Thursday, 26 April 2012

A change of plan(s)

After last weeks Crit I've been trying to get back to my initial incubator tectonics. Reincorporating the modular from the prototype and the elevated style of the 'lolly-pop' models I did.


I started as I did with the initial prototype design, by cutting up and modelling from wooden blocks in a loose and unrestrained way. I then clustered the activities and created a hierarchy using varying heights. My thoughts were following the idea of islands within a void and also a continuation of the trees to the south in a built form. These 'tree-house' types and elevate the private admin spaces to the top, offering views and security. I envisaged trees and hard landscaping incorporated within a through-way, as though the spaces and growth were one, enabling the ground floor plan to be freed up. This means the high spaces can be closed at night but don't disrupt activities during the evening. The possibility for the external market occupying the rest of the site on certain days could then spill into the ground floor of the Institute, this is also applicable to festivals or special events hosted by the Institute. The image of differently shaped boxes high up within a void, opening different views into varing activity's will produce a positive visual aid towards the workings of the Institute.


I'm at a fairly early stage still with this new development, but hopefully I can get some plans and sections drawn in time for Monday. I've never felt this unprepared for a final crit but the things I've learnt and the way the project has developed over the many weeks has been a very positive experience. I do tend to get carried away during projects and have trouble keeping things simple . I believe my inquisitive nature makes me want to investigate every possible route of intrigue and this has let me down on preparing this final building. If I was to take something from the experience it would be to focus more on simplifying the task for myself and to explain to others - I try and cram in too much.

I updated the blog tonight with these images because I came across a similar project in Finland that caught my eye. I was researching 'traditional Finnish smoke houses' on Google images and came across this picture:


land%28e%29scapes.SerZVeBnqIzH.jpg


Architectonic landscape installation realized in Savonlinna, Finland - 1999 - Recalling the little barns that pepper the traditional Finnish landscape, the architectural installation is designed as a protest against the desertification of the countryside. Three of these abandoned barns have broken free from their moorings to rise majestically 10 meters from the ground.
"Three abandoned barnhouses lifted on wooden legs to be able to follow their farmers to the cities. Barns were set on fire during a traditional slaughter carnival by dancer Reijo Kela.
The work was commenting on the desertification process of the Finnish countryside, fastest in the EU." (Sami Rintala)


 
This ties back to the my initial thought that kick started the the incubator - collaboration between the urban environment and sustainability. The reconnection between the countryside and the urban dwelling. To reeducated the urban masses by reintroducing LIFE backing to the urban death. The prototype was meant to visually show how through living fish and the growth of plant, LIFE CYCLES and symbiotic relationships are necessary for progress.    


On further research I also came across this project in Helsinki from 2004:



PUBLIC ATTIC
A Public Attic for Helsinki facing the Parliament of Finland.
Attic is the memory of a house. In attic time is different. Attic is not routine, attic don´t have stress. All the objects are tied to stories. Attic is a narrative space. Also a city can have an attic. A public attic to reflect the collective subconscious.

People were bringing objects to our Public Attic and exchanging them for free. This became a small spontaneous community centre. Improvised architecture.



Some problems I still need to solve for Monday include a canopy for the building. I mentioned that these 'islands' will be elevated into a void, however I'm currently unsure as to how, what and where to shelter. I'm thinking about tensile lightweight canopies because they create a sense of bringing the outside-in. However I'm not sure if these are transparent or will block the views to the surrounding spaces. The second thought follows my earlier design work of using a lightweight grid shell that would support ETFE cushions. The transparent nature and thermal efficiency will offer enclose and also allow natural light for the library and other spaces.


1 comment:

  1. You should take a copy and print both these examples out for Monday review. Also Finns Raija and Hanna will recognise these works, because they are famous, at least the barns on stilts.
    I saw you briefly today, and things looked good,I like the atmosphere and very clear style you have- no middle ground here- be just yourself and show your strengths. Edit your presentation well & use only few images!
    Good luck to you, Nick!

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