Week 10 -Additional Reading Reflections

Yona Freidman -function follows form

A simplistic introduction that i can immediately relate to, refers to how the function of a space is mostly predetermined by the equipment (furnishings and fixtures) that it will contain. The author states; "Function, mapped by a graph can follow any form".

This is true, but not always the ideal scenario in my opinion. For me when I approach designing a building, I consider the function before creating the form. But predominately the function does not dictate the form.

Winy Maas -Architecture is a device

Always a controversial design discussion when the ground zero site is involved. But it is very true that from an event defined by division, unification will rise out of it.

I agree with facts of the article, but disagree with nature in which it presents architecture. It talks about the profession romantically as if there is something incredibly unique about it -there used to be. To be frank, the profession has not been that way for a long time and becomes ever increasingly mainstream.

Week 10 -Defining Future Scenario/Site Selection

Images and works highlighting factors within my future scenario

Future technologies such as this will enable so many new things to be done. Works cultures will begin a fundamental change by 2030, with an ever increasing amount of people conducting their work from mobile locations. This will create redundancies in CBD office space, with an increasing focus on buildings being mixed-use. This technology will also help this process, with its inclusion within pods allowing for real multi purpose usage.

Systems similar to this can be implemented to quickly create different variations of pods, based on simple template. These units can be pre-fabricated off-site, then easily installed into structural systems. Creating a graphic such as this, would also be useful in my final presentation for explaining the construction process of pods and building retrofits. 

Times Square in New York is an excellent precedent for what my chosen site may work towards becoming in the future.  One can draw inspiration from how it has become such an iconic landmark, but also learn from the mistakes that have made this space sometimes chaotic and difficult to pass through. By closing the space off to automobiles, Brisbane's Queen Street has already done a key thing that New York's Times Square has not.

Another iconic crossroads within a world city is London's Piccadilly Circus. Currently it is more similar in scale to how I see central Queen Street becoming in the future; Times Square is vast. Again, traffic running through this area divides and congests it.

One thing to draw from both of the iconic locations mentioned above is their names. They have a name for the specific site,  thus giving them identity. This is currently not the situation in Brisbane. The site is known merely as the juncture of two streets or colloquially; 'outside hungry jacks'. If this is to change in Brisbane creating an iconic space at the heart of the city, it requires a 'label' that everyone can refer and relate to.

This graphic from 2003, illustrates future pedestrian bridges and through-city routes proposed by the Brisbane City Council. Some of which have already been built, re-enforcing my predictions (below).

Possible extent of pedestrianized streets by 2030. Although streets on the CBD periphery such as William Street, Alice Street and Eagle Street would most likely remain open to traffic. For public access and so deliveries can be made.

Design for Abode Tower in Melbourne currently under construction.  Drawing inspiration from this facade, a retrofitted pod tower doesn't necessarily have to possess a particularly disjunct form. In reality, I envision that the 'pod towers' of the future might perhaps be very sleek and attractive.

Possible 2060 Brisbane subway map -London Underground Style.

Okay by 2030, of course this much infrastructure will not be built in Brisbane. But this image can give an indication, as to the improved connectivity I foresee within the city center.

Mid Semester -Initial Architectural Possibilities Through Concept

Various visions for CBD environment

George Street will become pedestrianized in line with new City Council plans. Light-rail will become an integral part of connecting the CBD. Possibility of enclosing space above current Queen Street mall, allowing side awnings to be removed from buildings and fully opening street area to pedestrians in all weather.

Adelaide Street will remain a major route through the city center. Opening up to pedestrians and light-rail services that will connect with other major transportation infrastructures. Lower density structures from today will be replaced as the CBD urban density increases dramatically.

Initial vision for Queen Street and Albert Street intersection 2030. This will become the heart of central Brisbane, a hive of activity at all hours. Increased urban density will not only lead to the redevelopment of lower density areas, but also the retrofitting of previous office towers/spaces left redundant by the change in work cultures.

Week 9 -CAD work

Downloading Sketchup Pro in order to transfer files

For members of the urban theme group, a 3DSmax site model became available on blackboard. Although not so useful for project one, it could prove very handy for project two.

I intend to most likely use it to create my visualizations for my design and possibly create a flytrough video with it.

But as I was not profficient with the 3DSmax software, I transferred the file into google Sketchup Pro before saving it as a regular Sketchup file.

I had mixed results, as some file types transferred better than others. But I thought it may be worth posting this information, as some people I've spoken to are not aware this model was available and could be transferred to Sketchup in this manner.

