my design...latest ideas

So this is the first real physical design Ive had in a few months....I finally managed to gain access to the two retail units in Barnsley, so spent a Friday morning measuring the space in order to create a basic model.

The ideas behind the design are linked the the Olympics and the five rings. Although they have become slightly distorted and are slowly moving away from that theme...but it was a useful way to begin my design process.

Before I was able to even create this 3D max model, I used a combination of paper and card to develop shapes and ideas that could be then translated into the 3D model. I have included a couple of examples below for you to browse:

Im really pleased with the way my final project is developing and the ideas that being generated. The fact the site is within my local town has also helped me contextualise the project, and draw inspiration from other projects within the area.

I am also beginning to make some progress on the written element of my thesis. I have decided to research into regeneration projects and their affect of communities...this has been partly influenced by the proposed regeneration of Barnsley, which would encompass the site I have chosen for my design project.

Anyway I will update again, probably towards the end of the project when my design is more advanced...

a review of my ideas...

Apologies that I have not been on here for a while but a mixture of holidays and lots of reading has prevented me from writing...

Over the last few weeks, my thesis proposal has dramatically changed, for the better I feel. Here is the current proposal...

"In October 2008, Barnsley Council announced a new partnership with the borough of Newham, hosts of the 2012 London Olympics. A series of cultural and sporting events are planned to bring the Olympic buzz to Barnsley, so in keeping with this partnership I propose to design an adaptive structure promoting the Olympics. By using one of the numerous empty shops in the town centre, I intend to design a space which will be of benefit to the community of Barnsley before and after the Olympics, whilst assisting with the ongoing town regeneration.

In order to produce a worthwhile design that will benefit Barnsley once the Olympics are over, I plan to engage the community of Barnsley by asking for their input into possible ideas for the structure’s use. By using a space of around 400m2, with the possibility to extend onto two floors and into the street-scape, I hope to explore the design in both concept and detail.

Following my previous work looking at sustainable and mobile exhibition spaces, I want to use my final design project to explore this further. By exploring the principles adopted by the 2012 Olympics programme to provide resources that have a legacy, I aim to explore the creation of an exhibition / promotional space in Barnsley, away from the main centres that engage communities in the games; and which after the Olympics have a legacy use for the local community.

In addition to considering the Olympic plans, I also intend to research into previous urban regeneration schemes to establish ideas and designs that have proved successful. By evaluating schemes used across the world and for various uses, I will gain an insight into what temporary ideas are already available and discover where my design fits."

So I am currently attempting to contact Barnsley Council to gain copies of plans and access to a shop within the town...It is taking a bit longer than I expected however I do have a back-up plan available if it does take much longer. I am conscious that this delay is preventing me begin the design project however I have been reading a really interesting book called "Temporary Urban Spaces: Concepts for the use of city spaces" by F Haydn & R Temel. It has some good essays by a variety of people involved in regeneration, and is definitely got me thinking about what my design project will entail.

Once I have some more news on the project, I will let you know...anyway back to some reading!

back to the project...

Hello all, I am back from my summer break and with the first talk about our thesis' looming on Monday...I felt I should fill you in on my thoughts over the summer in regards to my thesis topic.


You may recall from a previous post, what I had suggested as a possible topic for my thesis...I intend to expand my current knowledge of temporary structures, however I would like to look at the carbon footprint of temporary structure used for different events such as music festivals, retail stores, exhibitions, and installations and compare them to their permanent counterparts to determine how eco-friendly they are and if not, what measure need to be taken to ensure that they are.

Since this statement I have been reading some interesting essays from 'Mobile: The Art of Portable Architecture', and some statements really got me thinking... Andrei Codrescu pointed out that in this modern society, permanent homes have no stability and no permanence, as houses are often pulled down and replaced with newer models. It appears the old family homes containing memories and nostalgia are no more...they have been destroyed and updated, removing the memories as well. The permanent home is impermanent. In contrast it is the moving home that offers a family base and a sense of stability, and appears to be more permanent. Having read another essay within 'Mobile: The Art of Portable Architecture' by Jennifer Siegal, I discovered she runs a company focused on mobile designs: http://www.designmobile.com/.

Now while I am interested in portable architecture, the portable home is not an area I wish to research and develop, however I believe many of the qualities and thoughts within portable homes apply with portable commercial spaces, an area of interest for many years. I will continue to work my way through 'Mobile: The Art of Portable Architecture' in order to gain more insightful knowledge on mobile architecture.

