Is it LAW COURTS???

Law courts present themselves as another optional functional building which fits within the restraints of my developed "PROTECTION" concept. Although, this concept is interpreted and played with in a different light to what was as the main linkage to the library's function. Protection in this sense is relative to law, and more specifically to the protection from law. It is a place where people are trialled for their life, and fight to remain safe and protected from justice. This quite a development and advancement from the folie concept, which I find to be quite interesting and challenging.

ADVANTAGES

• It is a naturally attracted space because it is multi-functional - containing offices, courtrooms, etc. People naturally flow to this place - due to work.
• Very structured buildings in form, which can be derived from the concept
• Strong presence in appearance and in function which leads me to believe that it has the capability as forming as an iconic structure.

DISADVANTAGES

• Proficient access to the site is an issue. How would this happen?
• There is already a number of law courts in Brisbane. The main law court can be found in the Brisbane CBD.
• Not particularly a public attractor (e.g. tourists)

Exemplar - Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It is a building which is based on strong forms, and has a powerful presence within the immediate environment. It classified as an attraction to tourists globally.

Although the law courts idea has both advantages and disadvantages I still believe it has a good play and enhancement from the concept. Hopefully with more development and process thinking this can become more resolved.

Is it a LIBRARY????

A library was the first functional space that I constructed in my mind. It seems to be the most suitable for the concept of 'PROTECTION'. Particularly its relation to safety and comfortability creates the notion that there is a strong linkage between the two.

ADVANTAGES

• Is a space where users can relax and feel comfortable
• A place where you can escape from the events of day to day living
• It has freedom with its design (limited restrictions)
• Offers a centralised library for the population living in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane
• It is a unique function for that particular area
• Has the ability to act as an icon and attract users to the space
• Activates the space effectively

DISADVANTAGES

• The location away from the city and the limited access to the site may prevent people from visiting (lack of car parks). Recommendation = Installation of some sort of transport access , for example a ferry terminal, would significantly fix this issue.

Exemplar - Library Of Congress

The Library of Congress in Washington D.C. is an example of a functional library which has iconic properties. It is well known globally and attracts many tourists annually.

From the analysis above, it seems that the function of a Library for the vacant space at Howard Smith Wharves would be beneficial for the space. It offers various advantages which enable it to function as a successful piece of Iconic architecture.

What to design...a functional building to enhance my concept?

When thinking about what functional building I am going to design, I must first begin to understand about what building types would complement and enhance my concept and understanding of the site. After some research was conducted, this lead me to believe that there were many buildings which were not suitable for my choice of concept. However, I did highlight the following functions;

• Bank,
• Hospital,
• Law Courts,
• And Library

as being efficient and successful at evolving the sense of 'PROTECTION' to a larger scale.

With four functions highlighted I had to proceed to establish the best possible option for the Howard Smith Wharves. I categorised them by;

• How successful they would be as an icon - attracting people to the space
• How successful at activating the space
• And what was needed for the space.

Through this analysis it was observed that a Bank was an unnecessary function for the site, due to its inability to be an icon and attractor to the space. Also, the hospital was deemed inappropriate for design, due purely to the location of the site and the limitations it has regarding emergency access.

Developing the Concept for Iconic Realisation...Week 6

In the tutorial this week I began to think about how I could evolve my concept which was utilised for my folie design. Particularly, how it would develop in order to be useful in the design for a building of a large scale. Although it was commented that my folie concept was very strong I still believe it needs to be enhanced, as the concept was only relevant for a small installation. The concept was "A shelter is versatile. It is a place of protection, allowing people to escape their surroundings, whilst also allowing one to recapture past experiences."

I believe that there are elements to this concept which would be suitable for a large scale building design. Particularly I feel that the concept of "PROTECTION" is quite strong and relevant. This is derived from the feeling that the site offers closure and shelter for the occupant which allows them to feel safe within the environment - protection from external elements. It offers the user a place of comfort and relaxation.

As I have defined a concept which I can effectively work with, I now have to critically relate it to a building function which integrates this concept. The only immediate idea that I have been able to think of was a functional library, which offers a space for one to feel safe and comfortable. Over the next week hopefully this function can become clearer, and a more resolved idea will be formed.

Howard Smith Wharves - Digital Site Creation

Also, in the tutorial this week I finished modelling the Howard Wharves site entirely. I believed that by doing this, it will allow me to experiment with various building forms and shapes, so as to achieve a better understanding as to how it will function within the site, with regards to size and scale. I first used contour lines from ebimap to understand and construct the topography within the site. I used the 'Sanbox' tool in Sketch Up to formulate a representation of the cliffs surrounding the space. I then downloaded the Story Bridge model from Sketch up Library and modelled the buildings from a near map image. I have decided to make the surface materials all the same colour (white) so the site does not detract from the design of my proposed building.

