1

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: EARTH S1, 2016 SUBJECT STUDENT BOOK

Elaine Chan678301

Veronika Weinert ST16

2 3

4 5

1.0 THREE RELATIONSHIPS

The three relationships of Point, Line, Plane, Frame and Infill and Mass were explored to assist us in the final design project to design a pavilion for Herring Island. Through three short exercises, I gained new and exciting knowledge of the techtonics which I later applied to my final pavilion design.

6 7

Work by Elaine Chan

1.1 POINT / LINE / PLANE

I explored the idea of a line revolving around a point to create a plane. In order to generate an enclosed space, I discovered that the point of rotation has to move for each line. If the point of rotation remains constant, it only creates a plane. In my first model, I experimented with reversing the direction of rotation abruptly at one point to create the illusion of two surfaces that joined into one at a point. In my second model, I explored the continuous rotation of a line which enclosed a tunnel-like space. To create a more dynamic and organic form, the length of each line was varied.

Infinite Staircase Olafur EliassonKiasma Museum Of Contemporary Art, Steven Holl

8 9

Work by Elaine Chan

1.2 MASS

The idea of an illuminated mass was explored. Usually, the bigger a mass is, the heavier it appears. But if light penetrates the mass, the mass appears lighter.

Balancing land art by Michael Grab Lourve Pyramid by I.M. Pei

10 11

Work by Elaine Chan

1.3 FRAME & INFILL

I was inspired by the concept of a camera shuttle. The infill defines a tunnel-space within the frame and controls your view. When the tunnel turns, the view is out of focus, and when the tunnel is straight, the view is in focus. The model explored the idea of an object that can be reached/touched when the view is out of focus, but cannot be reached when the view is in focus.

High Trestle Trail Bridge Kyoto Bamboo Tunnel

12 13

3.0 HERRING ISLAND. SOMETHING LIKE A PAVILION

14 15

Work by Elaine Chan

3.1 SITE ANALYSIS AND CONCEPTACLE

A portal is a magical journey full of surprises from beginning to the end. People disappear into it not knowing where it will take them, and it leads them to a secret place underground where the time capsule is held, and brings them back up to surface at a different place from where they started.

16 17

Serpentine Pavilion by Ai Wei Wei and Herzog & de Meuron

3.2 CONCEPT AND SKETCH DESIGN

To create this disappearance, visitors walk underground into a tunnel. From a distance, they can only see the top of the tunnel, and only see the entrance as they walk closer. The tunnel cuts across the topography of the site so the experience in the tunnel goes from light to dark. Dense vegetation should conceal the tunnels.

Paths lead people from the main path, forming an axis and providing short-cuts across the island.

18 19

Tunnel development

Secret Room development

3.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

(From the PLP and F+I exercises) I rotated square frames around one point to create a dynamic space inside, and the tunnel is curved to give visitors an out-of-focus view, disorientating them before they enter darkness.(From F+I exercise) To protect the time capsule, I experimented with using square frames to create a space, and putting clear infills within the frames to create a view of the time capsule in focus, but visitors cannot get to it, hence creating another element of surprise in the portal. (From Mass exercise) The structure holding the time capsule penetrate the ground at the top, and light fills the centre of the space. Visitors are drawn to this big illuminating structure.

Flow of people - plan

Final twisting tunnel

Frame in focus

20 21

BASEMENT PLAN SECTION

22 23

ELEVATION

SECTION

3.4 FINAL DESIGN DRAWINGS

SITE PLAN

24 25

3.5 FINAL DESIGN MODEL

Visitors encounter twists and turns throughout their journey through this portal. From the start, the portal entrance/tunnel is concealed underground in a trench. They disorientated by the turning of the frames and darkness, and their view is out of focus.

When they enter the secret room, they are attracted to the glowing structure at the centre holding the time capsule in the smallest compartment. The structure is composed from four frames in decreasing size, and each frame contains two glass infills with one missing infill, allowing for entry. The smallest, centre frame is completely enclosed with clear infills. The view is in focus and visitors circulate through and around the structure until they get to the smallest compartment and realise that they cannot obtain the time capsule.

The secret room is circular with eight exits. Three of the exits leads to above ground while four of them leads to the technical room, toilets and stores. This further surprises visitors as each of the exits lead them to an unexpected place.

26 27

4.0 REFLECTION

I found the short exercises fun and interesting, and I was able to take away valuable formal principles that will certainly help me in my later studies of Architecture. I struggled initially with understanding each concept, but after thorough research, I gained deeper understanding of each techtonics idea. For the final design project, I regret not coming up with an idea before visiting the site, as it would have allowed me to focus on certain areas of the site in more depth. This project has also taught me the importance of time managment and prioritising my tasks as there were many components to this project. Ultimately, it was a very unique and rewarding journey.

4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Design Boom, viewed 5th June 2016, http://www.designboom.com/architecture/herzog-de-meuron-ai-weiwei-2012-serpentine-pavilion-complete/Wild and Woven, viewed 5th June 2016, http://www.wildandwoven.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/062.jpgE-architect, viewed 5th June 2016, http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/paris/louvre_inverted_pyramid_ir2_c_ianritchie.jpgWikipedia, viewed 5th June 2016, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/PorcheCentralNordCathedraleChartre041130-.jpgUnimelb, viewed 5th June 2016, https://app.lms.unimelb.edu.au/courses/1/ABPL20027_2016_SM1/blog/_2696_1/post/_2629_1/3.jpg