New Designers...

I almost forgot to mention that on Thursday, myself and a group of fellow MA students went down to London for the day to visit the New Designers conference.

I was really impressed with the quality of work on show, especially after I seeing the work exhibited last year. I have to admit I was most impressed with the furniture pieces from a variety of universities, the standard of work was extremely hard - I was almost unable to believe that the designers had only just graduated.

After spending around 3 1/2 hours at New Designers, a small group of us decided to head to Hyde Park and the Serpentine's new summer pavilion. This years pavilion has been designed by Kazuyo Sejima & Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA. If I am honest, I was a little disappointed with the pavilion as I purposely refrained from looking at any images of it prior to the visit. I felt that compared to previous pavilions this lacked something, it wasn't as architecturally pronounced as previous ones. Despite this I did appreciate the design of the pavilion and the use of light reflecting materials which helped to blend it with the surrounding park.

reading list for this module...

I have identified below all the articles and book that I have read and explored for inspiration for this design project.

• Kotnik, J. (2008) Container Architecture. Barcelona: Links International
• Vranckx, B. (2006) Exhibit Design: High Impact Solutions. New York: Collins Design; Publishers Group UK.
• Kronenburg, R. (2008) Portable Architecture: Design and Technology. Berlin: Birkhauser.
• Lowther, C. Nuijink, C. & Williams, M. (2008) Grand Stand 2: Design for Trade Fair Shows, More than 500m². Berlin: Gestalten.
• Mollerup, P. (2006) Collapsibles: A design album of space-saving objects. London: Thames & Hudson
• Siegal, J. (2002) Mobile: The art of portable architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
• Lefteri, C. (2006) Materials for Inspirational Design. Switzerland: Rotovision.
• Spankie, R. (2009) Basics Interior Architecture 3: Drawing out the Interior. Switzerland: AVA Publishing.
• Project Orange. (2003) Catalogue: Project Orange Architecture & Design. London: Black Dog Publishing
• Richardson, L. D. Bishop, M. & Jones, E. (1992) Techniques of Investigation: An introduction to research methods. Cambridge: NEC Print.
• Klanten, R. & Feireiss, L. (2009) Space Craft 2: More fleeting architecture and hideouts. Berlin: Gestalten.
• Garcia, M. (2007) Architextiles. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd for Architectural Design.
• Braddock Clarke, S. E. & O'Mahony, M. (2007) Techno Textiles 2: Revolutionary fabrics for fashion and design. London: Thames & Hudson.
• Walton, R. (2000) Page Layout: Inspiration, Innovation, Information. Dusseldorf: Nippan.
• Architectural Design, Volumes 78 & 79.
• Design Week, Volume 23.
• Live Design, Volume 42.
• Blueprint, Number 271.
• Frame, Numbers 59 & 61.
• Dalsouple
• VitroHue
• Modern Bamboo
• Eco Fibres
• HP Touchsmart
• Dell

learning agreement goals...

As part of the module, I have to assess the goals I set myself at the the beginning of the term. After evaluating my goals, I believe I have managed to achieve one goal and partially achieved three others...

Goal One - I would like to develop my project and time management skills, as I also currently have a part-time job. By create a timetable of my free time so to make more effective use of it and ensuring I do not allow my part-time job to interfere with my studies.

Following a minor crisis last year towards the end of the term, where I really felt that my part-time job was affecting my work production, I feel that I have learnt from the experience and have ensured that I use all available time wisely. This has been aided with the use of a diary, where I keep track of events and deadlines, making sure I allow myself enough time to complete them. The diary has especially helped this term, as the other module (Applied Research & Enquiry) includes a heavily weighted group project which has required a vast amount of my time. I was very pleased with myself for meeting my printing deadline as I encountered problems meeting it last term.

Goal Two (Partially Fulfilled) - I would like to improve the delivery and content of my oral presentations. By asking for feedback following group and individual presentations so I can compare how I perform, by evaluating marks received for presentations. and by asking for advice from tutors and university staff.

I believe this to only be partially fulfilled, as despite gaining confidence with my oral presentations, I have not been pro-active in asking for advice. I believe my increased confidence has come from being more confident in my design proposal following several positive comments from my tutors and fellow students.

