integrated design report

Oliver Pozegic 11071272

Integrated Design Report

Introduction

From starting second year at the Manchester School or Architecture I quickly wanted to distinguish myself from other students by ensuring that all my work is not only exceptional in quality but stands out from other peoples. This was done by determi-nation and hard work but also by generating forms and spaces that were bold and exciting. This is the part of architecture that I find to be very engaging. I am not interested in creating a building that does not excite me by its form or by key features that make it stand out from the rest.

I feel as though this has been demonstrated by my work this year as I have designed a competition wining pavilion, a kayak centre which form stands out from any other design and a minimalist build attached to an existing theatre that contains multi-ple clever design features alongside its proportion-ing that follows the golden ratio.

2.1

2.32.2

2.1 - Cold Light: Garden at Dunham Massey

1.0 - Design Statement

Brief:

To design a pavilion that will be placed on a selected site on the National Trust site of Dunham Massey. The pavilion must not be over 7ft and must accommodate up to 5 people. The materials used must be in keeping with the surrounding and must not pose a threat to the local environment. The pavilion must be able to be assembled by a group of 5 people within 2 hours.

National Trust site, Dunham Massey

Pavilion brochure front coverSite

2.0 - Analysis of Texts and Precedents

From looking at precedent studies, as a group we quickly became interested in the stacking of hollow tubes and how absence of tubes can create the possibility for seat-ing and shelter from rain and wind.

Due to the hollow nature of a tube it will give the pavil-ion a low density and from our site analysis we felt that this was very necessary as it would not overwhelm the site in anyway.

We then quickly became interested in the concept of the views that would be achieved by looking through these tubes and this became of our main concepts of placing objects within these tubes.

From our precedent students we then went onto study the architect Shigeru Ban who uses cardboard tubes in his designs. This was very interesting to us as Ban uses a low impact material (cardboard; that would be pos-sible for us to use). But he also waterproofs these tubes in a method and technique that is proving effective in the real world as his installations feature internally and externally.

Pavilion precedent studies

Shigeru Ban cardboard tube precedent study

3.0 - Contextual Analysis

From conducting analysis of the weather and the location of Dunham Massey we developed an understanding that our pavilion will mainly have to deal with wind and rain on a daily basis with the need to withstand ice and snow during the winter time, which this pavilion will be on site for.

After visiting the site and choosing a site that we found the most interest-ing (site C) we realised that wind will not pose too much of a treat to the pavilion as the area was sheltered by trees.

We chose site C because we though that it was of interest as it was found at the end of a pathway in the winter gardens. We felt that the positioning of the site being within in the winter gardens to be good as the pavilion would be on site over the winter period. We also found the positioning on a dead end path to be of interest as it meant that we could bring people into a space that would not been of interest.

As the site is on a path, the concept of being able to look through the pavil-ion was quickly developed.

The plot of land that the pavilion will sit was considered to be primarily flat on first inspection. However, on a second visit we felt the need to take measurement of the topography where the pavilion would sit. This led to the decision to have the pavilion on raised legs as it would be the best solu-tion to having the pavilion rest flat.

I feel that the site analysis we conducted was very thorough and all the observations we made were very relevant to what the brief asked.

Weather chart for local area of the site

Site plan Site C

4.0 - Programme analysis

Compared to other sites, site C is much more confined and only offers a small space for the 5 people to stand/sit. We brief-ly considered extending the pavilion down the path of the site but rejected this idea as it would have meant that the pavilion would have started to overwhelm the site.

As we have decided to position the pavilion at the end of the pathway it meant that design the programme of the pavilion would have been very simple. It would have involved the 5 people being position there with the pavilion covering them.

Programme of the pavilion with respect to the site

5.0 - The Argument of the ‘Generation’ of Form.

From our precedent studies, site analysis and understanding of what we wanted the programme to be like. We knew that our pavilion would be made from circular tubes and would use the concept of looking through these tubes onto the other side of the site. This meant that all the tubes would line up in the direc-tion of the site as that direction offered the best views. This meant that we would result in stacking the tubes.

From our precedent studies we liked the idea of having different sized tubes for different views, however this would have resulted in difficulties when it came to the construction and assembly of the pavilion.

