Final Submission

Draft Lumion Environments

Entire scheme sitting within its urban surroundings (lower UNSW Kensington campus)

Main entrance to learning complex

This shows the interior view of the lecture theatre, which is tiered and based in a large dome. 

This interior view of the central hive demonstrates the ways the shadows cast across the floor of the building

Lumion Environment

The shape of the three main buildings are based off the shapes of beehives. Their forms aim to depict one or a combination of the three main shapes identified; domes, hexagons, and tiered layers.

The hexagon motif also influenced the interior spaces. This building (which contains 8 tutorial rooms, bathrooms, a cafe and a chill zone) is based entirely around the 6 edges of a hexagon. Each edge has a different function with the middle being left for human interaction

The idea of spaces being cellular stemmed from the initial investigation into beehives and the observation of how the honeycomb cells sit within one another. This idea was carried into the design with the lecture theatre sitting within the larger dome.

This picture shows 2 applications of the movement textures. Here they are used to encourage energy and vibrancy in an attempt to promote positive social interaction. [Another application can be seen in the entrance to this building. The colour scheme depicted in this still is constant throughout the design and is intended to reflect the bright colours of the flowers that bees pollinate. In addition, the bright colours add vitality to the spaces.

The social behaviours of the bees that live within beehives also inspired the design. The learning and study spaces are interspersed with areas designed to encourage positive social interaction, providing a space other than a desk to stop and sit.

MOVING ELEMENTS

The first moving element is the rotating wall/roof element. In response to the developed theory asking for a series of "clustered spaces", The Hive is constructed from the amalgamation of 3 main buildings through the use of open bridges. While this responds directly to the key ideas, it provides complications in certain weather/pollution events. By installing a rotating wall/roof, the bridge can be open on warm dry days, and closed on rainy or heavily polluted days. The incorporation of elements of nature is also crucial in the design as it responds to the statement about bees' nature and behaviour. In the above image, the system is modelling the wall day, where the sides are down, exposing the students to the warm sun.

Schematic Diagram showing how the wall/roof rotation system works

Private study room for 1-2 people

Wall can recede, creating a larger space which can be used by 5 or 5 students. It is a good space for collaboration and group work. This relates directly to the idea of increased social interaction and collaboration. It also increases the versatility of the spaces.

Link to SketchUp file and Lumion Folder

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pz61696e5ow97av/AACXlMmYYjkklNQYPA27tUCOa?dl=0

Extra

N.B: Hi, I am unsure why, but when i uploaded my sketchup model into Lumion, a lot of the geometry shifted with whole roofs and floors disappearing. I attempted to troubleshoot however could not find any solution. The image captures above have purposely avoided these areas, but I have included the sketchup versions below for completeness. Thanks :)

Ground view of Library and study spaces

Library

Computer Lab

Week 3: Custom Textures

Week 1.3 One Point Perspectives

CLUSTERED:

HEXAGONAL:

HIVE:

INTERCONNECTED:

VEINS:

CELLULAR:

Week 2: 2 Point Perspectives

2- Point Perspective with added masses 1: Supplementary elements branch off a central "trunk" element, much like a tree

2-Point Perspective with added masses 2: Connecting Spaces through Geometric Shapes

Week 1.2: One Point Perspectives

[NOT THESE ONES... SEE WEEK 1.3]

Cross Manipulation 1:

Cross Manipulation 2:

 

Cross Manipulation 3:

Cross Manipulation 4:

Cross Manipulation 5:

Cross Manipulation 6:

Week 1.1: Inspiration Article

FLOW CHART OF CONCEPT DESIGN PROCESS:

ARTCLE 1:

When Civil Engineering is Inspired by Nature

Mathai, K

Abstract: This article explores the idea of Biomimicry- " a relatively new science that explores designs and ideas inspired by nature to solve human problems".

Key Words:

• Biomimicry
• Parametrics
• Geometric
• Nature
• Imitation

Key Ideas:

• Parametric Design
• Natural forms and occurrences can inspire built form and the way it interacts with it's surroundings.

Further Reading: 

1. This article led to further investigation of Parametric Design. A useful resource on this topic was http://www.archello.com/en/collection/parametric-architecture (ARTICLE 2)

Tamayo Museum Atizapan Extension

Arboskin: Durable and Recyclablebioplastics Facade Mock-up

Metropol Parasol 1

Metropol Parasol 2

Heydar Aliyev Center

2. This article also led to further investigation into natural forms and occurrences, in particular, The Honey Bee and Sunflowers.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers naturally move to ensure they absorb the sun

Bees

ARTICLE 3:

HoneyBee

National Geographic

Abstract: This article is a factual piece about HoneyBees and how they survive

Bee Wing

Honey Comb

Key Words:

• Hexagon
• Clustered
• Vein- changed --> layered
• Hive
• Cellular
• Interconnected

Key Ideas:

• Social and Cooperative

Developed Theory:

The forms and behaviours of Bees (and their associated parts such as hives and wings) can be used as inspiration to create a group of clustered spaces that combine to form a physically and socially connected space for people to learn and study in.

References:

1. Mathai, K. (2017). When civil engineering is inspired by nature. The Times of India. [online] Available at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/when-civil-engineering-is-inspired-by-nature/articleshow/58726224.cms [Accessed 19 May 2017].

2. Archello.com. (2017). Parametric Architecture. [online] Available at: http://www.archello.com/en/collection/parametric-architecture [Accessed 19 May 2017].

3. Society, N. (2017). Honeybees, Honeybee Pictures, Honeybee Facts - National Geographic. [online] National Geographic. Available at: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com.au/animals/bugs/honeybee/ [Accessed 1 Jun. 2017].