Presentations
Presentation screen shots here
Reflections
30 Apr 2012
Week #8
Interim Presentation
Returning to the interim presentation and the consideration for the powerpoint slides for Wednesday, the following problems are analysed further through diagrams and text:
1. Title of the private library:
- Brisbane Library of Publicised Flood Disasters
A library located at Howard Smith Wharves, designed to educate the unaware and spark remembrance in the eyes of those who had witnessed the Brisbane floods first hand. It will be a building twisted and turned like the debris that shattered against the cliff face over a year ago. It's interior spaces will provide an eerie sense of familiarity for the destruction washed upon these banks, but also a sense of safety and warmth in realising it's an event the world shared with us and we pulled through.
2. Summarise Folie CONCEPT
- An instillation instilling shock and fear of the disasters of floods
My Folie design "Warnings Precipice" resembled a cluster of everyday artefacts, personal possessions and pieces of our heritage, twisted and rearranged in the wake of the devastating Brisbane floods. Its delicate position imbedded upon the face of the cliff suggests that a great force has brought it this far, and now everyone can see just how truly violent the floods were.
3. Library of what objects? CONTRIBUTION
- Newspapers on floods in the Brisbane region from over seas papers
A library of newspapers focusing on the traumatic flood events that have haunted Brisbane's past from the perspective of foreign countries. These papers provide old information to the people of Brisbane but in a new light, showing them how we are perceived to the rest of the world during the time of need.
4. Extent of objects?
- Approximately 50-100 newspapers from overseas
A majority of newspapers will be in foreign languages so these will need some kind of conversion through interaction in the library. This interaction will be a digital experience and kept in a separate section of the library for those interested in translating the newspapers. As for the rest of the newspapers that are provided in English, these will be viewable in a variety of interesting spaces.
5. Location on site CONTEXT
- On the Cliff
The location of the library is directly related to the positioning of my Folie from project 1. Because the library covers content on the Brisbane floods, it was important to continue the theme from the design of the Folie and position the structure in an area where debris would have washed ashore. This allows for flood wise design should a natural disaster occur again and also leaves the Howard Smith Wharves site relatively untouched.
6. Size of program TECTONICS
- Smaller then 350sqm
Because the library will be home to only 100 newspapers or less the size of the project will be reduced in order to create a much closer and personalised experience. The administration, storage and amenity areas will be reduced to allow for maximum play with the 3 main areas:
- Space for contemplation
- Space for study/thought
- Space for sharing knowledge
7. Experiences with the three study spaces FUNCTION
- Intimate, quiet and somewhat disturbing in some areas to reflect the events of the floods
- Contemplation
A small area where few individuals can escape the rest of library and relax privately. The area will be a comfortable retreat allowing the user/s to interact directly with the structure/forms/contours of the building in order to find a relaxing niche to hide away in.
- Study/thought
A larger space compared to the previous, allowing people to spread out and once again find somewhere to retreat and study. The area will be both exposed and hidden, allowing a variety of groups to take the newspapers and find somewhere to sit and read privately or in a small group.
- Sharing knowledge
The largest space of the three areas will be an open area, possibly an entire floor of the library dedicated to providing a space that recreates the emotional qualities expressed in my Folie. This space will provide multiple areas for groups of people to come together and share the resources as well as interact with the papers in various formats.
Returning to the interim presentation and the consideration for the powerpoint slides for Wednesday, the following problems are analysed further through diagrams and text:
1. Title of the private library:
- Brisbane Library of Publicised Flood Disasters
A library located at Howard Smith Wharves, designed to educate the unaware and spark remembrance in the eyes of those who had witnessed the Brisbane floods first hand. It will be a building twisted and turned like the debris that shattered against the cliff face over a year ago. It's interior spaces will provide an eerie sense of familiarity for the destruction washed upon these banks, but also a sense of safety and warmth in realising it's an event the world shared with us and we pulled through.
- An instillation instilling shock and fear of the disasters of floods
 |
| Warnings Precipice - My Folie |
 |
| Warnings Precipice - My Folie |
- Newspapers on floods in the Brisbane region from over seas papers
A library of newspapers focusing on the traumatic flood events that have haunted Brisbane's past from the perspective of foreign countries. These papers provide old information to the people of Brisbane but in a new light, showing them how we are perceived to the rest of the world during the time of need.
