Final Summary Panel

This is my final panel. I have entitled by building 'Brisbane Biocentre' and whilst that is possibly a little lame I think it describes the building well, and alludes to the Biospace inside.

I have kept the panel simple in order to show the best aspects of the building. I think the design does justice to the building.

Final Words

There is now just one hour until the crit. I am both excited and nervous. I like my building, and I think that my presentation will convey the best aspects of it in a creative way (fingers and toes crossed!!!).

I have really enjoyed this theme group. I think that I really connect with it. I work with primary aged children every day, and I know how they tick; what interests them and what bores them. I am a gymnastic coach, which is a both challenging and rewarding job. You may have a lesson plan, but sometimes you just have to improvise to ensure you keep the activities interesting enough for the kids. I have certainly become far more tolerant towards kids since I began coaching.

I also had another facet of my life that taught me much about the mind of a child. I was an acrobatic gymnast for 7 years, working with partners as young as 8 years old. If you look at my profile picture you will see just one of the stacks that must be performed. The person on top... the 'top' places their life in your hands, not only at competitions, but EVERY DAY of the week they train with you. To gain the trust between partners is not easy, it is something that must be nurtured to ensure a successful outcome. I have been incredibly lucky - I have had amazing partners and have been very successful at both State and National level.

But this is an aside. Back to Architectural Design: I have thoroughly enjoyed this design process. I feel I have poured my heart into the project and so have a deep connection with it. Hopefully it is conveyed both on this blog, and in the presentation.

I should also take time here to thank my theme leader Dan. Without his assistance and guidance, I don't think I would have achieved the level of resolution that I did. Thanks :)

Final Presentation

I wanted to upload my final presentation panel, but that is going to take some more working on because the file is so big. Still, I can upload my final presentation as a video :) Enjoy.

This is the corresponding speech.... the video kinda makes no sense with out it :)

Through the eyes of a child, the world is a big place. At times, the world is so big, it can be overwhelming. But at the same time, we are all a part of this great big world, and everyone’s place in it is integral.

Our folie was to be a destination, converting the footpath thoroughfare under the Story Bridge into an engaging place where one could stop and appreciate our city. Both its form and function were determined by its location; the sound of the city that emanates from the Bridge itself, and again how this has changed over time. To a lesser extent, it was about blurring the boundaries between transitional and destination spaces, but also created a boundary and an obstacle along a transit route.

These concepts were highly inspiring and left a wide range of possibilities for the form, function, program and tectonic of my environmental education centre.

A building’s success is measured by its popularity and usage by its target clientele. So what is my building like? Let us take a look, through the eyes of child.

“As she stepped onto the jetty, her ears were assaulted by various traffic sounds, of sirens and beeping horns, the laughter of her classmates, and a crow carking in the distance.

She noticed that they were moving towards a building that appeared to both blend in and stick out at the same time. It was both box-like and wibbly-wobbly. Her teacher ushered them into the belly of the beast.

Once inside, her ears were again assaulted, but this time by the low hum of insects, the chirping of birds and the occasional squeal from one of her classmates. In front of her she observed double doors leading to twinkling darkness, and to her right a high and narrow window through which she thought she could see trees. Sweeping her eyes downward, she was disappointed to see only blank wall, save for some posters.

Her teacher was ushering them towards some elevators, accompanied by an unfamiliar woman, so she dragged herself along.

After exiting the elevators, she and her classmates filed through more doors and into tiered seating where the unfamiliar woman spoke and they viewed a movie about “Brisbane Town” – a  funny little place. The woman talked about the way the city grew and changed, how the people changed, and how the plants, birds, animals and insects changed too. The woman said that they weren’t all found in Brisbane anymore, because the humans got too big and the city replaced the trees.

Once it ended, the screen rolled away to reveal trees, birds and buildings. As the class took a collective breath in, there was one question on everyone’s lips – how?!

She bounced with excitement as they descended back into the entrance, taken around the high walls into the space filled with trees and plants. Up they went, winding through the space, following the unfamiliar woman as she spoke about the trees and birds until they were in the very tops of the trees where they entered yet another room.

Her ears were assaulted for the third time; the sound again that of beeping horns and the whoosh of traffic. Confused, she strained to hear the sound of birds and insects. Above her she saw the world outside through glass, and around her some displays about pollution, waste and some of the other things they had been learning about in class. Windows faced toward the tops of the trees. She placed her hand against the glass, wishing she could hear the birds again.

