Blogging the life of a second year architectural studies student at unsw.
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.
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