Design Progress..

Sustainability Issues..

The design of the building will address the issue of social and environmental sustainability in the following ways:

Social:
Connection to Nature
Use of natural materials
Extensive use of natural light and ventilation
Outdoor learning areas
Accessibility

Environmental:
Use of natural and locally sources materials
Utilisation of solar energy
Natural light to reduce energy
Natural ventilation to reduce energy

Design progress

Building Envelope constructed from indivudual "bubbles" which come together to form the Weaire-Phelan structure which is what happens in nature when bubbles connect. This structure allows for separation and differentiation of spaces while simultaneously providing connectivity and a sense of togetherness between spaces. It also provides connectivity between the interior and exterior with every space having a clear connection to the outside.

There will be alot of gardens and outdoor play areas which are provided with shade by the elevated "bubbles" that form the structure of the building.

The spaces included will consist of:

• Central Area / Entry / Gallery
• Area of learning for chilren with physical disabilities
• Area of learning for children with deafness
• Area of learning for children with blindness
• Outdoor areas including play areas, restful gardens, vege garden, under-cover areas
• Rest areas
• Staff offices
• Performance / Events space
• Kitchen
• Cafe / Dining area
• Good bathroom facilities

Concept Model..

Weaire-Phelan Structure used to create structural "bubbles" which form separation of spaces.

Initial Ideas for spacial arrangement..

Project Map

This project map demonstrates the process and development of the design conept thus far...

Bubble Structure

What happens when bubbles meet?

Bubbles will always attempt to produce a structure with the smallest possible surface area, when multiple bubbles intersect they appear to create hexagonal geometry..

This is called the Weaire-Phelan Structure:

The Weaire-Phelan structure represents an idealised form of equally sized bubbles. The ideal structure means that it uses the lowest amount of energy due to the fact that it creates the lowest possible surface area. It consists of a cluster of dodecahedrons with pentagon faces or tetradecahedrons with two haxagonal and twelve pentagonal faces. Both forms have an irregular and organic appearance however, are highly buildable due to their repetitve nature.

Two new bubble like structures which house a garden in one and a jungle in another have breathed a fresh air onto the streets of Paris, standing unique amidst the other concrete buildings.

his work of art also doubles as a play structure for kids.

A slice of Africa is to be transplanted to the north of England courtesy of a 34m tall biodome at Chester Zoo.This building will be able to accommodate the rainforest habitat of the Congo replete with jungle canopy and tropical climate.

An impressive, mobile polyethelene structure, Portavilion: ROSY (The Ballerina) created by German architecture and artist collective Raumlabor-Berlin. The structure is designed to be portable and temporary and is used as a venue for a selection of innovative events.

The Sydney, Australia based PTW Architects designed this Marquee for the champagne producer Moët & Chandon.They transformed an off-the-shelf tent into a sparkling and surreal atmosphere

Inspiration.. Bubble Structure

Learning Centre Examples..

How does nature protect and nurture?

As the process of concept development continues, I am finding the original metaphor being "How does nature attract attention?" is becoming less fitting for the solution the design aims to achieve. The common theme that links the building to the folly remains the idea of "neglect" and that this site goes unnoticed and has been neglected over time. 

Because I have decided to incorporate the design of an educational facility focusing on children with special needs I feel that the metaphor is shifting towards the idea of how nature would NURTURE and PROTECT? This metaphor is also highly relevant to the site and the focus on neglect as protection and nurturing both counteract neglect. 

In the process of researching ways in which nature would protect and nurture I discovered the organism known as the Cercopoidea. This insect produces a layer of BUBBLES in order to PROTECT it from predators and to provide thermal and moisture control thereby NURTURING the nymph as without this it would quickly dry up and die. 

I think that bubbles could create a simple yet effective metaphor for the design of this building in a number of different ways. Children with special needs will have widely varying needs and therefore a range of different spaces and environments will need to be created. They should be separate spaces yet at the same time joined as one. A bubble form could provide a form based metaphor for the architectural program and layout of the different learning spaces. 

The bubble structure could also be useful in creating a sustainable solutions for the building. This insect uses its bubble covering to provide thermal comfort and I would like to look further into how I could achieve this through using materials such as ETFE which could provide daylighting, heating and cooling. Natural light and a comfortable environment are both extremely important aspects of a positive learning experience. 

The Water Cube Aquatics Centre in Beijing is an example of a building which has used both ETFE and inspiration driven by bubble to create a building with both substantially sustainable qualities and incredible beauty. 

Neglect..

The initial folly design addressed the themes of connection and drawing people's attention to the actual site at which Howard Smith Wharves are located. The presence of the Story Bridge dominates all that surrounds it and although there is an awareness and appreciation for the river and for the cliffs.. it is the space in between that is neglected and forgotten.

It is this idea that has lead the the development of the Metaphor "How does nature attract attention?"

The main theme here is "neglect". Children are a neglected demographic in the design of our cities and buildings, we design for adults. With this in mind, the learning facility will be directed towards children, potentially specifically designed for an underprivledged children or kids with disabilities or learning difficulty. The site has many qualities which are condusive to an interactive and exciting place of learning. With both audible and visual delight, the bridge, cliff, water, green space and views of the city are aspects of the site that could be celebrated and integrated into the design of this learning space.