After a time, they were led back down to the grassy area at the base of the building, amongst the trees and plants to have some food.

When they finished, the class were taken back to the entrance and through the doors she’d observed earlier, into the twinkling darkness, where they were told they could use giant computers to create Brisbane in 2090.

The girl knew her Brisbane would have lots of trees.

Heaps of Birds.

But definitely plenty of humans.”

We have essentially just been taken on a tour of the building from the child’s perspective, and whilst it might be simplified it is crucial; the way a child experiences the space is very different from that of an adult. The program is fast paced in order to ensure those with shorter attention spans or are younger still glean an educational experience.

The building’s program is laid out over three floors, and the building sits in this location on the site. The Building is accessed via four routes: (A) the proposed jetty, (B) an existing (but redeveloped) boardwalk, (C) a “treetop” skywalk up the cliff and at the height of the top floor of the building and (D) from New Farm via a redevelopment of the Riverwalk.

The lower floor is surrounded by a rolling, grassed landscape, coming up the walls almost to the height of the first floor. On the ground floor is the entry foyer, interactive zone, base of the Biospace and toilets. The first floor houses the presentation space, the second level of the Biospace (and complimentary exhibition space) as well as staff offices and more toilets. The second floor contains the final “level” of the Biospace, and the second dedicated exhibition space, as well as toilets. All levels are accessed via a central glass walled lift and a timber walkway that winds through the space.

The Biospace and interactive zones are both crucial to the education centre’s unique experience and success.

Running over three floors, the Biospace is central to the building itself. It is essentially an enclosed environment; with local species of trees, birds and insects. Considering the fact that it is a contained environment, the soil, temperature and air quality must be monitored at all times. Similarly, the geodesic glass roof of the building and location of the exterior glazing are determined by the necessity for natural sunlight to penetrate the depths of the building. The Biospace is a miniature city that represents co-habitation. It represents the possible “future” of the city, an ideal.

On the first floor are exhibits dedicated to the different species of birds, insects and plants in the space. One such of these exhibits takes the form terrariums. A terrarium is a further enclosed environment, creating a microclimate. These would be constructed by children in specialised workshops (for instance, during specific visits or on weekends) and left out for display and monitoring. There would also be the potential for professionally made terrariums to accompany these. These could prove to be an interesting exhibit, taking the Biospace concept down to an even smaller level. By building their own self-sufficient, mini-scale Biospace, the children may be able to glean an even greater understanding of the way the Space works.

The interactive zone allows children to create their own version of Brisbane City’s future. Contained within are 18 large touch screens that allow children to actively build their city with the aid of a specifically developed computer program, which also shows what impact to the environment that particular city layout would have. Parameters and levels of the program could be set depending upon which age group is using the space at the time. Some of the things the children might choose from would be land usage, number/types of buildings, trees and waterways. The program would then be run to see how that layout might fare over 100 years in terms of specifics such as soil erosion, water pollution, air pollution and population growth.

The idea of this space being the last in the program is to ensure that the children have received the message of some of the possible dangers to the environment, and so attempt to create an ideal, virtually, and further take away the message of care, consideration and cohabitation.

So just what does a child take from the experience?

“As she left that crazy beast and wandered towards the boat back to school, she couldn’t wait to tell her mother and father. She wanted to return to make her own terrarium, and bring her little brother so he could learn all about the way the city works. She smiled as her head filled with endless ideas.”

Last minute additions

I decided that I wanted to look a little bit more in-depth at what the interface for the program in my interactive zone would look like. I have come up with a mock screen-shot.

The children would be given a blank area of land (or potentially, a model of Brisbane City?!) to which they would be able to add their own additions. The would be able to choose from 8 different categories for a middle primary age student. These are: trees and plants, vehicles and transportation + humans, fauna, small scale buildings (houses/schools etc), agricultural land, city buildings, power supply, roads and routes and waterways.

By clicking "play city" the program would then be run to assess the success of the city over a 100 year period using some of the parameters such as air quality, water levels, population growth, quality of soil/ soil erosion just to name a few.

By physically having to drag each element into place, the children must actively think about where things go and the layout of the city. For older students, this gives a real learning experience. For younger kids, this is just plain fun! One child might choose to fill the space with hundreds of trees, another might choose to cover it in city skyscrapers.

This space is essentially my historical playscape. It is here that they are engaging in the future/ future planning,  whilst being mindful of the past.