Enhancing and Activating the Iconic Qualities of the Howard Smith Wharves

Before I begin to think about designing an iconic functional building for the space, it is important to understand what already exists within the Howard Smith Wharves site. Particularly, analysing and observing the heroic features of the site, which may help to develop and enhance the iconic status and appearance of the finalised design. It is important to know what already exists so as to form a greater relationship between structure and site context/surrounding environment.

From observations it established that the site is very much heroic in its existence. There are several large scale features within the site which will positively integrate with the building design. These include;

• The Story Bridge - this feature is already at iconic status locally for the Brisbane population. As a gigantic and structurally expressive structure it spans a great distance over the Brisbane River below. The bridge envelopes the Howard Smith Wharves in the process, establishing itself currently as a prominent and overwhelming feature of the site. In my design I must be wary as to not disturb and interrupt the natural beauty this structure already displays for both the site and Brisbane. Consequently, it seems that I must either create the building separate from the bridge so as to develop a distinct difference between the structures, or make the building grow neatly from the existing element.

• The Kangaroo Point Cliffs - The towering cliffs which enclose the site, act as a towering and overwhelming feature when coupled with the spanning Story Bridge. The cliffs offer themselves as the feature which is natural beautiful to the site, with the existence of vegetation upon them. Although very steep in its appearance they present themselves as a plane which can be experimented with. Unlike the Story Bridge, the cliffs can be interrupted in its natural form, to allow for the developed design to interact effectively within the site context.

• The large vacant space - it is clear that this is a very large space which engulfs the entire site, underneath the bridge. It is but a memory, standing still in time, ignored by the sprawling city which surrounds it. This site is unclear and undefined by any physical mass or architectural element, and therefore offers itself as a perfect canvas for an iconic structure installation. I feel this space needs to be activated successfully for the site to have a function and meaning of existence, and this belief will be enhanced through the relationship my proposed structure has with it.

International Iconic Buildings - advancing the knowledge of iconic design

After the tutorial this week, I began to research and investigate successful forms of iconic architecture from around the world. It was astonishing to notice just how many buildings of this nature there was, and also the impact in which they had on the city as a whole, as well as its immediate surrounding environment directly. This observation was beneficial because it allowed me to gain greater knowledge and insight into the thoughts and ideas of the architects, as to how and why they designed each of these particular buildings.

A further generalised understanding was reached, with the noting that the form of the architecture needs to have an individual and unique character to it, which allows it to be recognised immediately and easily within its environment. Coupled with this, is the large scale in which each particular design evokes. With such a strong, overpowering presence this architecture has the ability to act as a beacon, attracting users to the site, whilst at the same time establsihing a memorable experience for the user.

The three major buildings in which this inference has been derived from, exist in all different parts of the world, resonating different cultural and society values within each of their particular cities. They have been designed in various ways as to establish this iconic prominence. The buildings are;

• 
  
  The Taj Mahal


• 
  
  Sydney Opera House


• 
  
  Burj Al Arab Hotel

TAJ MAHAL

The Taj Mahal is a monumental iconic structure which evokes great power and strength in its design. This design is notably derived from its primary function, operating as a palace. As one of the most recognised structures throughout the world for its architecture and presence, the building envelopes the city of Agra, India, as it exists as the beating heart of the city. Its design and existence attracts tourists globally, due to its aesthetics and ability to provide a experience of significant memorable proportions.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House operates as a major iconic structure for Sydney and also Australia on the global scene. Its large scale accompanied with its individuality in design and uniqueness in innovation allows it to function successfully within its harbour site. It does not smoothly interact with its environment, in fact it establishes the building as a new and exiting site for itself, which conseqently draws the attention of users when passing by. Its aesthetics and function also adds a strong presence to the Sydney Harbour, generating it as sight which cannot be missed within the Sydney experience.

BURG AL ARAB HOTEL

The Burg Al Arab Hotel presents itself as a forefront in iconic building design, in todays modern world. With it being the worlds second tallest building (scale), it defines itself a structure of great significance and power. Its function and presence has placed Dubai on the world stage and its uniqueness in design has lead to its influence to iconic design internationally. It sits on its own island offset from the main coastline of Dubai further establishing itself as an individual structure. Its beacon of attraction, directs users to its existence successfully, allowing one to create an unique visual experience and interaction with it.

Therefore, if I am to develop a brief, concept and design I must incorporate these features which define the buildings researched above, as to achieve a greater and more resolved idea and thought process of iconic design.

PERSONAL REFLECTION OF ICONIC ARCHITECTURE....

Whilst selecting theme groups for this subject, I was captured by the intent of the Icon...