So after writing up my own brief specifying the users for the buildings we then had to specify room sizes to ensure our buildings are appropriate sizes. So to do this I used a book called 'Metric Handbook Planning And Design Data'. The amazing thing about this book is that it provides standard sizes for room with specific functions. As we already know roughly how many people would be using the rooms within the building, we can times this by numbers provided through the book to ensure the room sizes are accurate.
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So we were asked to create a brief which specifies the users for our buildings, which then helps us decided on the room functions. So here is my brief:
The building is to provide for 3D Design students, this will range from students studying courses within Architectural Technology, Interior Design and Product Design. As the building will have to provide for three different courses the spaces within Vulcan works will therefore have to be multifunctional to meet the requirements of three different courses. For each course there will be roughly 15 students, therefore altogether there will 45 students. Workshops Some of the functions these room will to provide for are the following: - Computer lab - Printing - Model making – strong adhesive/glue may require extraction - Laser cutting – require some form of extraction - Gallery Gallery space Gallery space is to be used to exhibit the works of the students from Architectural Technology, Interior Design and Product Design. So they will need flat boards to attach work too and also a stand to put models on. The Boards will have to allow for a minimum of 4 A1 sheets of paper, the stand is to be glassed to protect the models. Small Lecture Theatre The Lecture Theatre is to accommodate for all 45 students. Café Cafe is to cater for all 45 students. Small shop Small shop is to sell stationary, other equipment such as card, adhesives, etc. – which is only open for students. 4 Studio flats 2 studios flats will be for guest visitors, 2 will be available to students. These flat will include a bedroom, lounge/dining room, kitchen, WC with a shower. So today is the final day of Subject Futures week, so to bring an end to this week we were given a final talk from Dennis, who is a professor from Loughborough University. It was very clear from his introduction that he was profound and passionate about the future and how we will be able to sustain it.
He started talking about his most current work which is called ‘Project CALEBRE’ which stands for Consumer Appealing Low Energy technologies for Building Retrofitting. Which is an E.ON/Research Councils UK funded research comprising of UKs top six universities, led by Loughborough University. This is a project which took place over four and a half years (October 2008 – April 2013). Their main objective was investigating a variety of technologies specifically aimed at refurbishing domestics. They want to help achieve 80% reduction in carbon footprint by 2050. The main technologies which Dennis talked about were: - Heat pumps - Mechanical Ventilation systems - Vacuum glazing - Advanced surface treatments However Dennis made it very clear in several phases of the presentation that it’s not just about introducing these new technologies but it’s being able to change the behaviour of consumers. Yes these technologies are critical to help us reduce carbon emissions but it’s just as important that the clients change their behaviour to make sure the technologies are apprehended efficiently. One of the other problems are that these technologies are incredibly expensive as they aren’t mass produced. This is one of the main problems because not every consumer is ready to spend so much money on these technologies although they may be eager to help reduce their bills and help reduce their own carbon emissions. However some of these technologies have been introduced in other countries but it is still quite new in the UK. He also did talk about a term I have come across before known as ‘district heating’ however I didn’t really know what it meant. Dennis summed it very well by saying a city would have to invest in infrastructure, which removes the need for every household to purchase a single boiler and through the use of pipes a system is created ‘snaked under the city’. Which allows consumers to connect to the neighbourhood energy centre and thermal stores. District heating has been proven for efficiency gains and carbon savings however the only problem is that this involves a very complex system. Overall Dennis delivered an incredible presentation from start to finish, this was a talk I personally couldn’t miss as I am carrying out an assignment for one of my other modules where I am studying about ‘eco-housing so this talk gave me great insight and inspired me. So overall this year’s subject futures week has been very successful and thought-provoking, One of the reasons why it was effective was because the whole week was based around numerous topics, topics we may not have personally interested in but it definitely changed my opinion on certain matters. So now I’m all pumped up its time to get back to producing work for assignments. I hope you enjoyed reading about the different topics Those who want to find out more about Project CALEBRE please visit: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/microsites/enterprise/calebre/ Those who want to find out more information about district heating please read this article: http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/nov/18/district-heating-a-hot-idea-whose-time-has-come So today I received my grade for the Pen-tech project, I got an A- which in all honesty I wasn't expecting it. Even though I was working on this project continuously for a month. There was a few sleepless nights - then again that's just the student life!
