Additional Research Week Twelve

'The Future of Architecture: 2015-2025' Blog by John Watts Reflection

'The green building movement will finally emerge into its adult stage and become the dominant paradigm of architecture and development in the West. Twenty years from now what was the gold level of performance in LEED will be the standard level of performance for all buildings in the U.S. and Canada. Multiple examples of the living building will exist, further raising the bar to performance. Most buildings will use 40% to 50% less energy than their counterparts today. The best buildings will use 80% to 90% less energy than their counterparts today and use 50% less water.'
This is a definite! Sustainable design is becoming the dominant paradigm of architecture and will be a significant factor in the architectural world of 2025.

'Biomimicry will emerge as a vibrant specialization in the economy.'
In terms of Architecture, future biomimicry research and designs will assist a world where radical increases in resource efficiency, linear to closed loop systems, and the solar economy become significantly vital to the survival of humanity!

Biomimicry explained more in following TedTalks video:

http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_pawlyn_using_nature_s_genius_in_architecture.html

'The national park system will double in size to protect the few undeveloped areas left in the continent. A worldwide effort at ecosystem sanctuaries will gain momentum.'
Clearly more green spaces will be required in future architectural design.

'Resource scarcity will start to become a serious problem in a large part of the world. Resource based conflicts will erupt in the third world on an increasing scale. The effects of global change will weaken the agriculture and food production systems of the world. The public at large will finally understand the connection between their lifestyles and the effect on the environment. Political parties will start to be influenced to a greater extent by environmental groups.'
This scenario would be a blessing in disguise! All humans (especially those in first worlds with the money and power) must realize our lifestyle impacts onto the environment.. and hopefully political parties will be influenced to make sustainable changes.

'By the end of the second decade photo-voltaics will drop to the point that this power source will be competitive with conventional energy sources. The amount of photo-voltaics and wind turbines will quadruple in use and will start to become a noticeable part of the landscape. Much of the third world will begin to leapfrog over the mistakes of the West.'
Hopefully this prediction is accurate. Hopefully photovoltaics and wind turbines do become a noticeable part of the landscape. Nonetheless although third worlds may leapfrog over the mistakes of the West, first they must be able to develop their own economy.

'The hydrogen economy will become a proven component in many countries around the world. Fuel cells will start to become as ubiquitous as television is today, further transforming society. The major automakers will stop making the internal combustion engine near the end of the second decade as the hydrogen infrastructure is completed.'
The changing of engines will result in a significantly positive effect on the surrounding environment.

'The Greenhouse of the Future' Journal by Alex Frangos Exemplars

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124050414436548553.html

ON THE HOUSE The Rios Clementi Hale Studios house has a garden façade that includes chickpeas, tomatoes and other plants. The plants also provide shade and cooling. A rooftop reservoir collects water and keeps the building cool, while rooftop windmills generate energy.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124050414436548553.html

BRANCHING OUT William McDonough + Partners envisions its house like a tree. The "bark" of the house is made up of thin, insulating films that would self-clean and self-heal if damaged. A curved roof with large eaves provides shade, which lowers the heat load in summer. The "trunk," or the frame of the home, consists of carbon tubes, while the "roots" are a heat-pump system buried in the yard.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124050414436548553.html

UNDER MY SKIN Cook + Fox's house reacts to the weather, turning dark in the bright sun to insulate the house from heat and turning clear on dark days to absorb light and heat. The façade also captures rain and condensation to fill the household's water needs. Inside, walls and furniture are on rollers to take advantage of the fact that some spaces, such as bedrooms, are underutilized most of the day.

Personally, the Under My Skin design is my favourite and incorporates a design aspect I already had in mind. Imagine a street of large rectangular glass houses. Inside these greenhouses are homes/rooms. The space inside does not require roofing systems or even windows as a result of the outer shell providing shade and shelter from the surrounding environment! The concept of the outer shell facade turning darker as the day gets hotter to cool the interior is one of the aspects I shall incorporate into my suburban design. The outer shell will also act as PhotoVoltaic windows, capturing the majority of sunlight energy as it passes through into the interior structure.