Goal Three (Partially fulfilled) - I want to improve my CAD skills. By learning a number of programs suitable for my studies, by ensuring I allocate adequate time to learn the program, and by keeping a record of work produced, I will be able to keep track of my progress.

During the course of this project, I have been able to develop my Photoshop skills and establish a better knowledge of AutoCad. I am particularly pleased with my progress on AutoCad, as it was a program where I had limited knowledge, however I have been able to produced detailed plans and sections of my design and print them to a designated scale. Despite this I am still hopeful to learn 3D Studio Max, as I believe adding this drawing program to my skills base will make me more attractive to future employees.

Goal Four (Partially fulfilled) - In a year’s time I hope to gain employment with a design agency focused around sustainability and environmentally friendly centred design. By completing my MA, by researching and completing a project based around an area within environmentally friendly design, and establishing contacts with related companies throughout my MA course.

I believe that the design project this term has helped me to focus my design interests, and narrow down potential options to explore within my thesis. I hope that by establishing myself with a speciality on temporary structures will help to maximise my ideal employment potential without narrowing down any design fields.

Thesis Proposal

For my thesis I intend to expand my current knowledge of temporary structures, however I would like to look at the carbon footprint of temporary structure used for different events such as music festivals, retail stores, exhibitions, and installations and compare them to their permanent counterparts to determine how eco-friendly they are and if not, what measure need to be taken to ensure that they are.

finally the project is complete...

Wooooooo

I have finally managed to complete my design sheets ready for the presentation tomorrow. I am really pleased with the outcome, as I feel I have successfully managed to explain the design concept.

I chose to stick with a narrative theme...and each individual sheets connects to the next. Within the sheets, I have used simple sketch visuals taken from my 3D sketchup model to create the interior views. I chose not to render my 3D model, as I felt that the final effect would appear to be too heavy and bulky within the designated location. I felt it was key that the pavilions appeared to blend to an extent with their surroundings.

I decided to name the installation 'It's Time to Act' as a play on words with the client 'Act on CO2' and to indicate the nature of the installation and the message it is portraying to the public. I am also intending to email a copy of my presentation sheets to Lord Adonis, the Minister for Transport, to gage his opinion on the project and whether it could be developed for real.

I believe that the ‘It’s Time to Act’ installation as a developed temporary structure has fulfilled the aims of the brief. The installation has provided the ‘Act on CO2’ campaign with a vehicle to market the initiative to a wider audience by establishing the installation within town and city squares across the country. This allows the general public to interact and gain knowledge of the campaign in a comfortable and designated environment.

By using a shipping container, already compatible with many transportation devices, the installation can be transported with ease from each location.

The shipping container also provides a solid free standing structure for the interior installation pieces whilst being a highly recyclable and reusable material; providing low waste and noise pollution, and limited construction costs. I was also keen to use the shipping container again after a brief spell designing with one during my BA course. I believe that the versatility and the strong structural presence of the shipping container has enabled me to develop the shapes and materials used within the design.

The materials specified for use within the ‘It’s Time to Act’ installation were chosen for their recyclable or reusable qualities, post installation. Where possible, each material used within the installation has been constructed from recycled products. Where this option has not be available, such for the projector and touch screens, every effort has been made to ensure the technology has been built to incorporate environmentally friendly components.

In addition to my final presentation sheets, I have also prepared a small fold out version containing just the images from the sheets. I envisage this to be used as a leaflet explaining the project to fellow designers or as a leaflet for use within the installation, acting as a publicity for the impending arrival of the installation into a town or city. I have also written a project report documenting the process and material choices. I found this really helpful in determining the status of my design and I also identified by writing it, how much I had achieved this term. I am really happy with my final design and presentation, and I feel fairly confident in anticipation of my presentation tomorrow. Lets just hope my tutors are as enthusiastic as I am about this project.

electricity for my project...

I had been having some serious thoughts about how I am going to generate electricity for my design proposal. I had already identified that the energy source had to from a renewable resource, so I decided that using solar panels would be the preferred option.