On the submission day I was all over the place because I didn't sleep that night, I was tired and also nervous at the same time. 10 minute things were nearly taking me an hour to carryout, at the same time I was panicking as I felt that I wouldn't be able to get everything done. However I was incredibly happy with the overall grade and the work I managed to produce. It was a very interesting project but also quite difficult at the same time because it was really the first project which involved us having to carry out structural calculations, for example beams sizes, etc. For that reason I really did enjoy this project because it was definitely challenging which also taught me alot. Now we have a week to chill before we get given the brief to our next design project, I hope you enjoyed reading about this project :) Some of the projects produced by Peter Kokins.. So today we were given an exclusive talk from one of our lecturers Peter Kokins, I say exclusive because it wasn't actually announced on the timetable but we were notified about it yesterday. I was really looking forward to it because Peter has provided us with a talk about his work earlier on this year however I wasn't able to make it and I did regret it because my colleagues told me how good it was.
So Peter has been teaching us from the start of second year and a few months from the end of first year. Peters a very interesting lecturer, he’s not like many other lecturers I’ve had in the past. He’s probably one of the most difficult lectures, when I say that I mean he will push you so much. In all honesty he’s teaching style is very motivating and I’m on those people who will always try and put there everything in their work, and sometimes I need a really good push which Peter does! So he’s talk was based around the different projects he’s done individually or in collaboration with his company. He specialises in Water Parks, however the work he showed was so diverse and extraordinary. The main work he showed us was either about Sport facilities, Residential buildings, Interior Design, Water Parks and the competitions he’s competed in. Most of the work he’s produced is outside the UK and what was interesting to see was the different countries he’s worked in. For example as Peters has a Russian background, he has produced most of his work in Latvia. He’s also worked on a Water Park in Baku, Azerbaijan for those not aware this is a place which has been said to be the “new Dubai” because of the amount of wealth they have. Peter did say this was quite a challenging project because he wasn’t able to visit the site or client all the time, so most of the time he was communicating with he’s client over Skype. Also the construction company employed made a few mistakes with for example the foundations, internal fixtures, etc. The foundations they produced the first time wasn’t actually strong enough and wasn’t according to the foundations suggested through the drawings, so they had to redo the foundations which obviously meant time and money was wasted. Also the internal fixing and fixtures used on site wasn’t according to those suggested in the drawings. For example, they was meant to meant to use waterproof plaster but they used normal plaster and for a Water Park this is a fatal error because of the amount of water and humidity within the park. As the plasterboard will start getting damaged and mould will start growing and after a year the Water Park will look like it’s been about for so many new years and people won’t be able to tell that it’s a new build. He said sometime you may create the most detailed and amazing drawings however depending on the construction company employed by the client may not be able to produce exactly what you wanted. They will always find ways where they can save money for example using cheaper materials. It’s upsetting because if a project is constructed really well then it could be something really incredible. So a project doesn’t always go the way you planned and problems may occur which you may not have necessarily accounted for. This is where you have to make some drastic decisions to ensure a project can be completed on time. Peter has told us before that there are some nights where he won’t be able to sleep because he also has deadlines to meet. For example, he worked on a project for a competition which took place over two days but it meant he couldn’t sleep. It was crazy to see the work he produced over only two days, because I wouldn’t be able to create something like that in a couple of months. I wasn’t surprised that he actually won this project. He did say there maybe projects which you work on for a very short period of time and there maybe overs which are more long term. However sometimes the project you done in a week maybe more successful that a project which you work on for a month and this is mainly down to idea behind it and the level of work you produce. Peter finished off the talk by saying if you want to get somewhere you need to be passionate about it and willing to take the risks. He said it’s very important that we remain ambitious and have a drive! This was defiantly an inspiring talk and it’s remarkable how much knowledge he actually has. It definitely helped us understand him better as a person and why he’s very persistent with us. (I have uploaded images at the top of this post, I would definitely spend a few minutes looking at the project is you found this interesting) So today was the first day of Subject Futures week and it was kicked off by an Architect called Anthony Herring and an Architectural Technologist called Gordon Cole. Both of who used to previously teach our course at University of Northampton, Gordon Cole was our previous Technology and Computer aided design lecturer. In all honesty one of my favorite lecturers purely down to his personality. It was an interesting talk as they both have their own practices as well, so their talk was based around their practices and what they have to do on a day-to-day basis. What I felt was most important from both talks was that to be able to succeed and get anywhere in the Architectural Technology industry you require passion and a drive. However being a student who is fascinated with model making the talk by Dee Three was my favorite talk of the day. They are a team only two people who specialise in 3D printing. I've seen the application used before in a program I used to watch called “Double your house for half the money” which was on Channel 4. They provided us with a demonstration which was very useful because it help me understand how it actually works. Basically you would print out your design on this special type of paper, and then hold your ipad or whatever gadget over the paper and it makes the leaflet seem like its in 3D They've worked on many different projects and it was a very beneficial talk. To find out more information feel free to check out their website: http://www.deethree.co.uk/. This is a video which gives a demonstration of how the argumented reality app actually works, definitely worth a look :)
So this week during CAD class we started creating and modifying sweeps, it was really interesting as you can pretty much design any sweep you want. As there's alot of decorative detail on the Vulcan Works facade we well be asked to do this during our CAD assignment.