We then came to the decision to have the pavilion is a square shape as we liked the contrast in circular tubes in a square shape, similar to the precedent shown. This then developed in having the pavilion in a cube shape where the would be space inside for people to stand due to shorter length tubes.

The decision to have the pavilion as a cube of tubes led to the naming of our pavilion as ‘Tube Cubed’. This is because it simply described our pavilion and concept concisely while rhyming . It also led to the creation of our logo:

Precedent study

Concept diagramsTube Cubed logo

6.0 Structural Solution

To hold the cardboard tubes that will be the main feature of the pavilion, there will be a framework made from two 18mm plywood sheets with the holes ‘CNC’ cut into them for accuracy. There will be 3 frameworks in the pavilion, as shown in the diagram, this is to offer the pavilion most support as some tube are shorter in length than others.

We used plywood as it was more structurally suitable for conditions out-side. The plywood was also varnished twice so that we can be certain to withstand any type of environmental condition while on the site.

On the day of the build it was found that this was very necessary to add diagonal metal braces to the pavilion as it would sway forwards and backwards. This meant that the diagonal supports would be used. This resulted in a pavilion that was structurally sound and tested by people hanging off it. This was exerting the pavilion to forces greater that what it would see from environmental loads. As it withstood those tests we were confident that it was structurally sound.

Adding bracing to the pavilion

The framework of the pavilion

Structural testing

7.0 Environmental PerformanceThe choice in materiality was a key factor for the environmental per-formance of the pavilion. By constructing it from plywood, cardboard and rubber it meant that the majority of the materials used are recy-clable or will at least break down and not cause a significant risk to the environment after the pavilion have lasted longer than it is designed for.

Protecting the pavilion with varnish not only protects the pavilion from breaking down from water damage but it also increases the life expectancy of the pavilion. This stands for the possibility for the pavilion to be used again after its time on Dunham Massey. This may involve being a pavilion in a park or another National Trust site.

Materiality of the pavilion

8.0 - Servicing Strategies

Varnishing every part of the pavilion

Condition of the pavilion after a few weeks on the site

When designing the pavilion, we knew that we would have wanted the pavilion to last its entire duration on the site without needing to be serviced or repaired in any way. This resulted in us doubling the varnish layers on everything that would be exposed for the pavilion.

For the plywood sheets we used wood var-nish and for the cardboard tubes we coated them in PVA glue to form a waterproof layer then varnished them in a layer of yatch var-nish. The outer tubes that would be exposed to more severe weather condition were coated in varnish twice. We also coated the inside of the tubes but could only varnish a limited distance into them

The varnishing and waterproofing of the pavilion was the part of the construction phase that was executed to a low standard compared to everything else. After a few weeks on site some of the cardboard tubes were already beginning to decay and break down. This can be placed on the execution of the team when varnishing, as it was difficult to tell in a tube was 100% fully coated. But it was also down to the limited capability to varnish the inside of the tubes that has meant that the pavilion in a worse condition then we would have liked.

9.0 External envelope

Shigeru Ban exterior and interior materiality precedent

Due to the simplistic design of the pavilion, the materiality of the ex-ternal envelope and the interior will be the same. This inspiration came from our precedent studies into Shigeru Ban and his use of cardboard tubes in design in the real world. Not only did this demonstrate an ef-fective use of a common material but showed us that this material was capable of withstanding condition similar to the conditions that our pavilion would face too.

When designing the pavilion, we had no concerns to insulation, fire proofing, ventilation a this was not stated as a necessary factor in the brief as the pavilion is only designed to be used as a temporary shelter.

10.0 General Arrangement Drawings

Section Seasonal renders

Construction process axonometric

I feel as though the construction process axonometric demonstrates our de-sign the most successfully as it reveals how simple the design is and how easy it is to assemble due to clever design. This is while still giving you a suggestion to what it will look like in the end.

The section demonstrates the space in where people will gather to shelter them selves from the elements. I feel as though this diagram effectively shows how the lengths of the tubes may appear to be random but they are carefully calcu-lated.

