As part of my refurbishment of the shed, I will also complete an in-depth design of a ferry terminal and public space surrounding the structure.

Addition to previous post. the angles in the floor plan that are opposing those of the shed are inspired by the larger site context; specifically the river. This ensures the maximization (through controlled line of sight) of prime river views from the openings.

Adjusted Proposal

Although my structure has developed further since creating this image, I wanted to record where my development was heading.The plan layout reflects the relationship between the city and the river, represented through the contrasting flow of curves with rigid angles. The vertical angles (see section) created imitate those seen in the Storey Bridge and were used to help create the desired spatial qualities of different rooms, and the journey between them. (example: the short corridor seen the in section is an intimate and 'enclosed' space (with walls sloping in on either side of the passage), which contrasts strongly with the rooms to which this corridor lead. Opening (to the right) into a wide gallery space with semi-open geometry and (to the left), to a mixed use space with controlled views over the river and boardwalk).

The operation of the space/overall layout represents an embodiment of the concept, supporting the required activities (to allow for the cyclic meta-learning system) in an abstraction of the proposed system. 

A wide range of different levels have been used (4 in total) to maximize the quality of each individual space and it's effect on the surrounding spaces. 

 

After having analyzed the requirements of the proposed cyclic art factory system, preliminary floor plans were created. These are showing the main built spaces, and do not show all the smaller spaces created amongst the voids. These will be further evaluated after these plans are evaluated.

  

 Section through the center of the structure. Louvers and openings are shown on the walls and roof.

  

This is a condensed concept diagram. It shows the proposed system and a preliminary spatial arrangement.  The cyclic system is culturally self adaptive in nature, ensuring versatility and maximizing the public benefit of the development.

 

This is a concept render from my revisited design, post project 2. This historical qualities of the site and shed are having a larger influence on the design. The size of the public roof landscape have been greatly reduced for a more realistic and overall effective response. The spatial/experiential qualities and utility of  proposition are being maintained but in a more thought-out and efficient manor.

I have a lot to comment and elaborate on in terms of clarifying my presentation content, so I will progressively do so when I can.

As a general overview, I feel my main flaws were in poor communication.

These are the slides I used in my presentation.

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Approach to Multicultural solution for HSW

Through analysis of Brisbane’s current cultural standing, the site potential, the aspects of the folie, other successful (and unsuccessful) multicultural destinations and relevant cultural information a master plan was developed.

Brisbane’s current cultural standing:

An analysis of the Brisbane’s ethnic diversity was conducted to help understand for whom the development would be accommodating for. Interest was also heavily invested in the religious diversity, as this plays an important role in the cultural compatibility of the proposal and the users experience of the space. It was realized through thought experiments and brainstorming that to accommodate solely for any range of specific cultures would be fundamentally flawed.  The solution must be versatile, unbiased and free from cultural stereotypes. This is not to say the design is to ignore its surroundings, macro or mirco. The design must also be vernacular in both aesthetic and function.

Southbank acts as an excellent example of a passively multicultural development. Passive in the sense that there is nothing specifically targeting different cultures, but provides a wide range of facilities and mixed use space, most of which are easily accessible and free to all. This is accompanied by the wide range of commercial development in the area (both integrated with and separate to the public space). This passive/active approach to multicultural design is successful and there are many other examples of similar spaces around the world. 

The Site:

Constraints:

The cliff face is a harsh surface, with unpleasant qualities at it’s base. It blocks sun light also. In other areas of the river the cliff face offers a pleasant experience, it is due to the accessible and relatable nature of the stone. Kangaroo point cliffs have well landscaped areas leading up to and taking advantage of the cliff face. This MUST be done at HSW. The cliffs can not simply be ignored because they are currently undesirable. Either transform them into something pleasant, or build on them to capitalize on the more positive elements of the site. In the former has a greater potential to be experiential/engaging as it is maximising potential appreciation of the site; cliff, grass and river. The second approach, to build on the cliff creates a very positive space between the building and the river, however neglects the cliff in some ways. This is not necessarily a negative thing, but if the cliff can be successfully used, it should be.

Sheds are ugly and useless. They have to be there, so the only thing to do is utilize it.

Opportunities:

The river is one of Brisbane’s largest identities and must be integrated into the design. This is easy enough. The green space is self explanatory also.

Aspects of the Folie:

The materiality and forms of the folie were a metaphorical representation of the learning process. (broken into 5 key elements).  Of these, the most relevant to multicultural design will be redesigned into the new structure to represent learning within multiculturalism.

The folie itself may be used as an installation/’pod’ like structure throughout the development...

Key elements of proposal:

Mix of versatile public space (passive)

More specific use commercial space (active)

This combination creates a destination that is accessible to all. Alternate the use of space, (commercial, public, commercial, public) maximises exposure and use of the development as a whole.