I also managed to put a few windows in by just modifying the standard windows already which come with the Revit Library. So for the last week or so the talk of Uni has been about Subject Futures weeks which will take place from Monday 26th January. It is a week where we don't have any compulsory University lectures, but it isn't exactly a week of University either. Subject Futures week is a week where there will be people coming in from different industries to come and give talks to us on a wide range of subjects.
I went to a few talks last year and I found those incredibly beneficial because it's nice to learn about and new subjects and it's always interesting to meet people from the 'professional world'. Although I would much prefer just to stay at home and relax I believe his is far too valuable of an opportunity to miss. You never what you ay learn or find inspiring, although it may not be something you're particularity interested in you may still learn a thing or two. So stay tuned as I will be posting about my three most favorite talks to share with you guys :) So today in Tech & Services today we looked at direct gain and heat loss, and we have to integrate this into our design project. It was an intense session but I'll try and break things down to help make sense out of it all.
There are two main categories of renewable energy system: - Passive systems - Active systems Passive System - So this is when you gain and store solar heat and light whilst using as less very little technology as possible - So these systems work through the floor plan, building geometry and materials which collect, store, retain and distribute solar energy - The main aim of these technologies is to ensure that in winter buildings can get sunlight and in Summer there isn't too much sunlight entering the buildings - We try and keep most of the windows/glass on the south side of the building, and keep windows to a minimum on the other faces of the buildings - Whilst thinking about solar energy, we also try and try and bear in mind natural ventilation - Try and build 'thermal mass walls and floors' which help store heat in summer periods and in winter this energy can be used again Active System - These systems implement alot of different technologies to help collect, convert and deliver energy - These systems use Wind, geothermal and bio energy - Solar collectors will be placed on the roof and south facing facades which can be sued to heat water, air and can be used to generate electricity - However one of the problems with active systems is the fact that they have to inspected and maintained every so often Passive Solar Design This is when buildings are designed in a manner where they are able to collect energy from the sun and then re-used for heating and lighting, such buildings are able to: - Collecting energy - Store energy - Distribute energy Multi-layers Approach This approach helps reduce heating demand through: - Form - Insulation - Drought stripping So I now need to think of ways where I can introduce different passive and active technologies into my own design project, so I'll try and keep you guys updated :) So a few of us asked Peter how many pages he's expecting our final portfolio to be, he replied "120 pages". At first we honestly thought he was joking, then we remembered Peter doesn't joke about. The main reason why we thought he was joking because we're so used to creating portfolios with rough 30 pages, and he's expecting 4 times that amount.
In all honesty I just don't think I've really spent enough time on an idea due to the amount of other work I have for other projects, but anyways I can't start making any excuses. Except learn from what I've been told about my previous concepts, and start the project with a fresh mind. So after reaslising that my previous concepts aren't going anywhere and I'm slowly loosing time, I decided to create a database to manage my time more efficiently. So I set out the main tasks and dates with when they should be done, but I can also check off whatever I complete so im able to look at it and see where about I am with the project. So after the feedback I received last week I made a few changes to that particular concept. So instead of one whole building i divided it up into 4 different buildings. I thought it would be interesting to make the building different sizes, so two of the building would only consists of one floor and the other two consisting of two floors.
