Criteria and Brief

Project 2
Modular Learning

Concept:
To create a modular learning centre in which people can inhabit at different times and perform a large number of activities. The learning will be heavily influenced by the break space. This built form incorporates modular architecture, with consideration to how it can change over time.

Project 2 pays homage to the values established in the Folie, but will ultimately evolve through research, and architectural exploration into a fascinating, unique and inspiring building which will touch on the follow attributes:
• Multiple uses (What the building is now and in the future)
• Multiple Users (Who will be using this space)
• Prefabrication (Changeable architectural form)
• Variation (In modular form)
• Whether or not this building is ‘upcyclable’ or decomposable or both

To design a multifunctional learning centre on the Howard Smith Wharf Site. To visit the contextual, geographical and social issues investigated in Project 1 again, identify key issues relevant to modular architecture. To gain a very good understanding of Modular Architecture, site, users, relationships to surrounding areas and Brisbane as a whole as a subtropical city.

Included Spaces:
• A break space
• Somewhere to acquire food + drink
• Outdoor spaces
• Individual study rooms
• 2-3 people study rooms
• Larger study rooms to accommodate group studies
• Toilets
• Entrance

Modular Architecture - Further Investigation

Week 7: Lecture - Ruwan

Parametric Design Systems

I actually take this class as my elective. I find that it is a very interesting topic, but involves architects to change the way that they think about design. At the moment I am learning Bentley Generative Components. The program involves thinking about points and positions as well as how each element reacts when another is added. To me, it is about joining each element in a building to represent how they work with each other in a real life instance.

The uses of these types of programs start to change the view of a student architect. I have started to think in points and places and less in architectural aesthetics.

For use in my Modular Architecture Design, I think the knowledge of how these systems work, enables us to have a clearer idea of just how our buildings will be built, as well as how forms will affect each other when moved. This is very important in modular architecture, where it will more than likely be changing form.

Modular Architecture - Sketches

“a strong driving concept to base good architecture on, and will act as the catalyst for form and/or function, architecturally speaking”

Concept:
To create a learning centre in which people can in habit at different times and perform a large number of different activities. The learning will be heavily influenced by the break space. This space incorporates modular architecture, with consideration to how this built form can change over time.

The concept and this assignment pays homage to the values established in the Folie, but will ultimately evolve through research and architectural exploration will evolve into a fascinating building which will touch on the follow attributes:

• Multiple uses (What the building is now and in the future)
• Prefabrication
• Variation in modular form
• Whether or not this building is ‘upcyclable’ or decomposable or both

Week 6: Lecture - Florian

Dynamic Architecture

The concept of Dynamic Architecture is very interesting but I believe that it is not relevant to my Modular design, as well as the way in which I think and design. Once described as a “square” I find it very difficult to think in fluid design. Florian’s way of thinking is diverse and very quirky. Through the use of boundary less thought he is able to define a design. I can see from his lecture that this format would work well when no form can come to mind when designing. To me it was basically exploring shapes to generate ideas within design.

Modular Architecture - Initial Thoughts

Week 5 – tutorial experiences

My thoughts on Modular Architecture:

I believe that modular architecture is becoming more and more relevant in our society. As cities are become more dense, we turn to economic, cheap, and space saving ways of living. It has also become a quirky, alternative form of Architecture that is new and exciting.  I have designed a house which can be moved with my father, and I really enjoyed the challenges of space finding and sizing constraints. 

http://mocoloco.com/archives/010918.php

http://mocoloco.com/archives/022849.php

The wrong built form for Howard Smith Wharves,

·         Another wharf

·         Another bridge

·         Something to disrupt the flow of traffic

·         A church

·         A car park

·         A silly monument (the big pineapple)

·         Factory

·         A shopping centre

Right built form for the site,

·         Bar

·         Learning centre

·         Gym

·         Cultural buildings

Draw backs of modular architecture,

·         Appropriate space allocation

·         Stigma surrounding this type of design

·         Temporary good/bad feel

·         What do you do with the waste?

·         Cool place “feel” not just a donga on the site

·         Hard to assemble and get to the site

·         Technology has not caught up with modular ideas + wants in design. Can ideas be fully realised.

Strengths of the modular approach,

·         Can accept to change in societies function, moving around + using space

·         Cost, size. Initial costs should be expensive but running costs should be low.

·         Can be recycled, ease of change of built form.

·         Catalogue ease

Values of My Folie (Peer Review)

·         The form should be explored in the next assignment to expand the qualities already portrayed.

·         Needs more function, what else can we use this building for?

·         Height is something that I could work with in my next assignment. Maybe move the building site to the cliffs for a base to climb.

·         Could change platforms into pods which could be inhabited.

Values of the Site (Peer Discussion)

·         Views

·         Public thoroughfare

·         Historic values

·         Open spaces

·         Rock climbing

·         Vessel for travel between pedestrians and cyclists

·         Could be changed to make a fantastic grassy area, opposite Kangaroo Point with connections to the Botanical Gardens and New Farm Park.

·         Place to Exercise and walk dogs

Need to revisit and expand upon contextual, geographical and social issues investigated in my Folie Project.

·         Site (what draws the users to perform the function/s)

·         Users (who, when)

·         Urban/ suburban & regional relationships (why do people want to go there, what relationships are evidence and relate to the site)

·         Multiple Uses (function, users doing what at and for what reason)

·         Modular Architecture (how it can relate to my function)

·         Elements

o   Height

o   Flood Height connection

o   Stability

o   Materials