Why do I think it's successful? A) because I want to go there RIGHT NOW. B) my head is filled with thoughts about how to make this program real and successful.

More interior renders...

It is very close to the deadline now, but I can happily say that I am DONE! I am happy with my presentation overall. I think that it is clear and effective, and gives a clear understanding of what the building would be and the sorts of experiences one might have in it. The presentation is sketchy and childish; it has a semi-realistic feel to it that I think works. Mind you, I don't really want to speak too soon... it might be ripped apart in tomorrow's critique. I hope that my presentation conveys the connection that I have had with this building throughout the semester. It has certainly evolved from where it was originally. I believe that the building is believable, and could be real. I wish I was better at using Revit, because it might have done the building/ site more justice. If there was one thing I am not happy with, it is showing the building in context. I have done that to a limited (and artificial-looking) extent with my exterior render. Here are some more interior renders that make up the quasi-narrative part of my speech.

           

 This shows the Biospace from the first floor of the building.

 This is the top floor of the Biospace, with the roof above and the canopy of the trees in view.

           

This is in the interactive zone, with the glass wall through to the Biospace and the large touchscreens in use by the child. 

I will upload my final presentation (it is a video) and final panel soon.

Detail 2: Interactive Zone Screens

Wow, just wow. I have been fascinated with the thought of having giant touch screens in my interactive zone to make it just that; INTERACTIVE. Meaning that the users of the space would have to physically drag the elements of their city around. I have been trawling the internet, and I have found some truly inspiring and amazing things.

The first are reasonably basic: They are just giant touch screen monitors.
This is an offering from Samsung:

 At 82 inches it is pretty enormous, but not really what I was thinking.

This is another of Samsung's offerings. This is a bit more like it... a touch screen TABLE. Now that is cool.

But then I found this video....

Mind = BLOWN! That screen is incredible, and definitely what I was thinking for my interactive zone.
And then, there was this....

This is absolutely astonishing. I think it is an amazing use of technology. I'm not sure about punching the ground to reveal the innards of the earth and creating a giant crater, but I love this so much.

I am absolutely inspired. I think that each of these have the potential to work in my interactive zone. At the end of the day, I just want the building of the city to be an 'hands on' experience, rather than simple clicking a mouse and pressing some buttons.

Exhibit to Detail 1: Terrarium

The spaces I am looking at specifically are the Biospace and the Interactive Zone. In the Biospace, the exhibits mainly relate to the Biospace itself: specific information about the plants, animals and insects in the Space. These would take the form of traditional exhibits as seen in a zoo or museum, perhaps more interactive with computer screens as seems to be the norm these days. However, there is another exhibit I think would be very beneficial to the Space: terrariums.

A terrarium is an enclosed ecosystem which, when constructed correctly is self sufficient. It is basically the Biospace (if correctly maintained) on a miniature scale. Plants and worms may be contained within, and the system can be self watering, provided it is kept in the correct location.

It is my vision that there would be a space in the program for children to construct their own terrariums, perhaps in specialised workshops run on weekends or for special visits. There is area enough on the middle floor of the Biospace or the top floor to accomodate small groups of children. These could then be further monitored and displayed in the Biospace for other visitors to enjoy. Interestingly, we have previously constructed our own terrarium at home, images of which may be seen below.

 Terrarium before being sealed

 Terrarium day 1

Terrarium day 3... already you can see condensation starting to form.

The Burke's Backyard websit suggests these tips for terrariums:

·         Add a layer of gravel or small pebbles to the bottom of your container to assist with drainage. Cover this with a layer of charcoal (available from your local pet shop), to prevent the potting mix from becoming sour. Place a light layer of sphagnum moss over the top of the charcoal to prevent the potting mix from sifting down into the drainage area.

·         The best growing medium for terrariums is a good quality commercial potting mix that has been sterilised. Unsterilised homemade mixes may contain fungi and algae, which will spoil the terrarium. The potting mix should be slightly moist when placed on top of the sphagnum moss. For most containers you will need a minimum thickness of 3.5cm (but go easy - too much potting mix spoils the look of a terrarium).

·         You can reduce the root ball of plants in a closed terrarium by nearly half and it won’t harm plants, which can survive in this perpetually moist atmosphere with a reduced root area.