'Architecture as a Dissident Practice' and 'Architecture is a Device' Readings

Architecture as a Dissident Practice Reading

'To advocate architecture as a wider form of cultural production.'

Architecture does act as a provider of space for cultural enhancement or creation. Possibly within the future when virtual realities are created, architecture will still play a role of designing cultural space.

'The collapse of the certainties and orthodoxies of previous generations seems to have created a condition for the discipline which is at once liberating and extremely disorienting.'

Perhaps the theory of architecture for the new generation has died (or 'lulled') as the new generation now lead to new better possibilities, as a result of new technologies. I'm unsure if these new methods are 'extremely disorienting' as new concepts and ideas will lead to new things and in time become more orientated and enhanced.

'One has to accept that there is more to architecture than space-making: architecture is event-making, it's always thinking about perception, and space, use, choreography, setting up relations and so forth.'

This is a major factor of architectural design. What actually happens in that space. Adaptable space will always be required as the future of culture and human needs may change!

Architecture is a Device Reading

'Aim to produce urban life higher up by increasing densities, accepting growth, and aspiring to a global future where more people will inhabit the planet.'

The way of future design is UP. This is extremely clear as our population continues to grow and grow, and our habitable landscape is becoming more demolished everyday. Therefore architects must push design towards vertical cities.. as has been mentioned previously within my blog.

'To compete or even survive in the commercial battle, a "swallowing" of the newest thoughts, techniques and aesthetics has become the current strategy among architects.'

We live in a competitive world.. there is no doubt about that. In the Information Age, architects must 'swallow' all the latest thoughts, techniques and aesthetics if they are to survive and fulfill themselves as designers. So I totally agree with this quote.

'The role of the architect questioned.'

Perhaps in the near future the role of the architect will be questioned, but there will always be a need for designers of space.. whether virtual or real!

'Can [Architecture] contribute beyond its own domain toward other agendas such as globalization, free migration, the division between rich and poor, ecology or demands for a more intensive use of the Earth?.'

I do not believe Architecture can contribute to all these future needs beyond its domain.. but architects and designers MUST collaborate with the other practices of this world on a common goal if humanity is to fix its current issues.

'Architects work not only on buildings but on regional planning as well; they work within the fields of research and education, theatre, art installations, and political programs.'

As a result of this architects must research into many other fields. Maybe as referred back to the previous quote, architects will in the future (to battle the prevailing human issues) contribute beyond its own domain. Quite a concept to think about! Only the future will tell.

'It can potentially suggest societal directions by literally constructing thoughts.'

Architectural space does suggest societal directions.. there is no doubt about that. But perhaps it is society which architects follow instead.

'It will give architecture a role again: as a spatial expertise.'

I agree with this quote. Whatever the future entails, whatever future technologies or humanity allows designers to do, there will always be a need for spatial expertises'.

'At what point does architecture become didactic, singular, or belaboring?'

That is truly a hard question. Possibly within the near future.. maybe today we are already at that point, or perhaps the need for architecture will go the complete opposite way.

'The Aspatial City' Reading

The concept of technology creating a world where distances between humans do not matter. 

A world where distances do not exist.

"And that is exactly it. The continous partial everywhere is the aspatial experience of simultaneity in immediate media. I am in the city where my friends are at the same as the one where I am myself. The city for me is no longer only a city in space, but now also a city in time. An aspatial city, without distances, in a kind of aspace."

http://juhavantzelfde.com/post/23506562343/the-aspatial-city

The idealogy of a present and future, within first world countries, where technology such as Facebook and iPhones continue to destroy what privacy individuals have left and speed up the interaction of society. Above is Sarah van Sonsbeeck concept of a tent which represents the 'right to silence'. The electromagnetic radiation shielding of the tent prevents the set of frequencies used by modern technology and allows individuals inside to exist within a space where modern society has no impact upon them.

