Coal Loader, Final Design
Wednesday, November 27, 2013



Concept:
One particular aspect
which interested me was the juxtaposition in ambiance between the wide
open sunny courtyard and the dark enclosed coal loader tunnel. The
direct contrast heightens the multiple senses of the audience as they go
from one extreme to another, a truly memorable experience. This dynamic
spatial engagement with the surrounding environment and built forms is
the basis of my design, which I seek to emulate. This switch from an
open exposed area to a enclosed sheltered one and the accompanying
sensations. The point of differentiation, the entrance to the coal
loader is where I drew my inspiration, utilizing the language of the
arch to conceive a unique design.
Journey:
A series of arches are located within the upper site,
engaging with the public and enticing them along a journey towards the
experimental art spaces. The arches’ materiality reflects the materials
found within the site, initially starting with thin metal framing, and
sandstone blocks, eventually morphing into thin concrete arches hinting
at the new redevelopment. The initial arches blend into the environment,
through both material and an unobtrusive scale, contrasting with the
monumental effect of the built forms. The arches located upon the top of
the coal loader still lead the public on a journey, however are much
larger in size.
Internal Experimental Art space:
The internal experimental art
space stands out in the landscape, creating a sublime appearance in its
scale, form and simplicity. This blurring of boundaries between interior
and exterior stems from the initial concept of the contrasting
experience of the courtyard and tunnel and seeking to play with and
emulate these sensations. The four concrete tunnels located upon the
roof, differ in height, length, lighting and materiality, to provide a
dynamic spatial engagement with these spaces which are further
influenced by the artworks they hold.
Workspace/Gallery:
The workspace and gallery located upon the
wharf, provides the public to walk out on the open, admire the artwork
and artists at work, enjoy the view and experience the sea breeze. The
glass sliding doors, allow for variation in temperature and how enclosed
the area is. The glass again connects with this blurring of boundaries
between interior and exterior as whilst it is completely encased and
thus “enclosed”, the transparency of the glass allows one to still feel
open.
Amphitheatre:
The amphitheatre and external experiment art
space is located in the centre of the coal loader in a surrounding of
trees. The journey to the amphitheatre where the audience is lead by the
arch markers through the trees and beneath the canopy, allows the
experience upon reaching this glade to be even more satisfying and
enjoyable.
Café:
The café is located at the opposite end of the coal loader,
providing incentive for the audience to undertake the journey as well
as a reward. The form continues the language of the arch, but also
manipulates the perception of the eye as only through reaching the form,
does the angled nature become clear. This is similar to the effect also
created by the large concrete arches on the coal loader, where in side
view, they merely looking like 2d geometrical lines, but upon reaching
the front or differing angles, the curved nature is exemplified by the
repetition of these varying height and thickness arches.
Labels: arch1202
Coal Loader, Concept Design Final.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Concept:
One particular aspect which interested me was the juxtaposition in ambiance between the wide open sunny courtyard and the dark enclosed coal loader tunnel. The direct contrast heightens the multiple senses of the audience as they go from one extreme to another, a truly memorable experience. This dynamic spatial engagement with the surrounding environment and built forms is the basis of my design, which I seek to emulate. This switch from an open exposed area to a enclosed sheltered one and the accompanying sensations. The point of differentiation, the entrance to the coal loader is where I drew my inspiration, utilizing the language of the arch to conceive a unique design. The site in its entirety already displays spatial intrigue and raw beauty in the decaying industrial skeleton enveloped by a green blanket where nature has regenerated itself. A multitude of layers of history are conserved and celebrated on the site, where existing architecture have been overlaid with new ideas and purposes creating a seamless amalgamation of new architecture with the intact remnants of the industry.





Labels: arch1202
Coal Loader, Concept Design Progress.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
I initially begin to explore my concept through drawing as it was the most flexible medium to express my ideas and the multitude of forms. Most are just rough sketches, showing different iterations of how to incorporate the arches and how these forms relate to one another and the site.
My initial concept model was made in balsa, however I soon realised how limiting this medium was for my concept. Because of the difficulty in shaping the material to my desire, and the intricacy of the small scale which the 1:500 model required, I switched to paper and masking tape. As a result, through this more suitable medium I was able to begin making experimenting with the arched form and explore the idea further in three dimensional form.
Labels: arch1202
Coal Loader, Concept Design Precedents.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Classical examples of arches:
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, Paddington Reservoir Garden:
HASSAL + Herzog de Meuron, Flinders Street Station:
Labels: arch1202
Project Two, Double House Final
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Labels: arch1201
Project Two, Double House Progress.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Labels: arch1201