4. Extent of objects?
- Approximately 50-100 newspapers from overseas
A majority of newspapers will be in foreign languages so these will need some kind of conversion through interaction in the library. This interaction will be a digital experience and kept in a separate section of the library for those interested in translating the newspapers. As for the rest of the newspapers that are provided in English, these will be viewable in a variety of interesting spaces.
5. Location on site CONTEXT
- On the Cliff
The location of the library is directly related to the positioning of my Folie from project 1. Because the library covers content on the Brisbane floods, it was important to continue the theme from the design of the Folie and position the structure in an area where debris would have washed ashore. This allows for flood wise design should a natural disaster occur again and also leaves the Howard Smith Wharves site relatively untouched.
 |
| 3 sections to build upon in HSW, red square represents library positioning. |
- Smaller then 350sqm
Because the library will be home to only 100 newspapers or less the size of the project will be reduced in order to create a much closer and personalised experience. The administration, storage and amenity areas will be reduced to allow for maximum play with the 3 main areas:
- Space for contemplation
- Space for study/thought
- Space for sharing knowledge
7. Experiences with the three study spaces FUNCTION
- Intimate, quiet and somewhat disturbing in some areas to reflect the events of the floods
- Contemplation
A small area where few individuals can escape the rest of library and relax privately. The area will be a comfortable retreat allowing the user/s to interact directly with the structure/forms/contours of the building in order to find a relaxing niche to hide away in.
- Study/thought
A larger space compared to the previous, allowing people to spread out and once again find somewhere to retreat and study. The area will be both exposed and hidden, allowing a variety of groups to take the newspapers and find somewhere to sit and read privately or in a small group.
- Sharing knowledge
The largest space of the three areas will be an open area, possibly an entire floor of the library dedicated to providing a space that recreates the emotional qualities expressed in my Folie. This space will provide multiple areas for groups of people to come together and share the resources as well as interact with the papers in various formats.
15 Apr 2012
Week #7
Design Process
Context:
The HSW site has a rich history behind it dating from the 1930's when the Story Bridge was constructed. This history directly relates to my proposal for the tectonic qualities of the library, as well the the items the library will have available to the public. The HSW has been the victim of Brisbane's vulnerability to flooding numerous times in the past and has become the resting ground for the debris that wash down the river.
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| Howard Smith Wharves |
The site is also central to the Brisbane area, surrounded by a variety of suburbs, industrial areas and also directly linked to the heart of Brisbane city. For this purpose newspapers seemed to be a fitting commodity that the local population may find an interest in as well as the topic of flooding in the area.
Concept:
The Brisbane floods and the shock of the powerful currents and continuous downfall of rain that lead to the loss of many homes and properties around the Brisbane area. The design from my Folie has followed through into my library design and shaped the media I will be displaying inside the structure. Its all about awareness and an appreciation for the power of nature.
Function:
To provide a library to the local public that offers people a unique opportunity to view newspapers from over seas that focus on Brisbane's natural flooding disasters. The exterior and interior spaces will provide both a calming and disturbing experience to the user, to help reinforce the devastation that the floods have caused.
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| Interior Spaces |
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| Floor Plans |
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| Sections |
Tectonic:
Materials that I'm interested in using are shipping containers, for two main reasons, the location being Howard Smith Wharves and the relations to shipping history as well as the idea of objects being washed ashore or into the cliff face. The image below demonstrates how far raging waters can carry these large containers. This idea also relates to my Folie design of debris washed ashore.
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| Boxed in (2012) |
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| Designing with shipping crates |
Some interesting websites and blogs showing architectural uses for shipping containers:
http://contained.tumblr.com/
http://www.minimalisti.com/architecture/02/shipping-containers-architecture-house-modern.html
http://gizmodo.com/5817002/a-building-made-from-shipping-containers-would-probably-scare-dexter-witless
http://designlike.com/2012/04/12/solar-powered-house/
Contribution:
The library will contribute to the public by providing a new user experience and an unusual platform and material to interact with. The information is already widely known and understood by locals, but the opportunity to reflect and remember the hardships and how far we have come will be ever present.