However after talking to Peter again he wasn't crazy about the idea, although it was better than the initial concept. He just felt that it didn't really work, and after listening to his points of view it did make a lot of sense. So its now back to the drawing board for me. So today we were given feedback from Peter, tbh I was dreading it because this was the first time Peter has seen my concepts and I have no idea what Peter will say. But anyways whatever he says I know he says only to make sure I'm only able to progress in the future.
Well lets just say there was alot for Peter to say: - Brief: No one actually wrote their own brief specifying their clients - Space List: Specify sizes of rooms - Mass Models: Need to be accurate according to space list These were points he mentioned to the whole class as no one actually done any of these correctly. So thank god, it wasn't just me individually who mis-read the brief. In terms of my concepts and mass models, Peter didn't like Concept 1 or 3 the reason being that they wouldn't fit in with the surrounding buildings which made so much sense as they were quiet bizarre. However he did say concept 2 maybe has potential. The main problem identified was the fact that it would be incredibly dark within the middle of the building as there would be no way any natural light would be able to reach this part of the building. There ways around it maybe inserting some kind light shaft? Or maybe even opening it up to create a courtyard? However we both agreed that I should separate the building into four/five smaller buildings, this way I could ensure that an equal amount of natural light could penetrate through each building. One of my class mates provided the class with his AutoCAD drawing of the Vulcan Works Facade which was done using the first years sketch. The drawing below is a revised edition after my other class mates went down to the site with the theodolite and remeasured some elements.
I'm really happy my class mate shared the AutoCAD drawing with the class because we're already so far behind and because it's been thoroughly detailed it therefore means we can spend out time on other aspects of the project. The reason why I'm so far behind is because I've had to spend time on other modules and its mainly down to my poor time management. I figured I would create a massing model to bigger than A3, so for this reason I had to use a 1:300 the only problem being that 1:300 is no longer a standard scale. However after speaking to my lecturer he decided it would be fine for this particular model. I also used foam board as it was easier to just layer up the buildings as opposed to working out the sizes of walls, etc. So the first thing I done was start creating the Site for my massing models to sit on, as this would help analyse the relationship between my chosen concepts and the surrounding buildings. 1. The first thing I done was print off the site plan 1:300 @ A3 2. Stuck site plan onto the base 3. Printed off another site plan 1:300 @ A3, to help me trace around surrounding buildings 4. Traced around surrounding buildings onto foam board 5. Cut out the shapes using a Stanley knife 6. Stuck layers together using PVA and let them dry (PVA is one of the best glues for model making, I promise!) 7. Then stuck individual buildings in appropriate space 8. After which I created my own models out of my chosen concepts So on Friday I will being seeing Peter, hopefully he may see the vision for one of my concepts. Either way I'll post whatever he says :)
So by this Friday we have been asked to create a mass model with three of our chosen concepts, so do gather ideas i looked at different Detail magazines to gather some ideas and below I have shown my findings for precedents. The main reason why I chose these three buildings are because I was fascinated with the overall floor plan as opposed to the overall form of the buildings, however some of them are spectacular especially the Mincipal Library designed by JKMM Architects.
So we got introduced to Digimaps before the Christmas break so I've managed to finally find time and actually download a CAD version of the Vulcan Works site. As you can see from the image above the CAD drawing is quite detailed, giving you street names, numbers, tells you where a building is, where the landscape is, etc.
