Although this may sound odd, the first time I was introduced to Pueblo Revival architecture was whilst watching High School Musical 2 which was predominantly based at a golf club resort (The Inn at Entrada) in Utah, U.S. I had always thought the building was a little strange in terms of colour and its material. The style is most popular in the Southwestern, desert states in America (ie. Arizona, Utah, Colorado etc). It draws its inspiration from the Pueblo sand the Spanish missions in New Mexico. The style developed at the beginning of the 20th century and reached its greatest popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, though it is still commonly used for new buildings. Adobe- and pueblo-revival continue to be most popular in warm regions, and what makes them "revival" is they combine traditional clay materials and newer insulating and strengthening ingredients like concrete and paper composites, and sometimes applied exterior plasters, as well. Due to the fact I am experimenting with terracotta clay, the red pigment and material reminded me of this architectural style. 

10 Bond Street, New York, U.S - Terracotta frames

Bell Edison Telephone Building, Birmingham - Frederick Martin

Source: https://www.innatentrada.com/en-us

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/striking-terra-cotta-architecture

Aarau Bus Station Canopy / Vehovar & Jauslin Architecture

Proposal for New Pine Log Pavilion for Tippet Rise Art Center- Francis Kere

Bouroullec Brothers - Cloud-like canopy, Miami Design District

"Organic Architecture refers to designing and building structures that are balanced with their natural surroundings and tailored to the function they serve for their inhabitants. Organically designed structures seems to meld with the landscape or rise from it as if the surrounding spaces gave birth to them."

I purposefully moulded my plastic sketch models to achieve an organic feel. The waves and folds within the piece is effective in creating this through its form. 

Volvo Pure Tension Pavillion

https://www.dezeen.com/2013/11/14/volvo-pure-tension-pavilion-charges-an-electric-car-by-synthesis-design-architecture/

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese art form which focuses on rustic, natural design - usually interior, although, this can be applied to architecture also. Definition: “a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.” I made the final model of my petal/flower resembling shelter out of clay (a material that is constantly used throughout Wabi Sabi). Again, reinforcing that naturalistic appearance. I feel research into Wabi Sabi art compliments my overall research into organic, contemporary architecture.

 Walt Disney Concert Hall

MIT Stata Center

Oft Interiors' UA Cinemas Design

https://www.designboom.com/architecture/oft-interiors-ua-cinema-shanghai-01-24-2019/

‘structurally, the bridge can be described as a stiff disc, the roof, on which the floor hangs with a minimal presence of structure: a near ephemeral pavilion between the buildings,’ notes office KGDVS. ‘viewed from above, however, the sculptural beam game of the structure is visible: an ‘eye’ on the world.’

https://www.designboom.com/architecture/office-kgdvs-tondo-footbridge-brussels-10-02-2019/ - Circular Footbridge, Office KGDVS, Design Boom

https://www.designboom.com/architecture/aoc-concrete-bridge-klokner-institute-ctu-prague-11-23-19/ - Czech Cemetery Bridge, AOC Architects, Design Boom

I decided to research into different bridge structures to help inspire my own bridge creation. I thought it might be interesting and relevant due to the political nature and context of my project to perhaps merge my design with a pre-existing bridge structure- creating a sort of hybrid bridge - a merge of past/traditional and modern/more elaborate design.  

Although, I didn't end up creating a "hybrid bridge" consisting of both a traditional structure with my own design, it was very useful to research into various types of bridges which I kept in mind and influenced my other designs throughout the development process. This can be noticed with the truss bridge, its cubic structure led me to create a winding, fully enclosed bridge which carries the same rectangular forms.  

It was very useful visiting my chosen site as I was able to analyse and understand how people operate through the space , the circulation of people and how they approach the threshold (the gates). It was interesting to see just how many people stood at the gates, just waiting for something to happen (ie. the Queen walks out- which is highly unlikely) within the palace grounds. It suggests how much the public worship the Royal Family and although, understandably, the gates provide an element of security for the Monarchy, it also presents the idea of "us vs them". Taking it from a slightly dramatic point of view, It is almost as if they have locked the public out of their world, the large, intimidating black wrought iron gates provide a sense of exclusion. This is why I have chosen to use this site as my threshold, which I aim to replace with another structure and create an open landscape.

