[15] Reflection

Project Reflection:

Thinking back through the entire semester in DAB810, I realise the importance of the sequencing and structure of activities and assessment in realising this final design proposal. Without approaching this complex design situation in the process framed by Yasu, I do not believe I would have been anywhere near as successful in reaching a solution. The strategies and ideas generated in project 01 and the activities associated with this created a fertile design basis for further development and clearly produces many ideas or possible directions (shown in this blog). This conceptual framework of ideas and strategies enabled each student to apply their own thinking and conceptualisation to achieve a unique solution. 

The amount of time and effort put into this project undoubtedly exceeds that of previous projects in any of the units I have completed and it clearly shows in the resolution of the architectural proposition. Working through this project in collaboration with my peers from project 01 as well as gaining quality guidance and mentoring from my tutor Jane Foster has enabled this highly developed architectural system to manifest. I think that working as a team to critique and give direction to my design definitely assisted in the level of detail within the final output.

In approaching the context of the Australian Outback, I found it very useful in surrounding myself with high quantities of information, statistics and facts about this region. I could then more effectively and appropriately respond with architectural and infrastructural system solutions. From the conceptual level of detail down to the tectonic and structural details of the modules, I have responded to the unique contextual parameters of this region to ensure enhance parliamentary presence, and live-ability of this region. 

Without the mentoring gained through talking and presenting to Jane, I would not have been able to solve such a high degree of the socio-cultural problems and respond as effectively. This project has provided me with a framework for approaching future design situations more efficiently, and will definitely influence the materialisation of future design propositions. The final presentation was possible the most beneficial of any critique I has thus far been exposed to. I gained highly informative feedback and guidance with constructive criticism, while Don Albert assisted me in understanding how to more rigorously and effectively approach a design situation. 

Thank you to Yasu, Jane and Don for all of your contributions this semester.

[15] PRESENTATION BOARDS

Summary Board: conceptual identification

Board 02: Capital Strategy [context]

Board 03: Tectonic Resolution

Board 04: Tectonic Resolution [mobile architecture]

Board 05: Poetic Resolution [landscape integration]

[14] Primary drawings

[14] Haptic Model Studies

In the process of finalising the form and structural qualities [tectonic resolution] of the Parliamentary Outpost, I decided to make a study model from balsa. This proved to be very effective in not only displaying the form and spatial manifestations, but in considering facade treatments and how people would interact, interface and occupy internal/external spaces.

[14] Render post production

I'm still very much an amateur at creating realistic renders within 3D modelling programs, as such I rely heavily on my photoshop skills to integrate these renders into realistic landscapes and create illustrations of tectonic, formal, lighting and spatial representations of my creations.

Before:

After:

Before: 

After:

[14] Additional Render

[14] Conceptual consideration

I think it is worth looking at the original concept or form that was generated. The ideas portrayed within this image should continue to inform design development:
- contextual response through geographical representation
- cultural sensitivity
- representation of landscape as well as physical surroundings
- Iconic/ presence

[13] Outpost Floor Plan

[13] Sentry Development

[13] Locality Plan (schematics)

[13] Module Concept Development

[13] Development

Upon further investigation into the context of the Australian Outback and more specifically, Alice Springs I have discovered that much of the population is located along the axis created by 'The Ghan' (railway line running from Darwin to Adelaide, through Alice Springs). On top of this, I found it interesting to note that the general population fluctuates quite severely and rapidly with tourism and major events within these areas:


Itinerant population:
"Alice Springs has a large itinerant population. This population is generally composed of foreign and Australian tourists, Australian Aborigines visiting from nearby Central Australian communities, and Australian or international workers on short-term contracts (colloquially referred to as "blow-ins"). The major sources of work that recruit workers into town are the stations and mines. Foreign tourists usually pass through on their way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, whilst Australian tourists usually come through as a part of an event such as the Masters Games and the Finke Desert Race. These events can cause the population of the town to fluctuate by several thousand within a matter of days."

[13] Conceptual Render

[12] Terminal Concept

[12] Terminal Schematic Plans

[12] Existing modes of desert transport

Now that the desert node has been located and conceptual planning is completed, a viable and efficient  system of connecting communities in remote desert locations I began to research existing methods of movement across this hostile and vast landscape (see below). These modules which travel from these communities to the central outback capital are required to travel long distances over very difficult terrain. 

Two levels of mobility:

- Railway infrastructure for long distance movement

- Secondary system of transporting people to/from railway line to remote location

All terrain vehicle - cross country

Train - railway system

Car and trailer - roadways and tracks

Tracked vehicles - cross country

[12] Design Development

Schematic Plan - Ground Level

Schematic Plan - Level 1

[11] Module Concept

[11] Concept Development

[11] Conceptual Sketch

[11] Design Development

[11] Exemplar

The arrangement of spaces featured in the winning proposal by 

C. F. Møller Architects for the new terminal in stockholm generates an architectural form similar to that of my proposal. The layering of spaces employed in this project is a possible area for myself to investigate in my progressions. 

[11] Further development

After further investigations into the context of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park I have begun to refine and restructure parts of the brief to allow the eventual architectural solution to be of much higher resolution.  


With a more in depth knowledge base of this culturally, historically, climatically and geographically diverse context, I am beginning to formulate a stronger concept and direction for a mobile architectural proposal. 

[11] Project Brief - Individual

[11] Node: Design Development