OVERALL CONCEPT: SKINS
By definition, “Sustainability”
is the capacity to be diverse, adaptive and to
endure the test of time.
While the application of
solar panels to the old infrastructure of the coal loader site speaks to this
idea of sustainability the buildings still retain a somewhat static, ‘empty
shell’ like quality. Through this project I focus on architecture’s ability to
revive and readapt old infrastructure through the application of new ‘skins’, providing
a unique atmosphere in which individuals move through and forge a dialogue
between the past present and the future. This concept of the past and present
co-existing will also be addressed in my new infrastructure particularly
through the way in which certain elements of the landscape are framed in the
foreground, background etc. within the new structure and how the present
surroundings will stimulate the way the new structure is perceived, how the
individual moves through the space etc.
Street:
Charged space where
individuals move between the skin of the old structure and the new. E.g. In the
upper street old sections of the existing roof are pealed back to allow
patterns of light to stream through the new roof structure and into rooms. Staircases
etc.
RENDERS OF DRAWN PERSPECTIVES AND SECTIONS
AMPHITHEATER
Initial thoughts was to provide a flexible space that could be closed off to provide an enclosed theater experience or opened up for an open air theater. it was to be a blank canvas to facilitate for a variety of works.
Option B was explored further:
The aim for the amphitheater was to create quite a generic form that would not compete but work seamlessly into its surroundings. Rather it would be characterized by the "scene" it framed as a specific backdrop for each stage, compelling artists to think of site specific artworks to be displayed or performed.
ROUGH SECTION SKETCH: EXTENDED LOOKOUT PLATFORM
COAL LOADER TUNNELS & PLATFORM
I am approaching the platform as if it is a culmination my concept/ how I've treated the rest of the site as discussed in tutorial.
- Minimal/no disruption to the coal-loader tunnels below
- area where individuals can not only enjoy the company of others gathering, communal gardening) but also their own.
- Avoid vast open expanses of spaces with views. But rather allow spaces and views unfold.
- Art spaces are purely static e.g. sculptural - maintain atmosphere i intend to create
- Water will be used as a gesture towards 'sustainable design' in terms of collecting rainwater, but also a way of conditioning spaces.
- area where individuals can not only enjoy the company of others gathering, communal gardening) but also their own.
- Avoid vast open expanses of spaces with views. But rather allow spaces and views unfold.
- Art spaces are purely static e.g. sculptural - maintain atmosphere i intend to create
- Water will be used as a gesture towards 'sustainable design' in terms of collecting rainwater, but also a way of conditioning spaces.
Concept/Design-
"Carved Spaces" - design is primarily dictated by circulation and intended function.
I wanted to maintain the language of the monolithic platform 'by building it up' slightly and then carving spaces away- notion of carving away at the sandstone without directly affecting the existing site. Through this i intend to provide open spaces, private 'rooms' and pathways and steps at varying heights.
The platform will move from communual activities towards the entrance of the platform to more private, contemplative spaces/activities towards the sea edge and end of the platform.
The platform will move from communual activities towards the entrance of the platform to more private, contemplative spaces/activities towards the sea edge and end of the platform.
OPTION:
Furthering this, i was thinking of continuing the language of the street, in terms of providing a permeable/overarching roof structure.
From above the roof will appear flat, from below, the roof undulates at varying heights to provide areas of openness and intensity. In a sense there will be areas where individuals will feel "squished" between the ground and the roof, to areas of openness depending on the height and permeability of the roof above (glazed to completely open openings)
Furthering this, i was thinking of continuing the language of the street, in terms of providing a permeable/overarching roof structure.
From above the roof will appear flat, from below, the roof undulates at varying heights to provide areas of openness and intensity. In a sense there will be areas where individuals will feel "squished" between the ground and the roof, to areas of openness depending on the height and permeability of the roof above (glazed to completely open openings)
Model exploring effect of carved spaces/paths and light penetration from undulating roof structure - purely experiental at the moment
TUNNEL 3- fungi/mushroom/plant tunnel. Fairly simple design. Provide informative display of plants/fungi thriving despite dark tunnel space- extend idea of sustainability/beauty of decay etc. Glass display extending from old coal loading chutes and penetrating through elevated timber platform.
REVISED CONCEPT
After some thought i realised i was trying to do too much with the previous design and the space became too convoluted and confusing. While the intent was to provide areas that unfold with different levels of intimacy relative to its designated function i felt there could be a better way of executing it.
refer to previous post for concept.
New idea
"Peeling the lid of the Coalloader" - While simple, i felt like it was much more effective in capturing what i was previously attempting to do. Like the previous iteration the basis of design is purely informed by the existing site as opposed to directly intervening in terms of cutting into the tunnels etc - the connotations which the idea of 'lifting the lid' creates a dialogue between past, the existing site and the future.
"Peeling the lid of the Coalloader" - While simple, i felt like it was much more effective in capturing what i was previously attempting to do. Like the previous iteration the basis of design is purely informed by the existing site as opposed to directly intervening in terms of cutting into the tunnels etc - the connotations which the idea of 'lifting the lid' creates a dialogue between past, the existing site and the future.
Below shows a sketch of the treatment of the platform above as well as some brief details of the tunnels below.
Having an artist studio in the tunnel was intially quite a strange idea due to the issue of natural lighting etc. My solution was therefore to elevate artist studio to the top half of the void ensuring natural light penetration from above. I made interventions to create door openings that led from the artist studios to the boardwalks outside. (only accessible by the artists). - felt like this was all necessary to provide an adequate working environment.
Having an artist studio in the tunnel was intially quite a strange idea due to the issue of natural lighting etc. My solution was therefore to elevate artist studio to the top half of the void ensuring natural light penetration from above. I made interventions to create door openings that led from the artist studios to the boardwalks outside. (only accessible by the artists). - felt like this was all necessary to provide an adequate working environment.
CIRCULATION DIAGRAMS
