DAB510 WEEK 5: Volatile Bodies - Site Plan & Cross Sections

Site Elevation Map for Creating the Site Cross Sections

Placement of the Sections

The Site Cross Sections

To analyse the site further, we had to look at it from a more expansive perspective. By creating cross sections of the site, we are able to see more clearly how the natural elements of the site interact with the built environment. It gives us the opportunity to exploit this interaction, both physically and metaphysically. How can a city play with someone's mind.

The idea of volatility is not only felt in the physical body, but it can be transferred from mind to body. The node was originally designed to celebrate the influence of the city background and the colossal Storey Bridge structure from the secluded and somewhat forgotten Howard Smith Wharf site. The intent of this new design will be to distort the view of the circumferent city, thus altering the way we perceive the built environment which influences the metaphysical feel of the site as a unique place. This idea has implied psychological influence created by the social and cultural power these surrounding built elements portray. The mind as a volatile entity is transposed into a spectrum of physical form and language through expressions, movements, and actions which are a reflection of our interpretation of the contextual social and cultural strata.

DAB510 WEEK 5: Volatile Bodies - Site Analysis

The Techtonics of the Bridge are Particularly Masculine and Dominant

The Bridge Spans Great Lengths Across Your Head

The Triangular Geometry is Strong but Restrictive

The Buildings Surrounding the Site are Some of the Tallest In the City

Even the Organic Cliffs are Dominant

The Span and Cirfumferent City

The site is something which is at the heart of this project and must be re-examinded as we move into the next stages of the design. The site is something which should directly relate to the design of the node, both in a physical and psychological sense. This is where we can relate to the body. How do we feel when we are in this place? What does our body want to do to react? These images are a portrayal of the elements surrounding this site which make us feel something unique to this place and react in a certain way to the context.

 Movement of Transport and People Around the Site

 Site Access

Interpretation of Site

DAB510 WEEK 5: Reflection

Final Presentation Board

DAB510 WEEK 4: Design - Photomontage Images

These are just some images I played around with using Photoshop. My aim was to depict a dual perspective of the Node from both the user's perspective and the passer's by perspective.

 Riverside Perspective

Street Perspective



DAB510 WEEK 4: Design - Refining the Design

This is the amended design of my Node. It was established after group discussion that more shading need to be implemented on the Western Facade. The shade screen system is in keeping with the aesthetics of the Node, and also makes reference to the riveting in the bridge structure.

 North Elevation

 Roof Plan

 West Elevation

Perspective View

Section View

DAB510 WEEK 4: Design - Locating the Node

 A Choice of Perspective - The Heroic View

 A Choice of Perspective - The Heroic Equal

 The Prominent Perspective Wins Out

 Site Elevation  - At One with the Bridge

 Site Masterplan

Node Location and Local Context

DAB510 WEEK 4: Design - Refining the Skin and Form

A View of the Cantilever Bearer

Rotating Window Perspective

The Timeline Facade with Scaled Rotating Windows

Timeline Windows - Rotated

Top View - Steel Skin Overlay

This was the first design I came up with in response to our group discussion which oriented around the Node being used as a space to learn about the construction processes of the Storey Bridge. The geometry and techtonics respond directly to what is found on the Storey Bridge, and forms a visual language between the Node and the structural elements of the bridge. The key focus here, was trying to incorporate a functional element into the Node design that would tell the narrative of the bridge, without compromising the visual relationship between the two. The triangulated shapes were a perfect fit for a series of windows which would then be able to describe a metaphorical timeline across the bridge span, through revealing and concealing the views from left to right. The scale of the wall also responds to this timeline approach by diminishing the experience of the user from one end, and expanding that experience along the wall, to a heroic reveal of the full bridge span. The geometry and materials of the building envelope was also important. A steel framing system between the glass panels gave the node structural integrity as well as shading for the user.

DAB510 WEEK 4: Design - Form and Skin Ideation

Photomontage: Photos I took from Beneath the Bridge

Guangzhou Opera House Interior: Zaha Hadid

 A Geometrically Triangulated Space Using LED Light

Triangulation as an Exterior Skin

Continuing with the theme of relating the aesthetic of the Node to the bridge, I have researched examples of triangulation and how it can be used in architectural design. Triangles can give limits to space, while also allowing for the implimentation of infinite parametric spaces, much like I experienced whilst walking under the bridge. I have used this photomontage to relate the triangles used in the bridge's construction, and a possible facade system in the Node windows and overall form. In the following post I will endeavour to model a triangulated structure, which overwhelms the user and also relates to the bridge context.

DAB510 WEEK 4: Design - Initial Sketches

 In Plan: The Node Will Cantilever over the Cliff Edge

In Section: Beginning to Develop of Form 

The Timeline Wall: This Wall is the Key Element in Revealing a Narrative

Above are the original sketches which I drew when trying to establish a form which both corresponded with our concept of 'learning' the bridge's narrative, and which also paid homage to the techtonics and geometry of the bridge itself. Triangulated patterns will be explored further in following posts to develop the aesthetic nature of the node.

DAB510 WEEK 3: Fabrication - Rotating Window System

A key aspect to the design is the window system which creates the view to a metaphorical timeline of the Storey Bridge construction during the late 30s. These images depict our group's thinking behind how the window system on the Node might evolve. It will provide the user with a more interactive learning experience.

 A Restricted View is Formed of Parts of the Bridge

 Views of the Bridge are Manipulated to Form a Timeline

Openable windows will allow significant circulation of fresh, cool air from the river. while also providing a point for the user to touch and feel the Node's skin, and relate to the techtonic nature of the bridge.

Following on from this, I decided to research some detailing for glazing systems and rotating windows to give me an idea of how the Node with be put together. This is a series of pictures which explains somewhat, where I intend to go with the overall design of the Node.

Singular Glazing with Steel Frame

Dual Glazing with Steel Frame

Edging Detail

Potential Hinge System for Window

Windows can Rotate from a Central Pivot Point?
A Very Similar Set of Windows to what I will Apply to my Node

DAB510 WEEK 3: Fabrication - Structural Elements

To refine the structural elements into a plausible design, we accepted that we needed a significant footing to support the 5m cantilever. Steal was chosen as a material best suited to support such a larger force, while also responding to the materiality of the bridge itself. I-beams were introduced to weight of the beam. A silicon/rubber like joint was introduced to offset any cracking in the glass from expansion and contraction, but perhaps a different type of technology can also be used in its place.

 Flooring System Detail

The system encorporated in the skin of the Node was a little more complex to solve. Despite the difficulty in manufacting a very precise and unique components (everything is individually size) we decided to choose a design which saw glass panels slot in between the metal framework, allowing plenty of natural light, but also sufficient shade to the interior.

 Diagram of the Node Skin

The materials used in the skin of the facade also payed homage to the techtonic nature of the bridge. Rivited steel and glass were incorporated to mimic the appearance of the cascading steel structure which engulfs you as you walk or ride anywhere near the bridge. It is designed to diminish the experience of the user and celebrate the overwhelming scale of the Storey Bridge.

Building Envelope and Materials