·         When using plants of different heights, group the taller plants in the middle of the terrarium. After planting, mist spray to clean any potting mix sticking to the leaves or sides of the container. The water from the mist will be sufficient to provide moisture and settle the potting mix. Keep the container uncovered until the leaves are completely dry, then close it and enjoy your little world.

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2003/archives/2003/in_the_garden/gardening_styles_and_features?p=3464

In our terrarium we had:

* silver squill

*philodendron

* anthurium

* a variety of succulents

* worms

* soil

* moss

* water

* air

*gravel

* charcoal

* rock

Although it wasn't a complete success, it still demonstrates that it is possible to construction something like this out of household items and recyclables. Terrariums come in all different shapes and sizes... a Google image search came up with these examples.

http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2007/10/18/terrariums-by-paula-hayes/

These are open terrariums, which are slightly different from the sealed system. They are also more like are pieces than they are functional, but they give an indication of what terrariums can be like.

Elevations

I am getting close now to finishing all of the drawings I will have in my presentation. I have all the ones that are required; now it is just a matter of putting it all together and finalising things.

 This is the elevation of the 'front' of the building.

This is the elevation from the 'right-hand' side of the building.
Again, like the section, I think these give an idea of the external materiality. I am reasonably pleased with how they look.

Historical video INSPIRATION

Yes, it is quite late, and yes, I have been working on this project all day, but YES I AM EXCITED. I was looking for some old footage from Brisbane as a sort of example for my what might be shown in my presentation space... and I hit the jackpot. This video is AWESOME :D

My word... I swear the best thing about it is the soundtrack and the speaker's accent. I wish our accents were still so Britishy...

Rendered Sections

Rendering these sections took the better part of all afternoon, but I am reasonably happy with them. I think they give an indication of the materiality of the building.... and they look good populated.

 This section is roughly 'north/south' through the building. It cuts through the Biospace, showing the sectioned-off earth for the contained environment, and also showing the trees and buildings.

I think I like this render better, just because the complexity of the spaces and their connections are shown. I am very happy with the materiality.

Floor Plans and Master Plan ready for Presentation

This morning I have been working on finalising some of the images for my presentation. Having already written my speech and the order of presentation, I have a clear idea of what I need. The project is an Environmental Education Centre for children and I feel the style of the images for my presentation reflects this. I wish the presentation to be reasonably 'sketchy', 'childish' and 'fun!'.

 Above is the ground floor plan. I have chosen to shade in the Biospace because it is central to my building. I brings the outside in, and creates an unique experience for the children (and adults) that are visiting. Now that the spaces are labelled it is possible to see how they interact.

 Above is the first floor. Again, the Biospace is coloured, but at a lower opacity in order to represent the fact that it continues down one level. Again, the spaces are labelled now, and it is possible to see their interaction.

 This one is the second floor plan.

The final image is the Master plan. This has evolved quite a way from what it was originally. I think the colours make it fun. It shows all of the connections between the building and its surroundings. The proposed Ferry terminal remains in the same location between the pylons of the Story Bridge, as indicated in blue. The red indicates the refurbished boardwalk around the back of the historic buildings. The yellow is the 'skywalk' (not Luke Skywalker...) but a walkway that winds up the face of the cliff and around the back of the building. It comes to about the same height as the second floor, and considering the glass roof, users would be able to walk around and look inside towards the exhibition and Biospaces. The orange indicates a link from New Farm via a refurbished Riverwalk. In all, there are multiple ways to access the building, despite its  blocking the main axis through the site.

Elevations and Section of the New Layout

Today I have been working on my sections and elevations. Obviously these are just the CAD versions, so they are just lines. I will take them into photoshop and give them textures/ make them realistic.

 This is the elevation from the right hand side of the building (if you were looking at the front/ going of the floorplans I have already posted. With the new floor plans, the geodesic roof is looking a lot more regular...

 This is the elevation of the front of the building.

 This is a section through the building from the same angle. Obviously there are no people in it as yet. Unfortunate I made a little error when selecting the area for my section, so all we get to see of the ground floor are the most boring part of the toilets and the entrance foyer... But the next two floors look good!? I might have to do a third section to ensure the whole experience is documented.

I decided to throw this in for a bit of fun. WHICH WAY ARE THE STAIRS GOING? Hope this doesn't melt your brain :)

Floor Plans complete :)

Today I have finished all three floor plans, and I am reasonably happy with them.

