Week 15 Design Crit

Design Crit - Final Week

 Feedback from Presentation:

After the feedback I received from Murray, it was clear I needed to address a list of things.
These were:

- a well lit and good view of the stage
- good circulation
- quality in spaces
- more environmentally friendly technologies, structure

So I decided to further research into ways I could have achieved this. The following shows my investigation into what I could have done. At the end of the page there are a few spatial planning diagrams that I've done to show another option that reflects appropriate circulation and design of spaces.

Researching Types of Construction, Technologies, Sustainable Materials, Structural and Lighting Systems

Yurt Tents;

- a yurt tent is a portable, bent wood-framed dwelling structure
- the structure comprises of a compression wheel (steam bent), supported by roof ribs which are bent down at the end where they meet the lattice wall
- exterior structure is usually covered by layers of fabric and sheep's wool felt for insulation and weatherproofing.
- consists of a timber external structure and the frame consists of one or more expanding lattice wall-sections, a door-frame, bent roof poles and a crown.
 - has one or more columns to support the crown and straight roof poles. The (self-supporting) wood frame is covered with pieces of felt. Depending on availability, the felt is additionally covered with canvas and/or sun-covers
-frame is held together with one or more ropes or ribbons
-structure is kept under compression by the weight of the covers, sometimes supplemented by a heavy weight hung from the center of the roof. They vary with different sizes, and relative weight.

This type of structural system would have been very interesting to explore into for the design of my building installation as it is designed to be dismantled and carried compactly to be rebuilt on another site. They say the yurt only takes approximately 2 hours to complete its construction.

For my design this type of structural concept could have been implemented, however, additional timber posts to support the walls and roof may be required as the space is quite large.  Another option to hold the frames for my building installation is to use a simple bolting system. However the yurt system that consists of using  ropes or ribbon to hold the frame together is a much easier option.

Lightweight Recycled Timber

This type of structural system would have been a great idea as implementing sustainable materials such as lightweight recycled timber could have been used. This idea would have been a good idea as my underlying concept of Woodford is related to environmental sustainability. This type of structure is a leading example for my proposed building installation as it is very quick to construct and transport onto site

The structural frame of my design will consist of recyclable timber.

Here are a few design sketches and details I quickly came up with to help support this type of structural system. It shows the structural system made from a timber framed system and gives an idea of what it would look like if it were incorporated into my design.

Exploded view of Structure

Building Canvas
Recyclable building fabric





Insulation
80% post consumer recycled thermally bonded
polyester for acoustic and thermal insulation. Insulation is quickly tied to the timber framework for easy installment. There will be openings for the windows and doors.



Framework
 Lightweight Recycled Timber. Bottom plate bolted to ground. Roof is either tied or bolted (using plates) to walls of the structure.  The roofs structure is either tied or bolted down.



Lightweight timber lattice is folded out and quickly installed by a bolt and tying system.

Floor System/ Plumbing Services- Toilet Cubicles and Cafe/kitchen

 

The design will incorporate a Recyclable and Water Resistant Timber Laminate Floor.

The flooring system acts as a plug in system for the water tank underground.

Why?
-  Because of its waterproof qualities, can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms
-  some manufacturers are now using low-VOC chemicals in their environmentally conscious laminate paneling which emit fewer toxic chemicals, making them safer for your health.
- laminate flooring brands are seeking or have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for their environmental friendliness

- laminate paneling is recyclable and/or burnable; the natural compounds used in its production do not release toxic gases during the disposal process.

- Easy disassembly

 

Portable Toilets and Water Tanks

 

Underground water tanks are plugged under the flooring that are sized to fit in a truck and between the timber flooring system. Water piping and services are pumped up to the services ready to use.

The water tanks are designed for the wash basins in the toilet cubicle and the plumbing services in the kitchen of the cafe. Portable toilets will be used for easy disposal of waste minimising the need to constantly refill the underground water tanks by truck making it more self-sufficient and sustainable. Another storage tank will be kept on site (inside the truck with solar panels on top) to refill the underground water tanks, reducing the need for another truck to come onto site to refill the tanks with water. Therefore, trucks that will travel to the building/installation will be mainly used to dispose the waste.