Cliff: spot lights line it creating a pleasant light show on the rock wall as well as a secure path for pedestrians. The creation of a new ‘level’ intermediate between the river level and the top of the cliff will help activate the site on a different plane.

‘Progression’, is represented through the forms. Progression in the way people view diversity.

Elevator linking low point in cliff (park at top) with site. Also stairs. People will use both but stairs wont go unused as a lot of the traffic is joggers so they will use them to their advantage. 

This was all brainstorming and none of which are resolved solutions or concept proposals.

“Church” of Science?

In a time of change of culture and vast cultural diversity, with branches from all religious backgrounds converging at a new human frontier. A belief in science. Atheism is a byproduct of this. A categorizing of people with these contemporary  scientific views, but why must there be the separation of spirituality, religion and science.

1. There is a overwhelming amount of spiritual satisfaction to be found in scientific knowledge.

2. There need not be absolutes of personal spiritual belief.

3. Nature as we understand/experience it  [and the science of it] is a result of evolution, never before have human been at this frontier of understanding on such a public scale. Take history for what it is, and take a step in an better more wholesome and sustainable (to society and the individual) direction.

This project will aim to break down the religious boundaries that dwell in today's cultural diversity. We (as Brisbane's/Australia's/westernized  maturing culture), at large have gotten over racial issues in terms of physical differences, and acknowledged cultural differences, but we lack a common tie, that rejects the dispositions of juxtaposing cultures. One of the few of these common ties is nature. It is why we are all here, as a species on this planet. The laws of nature (and of this universe) permit it. I am confident in the capabilities of this fundamental scientific knowledge to be passively integrated into a space not dis-similar to a contemporary  versatile place of 'worship'. Not meaning 'worship' to hold any one specific religious connotation, but an adaptive one, tied only to nature, any human, and their desire for spiritual fulfillment. It will be a versatile space with a need to supply a range of experiences, from commity to solitude. Any where from Scientific to spiritual. Very passively will these principles be conveyed through suggestive architecture that both aesthetically and conceptually reflects the stated theory. There is a fine balance between being inivative  and insulting. As a multicultural space, it is important to not insult anyone due to ignorance or discrimination.

To best describe the desired philosophy, it helps me to think of a hypothetical sustainable budist/atheist. Now create a collaborated physical manifestation of the social morals bestow by such a believer.

Analysis of statistics reletive to theme:

 These statistics were gathered from the 2001 and 2006 Brisbane census data:

The focus was to understand Brisbane's cultural and religious diversity. Through analyzing these figures a brief problem statement was created along with an initial proposal.

Initial Analysis of theme:

Address the issue/seed of conflict – ignorance/unwilling to learn about other cultures forms separation. It’s important to be open minded and try to disregard our westernized perspective… Or would this, realistically, be neglecting diversity? Cultural differences and diversity should be understood and appreciated, but also respected… “we don’t need to live together but a visit is nice”.

The project needs to be very accessible to the general public, otherwise it will have little chance to make a change to the perspectives of the masses. However, in making it accessible it is important that it also accommodates for the minorities. A very versatile yet actively multicultural space is then ideal.

Actively multicultural? I’m not sure if that is a great way to put it… Semi-passive design? 

When looking at Southbank, it is clear that it is very passive in its creation of a multicultural space. (Disregarding the commercial elements of the area, such as restaurants). It provides a very large mixed use space, with flexible utilities, non-offensive attractions, accessibility to all and heavy landscaping. Other than a few exceptions, it does not actively strive to be a multicultural space but due to the fact it has the aforementioned qualities, Southbank passively accommodates and attracts a wide range of cultures. 

HSW does not need to be (shouldn’t be) another south bank. There is not sufficient space or a need for another passive multicultural parkland. Instead, I propose a semi-passive multicultural solution to HSW. One which directly strives to break down cultural boundaries, as well as providing a direct service to the wider community; for this to be done successfully, it MUST be non-offensive.

Week 5: Theme Group Introduction

As my first impressions of Davor shift from intimidation to inspiration, similarly was there a shift in my enthusiasm regarding multi-culturally design. The flood gates of ideas were opened. 

I was glad to have the chance to reflect (in the tutorial) on why I had chosen Group 9: Inter-Cultural Community. Although it wasn’t a hard thing to realize, as my motives were strong, it is something I may not have done without Davor’s prompting. 

The main reasons for which I chose this theme group are:

-  - -Throughout my degree I have struggled with the idea of making my architectural concepts accessible to the public and I feel this theme will aid in my understanding of that.

 

      -Some of my original folie concepts revolved around a mixed use community space. 

           - I have a passion for science and nature and I strongly believe these two factors can be very influential to successful multiculturalism.