the bathtub in Pierre Bonnard’s paintings of bathing nudes” only through stimulating the sense of vision. Therefore, the lack of touch in a VR environment is subconsciously replaced using the knowledge acquired through the other senses and supplementing the VR technology until it reaches full capacity to simulate a complete multi-sensory experience.

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VR - A NEW FORM OF ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION

The full sensory experience of phenomenological buildings is essential to re-live and learn from in the global world of quick information. Electronic images do not carry the amount of information one’s experience of an environment can gather through the sense of vision, touch, sound, smell, balance, scale and kinaesthetic (Casanova & Hernandez, 2014). The technology of virtual reality allows us to accomplish almost a complete sensory experience and thus turns VR into a new form of architectural activity, where the architect is a “cyber-sculptor” who can manipulate and experiment within the model in the natural scale of a controlled environment (Asanowicz, 2014). This new form of design can allow the architect to generate phenomenological design completely intentionally through empirical information gathered and altered within a model and before construction. It can preserve the act of fully re-living sensory architecture in the space of a virtual reality which simulates existing environments and this way prevent architecture to be reduced to the 140 characters of a tweet.

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Asanowicz, A. (2014). The Phenomenology and Philosophy of Simulacra Influence on the VR (pp.

5-8). Bialystok. Retrieved from http://www.wa.pb.edu.pl/uploads/downloads/Architektura--1--2014----artykul-I.pdf Casanova, H. & Hernandez, J. (2014). Scale & perception (1st ed., pp. 1-15). Berlin: Architektur Galerie Berlin.

Holl, S., Pallasmaa, J., & Pérez-Gómez, A. (2008). Questions of perception (1st ed., pp. 41-42; 58; 122). San Francisco, Calif.: William Stout Publishers.

Lubell, S. (2017). VR Is Totally Changing How Architects Dream Up Buildings. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2016/11/vr-totally-changing-architects-dream-buildings/ Malnar, J. & Vodvarka, F. (2004). Sensory design (1st ed.). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Pallasmaa, J. (2009). The Thinking Hand: Existental and Embodied Wisdom in Architecture (1st ed.). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Pallasmaa, J. (2014). The eyes of the skin (1st ed., pp. 42-46; 67). Chichester: Wiley.

Portman, M., Natapov, A., & Fisher-Gewirtzman, D. (2015). To go where no man has gone before: Virtual reality in architecture, landscape architecture and environmental planning. Computers, Environment And Urban Systems, 54, 376-384. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com. libaccess.hud.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S019897151500054X Sokolowski, R. (2007). Introduction to Phenomenology (8th ed.). Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University press.

TEDxOrcaIsland,. (2015). Virtual Reality: The Future Is Coming. Retrieved from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=IJf7BfpKTOY TEDxRiga,. (2016). The dawn of the virtual reality in architecture. Retrieved from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=-KGPf_PM8gQ TEDxWhitefish,. (2015). VR - The Next Big Thing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=87o4iedlLD8 YouTube,. (2017). Virtuix Omni Interview with Jan Goetgeluk. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmqNZqFjMrU LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Own Image Figures 2-9 ArchDaily,. (2015). A Bauhaus Façade Study by Laurian Ghinitoiu. Retrieved from http://www. archdaily.com/633532/a-bauhaus-facade-study-by-laurian-ghinitoiu

THE SCHOOL OF ART DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE MAY 2017