a review of research...

As it is the end of my project, I thought I'd would be nice to reflect on the books and articles that have greatly influenced my design choices. The book "Out there : architecture beyond building. Installations" by International Architecture Exhibition., Besky, Alan., Biennale di Venezia introduced me to the curved sculptural work of Zaha Hadid. Her lotus project inspired me to look at my own design and push the boundaries of what could be architecturally achieved. Following this, I researched more into the work of Hadid, and following my tutors advice I looked at her design for the Bach Music Hall in Manchester. I was really impressed with the ring like structures, that surrounded the seating and stage, as they appeared to create an intimate atmosphere and also acted as sound reflectors; something I wanted to replicate within my own design. Another book that I found unusually influential was Catalytic formations : architecture and digital design by Ali Rahim. It features a selection of digitally created architecture forms. The architecture shown in the book is very simple but some exceptionally curved spaces have been created. These provided some inspiration for the additional structures within my design.
There were some other books that I found useful during the course of my masters project:

• Sustainable Olympic design and urban development by Pitts, Adrian C., Liao, Hanwen.
• Guggenheim by Cuito, Aurora.
• Zaha Hadid by Hadid, Zaha., Celant, Germano., Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
• Form + structure : the organisation of interior space by Brooker, Graeme., Stone, Sally, M.A.
• Temporary buildings : the trade-fair stand as a conceptional challenge by Schulte, Karin.
• Temporary urban spaces : concepts for the use of city spaces by Haydn, Florian., Temel, Robert.
• Page layout : inspiration, innovation, information by Walton, Roger.
• Portable architecture : design and technology by Kronenburg, Robert.
• Exhibit design : high impact solutions by Vranckx, Bridget.

the end is here...

Well I am writing this post the day before my final submission...words written, design boards prepared, its is nearly all over!

Its been a very demanding final few weeks, a combination of the Christmas break and the problems of snow have only increased the pressure to complete everything in time. But it is all complete, and I am extremely proud of the work I have been able to achieve. My biggest achievement has been the use of 3D max to produce my visuals and plans of my design, why an achievement? because I only started learning how to use 3D max in October.

I found researching local regeneration projects really interesting and I am keen to build upon the knowledge i have gained within future employment. It has certainly opened my eyes to the real impact design and architecture can have on those that use it. It found it helped me reflect upon my design choices, and what impact they would have on the space and those using it.

Having identified the impact small regeneration project can have on communities, I have proposed a temporary design for tow retail units in Barnsley. The project, named Rendezview, aims to be a popular meeting place. Barnsley' master plan regeneration dreams of encouraging creativity, providing services and becoming an attractive destination, so I have designed my scheme to build upon these aspirations. Rendezview will create a space for aspiring artist to showcase their work within the public eye, and allow the community to have a designated space. I have included below some of the final visuals from my design project:

Looking back over this master's course, it is fair to say that i have had a few ups and downs... but I have enjoyed the experience, as it has enabled me to establish new interests within the design field and has built upon the strengths gained from my BA degree. I hope that the experience gained will help when I look to gain employment within a design practice.