Honours Project: LiYuan Library

One of my 3 idea's for my Honours Project is creating a space where people can hang out, relax and read (yes basically its a library!)

Whilst looking into library's I came across this 'Reading Room' in China designed by Architect Li Xiaodong. It is covered entirely out of firewood with a solid wood and metal frame.

I love how the Architect has incorporated the natural surroundings into the building and especially how he has used thin sticks to create the walls, meaning wherever you are within the building you can always see outside and the beautiful views.

I really like these stepped platforms which integrate low level shelves and provide seating areas for readers. I feel that having padded seating dotted around the floor makes the room feel very casual and relaxed. I would love to include something like this within my design.

My Pinterest Website

Over the past year I have been signed up with Pinterest, which is a website where you can add and share images which you find on the internet or have uploaded and you think are interesting. Images can be anything from something you find funny, architecture you love, recipes you'd like to try, places you'd like to visit or crafts you'd like to do!

I go on Pinterest regularly and I have created a huge scrapbook of things I love! 

http://pinterest.com/mscottam/

Although I will be adding some images from there onto my blog, I'll only be adding the ones which I feel are relevant to my projects, so feel free to check it out to see the full extent of my interests and inspirations.

Honours Project: Villa Vals

I thought I would start my blog by sharing some of the Architectural and Interior designs that have given me great inspiration for my upcoming projects at University.

This is Villa Vals, Switzerland, designed by Mastenbroek and Christian Muller. It is a home built within a hillside, the main access to the house is through a neighbouring wooden barn, of which you have to then travel through an underground tunnel that runs through the mountainside.

I love how the designers have created the slanted inverted dome exterior that fits perfectly with the hillside, this design makes the most of the amazing mountain views surrounding the house.

Although I find the exterior amazing I don't particularly like the interior. I think the décor is good, especially the built in bunk beds and slate staircase but most of the walls are just stone which to me makes the interior feel cold and depressing.

Honours Project Brief

For the Honours Project in Semester 2 you will be changing an existing building or space chosen by you. An initial Site Analysis report will be prepared during Semester 1, culminating in a design brief for the project. Site options need to be approved by the teaching staff in the second week of Semester 1, before the Site Analysis begins.

  

The Design stage of the project is a sustained design project to alter an existing building or space to give it new meaning and/or a new use.  It can take some time to find the right site and to find information about it, so you are asked to start thinking now of possible sites.

To help guide you we will be working on the theme of Use - Disuse - Reuse

You will need to be make a short Powerpoint presentation of site options and possible projects in September.

 Initially this will be a vetting process to see if sites chosen are suitable. As well as your favoured option you should have two or three alternative options. Presentations should be simple; a few photographs and some key points about the site eg some history, why you think it’s good, what are the problems etc. Drawings are also useful, even your own sketches. 

Some questions and points regarding site identification and analysis:

What is the potential for change?

Choose sites that have interesting qualities and offer potential for conversion, remodeling and reinventing. Although most sites are likely to be buildings it is not essential to have a traditional four-walled enclosure. A space that is partially enclosed but offers the possibility of full enclosure eg a railway arch or underpass, can make a very successful conversion project. It is also acceptable to take on smaller part of a larger building, eg an airport lounge, and remodel that in the context of the whole.

Where should the site be?

Your site can be anywhere, but bear in mind that you will be doing the project during term time. Once you are back in September it may not be easy to return home to get information, drawings etc. Sites in or near Preston are preferred but. It is appreciated that many of you don’t live near to the city so if you are opting for a site far away then you will need to do good preparatory work this summer.

What do I need to look for?

Things to consider might include: connection between inside and outside space, heights and volumes of internal space, quality of light, derelict spaces with potential, the history of the site and its context.

Beware of sites that are too big - You will need to judge in the first instance if a site presents too big a challenge. Large sites can be interesting and impressive but resolving circulation and planning issues may take a disproportionate amount of time. Smaller sites are often more interesting because you can deal with detail issues more easily

It is preferable if your site gives scope for variations in level eg multiple storeys, it makes for a more interesting project and gives you chance to demonstrate complex planning abilities.