I loved flipping through this graphic book which looked at design with a revolutionist style. Each page made me question a different issue from large food chains and the obesity crisis to politics. Even the layout of the book was unusual in the sense that, after each chapter appeared a double-page spread saying "Insert Adbreak here". Instead of a seamless transition from one chapter to the next, the pages came to an abrupt stop (quite disorientating or distracting). I thought this was a very clever way of replicating the structure of a TV channel schedule and presents the fact our lives constantly revolve around and are affected by media. Though fairly simple, some designs were extremely impactful, discussing societal issues and the longing for change, some were more violent or covert than others. I feel it was a good idea to have a look into this style of work based on the theme of my current project. I do not wish to explore this topic with an anarchic view, but more approaching my proposal with a positive attitude towards improving the relationship between the monarchy and the general public.  

Source: Design Anarchy  written by Kalle Lasn, Published by Adbusters Media Foundation (2006) ISBN- 0974680095

The Seven Doors project finds a new functionality for pre-existing doors. Nendo decided to celebrate the 70th anniversary of wooden door manufacturer Abe Kogyo by creating seven unusual and unique doors. Each door has the same underlying foundation but also show a strip of individuality. Whilst one door has shelves and a small gallery attached to it, another has plant pot storage. I found the Adult and Baby door rather interesting as it shows the difference in scale between a fully developed human being and tiny baby, newly introduced to the world. It's a door within a door- the smaller door for babies and the larger door for the adult. The varying heights make it easy for both children and adults to go through the door.

Source: https://design-milk.com/seven-doors-nendo-abe-kogyo/

I found this piece rather interesting to comment on. It's the typical, highly recognisable McDonalds sign we have all grown familiar of, visible on TV adverts, on the street to the back of a local newspaper. I thought it was odd that an artist would consciously choose to recreate the sign which purely signifies a very successful, international fast food chain (nothing more, nothing less). After reading the essay about the installation, I began to understand the reasoning and deeper meaning behind creating the sculpture on a larger scale. 

"In its centre, four giant yellow 'gothic' arches, two reconstructions of the McDonald's famous M, are placed next to each other, allowing us to cross their thresholds... Taken from their usual situation and enlarged, the big M's acquire an iconic dimension that displaces their primary meaning as signage... For the Japanese, the big M represents the acceptance of foreign cultural values into their society."

Scanned from the book, 'Threshold', by Louise Dompierre with essays from Antonio Guzman and Timothy Murray, Published 1998, ISBN 0-921047-33-9

Seeing as the project revolves around the urban environment and I wanted to include a green/eco-friendly principle to my work, I decided to create a social media poll to enhance my research collection. This was successful in receiving replies from a range people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. I posed the question, "What do you think is the most pressing issue we'll face in London due to climate change?" Below are a few of the responses. I was intrigued to hear these replies as I wanted to know what issue they are most concerned about and how I could possibly design a structure which will help combat that/ease the negative impact. Other answers also included extreme weather, new diseases (that tropical/hot countries are perhaps used to facing). The majority of people said "extreme heat" was their biggest concern - which I could try to incorporate in my work. I thought about how I could possibly ventilate my trampoline park as well as renewable energy methods we could achieve through this construction. 

The Google Headquarters, Mountain View, California, Clive Wilkinson Architects.

After watching the Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn comedy film, 'The Internship' majorly based around California's Google HQ, I have always been fascinated by the extent of their colour themed campus. Slides, rock climbing, cooking classes, sleeping pods, Game room, Google colour themed bikes around campus, Bowling alley, Zumba Class, Boxing are all activities available for staff use. 

Discovering all elements covered throughout the film were in fact true, I have always wanted to visit this extraordinarily designed complex. The Google HQ was built in 2005 with a master plan developed to create a diversified campus environment. "The design integrated highly focused software engineering workspace with learning, meeting, recreational and food facilities, working with the existing conditions of the inner courtyards and building shell". 

Campus view from the East

I see the Google HQ as a space for adults to have fun and work - merging both professional and leisure life to support the mental wellbeing of the staff. I have used Google HQ as my inspiration for this project as my trampoline park concept values the same principle. This allows for workers of the neighbouring buildings to enjoy a break outdoors (away from the office) and endure some leisure time throughout the day. 

Source: https://clivewilkinson.com/portfolio_page/google-headquarters/

https://www.clivewilkinson.com/pdfs/CWACaseStudy_GoogleplexANewCampusCommunity.pdf

Abellanas is a furniture designer and plumber who decided to build his studio under a bridge in Valencia. He said he'd always enjoyed staying in cabins or cardboard boxes as a child, his own private, intimate space. I honestly love this idea, it's somewhere you can escape to, to stay focused on work amongst nature, without being distracted by people. I guess the design itself is a little plain and boring although, I recognise he probably had a lot of limitation throughout the construction process. Nevertheless, a splash of colour could make all the difference. 

