Week 2/3 Design Process

During the workshop on Wednesday I presented my design proposal to the group. We were all fairly happy with it, but after speaking to the tutors, we could see that it didn't really create a space as much as create a sculptural object. We decided to still stay with the same theme, but try and create a more evocative space. I came up with a quick sketch of a structure while on of the tutors was talking to us, which was a cylindrical building with two layers of walls and two different sets of openings. As the outside wall moves with the tide, the beams of light that enter the building change, making the user aware of the water.

A structure with two layers of walls, one of which moves.

We decided that the form was too heavy and clunky for the site, so I came up with the idea of splitting the cylinder into two halves and sliding them away from each other.

From there I worked in a rough axonometrice cube to develop it into a 3D form. The form is made up of two walls that curve around each other to create a space in the middle that 'submerges' the user into the realm of water. There are two layers of walls on each side, with the outside wall moving to create different beams of light entering the space. The floor is made of perforated metal so that the lapping of the water underneath the structure echoes around the interior space.

From the outside, users are fairly unaware of the movement of the outside walls, as both layers are made from the same material. As the user steps inside, they are suddenly surrounded by the effects of the movement of the water. They can spend a minute or ten in there, and as they emerge into the outside world again, where the water is not so obvious, it will hopefully magnify the hidden strength of the river.

We agreed on this form as our folie design, and divided the drawings from there. I was allocated the task of doing the elevations, floor plan and isometric views of the building, as well as the task of doing the writing. We are planning on getting together again on Tuesday morning, the day before the assignment is due, to do the finishing touches, and support Marnie as she puts the posters together.