Week 13 - Modelling Morris St Facing Building

Since finishing the first part of my Wellfit Centre model I have started to model the Morris St facing building which occupies the gym, reception, cafe and education spaces. Currently I am working in sketchup to do this...but I have been referring to my resolved floor plans and sections to help generate the model. I still have some bits and pieces to fix up involving final materials, etc but below shows a simple process of how I developed this section of the Wellfit Centre.

Curtain wall between lecture room and rooftop urban park

Extending from the Latrobe Tce facing building I began to construct the linking walkway/hallway between the two buildings. As you can see in the image above I have firstly modelled the curtain wall which runs perpendicular to the rooftop urban park. This curtain wall both acts a transition barrier between the building interior and exterior and also helps to draw in large amounts of sunlight during the day. As there is a thick concrete wall inset from this curtain wall the lecture/multipurpose room will not be impacted by the large amounts of sunlight. I still need to model the the double door in the glass which allows for the users to transition between the spaces.

Lounge area facing rooftop urban park

This space forms as the lounge area/entry space between the buildings and also the topographic roof on the exterior. Currently I have only modelled basic elements like the floor and walls of the internal space.

Completed modelling of lounge area with windows

The image above showcases the completed modelling for this space. A concrete external wall with eye height window penetrations have been added. This space directly faces the rooftop urban park and with the eye height windows maximum views are acquired, whilst also blocking out much of the northern sun. 

Gym level area with pool

I then decided to move onto modelling to Morris st facing building. For this I felt that modelling from the ground up would work best as it would allow me to extend the core throughout the various levels. As it can be seen I have begun to add dominant features to the space like the swimming pool, saunas, change rooms and external walls.

Ground level including gym, reception and cafe

After completing the first level I moved onto the ground level where I have successfully modelled the reception, cafeteria, gym and void spaces. Furniture needs to be added intto these spaces in order to successfully activate them. 

Vertical fin on the facade of the building

To remain consistent I have utilised the same vertical fin facade as what is seen on the other building. This allowed for me to easily copy and paste the existing fins which enabled this facade to be completed effectively and efficiently. The vertical fins cover most of the building helping to filter light into the internal spaces successfully.

Modelling of the First level of Morris St building

Moving onto the Level 1 floorplan I quickly modelled the layout successfully, which can be seen in the above image. This involved simple extrusions from the floor plate to allow for the internal walls to be created. 

Completed model of Morris St facing building

The image above showcases the finished model of the Morris st facing building.

Week 13 - Modelling Latrobe Tce Facing Building

Vertical fins added to Latrobe Tce and Warmington St facades

After modelling the simple enough carpark I have begun to further develop the Latrobe Tce facing building, which I feel is the most complex out of the entire Wellfit Centre, due to its unique roof. As you can see in the above image I have started to simply layout the walls and floors for the various spaces and have begun to experiment with a facade system which will look aesthetically pleasng to the onlookers/users but also provide a sufficent functional ability. These vertical fins will run from the floor to the ceiling to ensure that no unwanted sunlight (reflection) can enter the space.

Vertical fins colour changed to various greens
 

I have begun to advance the modelling of the vertical fins by changing the colours randomly to different shades of green and white. The reason why colours have been added to the fins is to create both a visually stimulant facade from the street but also to create varying colours of light entering the space. Green has been chosen as the predominant colour to mimic the greenery of the topograhic roof and rooftop park.

Woolworths and Fruit and Veg Grocer modelled (Curtain wall panel added)

The next crucial aspect I felt needed to be completed was the fitout of the ground level. This would help to set the base for the rest of the building model. In the image above it can be seen that both the curtain walls for the Woolworths and Fruit and veg grocer has been added to the ground level. In order to complete the modelling for these two spaces furniture needs to be added in.

Ramp and railing added to connect ground level with rooftop park

Now that the ground level has established spaces I have decided to model the ramp from the ground to the urban park. This ramp allows for an easy transition for the user from street level to the park. The ramp has been modelled with necessary railings and at a slope of 1:14 to allow for disabled access.