I feel as though the reason renders effectively show our concept of not wanting to overwhelm the site. This is especially shown in the Autumn render as the pavilion almost appears translucent.

11.0 Reflection

Finished pavilion with design team

Main issue with pavilion: waterproofing

With all things considered, I feel as though our pavilion was extremely successful. We went from going on a site visit to Dunham Massey to being short listed, presenting to the cli-ents and then making and building our pavilion to a standard that stood up to all our exceptional work. When standing back from the finished build, it was clear what our concept was and how effective it worked on the site due to our site analysis.

During the design process the team I worked with were great not only for their outcomes but because of their enthusiasm and commitment to the project, despite the design being an initial concept at that stage. This was shown in the reception to any work that we presented whether it be technical draw-ings to our tutors, videos to the year or models to the clients. This was then reflected when we were chosen to build the pavilion and a vast number of people wanted to work on our pavilion.

Then when it came to the build stage the people who I worked with exceptional again. Despite a few disputes and ar-guments, we worked together effectively and enthusiastically.

There was only one issue with the design and build of the pavilion and that was the issue of waterproofing. All other is-sues were capable of being solved, however for waterproofing on such a delicate material it seemed to be too difficult to get correct and the reasoning to why the pavilion is in a decayed condition is due to nobodies error, it is just what happens when working with such an experimental material.

12.0 Bibliography

Most used books:

Richardson, Phyllis, XS: Big Ideas, Small Building, [London: Thames & Hudson, 2001] - Standard edition - Green edition - Extreme edition

Ellan, Kimberly, Geometry of Design. [New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2011]

Less Useful books:

National Trust, Dunham MAssey, Cheshire, [The National Trust, Stellar Press, 1981]

Websites:

http://www.serpentinegaller.org/architecture/

http://www.dezeen.com/architectue/pavilions/

2.2 - White Water

Oliver Pozegic


Brief:

To design a canoe/kayak centre to accommodate up to 60 people that must include the following:

-Main ‘club’ area/multifunctional space to include bar and ad-jacent kitchen. This area could be double height [lighting and vertical circulation may be a key consideration here].

- Meeting Rooms x2.

- Bar/kitchen storage rooms.

-Service areas for canoe/kayak equipment + storage.

-Office that can be used to service events, visitors, security.

-Race office incorporated into the design with 180 degree safety visibility [approximately 10m2, base3m above ground, vertical circulation will be a key considera-tion].

-Wet changing area, toilet facilities including disabled facili-ties.

-The building must have also taken into account an environ-mental strategy that allows the building to operate while off grid.


BMW Welt, Munich

MUMUTH, Graz

My concept for the White Water project was derived from my site analysis and was not too dependant on my precedent studies com-pared to other projects. My use of site analysis was primary to assist with the use in materials. This was not limited to their physical ap-pearance or structural significance but was down to their qualities to assisting to the buildings function.

The BMW Welt in Munich was a key precedent for me as I was par-ticularly interested in its used of materiality when it came to public/private areas and how the materials where cleverly used to work for the form of the building. I visited the building on a trip to Munich that I took before I visited Graz, Austria. This gave me a good op-portunity to experience the spaces within the building on a first hand basis. This was useful as the building is open to the public and is used for events, similar but not identical to what I would be doing on the site in Graz. This was useful to me but did not dictate any design decision I made as the site for the BMW Welt was much different to mine and the architects were not limited to site restrictions as I am. I was particularly interested in how the building used mesh materi-als to cover windows. This was useful as it meant that people on the inside could still see out and that there was less intense sun glare, while the people on the outside were not allowed to see into the pri-vate spaces. All of this was of interest to me as my building would be susceptible to sun glare from the reflections on the water. The form of the BMW Welt was not lost as well or broken up by windows, this was also an interesting feature of the mesh overlay that I wanted to incorporate into my design.

I also visited the MUMUTH building in Graz on my study trip and was fascinated by their use of detailing in their ceiling in the use of metal strips. This allowed for spaces for pipes, wire etc.. to be hidden in the ceiling while providing a nice detail to the building.

