Reflections on project part 2

I have learnt a great deal during this project. From investigating materials, a culture and its complex societies, experiments in composition, programming and representation techniques, I now have a greater appreciation in what it means to create 'architecture'.

Process has also been a key component in this project. By becoming more self aware and seeing the influence of rigid logic systems has given me a further insight into this thing called the design process. I have learnt that you need to critically assess the viability of including variables in the design, and also to be prepared to remove them if they get in the way of the process.

I feel that the 6 weeks allocated to this project is really only a very bare minimum to derive a successful and viable solution to the brief. Considerations into cultural relevance, constructability, and the precarious relationship between modularity and architecture need much more thorough investigations.

Additional presentation images

I have included these additional images to further explain my idea for adaptability of the structures. The programme of the building(s) can be dictated by the needs of each activity. The idea of space, variations in light and movement through the spaces can be configured for each activity.

Below is an elevation of how the permanent pavilion may look with the addition of the tree pavilions. The idea of the tree pavilions clustering around the main space is to reinforce the notion of servant and serviced spaces.

Phil Crowther had mentioned that he did not like the fact that the main space was covered by a barrel vault. In hindsight I do agree that this vault does not have a significant reference to traditional building techniques in East Timor, however, it was not my intention to emulate these forms. The idea of producing the span was to create a utilitarian space where a series of activites could be performed. The arches were designed to be an expression of materials and structure to create an heroic volume with emphasis on the quality of light and adaptability of space.

The idea of maintenance was also a driving factor in the design. By using self cleaning surfaces and materials that had long lifespans, I felt that these items would be beneficial to the success of the project.

The tectonics of a traditional East Timorese pavilion are mainly of a post and beam vernacular.
To create a space of significant size would have required a very large amount of timber and a roof pitch that was very high. I did feel asd though I was working with the mechanical principles of the bamboo, rather than working with timber. I wanted to emphasise bamboo as a sustainable alternative to timber, which is in short supply.

Reflections on project part 1

Yesterday I presented my proposal to Yasu Santo, Ian Weir, Phil Crowther and Andrew _ (from Donovan Hill Architects). I enjoyed presenting the project, however, I was well aware that not all aspects of the design was resolved.

I think that my presentation was perhaps based too much on technical aspects of the buildings rather than the intentions and aesoteric intentions. I worked quite hard to resolve structural concepts for the proposal, however, I concede that presentation of the full resolution with respect to site was not as well communicated. ian was quite right to say that the site was not represented, however, this was also intentional with regards to one of my key design strategies: that the buildings be adaptable. I do now understand however, that a more thorough representation of the many ground planes that occur on the site would have been beneficial in presenting my proposal. This is something that i will keep in mind for the future.

It was intersting to note that I did provide sections of the spaces, however, spatial qualities were not emphasised in them. Perhaps some scenographic drawings would have provided me with a good opportunity to do that. One thing that was a significant factor throughout this project though, was time. i do feel as if i spent my time well working through the forms, scenarios and methods of construction, however, I did not pause often enough to consider whether these solutions could be considered... architecture.

One of the main intentions of the project was to provide the client with the opportunity to compose the solutions as she saw fit. The danger, in hindsight though, was that the solution could be devoid of site specificity! i did feel as though I had fulfilled the brief with the project and pursued many ideas after meetings with Yasu, however, I feel that the project is still in its inchoate stages. I feel as though alot more client feedback while we were developing our designs would have given me the opportunity to brutally assess the factors governing the design. i could have then removed rigid artefacts and replaced them with more relevant factors.

I will write some more soon.

Presentation slides

Well, herewith are the fruits of my labour. They are to be read in conjunction with a powerpoint presentation, however it is too large to upload.
I will reflect on the presentation and comments over the next coming days. Please feel free to post a comment on the project. Thank you.

Presentation Thoughts

Some images of the single modular pavilion in stages of construction.
I am thinking snapshots will be the best way to show the method of construction.

Will have to considering which pieces of information are relevant at each time

Tensile structures - Investigations

I did some experiments in Sketchup regarding the primary forces and shapes creates with tensile materials. Gravity is also a significant factor as the tensile fabrics are attached to either arches or hung from columns.