Beginning to add in the lecture room floor

The only thing now to be modelled is the topgraphic roof. To ensure this is completed correctly the necessary floors and walls needed to be put in place so that  stairs can easily adjoin to both of these elements.

Topographic roof surface has begun to be modelled over the building.

The image above shows the beginning to the topgraphic roof modelling. Currently the stairs are 1.5 metres in width and have a riser of 150mm. This allows for a smooth movement for the user from street level to the bar/cafe at the top.

Finished topographic roof surface

The final stairs and therefore the topographic roof surface has now been completedly modelled. As it can be seen the slope is very shallow allowing disabled access via the ramp on the right. Vegetation at a later date needs to be added to this space.

Week 12 - Beginning Modelling in Sketchup

Today I began modelling the Wellfit Centre in sketchup so that as to acquire notable plans, sections, elevations and renders from it for the final presentation. Although I didn't make too much progression with the model overall I did however complete the modelling of the new carpark which I am proposing. It is a very basic shape which helped to quicken the modelling process. A few screenshots below showcase the development of the carpark.

 

Simple floors, walls and ceilings modelled for the carpark

Roof and lift was then added to the space.

Vertical fins have been modelled for the east and west facades to allow for the necessary capark ventilation

Week 12 - Facade Experimentation

After investigating the two exemplar facade designs which I researched this week I was still undecided as to which type would best suit my building both visually and functionally. Therefore, I decided to complete an experimentation of the two designs, through a simple light and shade analysis of a mass model. It is to be believed that the space I will be investigating is the Lecture/Multipurpose Room on Level 1.

Vertical Fin Facade Elevation

The image above shows the typical elevation view of the vertical fin facade on the building. As it can be seen it stretches from slab to ceiling to ensure all unwanted sunlight is minimised.

Vertical Fin Facade Perspective

The image above reveals a perspective view of the facade. As this facade is east facing, the fins have been angled at 45 degrees to the north so as to block out most of the morning sun.

Sunlight entrance from the in the morning (east)

As you can see the vertical fins work effectively to minimise the entrance of the morning sunlight between 6am to 10 am. As the strongest amount of sunlight is recorded during a morning period it is important that the space is well protected. It is obvious that the space will remain shaded for most of the morning...with limited amounts of filtered light entering the interior. This will create a great working environment for the user.

Sunlight entrance during the day (north)

It is noted that the building will receive a lot of sun during the day and I feel that although it is important to block out most of this, it is also important that some filtered light enters the space. The vertical shades effectively filter the light into the space creating a cool shadow effect upon the ground whilst also somewhat lighting up the space. With the entrance of some sunlight, artificial lights will not need to be used as much and with limited heat gain this will be the same for any sort of air conditioning/HVAC system. This will inturn make the building more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Sunlight entrance within the interior

Again in the above diagram you can see the filtration of light during the day. This image is very powerful and seems to creates its on purpose and mood for the space. As such it will create a great user working environment.

Horizontal blade facade elevation

The above diagram is a typical elevation of the horizontal blade facade. The members stretch across the entirety of the wall.

Sunlight entrance during the morning (east)

Like the vertical fins, the horizontal blades work very effectively to minimise the entrance and impact of the strong morning sun from the east. The room is left in shadows and as a result will make the space very cool in temperature for the occupants.

Sunlight entrance in the day (north)

The horizontal blade facade however lacks the ability to filter light in during the day, as you can see in the above image. The room will remain in darkness during the day which is definitely not the desired outcome which I wish to achieve. Although the room may have a well regulated temperature the space will always need artificial lighting to brighten it. This will create greater energy use and loads, meaning more money to be spent overall on electricity.

As a result of this experiment I have decided to utilise the vertical fin facade due to its impressive functionality and visual quality. It will keep the room/s shaded during the morning period but also allow for some filtered light during the day in order to delight the user of the space. Over the next week I will begin to model this facade within Sketchup to really see its effect on the building overall.