What does it mean for architecture and design if spaces for interaction do not exist or are not required by society. Will everyone begin to live and work within their own homes? If this is the case, a sense of community will be lost. Therefore I aim to design space for this project where individuals of Paddington wish to come and interact with others face-to-face. So we do not loose this culture. An adaptable, organic space (for indeterminate design) may just be the answer!

Week Eleven Progression

 

Site changed to original site plus commercial area across Warmington St. The end of Warmington St has been removed for more site area and pedestrian movement as it is not required. Residential homes on that street are still accessible from the other direction. Site is not incorporating over the road as it was before.

Experimentation with possible form locations on the new site for the shopping complex:

The integration of the organic landscape with the shopping complex structure is still highly important!

Establishing the final site plan layout: 

The final form for the shopping complex and the surrounding landscape was established based upon orientation for the organic gardens, easiest access for parking, bus stations and delivery docks, pedestrian movement amongst the site, and the open view into the interior of the structure as vehicles drive along Latrobe Tce.

The contours for the majority of the surrounding Paddington has now been created in Sketchup as can be seen below, with the built form so far:

Clearly the landscape area under the right of the structure has quite a decline. From here the locations of each space will be established, aswell as the fusion of the below landscape to the shopping complex structure.

Storage and service space still required.

Tutor Reflections

Justify the removal of the street more

FORM IS TOO BASIC ---> use extended corner more

Limit structure to 3 stories high

Design the structure to draw people in!

Bioluminescence Incorporation

flickrhivemind.net

A sense of community is extremely important in the design for a future where centralized survival may be key. Therefore I have been working on concepts where individuals in the site provide a sense of community to others. A sense of their presence even. Above is an example of bioluminescence plants. Usually more common in the under water world, but scientists are at the point where replacing plants DNA is becoming possible. In 2025, it is my hope that these plants which glow when touched (by wind or being) or stood on will glow. Therefore at night, as an individual walks through the site, others within the site will recognise their presence.

Or additionally even footpaths which light up as an individual walks over them provides a sense of presence and security. Either way, this is the first concept of mine where the architecture responds to the people in the site. 

Just imagine how beautiful the landscape will be as a roll of wind passes over the grassy fields!

Week Eleven Lecture

Week 11 Lecture: Phil Crowe

Introduction to Masters of Architecture course and beyond

Part time Masters is recommended

Study research classes first year and Master studios second year

www.e-architect.co.uk

Biennal Architectura 2012 Venice (International Exhibition)

Architecture exhibition – dutch pavilion split exterior beam around existing tree. The concept of designing with nature

Four issues looked at for the exhibition community (architectural social issues):

COMMUNITY

A blend of culture and architecture

New Socialist Village book – exploration of western and eastern communities living together

The social impacts of a closed-loop community – all waste are resources

An architect MUST understand a community’s culture when redeveloping their communal areas or the community will be torn apart – south African example

Community can be established anywhere given any completed or non-completed architecture. Humans as one adapt

After this lecture I am inspired to design futuristic architecture forms where a sense of community is known by all as the architectural space 

INTERPRETING THE PAST

Not just a study of history but an application into historical design

THE SENSES

Sound offers a sense of architecture. Materials allow you to hear what is going on next door. This affects the sense of architecture

The minimalist design of an over sized table. Plays with the scale of architectural design

Movable architecture as people stand or sit on certain areas.. creates a sense of community!

The sense of smell and climate. The over powering of fish and cold air establishes a sense of architecture

PROCESS

Architectural models give individuals the best idea of concept and process

The concept of building onto existing forms

Form Exemplars

The future of Retail Shopping incorporates virtual advertising walls.