3.0 Contextual Analysis

When conducting site analysis I analysed such details as wind, rain, snowfall etc... These had an influence on my design such that I decided to add extra insulation to the building to combat the high noise levels and I shaped the building so that it cuts through the high wind speeds. My main concept that was derived from my site analysis was when I conducted speed tests of the water by dropping branches into the water and recording the time taken for them to reach marks spots of the river. From this test I deduced that there was no safe convenient way to enter the water with a canoe/kayak even with a ramp as the water turns into rapids straight away. I also deduced that there were two dif-ferent types of water speeds in the river. On the lft the water was slower and more suited as white water, this I said to be more suited for experienced athletes. While the water on the right was faster and less rough, this I said was more suited for beginners. As I wanted the athletes to have a choice as well as a safe entry point for the white water rafting, I made the decision to have building span out across the water.

I also looked at small details on the site that could be incorporate into the structure of the building. These include a concrete support on the existing staircase which I could use to support my building, drainage holes that could be used for pile foundation or for water pipe to enter the building and another concrete support on the existing staircase that again could be used for structural support.

I felt as though I did thorough and set me up with a good concept ready to start designing.

Site details

Concept specific site analysis

4.0 Programme Analysis

Knowing that my concept consisted of spanning my building over the water, I initially started design my building specially. I did this by dividing the rooms in the brief in to categories; private rooms, public rooms and exclusive rooms. My aims were to keep this rooms separate and to maintain the water level walkway at the side of the river.

This design process was very useful as it allowed for the separation of the room categories which will help with the circulation of the building in later stages. I decided to progress from this design method as I felt that my design was being limited in form due to this method. This led to me then designing my building structurally.

Designing the building spatially

5.0 - The Argument of the ‘Generation’ of Form

Design development

Designing with respect to the spectators view from adjacent bridge

I divided my building into three parts; Main Build-ing, Arm and Tail. When it came to the form of the main building I wanted it to be simple as I wanted the focus to be on the part of the building that spans across the water. This led me to designing the build-ing with a large main window that is angled to let as much light in as possible.

For the arm my design thoughts were to have a light weight steel frame system that allows for as many windows onto the water as possible. I decided to design this in section. I knew that I wanted a row of windows looking down onto the river and a row of windows to let light in. I then decided to have more vertical walls on the other side as these would con-tain rooms and I wanted to allow for the best usable space in such a limited area.

I then developed the shape of the arm by taking into consideration the views from the adjacent bridge, this led me to having the roof angled steeper towards the centre of the arm as this is where the athletes would start.

When designing the tail of the building, I wanted the design to follow the form of the arm but to arc around the athletes as if it was protecting them.

I felt that the form of my building was not just suc-cessful as it looked interesting and quite beautiful but also because it stuck to the concept of my site analysis and the shape and angle of everything was justifiable .

6.0 Structural Solution and Building Technology

The structure of the building is split into two different solutions. These are load bearing external reinforced concrete perimeter walls on the main building. Which, because of the narrowness of the building means that all internal walls do not have to be load bearing. Then the structure for the arm and tail of the building will consist of a light weight steel frame structure as highlighted in green on the diagram. It was key to have a lightweight struc-tural system on the arm of the building as it is spanning across the water so I wanted to minimise the load onto the foundation.

The most demanding part of the foundation is regarding the arm of the building as it spans across the water. The solution for this is to have the building resting on pile foundation that it dug into the water bed. This will be done by place a tube into the water, removing the water and then drilling the hole as shown in the diagram. The pile foundation will consist of steel piles that widen at the top to transfer the loads of the building better. An-other advantage to the pile foundation is that the piles will disrupt the water further by creating water foam that will splash in the air, creating more ac-tion filled photographs of the athletes.

I believe that the structure of my building was solved as effectively as pos-sible. The only area where I think I could have conducted further research would have been the pile foundation and the dimensions of the piles as well as the number needed for the building to stand. But also what effect this has on the water by changing these factors.

Pile foundation

Load bearing structure

Pile foundation

7.0 - Environmental Performance

Site consideration: As the building is south facing and has the majority of its windows facing this way, it will receive optimum light conditions. The main concern from the site is the noise and cool draft that comes from the river, this was solved by having extra insulation in the floor and walls of the arm of the building.