Overhead View of the site, once model was transfered to Sketchup

Week 9 -Further Site Analysis

Overview of CBD and possible site locations

1

My first possible site location is located on the corner of Albert and Adelaide Street. Currently housing low-medium density commercial activities the building is already becoming outdated. Possible complications in regards to it being a protected structure. But a new development could be created above the building, structural issues to be resolved. The real plus of this site is the location -Adjacent to existing public transport infrastructure  By 2030, Adelaide street may also become an important pedestrian and light-rail thoroughfare.

2

The second possible site location has great potential for what I am ultimately aiming to do -renovate existing office space. Centered a corner of Queen Street and Albert Street, this is located in the heart of the CBD. As an area that is already pedestrianized  it is will become increasingly vibrant as pedestrianization spreads though the CBD. 

I envisage this area to become a Times Square or Piccadilly Circus'esque space by 2030. Not only a primary hub for business, but for leisure and entrainment  Coupled with this would also come the need for more accommodation and public space as increased density places more strain on facilitates. This would serve as an ideal environment in which a tower housing multi-purpose pods coupled with open 'green' levels could thrive and set a growing trend for high density urban solutions. 

The south-eastern corner of the site holds the most potential, currently containing a 24 floor office building with retail outlets on the lower levels. Looking to the future, much of this office space may become redundant, thus available for transformation. With a core structure already in place, this tower would be ideal to strip down and re-design. With a regular form and ceiling height, standardized untis can be
designed and installed in a variety of manners. Levels can be divided into different usages such as accommodation  workspace, retail and entertainment/social. With the facade removed and interior gutted, intermittent green spaces can easily be integrated with the design, which can also use existing access ways (elevator shafts).

The other corners on the site hold similar promise, but would be of a smaller scale without a new structure built above. All also hold great potential to improve the site surrounds. Possible transportation improvements such as light-rail and a subway network can also be integrated with the design.

 

3

The third site with potential for development is currently the Wintergarden car park on Elizabeth street. As public transport becomes favorable over private transport this may become a redundant space. With standardized spacing and access, this would be ideal for pod installations in line with some of our project one aims. With new office towers going up adjacent to the site and Elizabeth Street requiring a pedestrianization revamp, this site has a promising future.

4

Perhaps not the most favorable of sites due it's the scale and complexity, the Myer Center and adjacent street is none the less of of the most important components of this part of the CBD. One of the key draws of this area is the amount of unused roof top space that could be utilized for future redevelopment. A new rooftop precinct could be created here housing public green space a plenty, pod installations and connections to other buildings helping further integrate the CBD. It also presents the opportunity to improve the streets that surround the site -fundamentally altering the nature and aesthetics the area. But there is a lack of opportunity in terms of renovating existing interior space, as retail zones are unlikely to become redundant in the near future.

5

Further opportunities for renovation lie in smaller retail and office spaces such as this area on Elizabeth Street. Instead of working up or centrally, these redevelopments can be linear in nature, running along the length of Elizabeth street. This could create a new precinct through the CBD. Although there are issues to be resolved, in relation to access and protected structures.

Week 8 -Preliminary Site Analysis and Design Breif

Below are key issues relating to the future direction of my design (Based on preliminary site analysis and positive outcomes from project one). Forming a peliminary breif to work from.......

• Proximity to Queen Street is crucial.
• The Myer Center or any large flat shopping is not a favorable option for an interior re-fit. Despite the pro's of utilizing the roof space, it would be easier and more appropriate by 2020-2030 to knock it down and redesign a new development.  
• In accordance with our project one ideas, it is more feasable to renovate or reinvent redundent office space with portable design solutions, hosting the latest technology.
• Based on initial site analysis, the best locations for project 2 are near Queen Street, but futher towards Albert Street and the city center as apposed to George Street and the river.
• New design to consist of, or contain pods. These pods will have the latest touch screen technology and be multi purpose -for work, accomodation and entertainment. 
• Green space in building's design also a fundimental factor. The combination of enclosed pods and open green space within a structural frame creating increased flexibility.
• Catering for an environment of increasing density and intensity
• What may the area be like in the future???? -Show overall city visions (context) and how design intergrates with it.

Week 8 -Assessment 1 Reflections

Below were key points raised upon reflection of our work and receiving feedback on it from others....

• The importance of providing user-friendly, open plan environments was highlighted.
• Designing with the Queensland environment in mind was important. Our design had a certain amount of exposure to the elements that could be considered as inadequate -what happens when it rains?
• But recognized was a strong overall concept. One that encompassed new technologies, investigating how they may influence future work environments.
• Could have had more visions for a contained POD, this idea could have been taken forward 
• Overall, an okay piece of work.
• For future work, best to focus our efforts towards implementing design schemes for a specific building.