Tuesday 25 June 2013

Link to CryENGINE3 levels folder

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g913h7xb2g7929b/exp3_thebridge_ByronAlexiou.cry

https://www.dropbox.com/home?select=exp3_thebridge_ByronAlexiou.bak

Link to sketchup models in 3D warehouse

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=627bc10c2a7cf8faf8e0bcfaa6ede82e&result=4

Additional Real Time Image Captures

Amphitheatre space on valley floor for "Dean's lunch" and meeting place.

On the roof of the bridge looking towards central glassed space.

"Dean's lift" docking into lift port of "Bridge".

Shot from below of "Students' lift" halfway up the lift shaft.

Architectural Folly made up of 'F' shaped prisms located on valley floor.

Monday 24 June 2013

The "Bridge" (learning space) is a futuristic minimalist concept which is designed to have a low impact on the environment. Its flat horizontal shape aims to provide maximum natural light and views through the central area (lecture hall and gallery) with a transparent glass roof.

The building's unique shape is clearly visible from ground level looking up into the sky. The shape is inspired by two ideas. One is the sign for infinity, a reference to mathematics and astrophysics, important disciplines in the physical sciences. The other reference is to a crafted violin or similar string instrument, a reference to arts and humanities.

This view of the "Bridge" is of the structural underbelly and the textures which relate to "movement". The shot is taken from the "students' lift" looking up towards the arrival platform. The "Bridge" gives the appearance of a light structure suspended in space following the architectural concept "touch the earth lightly".

In this wild natural environment, the "Bridge" is a magical space that allows students and staff to contemplate both the universe and the earth below. The structure aims to be in harmony with the Greek environment without any obvious references to national architecture.

On the valley floor the space-like lift 'capsule' take students and the Dean from the ground up to the school. In the background the Folly is nestled in the forest, offering a sheltered retreat for moments of contemplation.

Marking schedule

Plan showing space requirements

First draft of "Bridge" in CryENGINE3 environment

Plan used as inspiration for "Bridge"

Herzog and de Meuron "House for a new media collector"- plan.

Concept floor plan for ''Bridge".

First person view from (draft) elevator

View from elevator at ground level.

View from elevator at highest point.

18 Sketch Perspectives

Eye level - Solid

Below eye level - Solid

Above eye level - Solid

Eye level - Linear Planes

Above eye level - Linear Planes

Below eye level - Linear Planes

Eye level (2 point perspective) - Combining forms

Below eye level (2 point perspective) - Combining forms

Above eye level (2 point perspective) - Combining forms

Eye level (2 point perspective) - Suspended forms

Below eye level (2 point perspective) - Suspended forms

Above eye level (2 point perspective) - Suspended forms

Eye level - Progression

Below eye level - Progression

Above eye level - Progression

Eye level - Shelter

Below eye level - Shelter

Above eye level - Shelter

MashUp

Mashup

Every landscape creates different needs. The term minimalism is… used to describe a trend in design and architecture wherein the subject is reduced to its necessary elements. Fehn co-opted the trees that stood on the site, and merged indoor and out, to create a design… which offers a refuge. Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe adopted the motto "Less is more" to describe his aesthetic tactic of arranging the numerous necessary components of a building to create an impression of extreme simplicity, by enlisting every element and detail to serve multiple visual and functional purposes. Glenn Murcutt is fond of quoting the Aboriginal proverb touch the earth lightly because it expresses his concern for nature. This paradox between architectural meaning and use sums up the constant struggle between content and container. Minimalist architecture simplifies living space to reveal the essential quality of buildings and conveys simplicity in attitudes toward life. "Life is not about maximizing everything, it's about giving something back - like light, space, form, serenity, joy" (Glenn Murcutt). It’s not size or bombast that counts…the best regarded designs are those that avoid making too much of national characteristics. In minimalism, the architectural designers pay special attention to the connection between perfect planes, elegant lighting, and careful consideration of the void spaces left by the removal of three-dimensional shapes from an architectural design. Prized for their energy efficiency, Glenn Murcutt's houses capitalize on natural light. Credibility comes with avoiding the obvious.

References

Jackie Craven “Build an Energy-Efficient House: Australian architect Glenn Murcutt shows how to build energy-efficient homes” About.com Architecture, Accessed on 15/06/13 at: http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/a/murcuttbuild.htm

Deyan Sudjic “A White Cube in a Black Box: Denton Corker Marshall’s design for Australia’s new Venice Biennale pavilion” The Monthly, May 2012, No. 78, Accessed on 15/06/13 at: http://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2012/may/1336010035/deyan-sudjic/white-cube-black-box

Wikipedia “Minimalism” Accessed on 15/06/13 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimalism

Byron Alexiou