Programme consideration: From an early stage in the design process I knew that the environmental performance of the building would be a key feature. This was shown in the consideration to place the kitchen underneath a large amount of mass of the build, so that the kitchen will continue to heat these rooms.

Heating, cooling and ventilation consideration: As shown in the diagram below, during the day time a large amount of light will enter the building and will heat it up. This has resulted in a HVAC air system being installed and being hidden in the metal strip ceiling detail of each room.

Water and waste system consideration: Any rain water that lands on the arm of the building will fall off the building due to its shape. However the roof of the main building will be angled to allow for rain water collection. This rain water will be used in the building for toilets etc...

Diurnal and seasonal changeEnvironmental performance

8.0 - Servicing Strategies

Highlighted ceiling detail

For ease of servicing whether it be repairs to HVAC air system, lighting, water pipes or electrical wires the building is fitted with metal strips for a ceiling detail similar to my precedent of the MUMUTH building in Graz. Not only does this provide an interesting detail to the interior of the building but allows for ease of servicing as the metal strips will be capable of being removed in paned at key points so that service engineers will be able to access what is behind them with ease.

9.0 - External Envelope and Internal Finishes

Wind, rain, cold air

Wall detail

Underneath the cladding is metal sheeting as well as a damp proof membrane which stops wind, rain and cool air from reaching the inside of the building.

For each window that it is the building there is a steel I beam to support the wall that is about it, as this is made from metal it has been wrapped in a fire protective material, as shown in the wall detail. This stops the I beam from being damages during a fire which, if not protected, could cause the I beam to fail which would mean structural weak points in the building at points that could mean that the building would become very unsafe in a fire. This, thankfully, will be prevented with the inclusion on the fire protective material.

I feel as though my external form worked quite successfully. However, I feel as though consideration into rain water drainage should have been taken into consideration. This would have meant that the roof would have been on a gradient and the cladding would pass over the top of the building to create the illusion that the building was covered in this clad-ding. This would have made my building work much better in the real work. And even though I did not that this into consideration for this project I did for the next project and employed a system similar to what was described.

10 - General Arrangement Drawings

Section - This shows the effectiveness of the triple and double height space inside the main building. Then how this space is intersected by the staircase cutting down each level. This space will be very striking and is the main feature of the interior of the main building and I believe that this diagram shows how dramatic this space will be

View from camera post - The view from the camera post that is found within the end of the tail shows the design of the form of the arm of the building and how each window is angled so that there is a view onto the races as well as a window above to let light in. It also shows the pile foundation of the building and gives an indication to that the building looks structurally stable.

Race office - I believe that this renders shows how the race office is capable of viewing the races. The views from the race office partly look onto the races but because of the camera post in the tail of the building, the race office has superb views onto the races. This then means that the races can be recorded and analysed again if need or to be sold or broadcast depending on what type of race is being held.

11.0 - Reflection

I believe that this project was completed successfully. From the very start during the site analysis I found an aspect (water speed test) that I thought was a key concern with the site that I felt as though my design should overcome. This the determined many decisions for my design and helped to find a suitable solution to these issues. This created a form that was very unique and was a clear solution to my main concept.

I would have liked to have studied more precedents that were related to actual kayak centres and to have studied their concepts and design aspects. Although I do feel as though all my other precedent studies worked very effectively to assist my design.

All my consideration and study into environmental performance worked very well to produce a building that is not only capable of producing energy but a building that has key design decisions that help it save energy.

I believe that the material choice of my building was very wise and related to my precedent studies very well. I think it would have been useful to have researched to the expense of having a building of these materials in Graz, not just the cost but the environmental cost of having these materials transported to the site. A way around this would have been to find materials that were local to the area. Even though I would have liked this to feature in my design process, it is not too much of an issue as other buildings in Graz are made from similar materials so it is possible to have this building made without too much of an extreme cost.