The below Architectural images were sourced from Architizer:

The future entails an architectural world of Glass. Therefore I wish to design a structure which is practically a greenhouse but still allows for contemporary design features, as the above structure so elegantly establishes.

Another example of an all glass form.

The concept of virtual walls allows for design which plays with the mind.

Layered design is a plausible aspect of future design.

One of my favourite architectural designs. The Grenelle Tower effectively allows for spaces for business and residential activities.. whilst also providing open communal spaces within the structure through usage of flexible slab construction.

The type of interior I am sourcing for my shopping complex of the future.

The architectural world of Glass.

 The architectural world of Glass.. yet again.

The below Architectural images were sourced from the Evolo Skyscrapers book: 

Futuristic organic architecture. 

The architectural concept of non-vertical structures.

 The ideology of structures which are in the future able to change their own form.

A futuristic design concept of integrating modern design with organic design allowing for more integration between the two and establishing more of a environmental impact amongst the users.

The Eco-Skin is pure genius! As the climate changes over the day, the glass like material around the structure expands and shrinks with the heat. As the material changes size, pistons capture all of the thermal energy change. An extremely unique concept in the approaching future of a world where energy capturing is crucial in design.

Week Ten Progression

Experimenting with the concept of a structure built over the road. Allowing for more public green space on the Northern side and for easy connection to public transport.

The concept of a layered structure facing North for the growing of organic food, the simplest location for the parking entry and the allocated public park space.

Playing with other layer forms. The concept of flexible slabs is possible within the future.

Just experimenting with landscape forms leading into the futuristic shopping complex.

A plausible concept for stacking cars in the future. Automative machines stack cars underground and as the user enters the car park, the machine retrieves their car.

Establishing the SPACES REQUIRED and their 2025 functions:

Additionally, technology walls within the organic food production area will provide information on the communal gardens ie. pH levels, amount of water collected, temperature, time etc. Students will also be allowed into these areas to farm and learn the importance of sustainability.

Configuring a plausible layout for the spaces on the site. Organic gardens and PhotoVoltaic glass designed for northern sun capture. PC Rooms are future technological rooms for individuals of the Paddington community to use for work, leisure, exercise or education. The PC Rooms are allocated for the best view of the city. Parking will be underground, as will the Delivery area and allocated Storage.

Ideally expansion of this structure will be required in the future as the population grows so disassembly of the roof structure needs to be kept in mind. The roof will also be the main source of water collection.

More drawings on this concept: 

The Shopping Park is a concept where the community go to interact with others (in a time where face to face social interaction is rarer) instead of via online interaction. Set in a beautiful open landscape with trees and grass, and virtual screens or holograms which allow the user to shop stores via the internet. The bought items will be delivered to the Paddington centre or to the buyer's home. Above the shopping park is a PV glass structure for shelter and capturing of solar energy.

The concept of the 'shopping park' is to save a sense of community and real-life interaction within Paddington.

Tutors Reflections

1: Do not design across the main road. Stick to area given for design

2: Allow for community to walk underneath structure and see production of organic food above

3: Ensure no structures are blocked from sunlight due to height of shopping complex. Redesign off the ridge line of Paddington

Future of Grocery Shopping

Every single day the societies of first world countries begin to turn more towards online shopping and the means of delivery services. So what does this mean for the market and designers of grocery shopping?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/virtual-grocery-shopping-and-v-158354

In the modern world, Time is of the essence. Consumers will pay for any product that in the short or long run saves time for the consumer! For example, above a Japanese consumer is buying his desired food whilst waiting for a train. Future society will continue to fit more and more into their day to optimize individual productivity in this dog-eat-dog world.

Therefore technological systems such as your fridge/pantry ordering required products online or the allowance of consumer ordering products from online.. is slowly changing the trend to ordering products online and in turn allowing delivery co-orporations to grow and grow!

In 2025, it is of my prediction that individuals of the Paddington community will order food online, and expect delivery to their door or actually come to the store/delivery station at Paddington central.