Wk 4 Studio Submission

My quick rendered diagrams show how the geometries of the forms relate to the context, with the yellow areas highlighting the parallels. I found my case study of FJMT's Surry Hills Library very useful, as they dealt with a site that is in many ways similar to ours. There is an open public space adjacent to the site, and also it excavates into the ground to address the sloping topography- although it is not as steep as the Matraville example. It also finds a sensitive way of dealing with context, as the glass produces a very eloquent projection of the surroundings when standing outside, and the warm timber materiality fitting in very well with the whole 'low-key' Surry Hills scene. The operable louver system also had a strong impact on me as it really gave a life and dynamism to the upper levels.

For next week I really need to address program and work more in section to start thinking about how the forms can be integrated with the shifts in the topography. I also need to look for more precedents that are similar to my project both in terms of treatment of geometry and use of the external voids.

Wk 4 First Attempt

I have always found using physical models very useful in my design process as a means of testing the relationship between built form and its context. While I have exaggerated height to make it easier to visualise the definition of the form within its context, my aim would be to make the library prominent. My reasoning for this is based on our team analysis of the area. When you spend time in the area there does not appear to be a culture of social street life, as there aren't any particularly dynamic businesses or outdoor public spaces. However as you look around there are construction sites emerging, and posters advertising new developments, all of which are mixed-use with at least 3 storeys of apartments. So I feel that this reveals that the area will be gradually transformed to have a much more important role as a cultural center. This places a lot of strategic importance on our library site which could become a landmark in a newly emerging cultural hub. As such I feel it must certainly be restrained and sensitive in its response to site, but that it must be distinctive and memorable within its context so that it can take on this important role.

The models have also more tangibly revealed to me the potential of the fracturing and splitting of the forms, in creating outdoor spaces that deal with the changing topography.

Wk3 First Attempt

To best explore volumes for the library on the site, I have made a rough 1:400 working model to quickly see how different forms relate to the surrounding urban context and how the forms can integrate with the topography. The process of my massing studies began with continually tracing over an earlier context drawing, and trying to discover ways to manipulate geometry to accommodate and enhance existing circulation patterns-as well as how to transform the site to become an important place to social exchange for the community. At the moment I am really interested in the potential of the 'split' options which allow for more free circulation, and the possibility for varying the height of the library as it moves through the site.