Week 12 - Facade Inspiration

This week I felt it was important to concentrate on the exterior of my building before I began modelling on Sketchup. More specifically, I wanted to decide upon a feature facade which would positively impact on the Wellfit Centre overall, both visually and functionally. Through investigation and research on the net I found two specific exemplar buildings which both have dominant facades like what I am wanting to utilise for my own. These buildings are; 

• City Green Court by Richard Meier & Partners
•  Radio Nacional de Espana Headquarters by Ravetllat-Ribas

City Green Court

Richard Mieir & Partners have developed a building which is similar to mine, regarding the fact that it is predominately glass on the exterior of the building. Specifically, the facade in which they have employed is one which attaches vertical fins to the building exterior. As these run up and down I feel it helps to create a continual vertical flow for the building.  It seems that these fins are neither heavy weighted or obstructive to the entire building make up and essentially blend in effectively, which can definitely be seen as a positive. It must be noted that they are actually angled specifically to one side so as to block out most of the sunlight during the day, but still allow a view to the outside.

 Radio Nacional de Espana Headquarters

Ravetllat-Ribas have essentially created a facade which works effectively for the climate but also offers a a very strong visual impact on the building. Unlike the City Green Court facade, this one stands out clearly from the building exterior. Notably with its bright yellow colour and also its horizontal running members makes it obvious from the distance. The facade obviously blocks out the light effectively with the high  and angle and closeness of the members. 

I am undure which facade would work best for my building and I think I will need to investigate this more over the next week. 

Week 12 Lecture - Design Criteria

The lecture this week focused on the final presentation for the project and more importantly how to specifically communicate the proposal to the tutors. It is expected that we are to establish;

• A method for communication
• An effort to invest into the communicate
• And an appropriateness of what we communicate. 

I believe that the art of presenting is great trait to have for an Architect and therefore communication offers itself as a key connection between myself and the tutors. I have begun to think about what the most effective methods of communication would be for this type of presentation. As we already need to create an A1 panel I feel that by also having a powerpoint presentation will help to present more detail about the architectural entity (Wellfit Centre).

Another important note that Yasu discussed during the lecture was that we are to prepare the presentation as if we are assuming that tutors are the client of the project. This will help us a undergraduates to begin to understand the processes of a real life client meeting as well as help us to gain knowledge and confidence for our future endeavours. From this, I feel that I will need to establish a presentation which is;

• Informative from both an educational perspective
• Informative from both a visual perspective
• Professional (approach, dress code and speech)
• Timely 
• Easily understandable and succinct.

Process to delivery a professional presentation to the Tutors/Clients

I feel that for the presentation I will need to really understand and identify myself with all the spaces within the building, its functions, its form, its materials, its impacts on the community, site and adjacent buildings and particularly its developed experiences for the first hand users. With practice I will be able to gain confidence and have the knowledge to communicate my ideas effectively and answers questions which are posed to me by the tutors. 

Week 11 Exemplar - Topographic Roof

Over the last couple of days I have begun to research some topographical roofs as inspiration for my design. Currently I want the roof to stretch over the building with it beginning at ground level and slowly growing in height to the top roof bar/cafe. During my research I stumbled across the 2012 winning Thematic Pavilion project for 2012- One Ocean by Soma. This particular design resonated with me straight away as it was exactly how I imagined my roof to be. In this design there is a seamless flow of pedestrians from the public corridor entering the building roof, due to its topographical nature. This has made me very excited in developing this crucial space for my building and I will begin to investigate how exactly I can nurture this sort of idea/design within the site. I must add quickly that I do not agree that the above roof would work as such as it is only limiting the entrance of "abled" people. I want my design to cater for all types of users and as a consequence my roof will be designed at a 1:14 angle. 

Week 11 Schematic Floor Plan Analysis

I have begun to develop my floor plans a lot more over the last couple of days, trying to get my head around the first hand user experiences of the spaces. As a consequence I have undertaken an access, movement and view analysis of each of the floor levels (and section), to understand how the occupants will use each of the levels.