12 Apr 2012
Break
Design Process
The important part of this weeks design process is to set my own design parameters so that I can focus on the elements of my library that interest me and reinforce my theme. I believe the most effective parameter to set for my design would be the use of light and especially the resulting shadows. Some thoughts:
- Presence of shadows/shadow print newspaper?
- illusion of underwater at flood heights
- Creating sharp shapes in shadows, avoiding sharp shapes in materials
- Light for relief? Don't create an unpleasant study space
Creating order from chaos:
Interim Consideration
The following problems need to be solved:
1. Title of the private library
- Brisbane Library of Publicised Flood Disasters
2. Summarise Folie
- An instillation instilling shock and fear of the disasters of floods
3. Library of what objects?
- Newspapers on floods in the Brisbane region
4. Extent of objects?
- Approximately 100-200 newspapers from overseas
5. Location on site
- On the Cliff
6. Size of program
- Smaller then 350sqm
7. Experiences with the three study spaces
- Intimate, quiet and somewhat disturbing in some areas to reflect the events of the floods
The important part of this weeks design process is to set my own design parameters so that I can focus on the elements of my library that interest me and reinforce my theme. I believe the most effective parameter to set for my design would be the use of light and especially the resulting shadows. Some thoughts:
- Presence of shadows/shadow print newspaper?
- illusion of underwater at flood heights
- Creating sharp shapes in shadows, avoiding sharp shapes in materials
- Light for relief? Don't create an unpleasant study space
Creating order from chaos:
How do I design a user friendly library based on the chaotic nature of the Brisbane floods?
The image below is an interesting way of depicting chaos vs order and has provided me with a useful way of considering how I might design either my light and shadow elements or how I might organise the spaces within my library. Could there be something in this piece of art that resembles the floods? It seems almost like the left side is the debris and the right side is it's resting place on shore.
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| Fiona Taylor (2011) |
The following problems need to be solved:
1. Title of the private library
- Brisbane Library of Publicised Flood Disasters
2. Summarise Folie
- An instillation instilling shock and fear of the disasters of floods
3. Library of what objects?
- Newspapers on floods in the Brisbane region
4. Extent of objects?
- Approximately 100-200 newspapers from overseas
5. Location on site
- On the Cliff
6. Size of program
- Smaller then 350sqm
7. Experiences with the three study spaces
- Intimate, quiet and somewhat disturbing in some areas to reflect the events of the floods
Week #6
The Library
We were required to decide on the type of private library we wanted to design by selecting a specific intention and objects for our library. I decided to keep with the theme of my Folie, which demonstrated the shock and severity of the Brisbane floods over the many years. The name of my private library will be:
This library will be home to thousands of newspaper articles from across the globe, primarily focusing on the Brisbane region and the flood disasters that have occurred here. An example of such an article is shown in the image below:
Finding Inspiration:
Before I can begin my design process, there are a few key questions that I need to answer in order to design this private library to the best of my ability. Currently I'm new to the idea of designing a newspaper library and I haven't previously paid much attention to the detail involved in a successful one. These questions include:
What is a newspaper library?
Most newspaper libraries today have the hardcopies of the prints digitised so that users can access them via a computer or online from home. Prior to this technological development, newspaper prints were stored (and in most cases sill are) on bookshelves much like the library systems we see today. Below is an image of archives of newspapers in the British Library:
Are there other examples of libraries containing tragic events?
After searching the internet for awhile, there appears to only be solid examples of museums around the world that contain information on tragic events. However this isn't all bad, the example of the Jewish Holocaust Museum in Germany, provides an interesting example of creating interior spaces to create a particular emotion (see image below).
What examples of libraries are available?
Now to look at libraries in general, particular the designs that contain spaces for printed works such as the original newspapers. I believe this would be the most suitable option for my private library, as I want the people to be able to see and touch the old newspapers rather them have digitised copies. There is something about smell and decay of old newspapers that will also add to the emotion my spaces will require. Below is a floor plan of the library at the University of Western Australia.