I experimented with many different options for the positioning of the solar panels, these all revolved around the panels being attached to the roof of the project. This was until I was researching different types of solar panels to determine the specification for mine. I was reading about photovoltaic array systems when some art created by Thomas Lindsey inspired me.
I really liked the use of a cone as a power source for my project, and it was also identified within a recent tutorial that perhaps I needed a fourth component to my design. I decided to implement this design component into my design, and I feel it has really changed the dynamic of the installation, and has provided a new discussion point for the scheme.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems take energy from the sun and convert it to zero carbon electricity. The majority of Ecofirst solar PV systems consist of two main components:
Solar PV Panels - also know as PV modules, these are the principle building blocks of a solar PV system. Panels contain a series of photovoltaic cells made from a semi-conductor material (usually silicon) and these convert light into electricity. To give a desired electrical power output (measured in Watts) a number of panels are connected together to form a PV array. Normally, as the electricity created is DC it needs to be converted to AC, however the technological devices using this electricity use DC there is no need for DC/AC Inverter.

I really feel that my design project can be finalised now, as the issue of electricity was beginning to worry me.

Architects of Air...

Last weekend, I visited 'Levity II Luminarium' designed and built by Architects of Air. The inflatable structure was visiting my local town as part of it's festival weekend.

The structure itself is made up of connecting tunnels which guide you between several small domes. Levity II plays with light, sound and colour and the effects are amazing. As a temporary structure it is not small, at 800 square meters it allows the viewer to become immersed within. The colours produced inside are purely dependent upon natural daylight shining on to the coloured plastic.

I was really impressed and in awe of this structure. The composition of the tunnels guide you round the structure similar to the walkways in my own design project. Also similar are the areas to sit and soak up the atmosphere and absorb the ambience of the surroundings. I think it is important in any temporary structure that there is a place to sit and think about what message a being portrayed.

I enjoyed visiting this temporary public structure as I this is the type of structure I would like to research further into as part of my final thesis project.

containers in use...

Here are several uses for the container that I have come across over the last few weeks:

http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/06/26/froebe-gold-plated-shipping-container-bling-bar The container is used as a cafe/bar for use in public areas. I like the sense of mystery created by this design as from the outside it is unclear as to it purpose.

http://www.bbspy.co.uk/news/new-official-house-pics-revealed.html The Big Brother house 2009 uses a shipping container as a space for the bathroom.

http://zerocabin.com/ A selection of different uses for the shipping container.

http://www.containerart.org/eng/ A website detailing shipping containers used as art installations that travel between cities.

I am slightly disappointed that I only discovered this use for the container whilst reading a book called 'Space Craft 2', as I think that having had access to this project earlier my have influenced the scope of my design.

treehugger...

I have just stumbled across a website called TreeHugger

'TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information.'

It also features a dedicated design and architecture area which includes some interesting articles about sustainable and recycled products.

In fact whilst reading some of the articles I found one regarding a 100% recyclable house, currently in concept stage. It has some interesting features which are similar to my own design: the exterior shell is constructed from steel sheets and it uses solar panels to generate electricity.

tutors...

We were delivered some sad news last week...following the end of our current module 'Critical Practice' Rod will be leaving to take a new job. This is following the news earlier in the term that Rob will be retiring in the summer.

As a whole I do not think it will have huge impact on the delivery of the Spatial MA, as there are other tutors available, however I think it will affect me personally. Over the last few months, Rod in particular has been really good at nurturing my design and encouraging me to research into other areas and is always a great source of knowledge. I will be sad to see them go, however I think I will be able to develop the knowledge gained from them and take it into my final project/thesis.

apologies...

Apologies, apologies...I have been very busy recently with various items of work over the last few weeks so haven't had chance to fill you in on my recent events.

So in terms of my design, it has developed a lot over the last few weeks - as already stated in a previous post I have been looking a introducing angles into the design of my container. I have managed to do this by incorporating angled ribbons of glass round the outer edge of the design. I developed the idea for the roof from some small 1:50 models that I finally managed to construct.

Following a presentation from the textile students, two weeks ago, I was inspired to experiment with overlapping fabrics and using tensile fabric to create a design for the interior elements of my designs. By looking at overlapping layers of tensile fabric for the inner walls which will allow light to penetrate the interior space, so the structure takes on a light and airy atmosphere. I was really pleased with the results from the photographs of the models.

I have also been working quite intensely on how my project will be presented as I only have two weeks until I am due to present it to my fellow students and tutors. Currently the idea for the presentation revolves around the shape of the shipping container, and creating banner style sheets which will contain visuals and information in a narrative form. I have decided to use a narrative style to explain the nature of project as the design is for a temporary structure which moves from town to town. I will use time frames to explain how the exhibition works and how it interacts with its surroundings and the public.

aquascape...

