FINAL PROJECT THREE :: Design

This is the 'hero' shot from my final design proposal for the Library Park at the Howard Smith Wharves. My final proposal was somewhat different from the development I had come up with in week 13. Brett and I had discussed the exterior of my building and the importance of its form being simple in the sense that it was to act as somewhat of a "case", enclosing the pavilions and spaces within. 

Project 3 :: Initial Proposal

Design Development:

I brought this schema to class in week 13 and had been developing it over the previous couple of weeks through my discussions with Brett. This particular form - was developed through thinking about the interior space and their free forms (as can be seen in the two floor plans below) with the oval shaped floor planes breaking up the undulations and mounds within the floor that were inspired by the Bioscleave house as I've mentioned in a previous post.  

As can be seen (best in the section), I have kept my concept of the steel columns running vertically through the building acting as "stylised" mangrove roots. I've also incorporated a curved roof and floor - this reinforces my concept of the filtration system of the mangroves - acting to filter debris and water which forms and mushy, undulating floor. 

SECTION





FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

VIGNETTE OF BUILDING

Project Three :: Development - Schedule of Spaces

I have been thinking about the specific spaces I will have within the building.

After thinking more about how children learn and play I have come to the determination that the space should be divided into three separate areas. These will include and area for the 6 - 9 year olds (and their parents), an area for 10 - 14 year olds and an area for 15 - 18 year olds.

The 6 - 9 year old area will include:
- Climbing wall and ball pit - the mangrove play pond
- Fictional Books and Quiet reading space
- Colouring and Craft space
- Group play space
- Outdoor Play Ground


The 10 - 14 year old area will include:
- Computer area/ workspace (shared)
- Fictional reading material and quiet reading space
- Collaborative group study/ reading space - where book clubs, etc can be held
- Art & Painting & Sculpturing Studio (shared) where classes are held


The 15 - 18 year old area will include:
- Large, open study space - flexible but partially divided with capacity for group working spaces and individual study.
- Laptops and iPads available for borrowing while at the library.
- Group gaming space.
- Fictional Reading material & newspapers and reading space.
- Art & Painting & Sculptural Studio (shared) where classes are held and the space can be booked by students (17 & 18 years) to work on art and design projects.

- Coffee & Cake shop with cafe seating area
- Men's, women's and disabled bathroom facilities
- Lifts x 2, stairs x 2
Outdoor areas

Project 3 :: Development

Exemplar - Bioscleave House

Internal concrete floor drops and falls (i.e. undulates) "like the surface of a vast, bumpy chocolate chip cookie" (Fred A. Bernstain, 2008 - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/garden/03destiny.html?_r=1).
Bioscleave House translates to Lifespan Extending Villa - the owners have outlined that "the architecture makes people use their bodies in unexpected ways in order to maintain equilibrium and that will stimulate their immune system".

In a similar sense, I want to create a building that responds to and instigates a response by the human senses - particularly stimulating sight and touch. While I do not want to create anything dangerous - I consider the Bioscleave house perhaps slightly dangerous in the sense that children are banned from the space and adults; upon entry, must sign a wavier accepting legal responsibility for any injuries caused as a result of the uneven flooring - I do want to create something that is highly dynamic and interactive and provides a strong sense of place and intrigue. And, most importantly, as my design will be for a library park for children, I want the spaces to be fun and interactive.

PROJECT TWO :: Final Presentation

These are some of the key images from Project 2.

Reflection:
The feedback I recieved from Brett indicated that I perhaps need to move away from the rigid, square building form and move towards something more free flowing. He also suggested I think more about the internal spaces of the building and the arragement of these spaces. It was suggested that I design more dynamic spaces and spaces that are interactive and "playful". I was happy with my design for project 2 and think that it linked in with the mangrove concept quite effectively; however, I can definitely understand a more towards a less rigid and more dynamic interior.