31 March 2022 Thursday Learning outcome

 

As usual, Tay kindly collected me from home to head to the university this morning, this time in a nice new car (a Toyota SUV of some description). So, to entertain him I retold the story about how I would buy new shoes each time my friends buy new 'rides' for themselves. I think it is timely - that I break in another pair of running shoes, something to look forward to on the weekend. It takes very little to keep me engaged.

Feedback from crit 31.3.2022

Site analysis

Generally thorough briefing on the history, background and physical aspects of Bau as described in the colourful panels pinned up. However, there was not enough analysis of the findings on site.

To continue - I think the students can look at their panels/ the areas of study/analysis and do this exercise:

 

Record a current situation; traffic, street-scape, movement of people, etc. (already in the colourful panels)

1. Try to explain why it happens this way.

2. What are the steps I can take to improve this situation?

These are potential site forces that will shape your design outcome; orientation and placement of buildings, roading, pathways, building  heights.

 

Historical and cultural studies

1. How did the shape the town?

2. How has it changed since then?

3. Is the population dwindling? If so, why?

4. What occupations do the local have now? If it is tourism-based - what business do they carry out during the week? (Did anyone interview the locals?)

These are potential factors to consider when formulating your brief, (the locals are your end-users as well) and point the direction for the building type you design in P2b and P3.

 

Authorities

A description of the relevant clauses that might affect our project, perhaps it is better to apply this knowledge to analyse current built environment: (based on area in and near Sites A, B and C)

1. Setback rule - determine which are the original approved buildings and which parts are the later (illegal or not) extensions. Students can easily do this by marking street of drone photographs.

2. Height limitation - does this apply in our assignment?

3. Car park requirements - determine original approved buildings and the allocated car spaces based on planning guidelines. Suggest ways to tackle sudden increase of cars on the weekends.

4. Fire requirements - hydrant requirements, dry powder, etc. We discussed the turning radius for BOMBA trucks etc but did not mention where the nearest Fire Station is (how long to get here)

 

Case studies/Architectural Idol

Much of the presentation was in describing who the architect is and what buildings they built, students must learn to explain the design ideas/ thinking of the idol. Some of you were successful - talking about a pre-occupation with ventilation, cooling, maintenance of their buildings.

To continue this thinking, all students must select their idol(s) and conduct a similar investigation in the thinking, and:

1. List 3 of their design preoccupations (Renzo Piano - with structures, lightness, transparency; Kere - with contribution to community, Correa - community, equality in providing good architecture for all, etc)

2. Make a model(s) to depict these preoccupations - it is not a model of a building we are looking for. Think of it as a stage set (imagined) or an installation (temporary)

3. Compare and contrast these factors amongst yourselves.

These will guide you design direction in P2 and P3.

 

We can discuss this in detail on Monday.