 

Insulation

 

Thermally bonded polyester is a acoustic and thermal insulation with a minimum of 80% post consumer recycled content that will be used for the buildings insulation.

 Why this Material?  

- Thermal and acoustic perfect for the Theatre stage to buffer noise and to create a comfortable environment.

- made from durable polyester,  expected to last a lifetime

- 80% of the fibre used in the products is made from post consumer PET packaging such as empty drink bottles, and the remaining 15-20% is virgin melt fibre to bond recycled fibres. 

- the product is 100% recyclable and has high reuse potential as insulation.  

Thermally bonded polyester has significant environmental benefits of reduced material consumption and waste to landfill. There is also significantly less energy required to produce recycled polyester.

http://www.ecospecifier.com.au/products/product-summary.aspx?prodid=6637

Researching and Exploring into Sunlight Strategies 

 http://www.archdaily.com/66446/automobile-museum-in-nanjing-3gatti-architecture-studio/scheme-sunlight/

Toplighting Concepts

Skylight Top Lighting

 

 This type of technique is a great example to implement into my design which would efficiently help light up the internal spaces in my building. However I need to think about how I can diffuse the light internally without causing overly bright spots and prevent over heating. So I have researched into angular selective skylights.

Angular Selective Skylights

 Basically how it works is it uses laser cut panels that contain hundreds of tiny mirrors that powerfully redirect sunlight.  A pyramid of four laser cut panels is installed inside the clear dome to form an angular selective skylight. The effect on sunlight is shown below:

A is a conventional skylight. It has a clear dome (green) in the roof and a diffuser panel (light blue) at the ceiling level. Low angle sunlight does not penetrate down to the ceiling diffuser and natural lighting is poor.

B is an angular selective skylight. Now, much of the low angle sunlight is redirected by the laser cut panels onto the diffuser providing natural light to the room.

C shows how a conventional skylight can admit too much sunlight in the middle of the day in summer resulting in overheating of the room

D shows how the angular selective skylight rejects the high angle summer sun and keeps the room cooler in summer.

Here is a quick diagram of my design using the angular selective skylight technique. Much of the low angle sunlight is redirected by the laser cut panels onto the diffuser providing natural light to the room. This technique is perfect for my building/s with this particular roof shape (below). The spaces that include this type of roof form are the Theatre/Exhibition (main building) and the Cafe. For the other roof structures which consists of more angular ceiling form will need to consider the Sawtooth Clerestory Toplight technique which I will further demonstrate next.

Theatre/Exhibition and Cafe Structure- Exploring ways into how to bring natural light in

What is the laser cut panel made of?

- Recyclable Acrylic
This is good as acrylic is lightweight compared to other materials like glass. This means this could work for my building as I have to think about how it can be easily installed and transported on site. Double-glazed recyclable acrylic will be incorporated into my design to help portray an environmentally friendly concept- symbolic to the Woodford Festival.

First Person Experience and Presence and Identity

 

Another option is to create a shaft that allows light to bounce and reflect off deeply penetrating down into the space. So I investigated into side lighting.

The light shelf proved quite interesting so I decided to further investigate the technique by doing a few sketches.

My proposal of an architectural light shelf is a sustainable yet architecturally pleasing element. It provides sufficient natural lighting and most significantly offers a much sustainable option. Architectural light shelves have been proven to reduce the need for artificial lighting in buildings reducing environmental impact. This is highly important as sustainability is strongly dictated into the concept of my design the Gallery Pavilion and to Woodford. Using this lighting strategy will assist in providing efficient lighting in all spaces particularly in the performance and workshop space while also emphasising a sustainable and self-sufficient architectural entity.

Sawtooth Clerestory Toplight

 

How it Works?

 

These roofs are formed by vertical windows and a sloping roof, each window representing one tooth of the saw. The use of light-coloured baffles helps to distribute the light evenly while an overhang protects against direct sun penetration. With this type of roof structure it is important to ensure the amount of light is controlled to prevent direct sun exposure and heat and glare problems. To avoid heat gain the window should be facing south and usually a double glazed window is used.

It is difficult to know exactly if there is enough light filtering into the building/tent. Again a diffuser component (angular selective skylight) and laser cut panel facing south could be another option to provide efficient lighting whilst avoiding heat exposure.