This one doesn't look that different from the last version... however I have changed the wall dividing the interactive zone and the Biospace so that it is a 'window', i.e. a glass wall.

I have worked a lot further on this plan. I have added in the tiered seating in the presentation space, as well as the 'control' room behind.I have also detailed out the staff spaces, adding a kitchen and eating area.

This is the top floor. I have added some program to the space. I have detailed in the toilets (male, female and accessible), as well as an activity area and a reading area, and the possible locations for some of the displays.

Obviously they look as though they are all different scales as I have taken them straight from the screen. Now, time to work on the section and elevation views in a CAD format!

Developing the Floor plans

I have been working on detailing out the floor plans so it is possible to see how the spaces interact with one another, and how people will be moving through the spaces. They are a work in progress...

This is the ground floor plan. I have shown where the toilets are and the wooden walkway that winds up towards the first floor. Also, the lifts are detailed in the foyer, and the arrangement of the furniture in the Interactive zone. I have also shown where the 'Buildings' and the plants would be in the Biospace.

This is the first floor, Some of the areas are resolved, but again it is certainly a work in progress. I will show the tiered seating in the presentation space, and fix the wall so it looks like a window. Still lots to do...

Renderings

I have continued to play with rendering in Photoshop, considering I think that it is (a) important for my final presentation, and (b) was going to be the most time consuming.
Below is the View looking from the approach from the jetty, completed.

 Above is the entryway looking up at the glimpse of the biospace and up to the presentation space, then across to the interactive zone.

This is the presentation space following the presentation and the reveal of the Biospace.

I believe the renders to be quite effective, and I think I will use them in the final presentation, considering how short a time frame there is to the day. I think they are playful and almost childish, but are quite good all the same. I will do one more of the final area.

Inspired!

As I was trawling the internet for textures for the main part of my building, I found something that I believe is ideal :)

http://new.asla.org/2011awards/546.html

These wooden slats form a screen, which is what I wanted on the middle storey if my building. They create a sun shade, but also create the flowing effect (kinda like waves and our folie?!) I think I want this, combined with my BGGS example for the facade of the building.

Pre-rendered Perspectives

I have produced the following images to render in photoshop, similar to that of my previous post.

This is the entry foyer, from a child's perspective. The small, narrow windows on the second floor will give just the tiniest glimpse of the Biospace, as with the narrow windows on the 'half' walls.

This is from the first floor balcony overlooking the Biospace. Obviously there isn't anything in the Biospace at the moment. You can see across to the presentation zone with its large glass wall (that will be covered by a screen for the presentation... It is also possible to see the double height entry space with the 'half' walls to the Biospace, allowing the sound of the birds and insects to permeate the entry zone.

This is just a wider angle of the entry space.

 This image is from the Presentation space. It is elevated as if the view were sitting in the bleachers. Obviously there are no trees in it yet.

This is from the very top floor, looking towards the Biospace through the narrow windows of the central zone.

I am looking forward to rendering these images and bringing them to life. 

Attempting to Render

Considering the fact that I am not very proficient at Revit, I have decided that the easiest and quickest way to output my perspective drawings both internally and externally will be through photoshop. After a process of massing the building in Revit, taking an image into AutoCAD and enhancing it, then taking that image into photoshop, I have produced this image.

Clearly, it is a work in progress. I have yet to apply texture to the majority of the building, and ther are a couple of things that need to be resolved, but other than that I think it is a good start. It certainly gives an indication of what the building would look like when approached from the proposed jetty.

Continual Development of the Building Form

I have further developing the floor plans of the building, and then updating the elevation views whilst giving a perspective view a go.

These are the old floor plans. They read from right to left (convoluted I know...). This obviously doesn't give an indication of what each of the spaces are, but I have previously mentioned what each are and the plans have changed little.

These are the updated floor plans. Again they read from right to left. There are now two lifts instead of a staircase to the presentation space, increasing the suspense. There is also a lift in the Biospace, to ensure accessible access. There are toilet spaces on the ground floor, first floor and second floor. There is also a balcony space for additional exhibits under the staircase.

 I had an experiment with an external view. This is the entrance, with one of the historic wharf buildings in the background. It is a work in progress, and I will obviously give it materiality for the final presentation...

This is a new elevation from the "front" of the building. Again, it is similar to the previous ones, but obviously takes into consideration the changes to the floor plan.

I have also been making changes to the masterplan, and I now have a very clear idea of where I am going with the project. Now to go do it :)