Gym Level Access and Movement

On the Gym level there will be access to the building via the carpark entry on Warmington St. This will allow the user to park their car and then enter the space on their own accord. Lift access within the carpark will allow them to enter the ground level of the Wellfit centre. In the Morris St facing building the lift core seems to be the crucial member which will activate all of the levels. It includes both lifts and stairs for access and allows the user to then move freely within the spaces.

Ground level access and views

On the ground level the user will have two options as to how to enter the Wellfit Centre. If they are coming to use the gym and educational facilities they will either enter through the carpark and also at the corner of Latrobe Terrace and Warmington St. When entering the corner entry the user is firstly fronted with Woolworths and a Fruit and Veg grocer. The reason for this positioning is so that people (if they are not going to use the building) can quickly and easily enter, shop and then leave without disturbing the internal flow of the building. The building user will then keep moving through the space and has either the option to travel up the ramp to the rooftop urban park or continue on through to reception. Once at reception the user can freely move around to the cafe or gym where they are fronted with maximum views up to the urban park and directly onto the topographic roof. This will create delight for the viewer...with all spaces allowing some sort of view. Addtionally, the user has the option to enter seemlessly from Morris St onto the topographical roof. Here the user can make his/her way to the rooftop cafe/bar, eating area or rooftop urban park beyond.

First Level access and views

The first level also offers itself as a space for the user to have great access, movement and views as they transition through the spaces. The building core once again offers itself as the connection space between levels and the users are then directed through to the connecting walkway to the lecture/multipurpose room. Whilst upon this journey the user will have complete views of the urban park to their left and in fact can connect with the space via an entry way within the curtain wall. Whilst on the urban park the user has a freedom of movements. Whether they want to relax, run around or exit via the pathway around the Morris St building or the stairs at the end of the park connecting to Warmington St it is up to them.

Short section analysis - views and sunlight

Long section analysis - views and sunlight

In the above sections I have begun to understand in scale and perspective exactly the vantage points for the users with regards to optimum views and entrance into the building/carpark. The different level of views aswell as the content of views change throughout the building. This will only lead to the user being satisfied on all different kinds of levels, visually.

Week 11 - Schematic Floor Plan Development

After working out the spatial interactions of my functions and indeed ideas I have as to how the form of the building is going to work I began to roughly develop floorplans which show the basic interaction of spaces within the overall form. It must be said that I have considered the site context to provide detail and also a sense of context to ensure that an interaction with the public corridor is developed. Although these are very simple they indeed show my floorplan intent and space development. Over the next couple of days I will begin to create more detailed floorplans so I can further analyse the spaces so I as the designer can really understand how the space would be activated, how a user would feel in the space and what exactly it would look like.

Gym level floor plan development

Ground level floor plan development

First level floor plan development

Basic long section development

Week 11 - Progress Diagramming

After developing simple space bubble diagrams for the building I began to think about how I want my building form to develop and what I want to be realised. The below diagrams show my initial thinking patterns for the building. A lot of consideration has gone into the site context and improving what is currently there. Specifically, Paddington Central overpowers the neighbouring buildings with interrupted views and overshadowing and I specifically want to address issues such as these in order to create the best design possible.

Expanding the building footprint

 

 

 

Building height development

Change of building scale

Impact of a tall building upon the site

Sinking the building to alleviate views and sunlight entrance for neighbours.

Adding voids to the form of the building to ensure that natural light reaches all spaces

Week 11 - Spatial Diagramming

After talking to Brett last week I found that there were too many functional spaces within the building which were causing issues for the form, access and movement of the users through the space. Therefore this week I have begun to concentrate solely on the urban park, gym and also the education centre. Consequently, I have gone back to the drawing board and created a new set of spatial layouts which I personally want to achieve within the buildings. I believe these layouts are more refined and will be more successful then those created last week. The following diagrams show the relationships between spaces, the significant connections between the buildings and also some new refined functional spaces.

Spatial layout for Gym level of second building

Spatial layout for ground level of second building

Spatial layout for ground level of first building

First level spatial layout of Morris St facing building

Spatial layout for first level of first building

Rooftop spatial layout