12.0 - Bibliography

Most used books:

McLeod, Virginia, Detail in Contemporary Glass Architecture, [London: Laurence King 2011]

Littlefield, David, Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data, [Oxford: Architectural Press, 2007]

Chan, Yenna, Contemporary Design in Detail: Sustainable Environments, Gloucester, Mass: Rockport Publishers, 2007]

Less useful books:Richards, Brent, Gilbert, Dennis, New Glass Architecture, [London: Laurence King, 2006]

Marjanovic, Igor, Ruedi Ray, Katerina, Lokko, Lesley, The Portfolio: An Architecture Student’s Handbook, [Oxford: Architectural Press, 2003]

Websites:http://www.bmw-welt.co./en/

http://www.inhabitat.com/bmw-welt-solar-powered-masterpiece-in-munich/

http:/www.planningportal.gcv.uk/buildingregulations/

2.3 | Grand Junction

Oliver Pozegic


Brief:

To design a new build that is connected to the Playhouse Thea-tre and contains:

- Reception |Ticket Office- Security Office | Staff Room- Cafe incorporating food prep and storage space- Dance | Recording Studio- Multifunction room | seminar room- Practice Room with storage space- Projection Booth- ‘Blue Screen’ Facility- Access, WC and fire exit provision in line with recommenda-tions of the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations

To have a landscape intervention to include:

- Landscape and light intervention Hulme Playhouse and the new performance space on Warwick Street for outdoor perfor-mance, community meeting and activity- Consider the changes in philosophy | purpose |time |architec-ture between the two spaces and each site- Provide a experiential continuum unifying the two perfor-mance spaces

To remodel the ground floor of the Playhouse theatre so that it includes:

- Reception | Security Office | Staff Room- Bar- WC provision in line with recommendations of the Approved Documents of the BuildingRegulations

Playhouse Theatre and site


For this project I started looking at precedents at a very early stage. I did this by looking at them for my concept specific site analysis. This involved a theatres in Manchester and the rest of the country and identifying certain aspects that they all have in common. This felt like a much better way of looking at precedents as I was duplicating the physical appearance of any of these building but instead I was looking at what characterised each of these building and then duplicating this characteristic instead of a direct copy of a material or shape.

I mainly looked at classical theatres as they were the most similar to the existing Playhouse Theatre but I did look at the Lowry Theatre just to compare and to see what a contemporary building contained.

From looking at these precedents I began to conceptually model these aspects and then developed these models into a design that demonstrated a concept that reflected each of the aspects that the current site was not containing.

I believe that looking at these relevant precedents at such an early stage is a very helpful process as it allows you to analyse building that are similar to what you are working with and then begin to realise what your building must contain to work (not just programmatically or environmentally).

3.0 - Contextual Analysis

From my precedent studies into other theatres and identifying what similar aspects they contain, I then looked at my site and identifies what aspects the site and the Playhouse Theatre they contain. I identified that the blue area is all that the site contains, this is open space in front of the entrance. So from this I identified that the aspects that my building must also deal with vertical aspect that draws attention to the entrance, a horizontal human scale aspect that guides people to the entrance and a way to display the fact that the building is a theatre either through iconic design or by having adverts on the facade.

Despite my method in this project of introducing precedent studies in at an early stage and comparing the aspects from my precedent studies to the site was a new and effective method for generating a design concept. I felt as though I neglected other aspects of site analysis that should have been addressed, such as sun path. Even though there were no issues with the areas I neglected, I cannot afford to make that mistake again as it is a vital part of the design process.

Concept specific site analysis

4.0 - Programme Analysis

Building Programme

When designing the building I kept referring to the programme of the building and being aware of the relation between the public/private spaces. When it comes to the programme of the building the part that was of most interest to me when it came to designing the building was sound as many of the rooms within the building either omitted sound or required silence to function (such as a recording studio). This meant that I began to categorise and diagram the placement of these rooms and this developed to where I places the ‘Green Screen Room’ and the ‘Music Room’ solely on the top floor. This is because they are the only exclu-sive rooms that require silence to functions. Beneath them I placed the quietest private rooms, the ‘Staff Room’ and ‘Dance Studio’. Despite the dance studio be-ing a noisy room I was not too concerned as the noise would have been produced by the banging of feet on the floor and this would have not disrupted the music studio above. This left the seminar room to go on the 1st floor and then all the public rooms to go on the ground floor where it was decided that they should be.

