Week 14
Refining the project – Week 13
Week 12 – Model experiments – SIte & internal programming
Program, program, program – Week 11
Digital modelling – more options for program and auditorium
Retaining the same entry point, central corridor axis and old and new wings, I experimented with different layouts for the auditorium. This raised some more questions that I will need to address…
How is the building going to relate to the surrounding landscape?
“A new playspace by Aspect Studios at a historic flour mill balances vibrancy with substance, leading the revitalization of Port Adelaide’s post-industrial waterfront. Tubular steel spells out climbable words linked to flour milling: wheat, flour, blend and purify.” Perhaps a similar interactive installation or artwork could be installed at the Powerhouse to allude to its original use. See article here. 
How is the entry going to be announced?
The Teneriffe Wool Stores [left] and the Brisbane Powerhouse [right] both feature protruding vertical glass columns to announce the building entry point, which are illuminated at night. The contrast in materiality is particularly pronounced. 
Sketch Design – Week 9
Modelmaking Exercises – Week 9
Exercise 1: 2 Massing Models
1:1000 Massing Model
This model brought to my attention that there is a lot of vacant land around my building, and I will need to decide how to relate to it.
1:100 Massing Model
Exercise 2: Physical Vignettes & Spacial Conditions
Condition 1: Shadow and light through perforations
Exercise 3: Detail Model
Digital Models
I have been experimenting with the internal layouts in sketch-up (rudimentary, I know), and I think I need to go back and do up some options for the location and size of the amphitheater. At the moment it is in the north-east corner, and digital modelling has really helped me understand the size… 1250m2 is so large!
I have also been sketching and modelling changing the levels and shapes of the floor plates so that the threshold between old and new is less orthogonal and more blurred. The use of angles also disorientates sense of perspective when entering the building, which is an interesting effect.
Return Brief – Week 9
Brief Analysis – Key points from the given Brief
- Examine the conditions and context of the site that contribute to the notion of place
- The Field Station houses & supports the mapped conditions
- The proposal reinforces the varied and diverse architectural and urban form or Gowanus
- The proposal is to consider sustainable future-focused initiatives (transport, energy generation and water collection)
- The structure is to be build-able and fully accessible
- The chosen site should further enhance the purpose as a recreational, exhibition, academic, research and work space
- Research: Observing and reporting on impacts in the watershed from development, change in infrastructure, global warming, planning strategies, and the clean-up process.
- The required spaces are shown below:
Return Brief – Architectural form
Houses & supports the mapped conditions – The main feature of the exhibition space is a permanent ‘Gowanus Environment’ exhibition, showing multimedia updates on current environmental monitoring and research undertaken at the Station. There is a second permanent exhibition space showing the route of the Historical Urban Exploration trail, as well as an interactive display showing people on social media who are using the trail.
Reinforces Gowanus’s varied and diverse architectural and urban form – There is a symbolic contrast between the historical brick form and the modern perforated metal facade of extension. Lighting behind the perforated facade displays a programmable light display, turning the Field Station into a glowing beacon at night. These coloured lights could reflect social media interaction (results of a poll displayed in the exhibition, or check-in statistics (age, gender, number etc)).
Sustainable future-focused initiatives (transport, energy generation and water collection) – using an existing building to reduce material use; situated close to public transport and proposes new public transport links; bicycle parking; car parking that can be transitioned into open space as car use is phased out in the future; water collection from roof space displayed in transparent tank.
Return Brief – Defining the spaces
Lobby & Reception 150m2 – a an impressive entry space with a high ceiling and plenty of light. This is where people greet each other, and get their first impressions of their Field Station. The reception includes a ticket booth where people can purchase tickets for events held in the auditorium & acts as a community hub where people can receive information about wider community events.
Auditorium 1250m2 – The auditorium acts as an informal community meeting space as well as a function centre. Used for cultural, political, educational, religious and artistic activities, groups can book the auditorium at the ticket office. The auditorium is dappled with natural light but can be darkened for multimedia presentations and performances.
Exhibition Space 1000m2 – The main feature of the exhibition space is a permanent ‘Gowanus Environment’ exhibition, showing multimedia updates on current environmental monitoring and research undertaken at the Station. There is a second permanent exhibition space showing the route of the Historical Urban Exploration trail, as well as an interactive display showing people on social media who are using the trail. There are also separate sections for temporary exhibitions featuring fashion, artwork, craft, design, historical & commemorative artefacts.
Academic Space 1000m2 – This is a community work space. It has bookable group work spaces for 2-8 people, as well as silent study spaces. There are also larger bookable rooms for booking for special interest classes, adult education classes and seminars. If these classes are public, the program can be accessed at the ticket office. There is also a manual arts workshop, artist studio/craft space and recording studio.
Gowanus Resources 500m2 – This is a space for archives, books and digital resources relating to the Gowanus and greater Brooklyn area. People using the workspace can access these reference resources, as well as the artists and scientists in residence. It is high in the building to protect these important documents from any water damage from flooding.
Artist Work Space 100m2 – This space includes a private art studio for artists in residence.
Science Work Space 400m2 – This space has a private laboratory for scientists in residence, including a water collection and testing facility, weather station, and refrigerated scientific sample storage.
Recreation Space 250m2 – the internal recreation space is a cafe bar area. An external picnic area & park space is also incorporated.
Work Space (Community Liaison) 100m2 – The community liaison work space is attached to the ticket office and staffed during opening hours.
Circulation & Support 250m2 – This includes toilets, storage, and kitchenettes attached to the Academic Space & Work Spaces.
My ideas for the auditorium are about being the highlight of the culmination between old and new Gowanus.
Some sketch ideation for auditorium layouts are below…
Design – Programming Spaces – Week 9
These were my initial ideas, and during the tutorial I marked up some of these images with ideas about diverse spacial uses.
One of the points made in the tute was that of incorporating primary and secondary circulation spaces. I think that I have given thought to a main circulation corridor that separates the two wings and bridges that cross this, but have given little thought to secondary circulation, as well as the placement of staircases and lifts.
So where to from here?
- Physical modelling exercises! Start with site model and 1:200 building model to resolve where the spaces will be located.
- Brainstorm possibilities spatial uses & formulate a return brief as to what I propose to create.
- Investigate dividing up larger spaces into smaller axillary spaces to assist with tackling this large building.
- Link interior spaces with exterior surrounding site
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