Design Process
The initial sketching process has been based solely upon my previous work with the Folie exercise and the location of the private library on the cliff face of Howard Smith Wharves.
My idea is to make use of the cliff face location which is currently unusable on the site due to corrosion and debris. This location will also provide a prominent position and the ideal view across the river without interfering with the heritage listed properties located on the site. Below are some of the first process sketches and diagrams of the libraries structure, I'm aiming for the look of debris washed against the cliff face much like in my Folie design.
We were required to decide on the type of private library we wanted to design by selecting a specific intention and objects for our library. I decided to keep with the theme of my Folie, which demonstrated the shock and severity of the Brisbane floods over the many years. The name of my private library will be:
Brisbane Library of Publicised Flood Disasters
This library will be home to thousands of newspaper articles from across the globe, primarily focusing on the Brisbane region and the flood disasters that have occurred here. An example of such an article is shown in the image below:
 |
| Brisbane Floods (2011) |
Before I can begin my design process, there are a few key questions that I need to answer in order to design this private library to the best of my ability. Currently I'm new to the idea of designing a newspaper library and I haven't previously paid much attention to the detail involved in a successful one. These questions include:
What is a newspaper library?
Most newspaper libraries today have the hardcopies of the prints digitised so that users can access them via a computer or online from home. Prior to this technological development, newspaper prints were stored (and in most cases sill are) on bookshelves much like the library systems we see today. Below is an image of archives of newspapers in the British Library:
 |
| Newspaper digitisation (2011) |
Are there other examples of libraries containing tragic events?
After searching the internet for awhile, there appears to only be solid examples of museums around the world that contain information on tragic events. However this isn't all bad, the example of the Jewish Holocaust Museum in Germany, provides an interesting example of creating interior spaces to create a particular emotion (see image below).
 |
| Jewish Holocaust Museum (2011) |
What examples of libraries are available?
Now to look at libraries in general, particular the designs that contain spaces for printed works such as the original newspapers. I believe this would be the most suitable option for my private library, as I want the people to be able to see and touch the old newspapers rather them have digitised copies. There is something about smell and decay of old newspapers that will also add to the emotion my spaces will require. Below is a floor plan of the library at the University of Western Australia.
 |
| University of Western Australia (2009) |
Design Process
The initial sketching process has been based solely upon my previous work with the Folie exercise and the location of the private library on the cliff face of Howard Smith Wharves.
 |
| Howard Smith Wharves library location |
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| Potential cliff face location |
My idea is to make use of the cliff face location which is currently unusable on the site due to corrosion and debris. This location will also provide a prominent position and the ideal view across the river without interfering with the heritage listed properties located on the site. Below are some of the first process sketches and diagrams of the libraries structure, I'm aiming for the look of debris washed against the cliff face much like in my Folie design.
11 Apr 2012
Week #5
What next?
After the week of the exhibition we were given a small break within which to consider where we wanted to take our Folie next. The unit offered a variety of themes within which we could further develop our Folie ideas and take them to the next step of designing a Library for Howard Smith Wharves. The themes included:
- Through the eyes of a child....
- Education with commerce
- Tabula rasa
- Four dimensional diagramming
- Library park
- Volatile bodies
- Buildings as diagrams
- Inter-cultural community
- Learning from nature
Two of the above themes really caught my attention and these were buildings as diagrams and library park, both of which involved hands on design and interesting approaches to realising a structure. We had to select in order of preference our three most favourite themes so that we could be allocated in to our tutorial groups, mine were as follows:
1. Buildings as Diagrams
2. Library Park
3. Learning from Nature
I ended up with my first selection, buildings as diagrams (see image below), which I'm very happy about as diagramming and scribbles are one of my favourite past times.
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| Buildings as Diagrams (2012) |
Buildings as Diagrams
What exactly does this theme cover? The brief describes it as a theme that encourages students to think critically exploring designs in architecture as a problem solver. We are to explore this process of problem solving by designing a library that can be directly related to our diagramming process (see the above image for clarity).
We are also given three separate zones within the Howard Smith Wharves location to place our library (see the image below). I think the best location for my library would be based along the cliff, as my Folie was related directly to the impact of debris along the face of the HSW cliff.
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| Project Brief (2012) |
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