Review 1 aka Charette 1

For our studio review we did an in class charrette. We produce 9 vignettes illustrating movement, architectural space and materiality. This process was exciting and of great use to identify previously unforeseen issues; such as the stair case, gardens, height of gates(bulk and scale) etc.

This was an easy process of quickly sketching out the movement from the courtyard - entry - stair case(vertical circulation) - hallway and bedrooms.

Sketches from charrette:

view from street(top is looking south, bottom from Nicholson street looking north)

Bulk and scale are key issues for my design. The reuse of the existing hotel becomes a key public area. I have separated old form new by a courtyard and offset projections of the façade to have that separation yet still remained linked. The use of material, esp on Nicholson Street, is vital to retain that relationship with the historic Victorian workers terraces to the east and the hotel to the west.

Looking at the garden

The void that is creted by separating the north and west "wings"of the building allows me to introduce a garden or social area where residence and users of the facility can relax, chat, or gather ones thoughts. This void allows the sleeping areas to have a view, gain light etc.

Entry

The entry is important that it creates a safe area for the users. Previously on my conceptual design form S1 the issue of security was raised. Making the entry a dominate part of the scheme; with offices, clinics, common rooms and courtyard all relates and overlooks each other.

Projections and façade treatment of this space allows the entry to be dynamic, lively, and welcoming. The active use of the areas around the entry adds to the security of the users entering and exiting.

Atrium Space

Stair case(option 1)

Stair case (option 2)

from sketching  the stair case as a means of vertical circulation, just saw a conventional steel or concrete stair case. This however didn't 'fit' in with the overall design of the hostel aspect of the project. An attempt to make the stairs into a more 'prominent/sculptural' architectural element to the scheme saw the circulation space change to a more interesting element.

Stair landing, looking at first floor

Again looking at the stair case and thinking of the journey. I looked at what could happen to the wall that separates the terraces from the project. Ideas were planted walls, art/interactive walls. endless possibilities:)

Balconies to living and bedrooms

Hallway with seating

From the precedent studies, the hallway allowed me to make seating nodes, areas where the residence can make their own. This allows a more informal, personal, a sense of belonging. 

Although its just a hallway, the opportunity to allow the users to arrange how they see this space adds to the concept of empowering the user, allowing them to feel like they are part of something. ie a community.

Bedroom (option 1)

Bedroom (option 2)

The bedrooms are one of possibilities as well. Modular, integrated, durable furniture is the first thing that jumps to mind. The users are ages 14 to 25 yrs and object that swing, delicate, movable are all issues that I have to consider. However, allowing the bedrooms to be interesting, safe and with all the basic comforts allows the user, again, to feel like they are part of something bigger.

Options are to have glass façade with operable windows(louvres), pivot windows with window seats, integrated desk, cupboards and seating. 

These bedroom decisions will be a process of continual research and sketching the results.

I love drawing and will be a process i will use throughout my design.


After the charrette I applied a similar process to one of the precedent studies, The student housing in Glockengasse, Salzburg, Austria.. Studying  the circulation and details.

Student housing dividing cliff face from the village.

Circulation patterns

The circulation pattern indicated that the user would arrive and see reception and then proceed to the vertical lifts and or stairs. The bedrooms were arranged on a terminal corridor and room pattern.

Section through the stairs and void

Emergency Stairs