Last Wednesday I went to the opening night of the Aqua-scape exhibition at the Beam gallery in Wakefield. It was a really good evening and I was able to chat again with the Japanese architects that built the sculpture along with five Japanese students. I had previously met the students on the previous Friday when I accompanied them to the degree show exhibition.

"Inspired by diverse sources such as origami and jellyfish, Aqua-scape is a remarkable ‘floating’ structure in the cool green seas of The Orangery gardens. Aqua-scape is a cocoon like urban folly or hide out designed and constructed by the Japanese designers Ryumei Fujiki and Fujiki Studio, where the principles of folding paper have been adapted to folding plastic." The sculpture itself is very impressive, a weave of plastic and mesh. I really like how the structure is rigid and angular however the softness of the materials used make the sculpture seem almost fluid in its appearance.

The sculpture incorporates led lights which cause the sculpture to glow at night, sadly I was unable to see the glowing sculpture however I am planning to go back sometime soon when there is a late opening at the gallery.

colours on trend...

During my recent tutorial with Rod, he suggested that I begin to bring some colour into my sketches so I decided that I needed to investigate into what colours will be on trend in Autumn/Winter 2009/10. Having looked at WGSN, I have managed to find the colours that will be on trend...Black/Grey/White - A range of monochromatic tones from flawless black, through warm or cool greys, to purest white.

Blue - Mainly flat tones of blue, underpinned by navy. Ranges from cool blue greys to vibrant royal blues.
Brown/Purple - Ultraviolet colour, combined with cool browns and pale tones.

Ginger - A selection of warm orange shades with a hint of gingery metallic.

Green - A variety of greens ranging from warm olive to darkest evergreen.

Pink - A collection of fresh, muted, and powdery shades.

Red/Pinks - Lacquer red and India pink infuse an exotic orientalism, complemented by blue-cast darks.

Yellow - Soft enamels, golden yellows and Dijon mustard tones.

In terms of my design project, I will probably only use a selection of these colours. The selected colours will tend to be earthy and represent sustainability. I want the container itself to be a copper colour, similar to pantone 876C. The palette of colours to be used within the interior will be taken from the green, ginger, yellow and brown/purple ranges.

monday sessions...

We are about half way through this term, so I thought I'd give an update on the Monday sessions so far...

This term the sessions have been themed, so we are able to focus on specific areas within design. The new format has been interesting, whilst they have provided an opportunity to concentrate on different areas each week they have started to become less spontaneous, as everyone is forced to research on that specific area rather than presenting on something they came across during their subject research.

Week 1 - Sustainability and Eco-Design
This was the first themed presentations and it seemed to go really well...The research presented reflected the individuals specific subject but I also found that many of the issues covered are a feature in many of our specific subjects. There was rather a lot of emphasis on products to aid sustainability and eco-design, this was probably because Stella and Hoda (two spatial designers) and Adarsh (a 3D digital designer) were amongst those that presented. The presentations really stuck a chord with myself as my current design project is very focused on being eco-friendly, both in its message and its materiality. One of the more interesting presentations was regarding a filtration system called Bel-Air which uses plants to cleanse/purify the atmosphere, absorbing toxins in the air. It was a very innovative product and one that may feature within my final design.

Week 2 - Discussion regarding Applied Research & Enquiry Individual project
This was a useful discussion, rather than presentations, as in the previous week we had been briefed on the individual project by Joe for this module. It was really good to hear how other people were considering approaching the brief. Nicola provided the group with various forms of visual communication, from jewellery created from sound waves, paper folding, and digital printing/transferring onto a variety of materials. Emma also explained how she was thinking of using a advertising campaign to approach the brief. Many ideas were generated as the group became aware of what was expected. I found it a very useful session as I began to consider how my own project would link with the main group project, as I wanted to explore the brief from a spatial aspect.

Week 3 - Design Process
The presentations for this topic took on two roles, ourselves as students within a design project, and how this might differ when working with clients. Ashley described how he simplified his life in order to release his creativity and posed the question that everyone has a drive that forces them to make design decisions. It got me thinking about that is my drive and I struggled to find an answer...I suppose one of my drives is to produce new and exciting designs that have the power to change, but as a Masters student my drive is to learn about new things, and utilise and challenge them. Over the last few weeks, I think my drive to learn about sustainable products and recycling within a design project has become rather strong and may persuade me to explore this area further within my thesis.

