EXP 2 Beginning (Week 5)

My initial cross

The cross in context of ANZAC Parade at UNSW

The cross representing the pedestrian movement is broader and more extensive at its western side, which connects with NIDA across the ANZAC Parade. The extension is due to the fact that the proposed structure would be positioned directly above the light rail station and next to various bus stops, which will likely induce extra pedestrian movement than a typical faculty building.

The smaller extrusion to the eastern side of the cross are extensions to the existing Squarehouse building, where a small lecture theatre and a workshop will be located. This placement is decided after considering the possible diminishment of physical lectures in the future, as well as the insufficient workspaces in the existing workshop areas at the Squarehouse. 

The stairs-like extrusion in the cross represents stairs that connect the overpass to the open area outside of the Squarehouse. 

Bubble diagram for the allocation of space

Finalised EXP 1 ARCH 1101

The concept for the shared workspace

This sketch is based on previous concepts on the section of a shared structure between the two clients, The Kyza, and Mountain and Moon. The below-ground vehicle workshop and the jewellery workshop are joined through a central courtyard and gallery displaying projects from each client. 

The plans and sections of the finished model

Ground Floor

The ground floor is where the entrance to the underground workshop is located, as well as the location of the central court and the vehicle display. The workshop is also shown in this plan due to the high interior height of the upper vehicle workshop. 

First Floor

The first floor is where the stair to the jewellery workshop and the mezzanine of the vehicle workshop is located. More green space is provided at this level to decorate the otherwise dull surrounding.

Front Section

This section reflects the original concept of an "unadulterated" underground vehicle workshop and the "polished" elevated jewellery workshop. 

Side Section

This section shows the perpendicular side of the original concept, which is greatly expanded in developing this model.

Details of the finalised concepts

From the 3 perspective image above we can see that the structure is designed to stand on a hillside, submerging the vehicle workshop into the slope and elevating the jewellery workshop to the top of the hill.

The first stair design fully integrated into the structure, surrounded by circular glass panels, located on the first floor of the structure. 

The transition from the top of the stairwell into the tubular jewellery workshop involves ascending a curved ramp circulating in a space enclosed by panels of glass. The floor of the workshop is using the custom texture "crystalline".

The stairs to the mezzanine of the jewellery workshop involve walking up a set of stairs joined to the curving wall. The treads of the stair are similar to the ones in the spiral staircase.

The top half of the tube-shaped workshop constitute of massive glass panels that allow maximum sunlight into the workshop. The end of the workshop also features a large circular dome that overlooks the court and the workshop beneath. 

The stair that connects the upper vehicle workshop to the ground level of the structure, featuring a ramp in the centre and two sets of stairs on both sides shaped like wheel treads. The walls of this part of the workshop are using the "rectilinear" texture.

A view overlooking the lower vehicle workshop, where most parts manufacturing are carried out. It is connected to the upper workshop via a stair for humans and a hydraulic lift for vehicles.

The upper workshop constitutes of concrete. It is a large rectangular space where vehicles are parked for upgrades. There is also a small elevated platform at the back that allows the client to monitor the situation in the workshop.

The central courtyard has several raised bed with trees in it, as well as several indented spaces for jewellery display on the wall. There are also benches for workers to relax.

A view of the turbulent roof for the gallery that covers the path from the spiral stair to the vehicle workshop mezzanine. The floor tiles of this part of the structure is using the "ceramic" texture.

The walkway between the spiral stairs and the workshop mezzanine. The square voids allow visitors to observe the display vehicles from above.

Progress towards EXP 1 on 16/3/2020

Overview

Spiral Stair and Gallery

Garage Mezzanine and platform

Upper Basement #1

Upper Basement #2

Lower basement

Stair to First floor of Gallery

The 36 textures I developed at week 3's studio in ARCH 1101

The 36 textures I developed at week 3's studio in ARCH 1101

Week 3 Texture task

Improved concept of the client's workspace.

The garage workshop is located underground. The underground chambers are extensive and feature a lifting platform to transport vehicles between the upper basement to the lower basement. The custom ceramic texture is applied in the background to demonstrate the depth of the chamber.

The Jewellery display and workshop is located at the top, with a mezzanine enclosed within a glass facade. The mezzanine act as a display area for the jewellery. The custom texture on the display stand resembles a glittering star. The second level serves as the main workshop for the jewel crafters, with the floor in a crystalline pattern to reflect the process of turning raw mineral into gemstones.

The materialised concept of the lower stair

The second stair that connects the lower garage to the surface is modelled and it is intended to lack sophisticated curvilinear shapes, which explains its rigid geometry.

Design ideas on the stairs connecting the workshops of the two clients

After creating a rough outline of the workshop structure, the next step would be to design stairs connecting the two structures varying in thematic and purpose.

1st set of designs

For my first set of design, the two stairs are part of the design that I have previously modelled on SketchUp. Its themes are "polish" and "unadulterated". The first stair design is to connect the jewellery workshop to a gallery in the middle. The concept of "polish" is shown through ellipse-shaped tread that has a transparent bit at the centre, surrounded by a metal frame. The transparent part is symbolising the polished gemstone in jewel crafting. Its main materials are metals and glass/ acrylic, in which the metallic elements highlights the origin of gemstones.

 The second stair for my first section connects the car workshop up to the gallery, hence it includes a ramp that allows vehicles to travel. The concept of "unadulterated" is shown through the simple parallelogram-shaped tread as well as the high use of concrete in the stair structure.

2nd sets of design

The next set of stairs are part of a design that was merged from two of my other section ideas in my previous article. An aircraft wing-shaped car workshop at the top and a curvilinear underground jewellery workshop.

The first stair design is between the car workshop and the gallery. The theme "aerodynamic" of the workshop and the stair is shown through the abundant use of curves in the stair structure, as well as the plan of the stairwell, which is shaped in an aerodynamic manner. The tread pattern is similar to waves of air current sheared by high-speed vehicles. The use of metallic material on the walls and tread also reflects the common practice of using aluminium and titanium on most aircraft.

The second stair design features a light stair connecting the underground jewellery workshop to the surface. The concept of  "polish" is however presented differently this time, by adopting a salient hexagonal image throughout the design. Polished gems can be smooth or polygonal. The LED lights embedded within each hexagonal plates helps produce a sense of a variety of minerals.

(source)

Initial modelling of one of my previous section sketch

After the sketching session from the last blog, I attempt to recreate my vision of the following sketch in sketchup. 

The upper levels are a jewellery workshop for the client Mountain and Moon. The massive glass facade that allows abundant natural light to illuminate the workshop. As we can see in the image below, the tubular facade was sketched but it still lacked more solid components to provide structural integrity to the building.

The lower levels are a vehicle workshop for the client The Kyza. The pair of large glass panels bring natural light into the underground workshop from the surface. This is still an early design so the workshop lacks many details, but the key shape of the workshop is clearly outlined.