Week 4 - Design Documentation

Context.

SITE PLAN

The central location of the site used for adapt. was chosen because it offered the most in regards to exposure from people moving near the site, as well as setting up great views from the site down the river and towards the CBD.

Concept.

PARTii DIAGRAM

The proposal of an architectural folie rises from the meeting point of two converging paths, which employs the familiar sight of paths lifted and broken from tree roots and amplifies this in scale.  By taking the concept that learning is the acquisition of knowledge through experiences, the folie is aiming to activate within people a sense of curiosity. 

adapt. seeks to enter a dialogue which questions the impact that the built environment has on the lives of humans and how this effects  the environment. In turn, the folie becomes a metaphor for the natural destruction caused by the environment which is amplified due to human involvement.

Rather than the traditional approach of creating spaces which are prescribed, ergonomically and programmatically designed for the user, the design invites users to adapt to the spaces, challenging peoples understanding of their interaction with built structures in general.  

Though the site is dominated by two prominent features, the Storey Bridge and the cliffs, it could be argued that the boardwalk is a comparably important aspect of the experience of using the site.  Instead of ones involvement with a boardwalk being a subconscious act, the path folie generates an interesting encounter, bringing its  presence into the consciousness of those which travel along it. This creates an opportunity for contemplation and reflection through the process observing ones reaction to the intervention.

Function.

DIAGRAMS SHOWING THE MULTIPLICITY OF USES

adapt. is designed to allow for a multiplicity of uses. The architecture does not prescribe a particular program to the form, instead the form creates spaces, divisions, and points of interest so the users themselves create the program.

Tectonic.

TEXTURES THE USER WILL EXPERIENCE WHILE USING THE SPACE

The walkway is constructed to sit flush with the surface of the adjacent ground plane. To do this, the structure was completely recessed which allowed for footings and baseplate construction to be hidden beneath the boardwalk. Parallel flange channels (PFC) were chosen, for its aesthetics and structural ability. The PFC has great strength, and still allows for an aesthetic that is light and elegant.  All steel used is constructed from cor-ten steel, which weathers creating a rusted look but remains structurally stable.

Experience.

SUN STUDY OF THE FINAL FOLIE PROPOSAL

WALKTHROUGH OF THE FINAL FOLIE PROPOSAL