IdeasstorePrecedentstudies

This initial precedent is a library for the university in Tokyo. From a first glance, the semi circular arched windows give the viewer a Romanesque style feel. It reminded me of the coliseum in Rome, brought up to date with a modern twist on it.

According to the architect : “The characterisAccording to the architect : “The characteris-tic arches are made out of steel plates covered with concrete. In plan these arches are ar-ranged along curved lines which cross at sev-eral points. With these intersections, we were able to keep the arches extremely slender at the bottom and still support the heavy live loads of the floor above. The spans of the arches vary from 1.8 to 16 metres, but the width is kept uniformly at 200mm.”

He also mentions that the library itself is quite open in comparison to others, that the use of this openness was not to direct the flow of users and to create a free environment. The use of the arches creates the feeling of a tunnel, which could be metaphorically used as a finish line. During certain intervals of the bookcases are study spaces with professional bookcases are study spaces with professional copiers, so that art students can edit informa-tion from journals quickly.

Even though the idea of the architect is very sincere and is aimed towards the users needs, I still think that the special awareness could be a lot better. Most libraries are complaining nowadays about the use of space and the lack of room for new reading materials. Even with the introduction of electronic books and databases. I am also critical of the continual use of I am also critical of the continual use of arches, I understand the symbolism of the coli-seum and the want to create a ‘tunnel’ to which the students aspire to meet the end of, but I feel that the arches create a maze like feeling and the surroundings could be frustrat-ing.

Quality of Space

Tama Art University LibraryArchitect: Toyo ItoLocation: Tokyo

Looking at the internal arrangement of the spa centre, it is quite obvious to see the architectural feature that I am commenting on, the roofing design is very unique and represents a more meaningful purpose than initially gathered. The use of the roof ‘tiling’ helps direct the users to differ-ent activities. The spa uses softer and ent activities. The spa uses softer and more neutral colours for the relaxing zones, whereas bright and contrasting for the diving and swimming sections.

Another interesting feature is the concept of the build. The architects continued re-ferring to the spa users as “stones” and the cleansing waters that the building en-tails. The who building itself is built around two thermal springs. The colour theme derived from the concept of the four seasons and used within each area for dif-ferent stages of therapy.

I really like the interlinking concepts and little ideas that create and generated this building. However, my one criticism is the shaping and amount of tiles on the ceiling. I think the idea is fantastic, but the ex-ecution could have been significantly better. The boldness of the shapes draw the eyes to the ceiling and take away from the eyes to the ceiling and take away from the calm and relaxing atmosphere around the water. Whether this was intended or not is another matter, but in my own personal opinion the contrast between the smooth water and block tiles is too much.

Function and Colour

Therme WienArchitect: 4a Architekten

Location: Vienna

Diversity

Le MonolithArchitect: MVRDV

Location: Lyon, France

Even though this ‘building’ is quite large in comparison to the site that we have been allo-cated, I think the diverse range of facilities throughout the whole plot is to be admired. Even though there is a clear definition between the different areas, the buildings blend into one larger structure. The building incorporates social housing, rental property, offices, retail social housing, rental property, offices, retail and accommodation for disabled people.

A quick note from one of the architects: “The ambitious greater urban project Lyon Confluence extends the city centre to the very tip of the peninsula by creating diverse neighbourhoods in-volving retail and leisure zones, parks, cultur-al institutions, housing, schools and offices, and local public amenities.”

As I have mentioned, I am an admirer of how the building itself is comprised of five different blocks, designed by different architects. But the central interior courtyard is the linkage between all 5 blocks. Even with the diverse range of activities that take place within each block, they seem to blend together and don't look out of sync with each other. What is good look out of sync with each other. What is good about this building is that the different range of people that they attract and the interaction between people of different ages, professions, wealth's and status’s. All interacting and ‘sharing’ the interior space of the courtyard. Another admirable part of the building is that 80% of Le Monolith energy usage is from renew80% of Le Monolith energy usage is from renew-able sources.

The big question arousing in my mind at the moment, will the diversity not prove too much and will the users actually interact? I guess that the answer depends on the type and quality of the people who reside within the buildings. I also am not a great believer in the central courtyards of high rising buildings. The sense of intimidation and people watching what you are of intimidation and people watching what you are doing can be a very daunting one and may work against the idea of a central space.

This glass house is a fine example of inno-vative effects that architects can have on buildings. Owned by two landscape architects and the ground floor being partially open to public, you would have thought the owners struggled to get sufficient privacy. It is far from the case, with semi translucent panes and others which are completely panes and others which are completely blocked off, the use of curtains within the building enables the users to control pri-vacy. Another of the privacy controls is the use of the stairs, having three move-able box parts which the user can take away, adds an extra degree of privacy.

Quick note from the architect: “The combina-tion of transparent and opaque glass, as well as the sliding and fixed portion of the façade, creates a number of different possi-ble responses to the changing of the seasons and the fading of daylight. The spaces of the house are suffused with richness due to the layering of this unadorned configura-tion, the combination of materials and the variations in use.”

One of the most admirable parts of this pro-ject is the use of no structural walls. All of the structure is dotted around the inter-nal room by the use of columns. The use of a full facade of glass brings the outside into the building and creates a more natural feeling within the home. The cement finish is clean yet contrasts with the transparent building facade.

One of my criticisms is the actual living conditions of the building. Even though the concrete will provide some thermal mass, which I'm sure that the glass also follows. However, the running costs of the building must be quite large.

Light and Privacy

H HouseArchitect: Wiel Arets ArchitectsLocation: Maastricht, Netherlands

Acoustics and Noise

Singapore PavilionArchitect: Kay Ngee Tan Architects

Location: Shanghai

Based on the imagery of a child's music box represented by its round shape and tabs. The pavilion itself contains hanging gar-dens and fountains playing music.

“The two environmental aspects that Singa-pore has successfully tackled in balancing progress with sustainability – water and garden – form the softscape of the pavilion as its two design elements. The pavilion incorporates an orchestra of elements into its design – music fountains, an interplay of sounds and visuals, and roof garden of sounds and visuals, and roof garden flora, with the country’s unique rhythm and melody.”

I really like the concept of the music box with the natural sounds coming from the water and hanging gardens within the pavil-ion. My first impressions aesthetically were similar to that of the “Birds Nest” in Beijing for the Olympics. Even with the sheet metal cladding, it still looks natu-ral and something that has sprouted out of the ground. Using the acoustic potential of the gardens and fountains create a sombre atmosphere which would ideally be very re-laxing for the users. Another admirable feature is the sustainability of the build-ing and the environmentally friendly design. Small features like slits in the facade and chilled water around the central space will reduce massive energy loss in the building.

Some of my dislikes of the pavilion are the tabs encircled around the external facade. Even though these may generate some sooth-ing sounds if the wind is funnelled around the facade, I think the tabs are unneces-sary. However, I do think that it creates a very memorable building. I think the choice of material is a smart one, but I would have liked to have seen a more natu-ral choice of materials, to help further increase acoustic potential.