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A selection of images capturing my final concept without programme being applied within site.
REGENERATING THE INDUSTRY
INITIAL CONCEPTS
My initial concept collages focused on the way in which individuals would enter, exit and pass through my design, rather than its materiality. I enjoyed the way in which the collage appeared almost as a large obstacle that individuals would have to find their way through via small passages. Zoom into the collage using the grey + and - icons. Double click to reset zoom. Click on the grey arrow to the right to view field book pages.
I had envisioned this area as an entrance/exit space, directing the individual towards the central sphere of the structure.
For this area, the brown cardboard to the left formed a balcony space and the black tube became a tunnel leading to the balcony space. Below is another entrance/exit area where you can see individuals walking towards the central sphere and passing through the structure.
This close-up shows some similarities with the image above, but with greater focus on the individuals passing through the structure.
I had envisioned this area of the structure to be the main exit area where individuals could pass through and socialise outside under the balcony area.
For this area, the wooden bridge-like structure would become the main entrance into the structure for individuals, while the darker structure to the left would be stairs leading down from another balcony space.
For this area, the wooden bridge-like structure would become the main entrance into the structure for individuals, while the darker structure to the left would be stairs leading down from another balcony space.
To the left are two images showing my attempt to insert the structure within a floor of my site. By doing so, has created a series of tunnel spaces that individuals must pass through to reach certain spaces within that floor. The main entrance bridge could be used to connect the site to wider context, while the balcony spaces could open up the structure to higher floors within the site.
Continuing on from my initial concepts, I then began to focus on materiality. I shifted towards a more solid form by using plaster and transferred certain elements of my initial collage such as the prominent sphere shape. From here I collaged together my casts. Below are certain connections within the collage that I have identified and isolated. Click on the grey arrow to the right to see more information.
After creating my plaster collage, I then began recreating the shapes within Rhino to capture different views of the structure. Below I have labelled examples of where the isolated plaster casts from above or slight variations can be found within the structure.
Continuing on from my concept development, I began inserting the structure I had made in Rhino into a 3D model of my site in order to see how the forms would interact with the walls, floors and other components. The structures interaction with the site had started to create small cave-like forms, as well as features that had potential to open up several floor levels. Click on the grey arrow to the right to see more information.
Below are three examples of spaces that were created through concept insertion. I also developed my concepts materiality as previously I had suggested a solid form similar to the plaster. I chose limestone as my structures final material due to its abundance around Ashford. More information on this can be found in the environmental context section of my field book.
When reprogramming my site I relied strongly on my projects narrative, and as a result have attempted to portray that story into my design proposal. Below is a 1:200 scale bubble diagram displaying a draft proposal for my programme. Zoom into the diagram by using the grey + and - icons. Double click to reset zoom. Click on the grey arrow to the right to see more information and development.
11th floor, Lacertavirus Testing Floor:
Individuals are directed towards testing pods where they must take a saliva sample that is then fed into a virus processing machine. The individual is then sprayed with a disinfectant and given a receipt. The receipt is then handed to the results desk to determine whether or not they have Lacertavirus. If tested positive the individual must take the elevator to the ground floor and leave. If tested negative the individual may continue down to the 10th floor.
9th-8th floor, Mining Floor:
The mining floor consists of a double story conveyor belt, the top floor which consists of seating and work tables for workers to salvage supplies from extracted limestone, while the bottom floor consists of tubes that pass down the supplies found on the top floor into trollies that workers must then transport down in a lift to the ground floor and pass onto vehicles situated a the sites back entrance for collection. Leftover limestone is also taken to ground floor for collection and distribution around Waterland for infrastructural material.
Ground floor, Main Entrance and Security:
Individuals walk through main entrance where they are then scanned through security before entering a lift that takes them up to the 11th floor.
10th floor, Fitness Testing and Mining Exam Hall:
The remaining individuals are directed towards an assembly space where they are to watch a short video outlining health and safety requirements for mining. After this half of the individuals have their fitness levels tested to determine if they are suitable for working in the mines, while the other half are to take an exam that tests their mining knowledge. Both groups switch and are then directed towards the results desk where the results determine which job they are most suited for. If an individual fails both tests they are sent down to the ground floor and have to leave.
7th floor, Hospitality Floor:
Hired workers must remain accommodated within the industry in order to prevent an outbreak of Lacertavirus due to infection from household members. To access this floor, workers must use the stairs situated on the right side of the building to travel between hospitality and mining. The floor consists of a large sleeping pod area, kitchen and dining area, a social corner, and bathrooms. There is potential for this floor to be replicated several times in order to make room for more workers.
Key:
Shaded area - dark space
Outer rings - noise level
Textured strips - materiality considerations for space
After creating my concept and programme, I began applying my refined programme to my finalised concept, which consisted of two large pieces of limestone with programme spaces carved within. Click on the grey arrow to the right to to see more information on programmes to concept application, and the planned design details.
SLEEPING PODS
One main design feature of my developing proposal is the sleeping pod space, which is to be situated on the 7th floor. The structure would consist of large limestone arches for individuals to walk through, which would then be connected to carved out limestone pieces large enough to house one bed and a small storage inlet. The sleeping pods have been positioned so that they are facing one another in groups of two or three to encourage social interactions.
A selection of perspective views of sleeping pod areas.
MINING AREA
