I have aimed to intrinsically connect the community with the surrounding landscape by constructing nature within the urban fabric.
Playing on the idea of context being the driving force behind architecture, i have developed the relationship that exists between topology and morphology.
After identifying the various separate communal elements of Coogee (tennis/cafe), the new landscape interface breaks through site boundaries to engage the building with the community.
The building is transformed into a passage, attempting to shorten the distance between communal elements. The roof structure compliments the sense of movement by reaching out to the surrounding hill side echoing the ridgeline.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Final Presentation
Ground Floor Plan 1:200
Inspiration
- Developing the concept of organic architecture
Structural Diagrams
- Program
- Main Circulation
- Vertical Circulation
- Structural Diagram
- Void
- Breaking down threshold
Lower Ground Floor Plan 1:200
North Elevation 1:200
West Elevation 1:200
West-East Sections 1:200
My choice of sections depict the unique undulating shape of the building
Perspective
- Across the Void
- Community WOrkshop
- Through the sunken courtyard garden
Analysis of Design
Program
Program has been grouped into 5 areas - Administration, Cafe, Conference & Community Workshop on the ground floor. Sports on the lower ground floor, which includes change rooms, rub down room and community kitchen.
Each programmatic element has then been placed within one of 6 'segments' of the predefined design perameters. The final location on the site of each program element has been decided after taking into consideration the needs of that service area.
The Cafe is location on the North side to achieve full sun all day.
The Conference Area has full view of the pitch making it ideal for holding special events in particular of a sporting nature. Inhabitants of all three rooms would feel a special connection to the pitch as it is viewed from eye height from these rooms.
The Community Workshop is the most organic of all the spaces, and the journey from the entry to the space reflects this - moving around the courtyard garden and gently progressing down a set of ramps. On arrival into this area the viewer is presented with a veiw across the oval through two glazed curtain walls.
Main Circulation - connecting areas of coogee
+diagrams.jpg)
The Circulation within the building is constructed around the central sunken courtyard. Each of the 3 paths leading from the beach, tennis courts and main communal street in coogee(south of building) intersect within this area. Circulation of the community centre has been designed to be as easy as possible; program is grouped and each area can be viewed from the entrance, either across the void or beyond the central sunken courtyard.
Vertical Circulation
Athough the entire building is accessable through a ramping system, there is also a lift and staircase located near the cafe. This combination of vertical circulation in particular the ramping system was included to allow patrons of all ages to use the centre with ease in particular the elderly, wheelchair bound and young children/babies in pushchairs. The main ramp leading down through the void to the sports hall can also double up as a viewing area for sporting functions/award ceremonies etc below.
Structural Diagram
Columns have become a predominant structural element in the design for two purposes; they enable the roof structure to appear weightless and also enhance the feeling of an organic circulation as they lead the eye through the building. They have become the key support for the main ramp which allows it to appear suspended separatly from the main building structure.
Orientation of program around Voids
All the program is orientated around key voids within the building such as the sunken courtyard garden and the void through to the sport hall. This not only helps patrons locate themselves within the building as a whole but also aids in creating beautiful moments as one moves through the space.
Visual Connection with nature providing a breakdown of boundaries/threshold
Throughout the building a sense of movement and journey is created not only through the use of voids but also an intrinsic connection with nature. All areas have combinations of balconies and large glass curtain walls to enhance this connection.
Program has been grouped into 5 areas - Administration, Cafe, Conference & Community Workshop on the ground floor. Sports on the lower ground floor, which includes change rooms, rub down room and community kitchen.
Each programmatic element has then been placed within one of 6 'segments' of the predefined design perameters. The final location on the site of each program element has been decided after taking into consideration the needs of that service area.
The Cafe is location on the North side to achieve full sun all day.
The Conference Area has full view of the pitch making it ideal for holding special events in particular of a sporting nature. Inhabitants of all three rooms would feel a special connection to the pitch as it is viewed from eye height from these rooms.
The Community Workshop is the most organic of all the spaces, and the journey from the entry to the space reflects this - moving around the courtyard garden and gently progressing down a set of ramps. On arrival into this area the viewer is presented with a veiw across the oval through two glazed curtain walls.
Main Circulation - connecting areas of coogee
+diagrams.jpg)
The Circulation within the building is constructed around the central sunken courtyard. Each of the 3 paths leading from the beach, tennis courts and main communal street in coogee(south of building) intersect within this area. Circulation of the community centre has been designed to be as easy as possible; program is grouped and each area can be viewed from the entrance, either across the void or beyond the central sunken courtyard.
Vertical Circulation
Athough the entire building is accessable through a ramping system, there is also a lift and staircase located near the cafe. This combination of vertical circulation in particular the ramping system was included to allow patrons of all ages to use the centre with ease in particular the elderly, wheelchair bound and young children/babies in pushchairs. The main ramp leading down through the void to the sports hall can also double up as a viewing area for sporting functions/award ceremonies etc below.
Structural Diagram
Columns have become a predominant structural element in the design for two purposes; they enable the roof structure to appear weightless and also enhance the feeling of an organic circulation as they lead the eye through the building. They have become the key support for the main ramp which allows it to appear suspended separatly from the main building structure.
