Developing the Architectural Language

Whilst tech. week has been happening I've been busy progressing the scheme in more detail. The plan below shows the latest revision of the site plan, I've labelled the different functions which are plugged into the wall and have also identified the external spaces (in shades of green), all of which are to have a different purpose (i.e. main entrance to the school, allotments, fruit trees, etc.); two key axis which need more reinforcement (in purple) and an example of a transition space (in yellow). This transition space could be a change in material, colour, smell, noise, level or anything, but this is a prime opportunity to amplify the difference between different spaces.


I have spent a considerable amount of time developing the library/cafe building; this forms the main building of the proposal and is also where I will be focusing my technical aspects. Alongside developing the floor plans, elevations and sections (not yet to be shared!) I continue to work in models and sketches. The photos below show the latest model.



I heeded Steve's advice to inject some colour into the models and also to look more closely at individual elements. Colour is used to accentuate particular areas of and routes through the building.

Along with the green roofs and timber elements, I feel like I'm developing an eco-De Stijl language! Not a bad thing in my view.

Along with the technology developments there are still design issues to tackle, following a discussion with Steve:

• Thresholds - reduce the extremity between outside and inside spaces, as Pattern Language number 166-Gallery Surround which was previously identified.
• Transition spaces, as mentioned above.
  
• A response to the identified axis on the site plan.
• Continue to develop the library spaces; make the study 'pods' more intimate; integrate shelving into the fabic of the building, design the children's section.
• Some precedents to examine are: the work of Hugo Haring, a house in Devon which uses rammed earth, developed with the LEDA; Le Corbusier's proposals for the use of rammed earth in several buildings; the work, particularly drawings, of Peter Salter. (Further posts to update on these)