Week 4 - Influences
I was one of the presenters for this theme...I decided to explain how no one person can have one single influence as we are constantly aware of what is around us, all of which can influence us. I showed the group a collection of images from my field trip to Switzerland in 2008 where I saw many different buildings, all of which inspired me for different reasons. Following my presentation, we discussed how we find influences from different media forms, such as books, magazines, newspapers, television shows and galleries/museums. I do think its wrong to say we can only have one influence in our design work, as even that will alter over time, influences comes from everything.

Week 5 - Design & Disability or Design for old age
Unfortunately I was unable to attend this session, owing to a large amount of work within my design module, so I cannot comment on the presentations but can offer my thoughts on this topic. Within spatial design, you constantly have to consider the disabled (its the law). This has been evident within my current project as I am using a container shell as an exhibition centre. Following a conversation with my tutor on Wednesday, it is evident that I will have to consider the use of ramps for when the ground is not flat, as hydraulic feet will be used to level the container.

That's the Monday sessions up to date...I will post the final weeks later on!

angled architecture...

Within my design, I'm looking to create an angled roof for the pavilions which will enable the solar panels to capture the maximum light possible and create an aesthetically/interesting element to the design...In order to design the impact roof, I have been looking at other pieces of angled architecture for inspiration.

Upon searching for 'angled architecture' I came across a blog which featured some interesting architecture http://funinthegym.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html.

This web-like sculpture named 'Mist' is constructed from plastic film, bamboo and steel wire. It appeared in 2007 within the Toronto Sculpture Garden. The creator Ludwika Ogorzelec wanted to create a sculpture to articulate invisible space through lines and the space it encloses. I really like how the sculpture blends with its environment and creates an exciting spatial experience. I think I could use the 'spider-web' effect within my design, including a selection of planes from different materials to provide shelter from the elements.

An architect that regularly produces angled architecture is Daniel Libeskind. I have a few selected pieces of Libeskinds work that I find particularly interesting. The first are some of his drawings, created during his time as the head of the Architecture Department at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They are named 'Chamber Works' - Architectural Meditations on Themes from Heraclitus.

I really like the dynamic of each drawing: how the energy of the act is captured within the drawing. They seem to represent movement within a space, a drawing that I aim to create for my own project. The below set of images are of the London Metropolitan University Graduate Centre and the Military History Museum in Germany. I chose these images as they feature cuts in the exterior surface in order to bring light to the interior surfaces. This technique is something I look to use within my own design, in order to add an extra layer to the shipping container.

degree show 2009...

Last Friday 12th June, I went to the degree show at university...I found it a extremely rewarding experience as I was able to look at the different presentation techniques used. This is especially important at the moment, as I am starting to think about how I want my own project to be presented at the end. Below are a selection of images from work I found particularly interesting.

I really liked how the student has used tags to note the material information and show where the material will be used within the design.

I thought the composition and relationship between line drawing and materiality was really good in these images. It is a technique that may become useful within the presentation of my own project as materiality is a key component within my design.

I really liked how the student has over layed hand drawings with computer graphics to create a more personal and thoughtful visual.

Again I thought the way the student had ghosted specific elements of the design into this line drawing was very affective is describing the space.

model building...

Aghh, why is it so hard to make models of square-ish elements...I'm having real difficulties constructing a scale model of my concept.

We have been told that within the next two weeks, we need to finalise our design concepts: this incorporates design, materials and details so I think I might resort to small 1:50 models whilst I am still finalising the design. The small models will enable me to make changes to the design and document the process.

I'll post some images of these models later on...

journal madness....the result

So as previously mentioned, I went a bit mad collecting journal articles on Friday. I finally managed to read them all and there was some interesting points raised within a couple that I want to share with you...

The two articles I found of particular interest were 'Here today, gone tomorrow' Henrietta Thompson (Design Week 31.07.08) and 'Comment' Jes Fernie (Blueprint October 2008). What is interesting is that both articles were written within four months of each other which resulted in several temporary structures being discussed in both articles. Within the 'Here today, gone tomorrow' article, Thompson discusses how temporary structures are slowly transforming our cities and states there are many reasons for this:

"Its easier, for one reason. Easier to get planning consent, easier to build and there's no need to worry about the neighbours and the surrounding context much either. It also provides much needed space to experiment: new technologies, advances in materials and modern construction methods mean that today architecture no longer needs to be static, dependable, solid or even permanent."

