Tuesday, 8 November 2011

UNIT SUMMARY


I've had a really good design experience this semester, I've managed to tailor my design towards architecture that incorporates the urban design realm; something I wish to follow through in the future in regards to my career direction. The strong concept of the hive we developed as a group in the first project has informed a great deal of my design in project two, so I have a lot to owe to that assignment! I'm excited to develop my design a bit more, and try to submit it to the CAPITheticAL competition. 


Now on to graduation (provided that I pass...!)! Yay!
PRESENTATION FEEDBACK


 I had my presentation at 10.20am today, and it went quite well! I was really impressed with what everyone else managed to pull together, it's really interesting seeing such different approaches to not only distribution and transprogramming, but other themes also.


A few points brought up by Cameron and Mirko:


- It would have been good to place the site in a larger context; my design responds well to the immediately surrounding areas, however it needs to be seen at a larger scale due to its locational prominence. I have no idea why it didn't occur to me to do this, it must have slipped my mind!


- Further investigation could be done into the surrounding sites, and how the edges of my design relate to these. I think this ties in with the above comment, if I was to take this project a lot further, I would incorporate some design changes to the green spaces either side of the site.


- The pavilion 3D form is quite block like and 'upright traditional'; could this be changed? I followed through with simple upright extrusions as the site design itself is quite complex, and I didn't want to go too crazy. I think the complexity in the pavilion facades works quite well. I do think I could look further into the roof design.


- Relating to the last comment, most pavilions respond to the concept, however I could have gone a bit further with going against the traditional layout of the amenities block. I agree with this comment, I think I designed the internal layout and walls etc. fine within the pavilions, but especially with the toilet block when it came to the actual installation of internal objects (such as toilets), I disregarded my initial concept. I definitely think I could go further with integrating this concept into more interior design aspects.


- The benches on some of the edges of the green spaces could have been integrated into the design more; as in, they could simply be raised "garden beds" or green spaces that act as seats. I think this is a really interesting idea! Using raised garden beds / green space as seating...


I've decided to follow through with a few of these comments...
(Click for larger images if needed)


Greater context of site location.


Slightly closer context location.

Amenities block experimentation.

Garden seat experimentation.

DESIGN SUMMARY


I thought I would do a brief summary of my entire project, to accompany what can be seen within the A1 panel, prezi presentation and model. 


FEDERATION MALL
"a hive of activity"


The Federation Mall responds to the need for accountability and transparency within Parliament. The design provides a place for innovation, learning, collaboration and celebration; allowing a free flowing mutual understanding and education conversation between the general public and parliament. The design adds a new layer of activity to the site.


Inspired by the concept of the hive, the design also responds to the key issue within the current design of Federation Mall, the lack of access and activity through the site.


The pavilion spaces provide a variety of uses to facilitate the main ideas of innovation, learning and collaboration, bringing a new realm of culture, diversity, arts, music and mainly LIFE into the site. The pavilions provide open plan and mainly flexible arrangements inside, to allow for different uses in the future. The hive facade techniques and roof openings allow the presence of the surrounding Parliament House(s) to be felt; especially the view of the flag through the pavilions roofs. The information centre pavilions (one positioned at either end for easy access for those entering/leaving the site) provide the backbone for the concept, with activity hubs located within. These activity hubs provide a digital interface that allows for learning facilities (ie. current parliamentary debates, issues, proposals), as well as surveys and public feedback. 


The celebration space links the pavilions, and provides a truly useable, public space. It facilities performances, protests, gathering, relaxing, public events and celebration. A raised stage area allows for public performances, and layers in the landscape relate to "the flag, the hill, the wall" identity and presence concept. The celebration space allows for movement THROUGH (rather than around) the site, framing the parliamentary flag. 


The mobile activity hubs use the existing rail infrastructure network, disassembled as "flat pack's" in containers. These are then assembled on site (they can travel using trucks, etc. also) with digital interfaces installed (iPad's) that allow for similar activities as noted within the activity hubs in the pavilions). These connect wirelessly to the "queen bee" of Federation Mall, and allow for Australia wide interaction. This allows for parliamentary presence across Australia, with the design linking with the design of the proposed Federation Mall. 

FINAL PRESENTATION SUBMISSION


Below is the A1 Summary Panel, my presentation and physical model all used within my final presentation.


A1 SUMMARY PANEL




PREZI PRESENTATION
http://prezi.com/cc2-b0n4bhlx/dab810-project-2/


MODEL PHOTOS
















Monday, 7 November 2011

PRESENTATION NOTES


Below are a few notes / diagrams I jotted down in relation to the development of my prezi presentation, and A1 panel.


Summary Panel


Prezi Presentation Notes

Sunday, 6 November 2011

FINAL DRAWINGS


Pavilion 1 Floor Plan (closest to New Parliament House) - Information Centre / Activity Hub Zone / Staff Offices



 Pavilion 2 Floor Plan - Cafe and Gallery

Pavilion 3 Floor Plan - Amenities and Showcase Spaces

Pavilion 4 Floor Plan - Learning / Workshop Spaces

Pavilion 5 Floor Plan (closest to Old Parliament House) - Information Centre / Activity Hub Zones


Section through Pavilion 2 Cafe / Gallery Space

Section through Pavilion 1 Information Centre / Staff Offices / Activity Hub Zone

Section through centre of site

MOBILE ACTIVITY HUB RENDERS


Before being put in to context.

Before being put into context.


In Federation Square, Melbourne.

In Martin Place, Sydney.

In King George Square, Brisbane.


Assembly.




FURTHER RENDERS

Activity Points diagram

Circulation diagram

Site Plan

Site Uses

RENDERS


So I have got to the point in the project where I will be producing a majority of my final renders and drawings! Some of these will probably double up with what will be uploaded in my final presentation info, but this is just to show some of what I'm producing. 

I'm going to start with my 3d renders, then go through to the more standard drawings. (Some have been photoshopped, some haven't.


The main image I'm planning on using; creates a kind of humorous link to parliament as the Queen Bee.

Inside the cafe pavilion.

Inside the cafe pavilion.

Inside the information centre pavilion with the activity hubs.

View from above (slightly angled)

Site in use.

Towards OPH.

Celebration Space.

First pavilion.

Looking down the mall.


Cafe pavilion.

Amenities pavilion.



Saturday, 5 November 2011

MATERIAL SELECTION


I've been struggling somewhat to determine what materials I would like to use for the pavilions / open space etc, so I decided to look into the surrounding areas / designs for some inspiration.


I've been heavily influenced by the design elements within Reconciliation Place; the use of rusty and concrete materials in particular. Some images are below. 


Also gaining some other inspiration from Reconciliation Place; I've decided to incorporate a variety of sculptures to create a more culturally and artistic atmosphere within the site.