Orientation of program around Voids
All the program is orientated around key voids within the building such as the sunken courtyard garden and the void through to the sport hall. This not only helps patrons locate themselves within the building as a whole but also aids in creating beautiful moments as one moves through the space.
Visual Connection with nature providing a breakdown of boundaries/threshold
Throughout the building a sense of movement and journey is created not only through the use of voids but also an intrinsic connection with nature. All areas have combinations of balconies and large glass curtain walls to enhance this connection.
Levels (working drawings)
Working drawings showing the development of level changes inside the building. Particular attention has been paid to the difference of levels from room to room within the conference area in order to make the most of space in areas where the pitched roof would have otherwise become intrusive.
The complex ramping system allows all the building to be accessed by the entire community. For example the community workshop can be used by mothers and babies as the location for coffee mornings. The sports centre is equipt to hold disabled events as the ramp allows easy access for these patrons.
The complex ramping system allows all the building to be accessed by the entire community. For example the community workshop can be used by mothers and babies as the location for coffee mornings. The sports centre is equipt to hold disabled events as the ramp allows easy access for these patrons.
Elevations
West Elevation
The west elevation is the point at which the building is elevated 2meters above ground level. At this height the building is able to engage with the Rugby Clubhouse opposite. The double wall detail, glass and balcony bays and the use of planting is mirrored in the west facade.
Sketches of each elevation at a development stage, engaging each elevation with the existing architecture and surrounding landscape.
South Elevation
The south elevation aims to make entry (insertion) an interesting experience. Patrons can see directly into the building, both to the lower ground and ground floor through the large window adjacent to the main void. Before entry the patron is elevated up 1 metre on a ramp, able to look below to the sunken garden possibly containing local sculpture. I have also proposed an ungalvanised iron/copper feature wall which will age and change with time.
North Elevation
Much of the North elevation is glass with a large deck ajoining the cafe which overlooks the childrens play area below. This elevation makes the most of it northerly aspect allowing full penetration of the sun throughout the day. The glass facade also allows visibility of the cafe from the roadside, vital for the success of a new cafe/resturant within the community. At this point on the site the building is 1 metre above the ground allowing for interaction between those on the balcony and spectators on the oval, particularly important when viewing a match. The height also interacts well with the scale of the small town houses to the north-west of the building.
East Elevation
This elevation is fundamental to the design of the roof. This is the point at which the roof structure meets ground level, engaging the building with the main purpose of the community centre, sporting events. It is from this point that the roof takes shape, echoing the surrounding hill side. The copper roof is flanked either side by glass - community workshop and cafe.
Throughout the design of the building the surrounding architecture has been an integral influence to height and finish. By comparing the street elevation and east elevation above you can see how care has been taken to match the scale of buildings.
The west elevation is the point at which the building is elevated 2meters above ground level. At this height the building is able to engage with the Rugby Clubhouse opposite. The double wall detail, glass and balcony bays and the use of planting is mirrored in the west facade.
Sketches of each elevation at a development stage, engaging each elevation with the existing architecture and surrounding landscape.
South Elevation
The south elevation aims to make entry (insertion) an interesting experience. Patrons can see directly into the building, both to the lower ground and ground floor through the large window adjacent to the main void. Before entry the patron is elevated up 1 metre on a ramp, able to look below to the sunken garden possibly containing local sculpture. I have also proposed an ungalvanised iron/copper feature wall which will age and change with time.
North Elevation
Much of the North elevation is glass with a large deck ajoining the cafe which overlooks the childrens play area below. This elevation makes the most of it northerly aspect allowing full penetration of the sun throughout the day. The glass facade also allows visibility of the cafe from the roadside, vital for the success of a new cafe/resturant within the community. At this point on the site the building is 1 metre above the ground allowing for interaction between those on the balcony and spectators on the oval, particularly important when viewing a match. The height also interacts well with the scale of the small town houses to the north-west of the building.
East Elevation
This elevation is fundamental to the design of the roof. This is the point at which the roof structure meets ground level, engaging the building with the main purpose of the community centre, sporting events. It is from this point that the roof takes shape, echoing the surrounding hill side. The copper roof is flanked either side by glass - community workshop and cafe.
Throughout the design of the building the surrounding architecture has been an integral influence to height and finish. By comparing the street elevation and east elevation above you can see how care has been taken to match the scale of buildings.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Organic: Redefining
characterized by the systematic arrangement of parts; organized; systematic: elements fitting together into a unified, organic whole
developing in a manner analogous to the natural growth and evolution characteristic of living organisms; arising as a natural outgrowth
noting or pertaining to any work of architecture regarded as analogous to plant or animal forms in having a structure and a plan that fulfill perfectly the functional requirements for the building and that form in themselves an intellectually lucid, integrated whole
pertaining to the shapes or forms in a work of art that are of irregular contour and seem to resemble or suggest forms found in nature
organic. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/organic (accessed: October 11, 2008).
Developing an Organic Landscape
- systematic arrangement of parts
- pertaining to the shapes or forms in a work of art that are of irregular contour and seem to resemble or suggest forms found in nature
Creating a contour model suggestive of the roof structure of my community centre. The roof line should echoe the landscape - organic but formed from interlocking planes
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