I am inclined to agree with her statement, as it has been evident that many companies are turning to the temporary structure to increase brand awareness and create a sense of excitement around the brand. Temporary structures have allowed brands to take risks and experiment, which they weren't able to do with the permanent store. The temporary structure also allows brands to reach customers and ares unfamiliar with the product: this is something that is important within my own design. By sending the pavilions to towns and cities around the country, a maximum amount of exposure can be generated.

The article 'Comment' by Jes Fernie discusses the practicalities of temporary structures and whether they currently go far enough to challenge beliefs and ideals. An interesting statement from the article has caused me to think about the nature of my temporary installation:

"These structures quite clearly enliven our streets and create extraordinary opportunities for artists and architects to play a part in shaping our public realm, (however) more subversion, dirt and dissonance needs to bred into these structures; we need more public realm equivalents of Velvet Underground's Venus in Furs."

Temporary structures are now being used as a tool to engage, involve and challenge the public, which is what I am hoping to achieve within my design project. However after reading this article I can't help but think that perhaps my design need to be more controversial in it direction and the message it is giving out to the public realm.

journal madness...

So...following a seminar on Wednesday from Tanya Williamson on the library, I went a bit mad looking for articles within journals about temporary architecture and the pop-up store! In total, I collected nine articles and I'm now off to read them. Will let you know if there was any interesting discussions within them later on...keeps your eyes open!

serpentine pavilions...

During my project review last week, my tutor Rod suggested I look at the Serpentine pavilions for inspiration as I have begun to distinguish the different pieces of the container as pavilions.

The Serpentine Gallery itself is an art gallery based within Kensington Gardens, London. The gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art and features a range of exhibitions. Each year the gallery commissions international architects to design a pavilion on the gallery’s lawn that will provided a unique showcase for contemporary architectural practice. The pavilions are also designed to host film screenings, talks, the BBC proms and a cafe.

Below is a comprehensive list of the architect commissioned to build the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion over the last 10 years:

• 2000: Zaha Hadid
• 2001: Daniel Libeskind
• 2002: Toyo Ito
• 2003: Oscar Niemeyer
• 2005: Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura
• 2006: Rem Koolhaas
• 2007 pre-pavilion: Zaha Hadid
• 2007: Olafur Eliasson and Cecil Balmond
• 2008: Frank Gehry
• 2009: Sanaa

I have a few favourites out of the ten...

The first is Frank Gehry's pavilion from 2008. I like the way Gehry has used a complex network of overlapping glass planes to create a dramatic, multi-dimensional space. Gehry says 'The Pavilion is designed as a wooden timber structure that acts as an urban street running from the park to the existing Gallery'. I think the effect created is similar to what I am hoping to achieve within my own pavilions. I am looking to use angled solar panels on the roof, so the use of overlapping panels may add the dramatic effect I need within my own design.

This pavilion was designed by Zaha Hadid, as was the preview pavilion in 2007. I like the composition of the three elements and how they intertwine to create an covered, open area. Each element was developed from a small articulated base to a large cantilevered diamond shape, however the interweaving elements do not touch allowing air, light and sound to travel through the narrow gaps.

My third favourite pavilion was commissioned in 2001 and designed by Daniel Libeskind. The design incorporates sheer metallic planes assembled in a dynamic sequence. I specifically like how the aluminium panels create brilliant reflections of light, and also reflect the surrounding environment revealing a new perspective of the greenery of Kensington gardens and the brick from the gallery. Following a conversation with Rod on Friday, it was discussed that my design needed an edge to it...I think the combination of material from Libeskind's design and the dynamic shapes created in Gehry's design may influence the final design of my own pavilions.

thoughts for today...

Presentation

Today, I presented my project concept to the rest of the MA group including Rod and Rob. I got some good feedback from my presentation particulary from my tutors, however many of my fellow students were impressed with the scope of my project.

I did have a very positive conversation following my presentation with Ashley, one of the textile designers, who seemed keen to collaborate research and possible future work as our projects are very similar in style and philosophy. I'll let you know what happens...

Pattern research

This weekend I have been working on the design for the communication wall within one of the pavilions. I am looking to include some surface pattern design as a background behind the main messages. I was reading through the latest blogs on Design Sponge and noticed a blog by a swedish wallpaper designer Lena Hautoniemi. There are some really interesting designs, especially the one below;