Bioluminescense..

Bioluminescence is the light that some animals and plants are able to produce naturally without any electricity. Many sea creatures and fungi use this ability to attract attention or as a "burglar alarm" to escape from their predators. Bioluminescence could form the beginning of a metaphor for this design project while also addressing social and environmental sustainability through energy efficiency and beauty.

Concept Development.."How does nature attract attention?" and "How does nature escape?"

Site Analysis Diagrams

Site Issues and Folie Themes

Concept Development..

Key concepts of original folie proposal to continue throughout design process:

• Looming presence of bridge, feeling of being watched.
• Separation, Fragmentation
• Encounter, Discovery, Learning
• Site history

Folie Design

I am strolling across the Story Bridge when something intriguing catches my eye. It is in the distance and I wonder, “How do I get down there? What is that place?” Countless times I have made the journey and yet I’ve never questioned what might lie beneath. A magnificent structure, which is deeply iconic of Brisbane City, the bridge has always stood tall with its far-reaching visibility, enforcing a looming presence upon the city and surrounding suburbs. I decide to explore this mysterious place existing beneath, taking a left at the end of the bridge following a pathway. I look up and see the underside of the bridge; I’m overwhelmed by its presence. I have never experienced the structure in this way. It’s as though it’s following me.

I realise this place has a very strange but beautiful quality; why is it that I’ve never noticed this place before. Historical buildings stand at the bottom of the steep, towering cliffs surrounded by an expansive park; a path stretching its length. I continue to venture through the space; still feeling like something is looming behind me.

As I approach this structure, I notice that it has similar materiality to the bridge behind me. I get closer and start to see reflections of the site around me in the glass panels. As I get closer, the reflections alter; they entice me to look around. I discover a whole new view of the city, the water, the way a tree hangs over the path. Moving forward, the reflections begin to align. I can see the Story Bridge in one of the reflections; I knew it was there, however, I see the site in a different way. Connections begin to happen. I can see the historical buildings in the other glass panel and I am again reminded of the ominous presence of the overshadowing bridge. I see some very faint silhouettes behind the glass, so I walk through and look back, there are people sitting within the structure, looking at the framed views of the site; pondering, thinking, relaxing.

I feel as though I have really discovered something today. I have learnt about a whole new place and I want to learn more. What were the old buildings used for? Why are they here? Why have I never been down here? I go home feeling quite amazed. What an incredible encounter I’ve had today.

Concept Development..

Howard Smith Wharves is a place of rich history that should not be forgotten or neglected. Though a new development should envisage a bright future for Howard Smith Wharves, its past should not be overshadowed and forgotten.

The history of the site conjures images of damage, with parts falling off the heritage listed buildings on site, the floods, the breakage of the river walk and the presence of air-raid shelters built during World War II.

As a concept the Folie could represent this damage, forcing people to learn about the history of the site. It's form could be inspired by the idea that it may have been a piece of the bridge that has fallen off and landed on the shoreline. Borrowing from the aesthetics of the bridge and constructed out of steel with a deceptively haphazard appearance due to the motive of the design. Dark and reflective glass panels would also be a feature of the design, providing reflections of the site. These reflections are physical yet also make reference to psychological reflections - reflections as memory. Depending on where the viewer stands the reflections in the glass would obviously be different.. apparently without purpose. However, when standing in a certain place the reflections align and the viewer is able to see the images of the bridge, the river, the heritage buildings, the river-walk framed at the same time. This is the encounter, the discovery, the trigger to learn.

Architecture for Learning

What is learning?

1. The acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, practice, or study, or by being taught.

The previous statement is a traditional definition of what "Learning" means, however the idea of "Learning" can be interpreted in different ways. To me, learning is about:
- Breaking down Boundaries
- Experiencing new things
- Allowing oneself to be exposed to new ideas
- An open mind
- Exploration
- Discovery
- Encounter
- Tangents, Overlays, Links, Webs, Patterns

The following video showcases examples of Architecture for Learning. The idea that a building itself can become a teacher was a notion that resonated with my thoughts about learning, and is a concept that could be explored in the design of the Folie.

Howard Smith Wharves: Research

The Howard Smith Wharves were constructed in the 1930s and are the only surviving evidence of the Port of Brisbane’s earlier location in the central city area. Air-raid shelters that were built during WWII exist on the site and are the most intact example of air-raid shelters surviving in Brisbane (Department of Environment and Resource Management, 2009). Several years ago the Brisbane City Council proposed a commercial development for the site which was rejected by the state government after significant disapproval from the residents of New Farm. A new Park Improvement project was undertaken but has now been put on hold due to the January Floods of 2011 (Brisbane City Council, 2011).

REFERENCES:

The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management), Queensland Heritage Register. 2009. “Howard Smith Wharves”. Accessed March 2, 2012.

Brisbane City Council. 2011. “Howard Smith Wharves Restoration Project”. Accessed March 2, 2012.

Site Photos..

Introduction