ARCH1101: Wazza's Blog: March 2018

Experiment 1: The 36 Custom Textures

As groups of five, we complied 36 words that could be potentially used for our buildings. During the drawing of each texture, some words were more difficult to draw than others. The words (from left to right, across the page)

Row 1: Creep, Silky, Wavy, Striped
Row 2: Spiral, Bar-code, Circular, Biological
Row 3: Fear, Crystal, Translucent, Spikey

Row 1: Fluffy, Geometric, Mesh, Rustic
Row 2: Baffling, Explosive, Pixelated, Conductive
Row 3: Rusty, Effervescence, Mechanical, Scorch

Row 1: Jagged, Trek, Furry, Mysterious
Row 2: Gravel, Scaly, Metallic, Rough
Row 3: Dotted, Veins, Grainy, Thin

Texture Test

I used Metallic, Biological, Rustic and Rusty in my Final Sketchup Model.

Metallic, Biological, Rustic and Rusty

Experiment 1: The Architecture and the Stairs
My intentions for the structure was to be able to grant as much space for the clients and capitalize on the geographic scenery which the building was to be placed both above and underground. This perspective allowed me to maximize my two conceptual words; Streamline and Boundless, when designing the structures.

THE UPPER SECTION

Initial design (Draft Model 1): Aimed to focus on the shapes drawn.

Initial design (Draft Model 1): The model was unclear and messy.

After choosing Streamline and Boundless as my inspiration, I made an attempt towards the upper section (based on Streamlined). My first draft model did not turn out exactly how I wanted it to. The model needed more structure and direction as it did not really represent the conceptual idea I intended. It was also chunky and short which was the opposite connotation for my concept word.

Development: Obtained my final shape but had too many
extra pieces not necessary towards its final form.

My second draft model captured my vision in a clearer and distinct grasp compared to my first draft model. However, there were still some improvements to be made. Too many unnecessary additional features made the model a lot more heavier and clunky which drove away the simple and effective "streamline" vibe. As a result of this, I ended up with the main room as the center focus of the design.

Draft Model 2 - Isometric View

Draft Model 2 - Front view

Draft Model 2 - Back view

Draft Model 2- Elevation and Underground Section

After multiple development stages, I was able to conclude a final image of the upper showroom which detracted from the usage of multiple elements. This created a more focussed element and removed overused extrusions and redundant features.

Final design; much more simple and cleaner

THE MIDDLE SECTION

The above ground studio consist of an open space whilst utilizing altered geometry projected into the open environment. Although it only consists of one element connecting the underground to the showroom above, the geometry is warped and altered as well as implanting rectangles in multiple extruded forms.

Development of the Studio:

Studio Model - Back View

Studio Model - Left View

THE LOWER SECTION

My draft attempt of the lower section was much easier at first due to having learned some techniques from the weekly tutorial sessions and fellow pupils. Because of this, I was able to express the second word Boundless with a clearer sense of direction.

Development: Several floors of the underground section. Although it provided multiple spaces,
it became complicated and unfocussed. It simply had too many elements for its intended function.

Two levels: a general communal work space and a lower more intensive workshop

Entrance: a thin narrow corridor into a expanding, large and open space.

With further reflection, the design had too many extra components which drew the attention of the audience away from the base word. So the second (and third) underground level was mainly disposed of in order to re-engage the audience back to the arced room.

THE GEOGRAPHY

Initial visualization of the landscape with prototype structure

The landscape was essential towards my buildings design as it created the initial impressions of the client and molded the shapes of my buildings. A wavy ground terrain developing into a steep cliff face would provide my underground section with an opportunity to emerge from the surface.

Cliff-face consisting of two waterfall

However, the building did not maximize the view of the waterfalls in its first position. So it was moved into higher ground and atmosphere to enhance the view of the waterfall.

The underground level also emerged from the face as well to grant the client with natural sunlight and immense range of view from the geography within 180 degrees.

Underground workshop appearing from cliff-face

THE STAIRS

Initial Designing

Layers of steps with a winding ramp

The stairs were to incorporate the two words in connecting the above showroom to the ground studio and the ground studio to the underground workshop. For inspiration for the design, I view Balkan Architect's video on Modeling a Stair / Ramp blend in Revit Tutorial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEcvoQzewBQ

When designing the stairs, it was important to address the transportation of motorcycles as well as people. As a result of this process, it was apparent to design a set of stairs which easily catered for both.