5.0 - The Argument of the ‘Generation’ of Form

Understanding what aspects from my concept specific site analysis needed to be added to my site led to the development or a series of conceptual models that then developed in to a design for a building that contained these aspects. From each model I gradually altered any part that seemed to not be successful. This varied from the walkway to the Playhouse Theatre to the vertical aspect near the entrance. The key issue I had with my models is that I had difficulties with designing the roof. I believe that this is due to the nature of model making as the emphasis is always on the roof as it is the thing most seen. But also because my concept specific site analysis does not cover the roof of the building. This is most likely due to the reasoning that the attention was always on the entrance of the building as this is where the owners wanted people to go. This process resulted in a building that I felt showed a detailed and thorough development of my con-cept in to my design.

6.0 - Structural Solution and Building Technology

For the foundation of my building I decided to use a raft foun-dation. Despite this foundation being difficult to make as it is hard to ensure that the ground floor slab is perfectly smooth. I feel as thought this is not too much of a concern as the area of the ground floor slab is quite small. I chose raft foundation as I felt it was suitable for the quality of the ground conditions that my building will rest on.

My building is cleverly design through the golden ratio and this means that the external walls of the building are the only load bearing walls. These are made from reinforced concrete. The floor slabs of each floor are perfectly square and work well as 2 way reinforced concrete. The design decision was something I was aiming to create and I believe is a very clever and effective solution to the design of my building.

The main structural material in my building is reinforced con-crete. I chose this as it is very effective in compression and is what I believe to be the best solution to the loads implied by a 4 story building.

The overlapping walkways inside my building are supported by small steel trusses that are hidden within the floor. This was used as it is a light weight yet sturdy solution to the structure. This is then in relation to the larger walkways which is structur-ally stable by larger steel trusses that are connected to a hidden steel framework. This, again, was chosen as it is a lightweight solution to the parts of my building that span great distances.

I feel as though I dealt with the structure of my building very effectively and by creating a structural model I felt that though I had considered every part of my building properly.

Primary and secondary structure

Structural model

7.0 - Environmental Performance

Environmental sustainability

Diurnal change

Due to the nature of the site I found that my design this project was more restricted in ways of produc-ing energy. For the last project I was able to intro-duce water turbines and photo voltaic panels onto the angled roof of my design. This was not possible for my design for this project as the roof was only pitched at 3 degrees and there were no environ-mental energy sources such as water or wind that I felt would have been suitable to power my build-ing. This meant that I had to research less obvious forms of energy saving techniques.

This resulted in my design using a water collection system, where rainwater that falls onto the building is collected and then used for toilets.

I also used design techniques such as creating an overhang in the walkway to introduce solar shad-ing, this resulted is less of a need for ventilation in this part of the building. I also utilised the function of the full height void by allowing this to be used as a means of releasing warm are and creating better ventilation through the building.

Despite this project being more difficult to find so-lutions for environmental issues, I found it to be a successful learning curve as it forced me to research alternative means. This will have overall created a better understanding and wider knowledge on the topic of sustainability that I will be able to draw upon in the future.

8.0 Servicing Strategies

Music studio

Floor lighting detail

Ventilation and heating diagram and ceiling precedents

Ventilation and heating - I designed my building to be naturally ventilated as much as possible by the used of the full height void. This means that there is less of a demand for heating and ventilation as the temperature of the building should be more stable. However, during summer and winter the building will need extra assistance in managing its internal temperature. This is done by the placement of a HVAC air system that is found in the strip metal ceiling detail. This is the same detail as what I used for my 2.2 White Water project as I found it to be a effec-tive system since the strips can be removed in panel for ease of servicing any part that are hidden from view.

Lighting - For my design I decided that all the lights that are in the building would be spot lights found in the floor. This was primary to create a more interesting lighting system, as the only time when the lights would be used are when people are going to the theatre at night so this allowed me to have more dramatic lighting. This also means that the lighting is easy to service as it is not difficult to get to.

