FOLIE FINISHED!

I must say this was the most thrilling part of the design process -- presentation! I guess I could say this part came a bit more naturally to me than.. lets say blogging for instance? To create the A1 poster I used Photoshop --- and I must admit it took a while!

Elevations, Sections and the like!

So, I'm proud to say that I have officially finished the the "conceptual" process to my folie design -- cheers to that! Below are a few elevations and sections of  my folie...

... First up is a Western elevation (scale 1:200) -- I thought to include the site context (i.e the trees I have placed on the site, as well as the cliff, bridge, and heritage buildings) - gives it a more realistic feel yeah??

Below is an Eastern elevation (scale 1:50) I wanted to depict the great amount of detail in the timber pieces...

And finally an Eastern Section (scale 1:50) with to-scale user inside the space...

 And why not chuck in a 3D render with a site context...

My Folie -- "Growth"

The title says it all -- "Growth" is the concept that essentially underpins the design of my Folie. Nice name -- huh?? Like I said in previous blog posts, the idea of "growth" was inspired by the excessive plant life over-growth flowing from the cliff face at the wharves. 

Now, here is a little about the design that I should probably discuss before I start posting up elevations, sections and the like!

DESIGN CONTEXT

The form of the folie design was inspired by the concept of “GROWTH” as seen in the excessive growth of natural life that sprouts from the cliff face at the site. I wanted to create something that gave the illusion of growing out of the ground – like the roots of a tree sprouting from the earth, something that seemed almost 'parasitic' and organic in its form.

DESIGN EXPERIENCE

The open and organic form of the architectural sculpture, allows the users to feel a sense of safety whilst in the space.  Additionally the openness allows for natural light to filter into the space (thus keeping the inside space illuminated during the day), and for natural ventilation to cool the area (temperature comfort level). The design experience gives the user a sense of ‘secludeness’ within nature. The unique design allows for the user to experience the site in a unique way -- it's somewhat of a form that allows the user to 'discover' what it is, 'how' it is used and 'feel' the structure -- thus 'attracting' users to experience it.

 DESIGN FUNCTION 

The unique sculptural form acts as a space to rest, relax and/or eat; a place in which the user can go to think and/or connect with the surrounding natural environment and a place of rest and cooling down for the passing pedestrian/jogger/cyclist. The inclusion of grass fields and plant life contribute in creating a cool/shaded natural space. Essentially the jutting parts of timber were designed in such a way that the user can climb onto, sit on, and rest onto the structure. Its all about how the user wants to use the structure. 

DESIGN TECTONICS

Taking into consideration of the site context, I wanted the user to feel a sense of safety at night; hence I positioned the folie in a space that is well lit at night, as well as reasonably close to the footpath. Additionally it was designed as an open structure so that people can see into and out of the space. The open lightweight timber structure allows for natural ventilation creating a cooler space, as well as natural light to filter into the space. The use of natural materials such a timber was used to somewhat blend with the natural environment - as well as being an Eco-friendly material choice. 

I made a physical model!

So -- I've decided to go with my concept of an organic form that somewhat blends and/or appears to 'grow' from the site. And I figured why not make a physical model of my design -- essentially, this will aid me in understanding the form, scale, interior/exterior of the design. Anyway, here is the model I designed...

Now, because I'm making a 'curvy' organic shaped form, I thought to start off by making a basic form out of wire...

... And then I covered that structure with a modelling compound otherwise known as "clay" --- not sure if it was the smartest choice of medium (I must admit --- it was messy!)

So here we are, I've finished the model -- and I have to say, I don't really like it -- So I decided to take that basic form even further! And I thought "perhaps I can make this appear more 'parasitic' in design" (something "eye-catching") -- to ACTIVATE a space you have to ATTRACT people to the space -- right?? .. So this is what I came up with...

 

 

Design Concepts...

So, here we are -- I've finally got my design concepts I promised you oh so long ago...

Now I thought about the context of the site, and I decided I want to somehow accentuate the beauty that lies behind the natural environment (i.e the plant life that drapes down from the cliff face -- image below). I must say, I love nature, and I suppose I want to design something that can somewhat connect the user to the surrounding natural environment and help them to truly appreciate the site ( Hence -- Attracting the user -- and ACTIVATING the space--)

Below are a series of drawings and models I had done in the design TUT in week 3:

...Some quick model making in class - my process to developing an interesting form for my folie

... concept of weaving - coming up with interesting forms

concept of twisting - this model appears quite organic in its form and skeletal in appearance
 

...And some quick conceptual sketches...

Coming up with organic, curving forms...

...Site Context

Yes, that's right, I did forget to upload my design concepts! What can I say -- I'm not a very good blogger am I? Now before I go into an analysis of the chosen site HOWARD SMITH WHARVES lets have a quick look at the boundaries we were given to design our Folie in.

Before I get into my design concepts lets have a little look at the site context -- this way I get an understanding of WHAT space I'm designing for, WHO I am designing for and perhaps along the way I can grab some inspiration from the site...