I tried investigating using tensile materials for the whole central pavilion. However, the amount of steel and fotting required would be a significant cost to the project, as well as denying the East Timorese to build the structure.

Another aspect that turned me away from using this material for the large span was that the material itself is not a good insulator for the heat and is prone to producing condensation on the underside of the material in humid conditions.

Below are some picture of Zaha Hadid's Serpentine structure with the tensile material hung from an interior frame.

Hadid here has utilised the geometric forms derived when you pull the tensile fabric tight against the frame with a large diameter at the top and a much smaller diameter at the bottom.

In the end, I concluded that the thensile material could definately be included in the project, however not for large spans. Using it in conjunction with other materials will allow for an expression of structure and also create water tight roofing elements

More information can be found on the project at the following address:

http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2007/01/serpentine_gallery_commissions.html

A great introduction to the design and use of tensile structures can be found here:

http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/course/48-300/Tensile.pdf

Initial roof truss investigations

After analysing the complex geometry of a palm leave, this is actually the outcome! It can be assumed that the top two pieces follow a circular geometry and the single spine on the bottom is parabolic.

It is amazing what you can find when you really look at an everyday object that is found in nature.

I put this scenario to Yasu for this project. An interesting comment from him was that while this truss could be considered beautiful, would it be acceptable to create this object when an alternative one could be constructed with less materials, time and technology? Good question. And the answer is yes! Originally, I wanted to use cnc milled timber elements to create the lightweight truss. After considering the logistics, potential costs and specialised construction, it is indeed inappropriate.

This is one of the reasons why I moved towards using bamboo as a major building element.

Thought on Indeterminacy

As I am also studying engineering, indeterminacy is often defined as not being able to be resolved based on first principles. Naturally, indeterminacy in engineering is only a temporary state, where you them implement applied physics and mathematics to solve the problem.

A thought about modern society: Indeterminacy is constantly being eoroded and replaced by endless specificity. To the point where there should be no unknowns. This could mean that choice and randomness itself is being replaced by a need for certainty. Given the role of the architect in society, external measures have a significant impact on a design outcome. Further, factors for uncertainty in design are often attacked by rationalisation in order to quick a brooding storm and not scare the Clients.

Indulging the wim and the need for metaphor are an important aspect to design and should not be overlooked when searching for solutions. Acknowledge the logic but do not be suffocated by it.

Design updates- rammed earth

This image is taken from my model. I am studying the idea of using quite formal planning for the main structure. However, I do not want to impose too rigid a means of layout that the client cannot customise the structure how they see fit. Rather, the ability to quickly move and construct spaces that serve one another will be important in achieving the goal of designing a cultural centre. That is, an everything centre!

I am really taken with the most recent rammed earth technology. The amazing and beautiful textures that can be produced will make a great aesthetic contribution to the project. As sense of permanence and a place from which to create the remainder of the building.

I was thinking that earth samples from East Timor's 13 districts could be used to build the walls. A sign of unification and probably considerably differnet colours.



I had drafted up some images of the process in Sketchup.

Ply or the bamboo panels that will be used for flooring could be used to create the form work.

The components are shown below.

These are incredible textures that could bring a sense of warmth and place to the building (s).

Model making and drawing investigations

Regrowth Pod

I have been thinking about how the outcome will be transported to the site, and what sort of site works will be required. In my investigations I came across this project which uses the "pod" theme to communicate the idea. Although looking nothing like a pod, the solution is deemed as such as it can be transported and placed on the site. Like picking a pod off a tree and placing it somewhere, I guess.

I do not consider concrete, mass, and 100 tonne cranes to be viable options ofr this project. Moreover, apparently will we have an overly abundant supply of 'manpower' to realise the project. I think it would be a little disappointing to the East timorese if their new centre slid off the back of a truck like a turn-key solution.

Further, I really want the East Timorese to engage with the project by building the majority of it. They could embellish it with memories, tokens, experiences... anything that will give them a sense of place