Week 12 - Project 3 - Design Discussion

Design deconstruction of the floor plan become priority this week. It was decided the non-programmed public space would play key role in allowing the main performance space to become larger by allowing additional seating space or performance room. The main performance space was also designed with segments of hydraulic seating/stage that are able to lift according to required performance/visualisation heights (shown below). I suggested that the hydraulic blocks also have back supports which could be ejected when a user is sitting - meaning that chairs were not needed. In order for the non-programmed space to accommodate the performance space's area, we had to think of a way to actually combine the spaces but also make it possible for them to be used individually. Proposals of sliding curtain walls which could have a track system located on the ceiling, became evident. Additionally, we decided to include a bi-folding wall system which is able to completely close off or open the building at different periods of day. Once fully opened horizontally, the walls could also provide guests shelter as they circulate around the building. Several zoning issues arose which are represented in the below drawing (Plan 1). Firstly it was believed that the location of the storage had to be near the general performance stage in order to allow efficient flow from loading dock to internal area.

Plan 1: Approximation of adjacency and sizing

Hydraulic stage/seat 'blocks'

Secondly, we discovered that the max sq meterage for the drawing rooms was quite small, so it was still agreed that space had to be borrowed from aerial silks. The current configuration did not allow this relationship to work particularly functionally nor aesthetically. I then started to question how borrowing this space vertically would affect the room and if this method could be a possible solution. The height of the aerial silks room (6-9m approx) gave ample vertical space to play with. The idea of placing the drawing class rooms below ground level arose, allowing the floor board from aerial silks to form a partition wall between aerial silks and the new and increased sized life drawing room. 

Possibility of vertically combining aerial silks & life drawing

Possibility of vertically combining aerial silks & life drawing

Further development of the plan altered some things. Location of the life drawing rooms was changed in order to allow them to slide in and out of the non-programmed space, allowing more floor space if required. The storage space was located along side the backroom, to allow props and alike to be transported easily between the spaces and general performance area. The section cut of the zoning spaces reveals the location of not only the spaces discussed, but the group's proposal of where the cafe and administration offices should be located. It was originally thought that the 2nd level would be an ideal location for the cafe as it's balcony would allow beautiful views of the river. However, it was agreed that a more appropriate location would be on the lower level near the performance space and foyer, allowing guests to enter the building, purchase tickets and indulge in a coffee while they wait for the performance to start. 

Refined proposed plan and section

Once more, the design was altered. The cafe was now located on ground level near the entrance to allow guests easy access after ticket purchase. A vast portion of the building is stationary, apart from aerial silks and life drawing rooms which can slide away from general performance space on a track system located on the ground - directly relating back to the concept of our folie design. It has not been determined how far exactly these 2 rooms will slide, however thought must be given as to how guests will reach the space. Aerial silk performances are now able to be showcased individually as the walls encapsulating will be designed in a way so they are vertically bi-folded - inviting guests into the magical performance experience whilst surrounded by Howard Smith Wharves site.

Altered ground floor plan

E.g: Vertical bifold wall which connects and separates spaces