Acoustics - In public area the acoustics are managed by hav-ing dense concrete to absorb any echoes that could disturb any other part of the building. And in the exclusive rooms that are dependant on good sound acoustics (theatre, music studio, etc...) will contain sound panels and will have wooden floors to reflect the sound inside the room. As my solutions to acoustics are solved by my choice in materiality, there is no need for ser-vicing these solutions.

By being aware of servicing and allowing access to ventilation and lighting has forced me to thing in greater detail about my design decision and I believe that it is these decisions that begin to make my design more successful.

9.0 - External Envelope and Internal Finishes

Damp proofing and insulation:The damp proof membrane, insula-tion and vapour control layer for a continuous barrier to protect the building from wind, rain and cooler temperatures. I also decided to use Rockwool insulation as I examined tabled of different types of insula-tion and Rockwool seemed to be the grade that was most suited due to its balance between insulation tog and environmental impact.

Fire protection - As there is no I beam in my building , in contrast to my 2.2 White Water pro-ject, there was no need for fire protective material to be included in the envelope of the building. However, in a fire all the metal reinforcement withing the walls and floors could be at risk. I am not concerned about this as all the reinforcements are surrounded in concrete which acts as the primary and secondary structure of the building. This means that if there would be a fire then the structure of the building would not be at risk.

10.0 - General Arrangement Drawings

Section Full height void Front elevation

The section show below is an effective drawing demonstrating the contrast in height spaces through the new build to the Playhouse Theatre. Entering the new build starts off at a low head height which begins to gradually increase due to the gradient of the seminar room, which was positioned there for this reason. This then dramatically opens up to the 11m full height void and then the double height void before decreasing to the 2m of the walkway. Then when entering the Playhouse Theatre it opens out again to an 11m void before gradually decreasing as you enter the theatre space until it finally opens up to the theatre space. This dramatic change in height space is to reflect upon the dramatic nature of the theatre.

The full height void visualisation clearly demonstrates the design consideration taken into account with regards to the overlapping walkways. The placement and the angels for these are not randomly decided but are dictated by the dimensions and placement of the rooms.

The front elevation shows my decision to have the facade of the building consist of what the building is made of. This means that the facade of the building is only made up of the intersecting lines that are the floor slabs and walls of the building. This demonstrates how my builds works effectively due to its minimalist design that does not overwhelm its surrounding context but rather how the building gently fits in.

11.0 - Reflection

Night render

I believe that this project was successful as my concept that derived from my precedent research into other theatres was a very interesting effective way to develop a concept for a building. This was necessary as at the beginning of the design process I was struggling to develop a concept and this method it very adaptable to other brief that I will encounter in the future.

For this project I selected to work in a studio group that focused on the creation of models and maquettes to develop and express ideas. This was a skill I was keen to develop and after completing the project I can deduce that it is a skill that I will bring to projects that I complete in the future as not only is a useful for completing a portfolio but it useful to have physical models of your entire design and thought process so that you can constantly refer back to them for inspira-tion and help.

For this project, I would have like to have spent more time focus on the design of my landscape intervention as I feel as though it did not express as much charac-ter as my building and even though its function is clear and is a sufficient design for the landscape I would have liked to have incorporated aspects of my building into the characteristic of this part of the brief.

12.0 - Bibliography

Most used books:

Ching, Francis, Building Construction, [London: John Wiley & Sons, 2008]

Farrelly, Lorraine, Construction and Materiality, [Lausanne: AVA Academia, 2009]

Littlefield, David, Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data. [Oxford: Architectural Press, 2007]

Sassi, Paola, Strategies for Sustainable Architecture, [Abingdon: Taylor & Francis, 2006]

Strong, Judith, ed... Theatre Buildings: A Design Guide, [London: Routledge, 2010]

Less useful books:Ballard Bell, Victoria, Rand, Patrick, Materials for Architectural Design, [London: Laurence King, 2006]

Deplazes, Andrea, Constructing Architecture: Materials, Processes, Structures, A Handbook, [Basel: Birkhauser, 2005]

Parkinson-Bailey, John, Manchester: An Architectural History, [Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2000]

Websiteshttp://www.archdaily.com

http://www.presidentsmedals.com

http://www.velux.co.uk