Week 15 - Project 3 - Presentation: Howard Smith Wharves Design Proposal

I then rendered and detailed all the elevations and sections in Photoshop, which were originally drawn by Joel in CAD. Alyssa assisted in the process by giving opinions as she worked on the 3D Revit model. Again I decided it was important for all the drawings to form a strong relationship between each other so I used the same materials that we used in the site plan and 6 1:1000 section cuts. I also took some inspiration from renders which were quite simplistic yet effective as I believed this would not only compliment our "clean" building design, but would allow easy expression of the operational parts of the design. Below are all 4 elevations which demonstrate the relationship to the site, including access from the boardwalk. 

ELEVATIONS

West Elevation

East Elevation

North Elevation

South Elevation

Below are all 4 sections which I rendered in Photoshop. The sections were detailed in a way which relates back to the elevations to show union. 


SECTIONS

Section showing foyer, cafe, level 2 projection room, separated general performance space & separated aerial silks space

Section showing opened general performance space, non-programmed public space and opened aerial silks space

Section showing combined general performance space and aerial silks space

Section showing general performance space opened on one side and backstage room

As I was completing the renders Alyssa remained working on the 3D Revit model which I assisted her with where I could. She worked off 2D drawings which were compiled by Joel to help with dimensioning. The building was also inserted into the site along side the bridge to show context. We decided that it would be best to render the 3D images in Photoshop to add materiality and lighting so I supplied Alyssa with the materials I used in the elevations and sections so she could place them in the 3D views. This would also assure consistency throughout all the groups images. 

3D views of the Revit model: building and site context

External View: Looking towards the main entrance

Internal View: Looking into the general performance space

Internal View: High angle view into the foyer, cafe and level 2 staff kitchenette

External/Internal View: Looking towards Administration Desk from outside

Alyssa then began rendering the 3D views from the Revit Model by editing them in Photoshop. She used the same material palette which was consistent throughout the remainder of the drawings. Below are perspective shots from the exterior looking towards the foyer. I helped by rendering the internal view of the foyer which is located below.

Looking into the building from the boardwalk

Foyer and alongside building leading to life drawing room

Foyer, administration desk & cafe

Internal View of foyer, cafe and level 2 walk way

After completing the elevation/section renders I finished Photoshopping the 3D physical model photos by inserting a white river to remain consistent with the remainder of the model as is shown in the re-edited photos below. 

Updated riverside pictures

I also created a 3D zoning diagram which displays the relationship between all spaces in both the closed and open building position, and also shows how circulation is altered during the transition. The important thing to note here is that our building is able to strongly manipulate the user by controlling how they access and experience the building. In the open position, a whole new section of the building is opened which invites guests into the experiences being endured by performers such as the aerial silks artists and allows 360 views of the showcase, by extending circulation space around the performance.

3D Zoning Diagram

 Joel then comprised the A1 panel that the group was to use during the presentation. It was decided to include both level plans, 2 operative sections, 2 elevations, 2 3D views and a site plan, along with an abstract which both Alyssa and I assisted Joel with. The panel layout was simplistic and clean, responding to our design directly. Along with this, Alyssa created a digital Prezi file that we would also use during the speech. After our presentation we received feedback from both our tutor Zuzana and guest critic Simone. Overall I believe we did quite well with statements such as "beautiful design" and "strong continuation from project 1 through to 3" from both our tutor and critic. The physical model also proved to be our strongest selling point as it helped to visualise the proposal realistically, and I am glad that Alyssa and I agreed to construct one. The group's downfalls were reflected in the sections and operative details, where it was recommended we apply more detail to the finer segments to show how the large and quite heavy timber bi-fold walls would realistically operate. In my next design I will consider this constructive criticism and decide how it will be possible to best communicate such requirements, as well as apply the techniques which were noted as successfully selling our design.

A1 panel used during presentation

ABSTRACT SUMMARY DESCRIBING DESIGN

"The Wharf School of Arts aims through flexibility and adaptability, to bring people to the site to learn and explore the human body by means of drawing, photographing, educational classes, and or watching the body on stage or in the air.  In this way the Howard Smith Wharves site is not only a transition space but also a destination. The building coincides with the existing heritage wharf decking merging the theatre to the history of the Howard Smith Wharves. The external timber cladding will age with the decking further emphasising the connection to the site. In its closed position the building appearance forms a connection to the pre-existing air-raid shelters. Furthermore, the simplicity of the exterior prevents the building from over powering the historical buildings and cliffs.

The uniqueness of the building is emphasised by the large vertical bi-fold doors, hydraulic floor, and rail track system that allows clever rearrangement of space to adapt to the diverse needs of the school. The vertical bi-fold doors open to reveal floor to ceiling views out from all directions, inviting people to the site and into the building. This allows the exterior of the building to be adjusted according to the time of day, weather and climate. The general performance space features a hydraulic floor system which is set out on a grid that allows for customisable settings thus allowing a wide range of activities to occur within the space. Adaptability and flexibility is also achieved by the rail track system that runs parallel to the heritage wharf. The aerial silks and life drawing spaces move on top of the tracks providing an opportunity to reorganize programmatic requirements. The mobile flexibility allows the school to adjust for larger performances, festivals and educational classes."