Its quite easy to use, if you're a student you're able to download the documents for free all you have to do is signup with your University log in details. There's a lot you can do with Digi-maps for example you're able to get the typography for your sites, surrounding building heights, etc. So after getting a copy of this I shared it with the group because we've fallen behind with this project and the only way we'll be able to catch-up is actually by working as a team - which meant sharing documents with one another through the Class Drop-box which we've set up. For those who are working on projects and would like site plans a great website to use is Digimaps: http://digimap.edina.ac.uk/digimap/home For those interested in storage space or creating an online database, one of the best websites to use is Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com General Use Requirements:
- Building is to be used for multifunctional purposes. - The design should be orientated around gallery, workshop and small lecture space use with all the relevant service spaces. The exact use and type of the spaces are subject to designers proposal. - The design should also incorporate a compulsory small shop space which is selling relevant goods and a small café/seating area. - The design should also incorporate 2 studio flats which can be used by visiting lecturers/artists. - It is important to consider circulation, access and delivery routes. - Anything except the listed façade can be demolished. There is no requirement to conduct any demolishing. - Maximum building area should not exceed 950m2 - Maximum building height 16m - Maximum built up intensity 250% As mentioned in a post last week we were given the new brief to the Vulcan Works Project. Today we were given Part 2 of the brief which indicates the general uses, so it has to be a multi-functional building and we can't use more than 950m2. So now I cant start actually designing a building as I now know what the general requirements are. The Image above was taken from Bing Maps, those who haven't used Bing maps or just use Google Maps, I also recommend this as Bing Maps does have a more benefits compared to Google Maps, the link for Bing maps is: https://www.bing.com/maps/ So a week ago our lecturer Peter provided us with a sketch of the Vulcan Works Facade which the first years surveyed and drew up so we can use this for the time being.
These are a series of images which I have taken of the surrounding buildings.. So today we went back to the Site to have a look at the surrounding buildings, I was quiet surprised because there was a range of buildings which all had different architectural styles.
There are a variety of buildings which all have been constructed around different times, there are other buildings which are also Grade II. The street also comprises of a series of buildings ranging from two stories to six stories and contains a few houses which are also listed. The site also offers an fundamental route from accommodation (new St Johns accommodation) along with a range of retail places, but the site also sits very close proximity to Northampton Town Centre. Generally, most of the buildings have been constructed from red-brick and warm hued-local sandstone, with roofs generally generated with slate. So today I looked into the conservation area for Derngate and these are a few bits of information which I managed to find out:
- The Vulcan Works project site sits very close to the to the town centre which is within the Derngate Conservation Area. - The site boundary has been specified by the red line on the map (shown in the image above) - The area has many different listed building and other buildings which are of importance. - This area has great promise to becoming an energetic Cultural Quarter, which has been planned by Northampton Borough Council. Along with Vulcan Works the council are also planning to develop the following buildings: - Project Angel - University Halls of Residence - University Campus - Waterside Developments - Guildhall Road Improvements - Premier Inn Hotel Development So today we went to the Site to take pictures of the Vulcan Works Facade, and i started to talk about the Front Facade in more detail below..
As Vulcan Works is a grade II listed building there are a few precautions we need to be mindful about. We’re able to demolish the different buildings which sits on the site other than the Front elevation. The only problem with removing most of the building and leaving the front façade is that if we don’t build using the front façade we have to come up with solutions in how we structurally support the front façade. However there are a few elements which aren't actually listed and I am proposing to remove and/or retained. These are the changes I'm wanting to make to the existing Front Elevation: 1 - Existing roller shutter to be removed and replaced with new double doors 2 - Existing rainwater pipes will either be removed and replaced or moved elsewhere 3 - Existing brickwork to be cleaned and re-pointed where required 4 - All windows to be made good and retained So today I looked for information about Vulcan Works, I was surprised with the amount of history this building contains:
- Vulcan works constructed by Henry Mobbs in the 19th Century - When the factory was built in 1875 it was used by an engineering company known as Mobbs & Co - Mobbs & Co supplied machinery for the boot and shoe industry at which time the boot and shoe was thriving - Mobbs & Co remained here until the 1890’s - In 1890s North part of the factory was occupied by Phipps and Co. Leather Warehouse - Factory was owned by the Phipps family for 70 years - Most of the building has remained empty since the late 1970’s - The site sits on a street which slopes severely from North to South “This former engineering works is the best survival of the 14 extant examples of the type producing boot and shoe machinery as identified in the EH Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe Industry Survey. It has a well-detailed and impressive front to Guildhall Road and it is also an unusual example of a surviving town-centre engineering works. Its remarkably central position means that it forms a significant commercial and civic group with No. 27 opposite, the entrance to the Theatre Royal, now Derngate Theatre, further up the street, and with The Guildhall closing the view at the top..” (English Heritage) A great tool to use to look for information about listed buildings would be English Heritage, the link for which is: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-492705-vulcan-works-northamptonshire |
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