This toplight technique could be integrated into my design using recyclable double-glazing acrylic panels.

Here is a diagram showing the sawtooth clerestory toplight technique incorporated into the design to help provide enough lighting during the day. 

Workshop and Toilet Structures- Sustainably bringing natural light in

 

 

Convective Cooling in Passive Solar Design

 

http://www.theenergylibrary.com/node/11657

 

Below is a quick diagram of how the ventilation in the Gallery Pavilion installation will work. An over-hang will accompany an open window at the top for rain protection allowing heat to flow outside, cooling the building down. Users have access to the window below to help ventilate the entire building/installation.

 

Spatial Diagramming- Entry Points and Circulation

 

Solar Power

 

As my concept is strongly related to Woodford and their commitment to environmental sustainability, I will be proposing solar panels that will sit above the truck that the building/installation is transported by.

Note: Before the presentation a system of using solar panels were considered to provide energy however, the roofs structure of the Gallery Pavilion was a concerning issue.

The Gallery Pavilion is symbolic to the Woodford Festival and is designed to be transported throughout Australia in aims to provide inspiration and important values of the Woodford Festival to its future citizens. It provides education, entertainment, culture and is a driving tool to communicate environmental sustainability to the world. It is self-sufficient as it is transported to any site bringing the Festival to the communities and is a leading example of environmental sustainability.

Week 14

Development of Awning Design

The diagram above is a development of the awning design. The sketch was drawn to explore the form of the awning and to development concepts of gradually rising its height creating a more memorable experience. The effect of the continuous differentiated heights of the awning is designed to help provoke the user into a series of spaces that lay ahead of them.

 

This shows explorations in creating a more inviting entry into the building using patterns of apertures in the tarp.

 

The sketch above shows explorations into a awning system that could be folded out for easy transportation.

Awning Design; showing the gradual changes in height

How the user enters the building? 

First Person Experience/ Presence and Identity

Front entrance. The user is directed to an inviting entry that directs them into an intriguing timber framed awning gradually varying in height. ( Changes made to materials)


The next few renderings show the current design shown on the presentation panels.

 Front Entrance Unique Awning Design- 

A significant threshold that directs the user into each space

At front entry is the ticket booth. The user is drawn by the intriguing awning that gives a visual effect from its differentiated heights and buys a ticket before he/she enters in.

 Theatre Stage (Main Building)

During the night the user is directed into the theatre stage where cultural live performances or a lecture talk is taking place. The roofs structure provided with good artificial lighting filters the building. The artificial lighting is generated using solar panels located above the truck that transported the building.

Exhibition Space

During the day the exhibition space is vibrantly lit up by the roofs skylight. The expressive roof structure creates an ever-changing spatial effect which heightens the users experience. Without having to rely on  energy the design of the roof provides efficient daylighting making it sustainable and self-sufficient.
(Further investigations into efficient day lighting techniques are shown under Week 15)

 Centralised Outdoor Seating Area and Cafe- For group discussions and social events

Just outside the theatre and exhibition (main space) the user engages in a pleasant cafe offering well defined eating areas. With a focus on education and new learning the outdoor seating can be reconfigured to suit the environment and various needs such as a special event. The outdoor seating can be easily moved providing for a number of functions and allows for an option to rearrange the space.

 Unique Awning Design- Protection from weather. A significant threshold. Varying heights.

The awning design which rises in height creates a visual effect moving the user into the next space (the workshop)

 Arts and Crafts Workshop- Expressive Roof Structure that lights up the building

In the arts and craft workshop the tables and seats are designed in a u-shape to improve the space that is also intended for group discussion. The tables and seating are arranged and designed to accommodate its function. They are arranged in a way so the teacher has a clear view of the students/people and is able to circulate freely around the space. Again the expressive roof structure helps emphasise in creating a memorable and ever-changing spatial experience.

Awning uses the effect of differentiented heights and scale to direct the user

The awning design helps connect the spaces and improves navigation and circulation between spaces. The awning directs the user to the toilets behind the theatre/exhibition. This is done by the awnings unique structure defined by its ever-changing heights that acts as a threshold into each space.

Designing and Exploring Forms for the Outdoor Seating Area (for group discussions)

Details of Retractable Legs for Outdoor Seating (for group discussions)