  PEDESTRIAN ACCESS - HERITAGE BUILDINGS - OPEN/FREE SPACE - FOLIAGE

Looking at the site, I notice the large open space currently used as a car park (highlighted in blue).To me this seems like a complete waste of space, it completely kills the atmosphere of the area and essentially repels people from wanting to visit the site. I was left questioning...

"HOW CAN I "TRANSFORM" THIS SITE TO "ATTRACT" THE PUBLIC?"

But before I get ahead of myself  -- I must ask WHO are the existing users of the site??

Thats right, Pedestrians. After researching the site, I realised the sole users of the site are either cyclists, joggers or pedestrians. The site is not  exactly designed to be a place for stopping , resting and admiring, in fact, at night the site is rather dark and shadowy, so much so that the first thing the user thinks is "Get me out of here" -- perhaps it makes the joggers run faster and the cyclists cycle faster? Who knows?

Another deterrent is the construction/Industrial element of the site. Walking in between two wire fences and large Sheds (Heritage Listed Buildings) really does make the user question their SAFETY. And if that's the case, who would want to visit the site??

SO what has the SITE got going for it? Well in my opinion, I think the FOLIAGE is the real beauty behind the site along with the close proximity to the Brisbane River. In combination with the breathtaking views that span out across the river to the City is what truly marks this as a potentially magical site.

WHAT DO I ENVISION you may ask?? I envision a site of natural beauty where nature is its driving force.

How cool is this...

Yes, I know, I said I would come back tomorrow to upload some of my exciting conceptual drawings, but I couldn't help myself --- I had to post up another blog! So, I thought, why not post up some interesting architectural sculptures that I found helped inspire me with my Folie?? They may not have inspired my design as such, but they definitely inspired me to get into the 'creative design' mood!

First up is-- 'Unlimited Urban Woods' designed by DUS Architects --- Cool huh? Basically what we're looking at here is a box that only takes up a few square meters of ground space, and inside sits a forest that essentially goes on forever! The architects made the illusory forest from just a single full-size tree and some strategically angled mirrors -- simple maybe, but effective! It's amazing to think a small box can transport its users into a different world - a place of green tranquillity within an urban jungle?

 

 

I also came across some amazing timber buildings and sculptures designed by the 24 H-Architecture - a lot of their work is quite organic in its form.. Made out of timber they seem to somewhat blend with nature -- don't you think???

Very First Blog Post!

So it's official-- this is my first Blog Post for DAB510. Right now, I'm very busy working on Project 1 (dun dun dun!) which is the Folie Design -- which unfortunately is due in only ONE week! That's right --- ONE WEEK! That's not long people! So for now, I will say 'Thank You' for visiting my page, and hopefully soon (probably tomorrow) I will upload some of my exciting conceptual drawings that I've done for my Folie Design (Yay!). Until then.... you can wait in eager anticipation!

Now here is the PROJECT BRIEF that will essentially underpin or 'guide' my design and limitations for the folie:

Project 1: Context and Experiences - Folie

The aim of this project is to design a Folie in a chosen location in Howard Smith Wharves. This project provides you an opportunity to observe the site, analyse the context, and propose a simple architectural installation that has a function. Your project should be an artistic investigation to find a way to communicate your message (subjective), as well as a design investigation to provide a service for people (objective). You can consider this as an artistic endeavour to design a functional space.

Folie Design Guideline

1. Folie has to fit within 5m x 5m x 5m bounding box.
2. Folie has to be at least for one person.
3. Your design will be evaluated with design criteria listed below.
4. You need to consider all design qualities described below.
5. Your follie design should be communicated through one A1 poster by following the poster guideline below.

Design Criteria: Your design presentation is expected to satisfy following criteria.

Design Concept 

Strong narrative is evident to provide your own interpretation and description of folie design. It is very important that you have a story to tell about your design. Project statement, up to 300 words included in your poster, should help you to describe your concept but you should otherwise not rely on text to tell your story.

Site Context 

Folie demonstrate a good understanding of its immediate context and beyond. Your folie design is appropriate for the context among which it is built. The context should include its immediate environment as well as Howard Smith Wharves at large.

Design Tectonic 

Folie is designed with simple but creative use of structure and materials. The choice of structure and materials should be considered carefully and rigorously.

Design Function 

Folie provides a unique space for users to do something. Your folie should support a simple daily activity such as reading, resting or eating.

Design Experience 

Folie provides a unique possibility for users to experience Howard Smith Wharves. This is an extra layer to the function to induce specific sensations to people experiencing your space. The association has to be made to an aspect of Howard Smith Wharves.

Design Qualities: you need to communicate following aspects in your design.

1. tension and/or compression
2. heavy and/or light
3. solid and/or void
4. bright and/or dark
5. natural/artificial
6. soft/hard
7. comfortable/disturbing
8. choice of materials (Concrete, Steel, Timber, Stone, Glass + other modern materials)