Norddeutsche Landesbank, 2002, situated in Hanover, Germany, by Behnisch & Partner

This structure combats the issue of noise pollution within an urban environment. Cities tend to be loud and buzzing spaces, congested with honking horns, loud chatter and car engines, sometimes, it's nice to step away from these sounds and escape to some peace and quiet. From the building's exterior, it may be viewed as a traditional city block, but at its centre, protected from the noise of the surrounding streets lies an oasis - a large, new courtyard. 

The building has a double facade with multiple benefits, providing protection against noise and vehicle emissions, wind protection.

This is an issue I could also explore throughout my own work. 

Today, I decided to explore my chosen location: Bishopsgate/Liverpool Street area. I collated my images in contact sheets and have selected my favourites which can be viewed to the right. I photographed skyscrapers, offices, streets, the public and the spaces in between buildings, which I could potentially use to photoshop in my final model.  I aimed to use a variety of wide shots, closeups, bird's eye views etc. I enjoyed travelling to the area as I believe its important to gather as much information about the site as possible. I can then implement this knowledge into my project. 

Turn, Twist, Roll, Shake, FLOAT, SWING/HANG

kinetic architecture

As part of my research, I went to the library to research on sustainable projects/concepts. To my surprise, I read a book written by Dr Jin-Ho Park about the 'Eco-City', which would be located in Seoul, South Korea. I found this concept had similarities to my own in terms of building upwards and using the space above us to construct strategically.  I have always been intrigued by speculative design with a focus on the environment to encourage sustainable methods of thinking. 

Notes I made:

Korea faces two critical environmental problems. Water supply is decreasing and they receive severe water shortages which are closely linked to high population density in Seoul and the topography of Korea. I thought this was an interesting point to comment on due to population density also being the main context of my own concept. This is a fairly new and frightening concern as we now have to meet the demands of a rising and ageing population and may not have the land capacity, food/water supply etc to provide this. 

Korea's forests are rapidly decreasing in size. 5,970 ha of forest area has disappeared each year during the last decade, resulting in a rise in greenhouse gases such as, CO2. The 'Eco-City' concept is a vertical urban mountain forest with aim for it to be built in the city among high-rise buildings to achieve greener infrastructure. It was interesting to read about the elevator schedule and diagrams through the 101 floored property equipped with accommodation, leisure facilities, office and transportation levels. I love the erratic, imaginative exploration of this idea, suggesting how design is so unlimited and literally has no boundaries. 

The structure is made of three connected, tubular components which look almost as if they have been twisted. I find the amount of vegetation located around the 'Eco-City' slightly overwhelming, though I understand the reasoning for this and the intent.

Although, I am extremely interested in green architecture, I wasn't necessarily aiming to include sustainable living within the design of my apartment pods. This has further sparked ideas for my design and reading about the 'Eco-City's' freshwater storage and air pollutant filtering has inspired me to research into other sustainable energy/methods.

Pod Structure:

Framing- Light structural lumber SPF

Tracks- Aluminium and Galvanised Steel tracks

Aluminium: doesn't rust/Galvanised steel is corrosion resistant, strong, for functional purposes. Use both

Sources:

https://www.ecohome.net/guides/2283/best-material-choices-for-wood-frame-construction/

https://blog.dahlstromrollform.com/best-metals-for-exterior-applications

Decide whether to use curtain wall (aesthetically pleasing, elegant, promotes green building concept, provides no support for the overall structure but rather sits on the outside, allows natural light into property)  vs cladding (environmental factors, sound insulation, weather proof, heat insulation- tend to be cheaper than curtain wall, protective layer also decorative, low maintenance. Wood cladding is susceptible from damage from insect and fungus attacks, metal cladding is prone to dents and can rust.) 

Curtain Wall

Cladding example and diagram from the notorious Grenfell Tower fire of 2017.

Sources: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-clear-difference-between-curtain-wall-and-Cladding

https://www.ehow.co.uk/info_7836994_disadvantages-masonry-construction.html

https://qai.org/uncategorized-en/grenfell-tower-fire-speaks-need-fire-rated-product-approved-accredited-certification-testing-agency/