Revision as of 22:59, 8 May 2012

Phase 2: Prototype

Recap from Phase 1

The design has changed quite a bit since the end of phase 1. There used to be four 'bubbles', and the idea was to shape these bubbles to fit their specific function. The project has now gone from 4 bubbles to three 'bodies'. The bubble that was meant to house music and theatre is eliminated and that function is now on the Network Plaza Urban Furniture, in the park. The idea of bubbles is also out the window, but more on that in 'Architectural concept'.

Connections

The project's main connections are with Project 12 (Linus) and Project 08 (Akshay).

Connection with Project 08:

- Extension of the landscape

- Both are projects attracting people to NDSM

Connection with Project 12:

- Project 12 creates studio space, this project creates exhibition space, so there's a functional connection. - Both projects use the park created for leisure.

This project will also serve as connector for the cluster Linus-Eric-Akshay, so providing a path from the Kunststad, through the landscape in the direction of Harish and the Ferry.

Architectural concept

The snake skeleton inspires me in multiple ways. It's extremely flexible and able to take on every shape, but uses a very simple repetitive system, based on a central spine and ribs perpendicular to that spine. This extreme flexibility combined with a very simple repetitive system is the key to the underlying system of the project. Another intriguing part about the snake skeleton is the interlocking of the different elements. Each vertebra is the same and locks seamlessly into the next one. This principle is something I would like to apply.

The project is built up in a straightforward way. First comes the Spine. This is the 'powerline' of the project, guiding the bodies and visitors.

Perpendicular to the Spine come the Ribs. There are 202 ribs, systematically organized. The ribs are the guidelines for the landscape and the bodies: they guide construction, fencing, landscaping and furnishing of the park.

The Bodies are the architectural elements. They house the three main functions of the project and provide the indoor spaces. The bodies are defined by 5 curves, designed (top-down) and shaped for their function. The curves have the same start- and endpoint which are based on the main Spine.

The Canopies are an important part of the architectural expression of the project. They provide shading so the lower part of the bodies can be fully glazed for maximum transparancy.

The Landscape defines the entire project. Two secondary power lines are added to create diversity and generate a system for the park elements. The main element in the landscape is the 'Network Plaza'. It is the centrally located sitting hill (outdoor) and meant for every type of visitor of NDSM: Artists, employees, visitors, tourists, inhabitants etc. It will be the place to have lunch (maybe a nice take-away from the lunchroom) or just a smoke break from working at MTV, Linus's studio's or wherever. Its outline is based on the secondary power lines and the Ribs generated by the main power line. Smaller elements are bodies of water that refer to the history of NDSM and are also based on the system of secondary power lines and main ribs.

I have to add that the landscape system is still conceptual - I am aware that the secondary power lines and elements need more attention and reason behind them.

Functionality

Function has always been very important in the project. I like realism and want the project to be something that would actually work in the 'real' world. There are four functions defined in the project:

- Exhibition space

- Bar/lunch room

- Conference space

- Network Plaza.

A broader description can be found here .

Prototype

FIRST PROTOTYPE

This is one of the very first grasshopper definitions. The body is defined by 5 splines and another spline for the canopy. The ribs between the spines provide structural stability and an architectural language. At this point, the curving main Spine wasn't defined yet - the model was orthogonal.

What I have learned:

- I should pay attention to the splines - having only the ribs gives the wrong association.

- Two canopies are better looking than one.

- The secondary construction is extremely important to the overall look of the building.

- I need to create 1 system for 3 bodies, not develop each body separately.

- The landscape is maybe even more important for the design than the bodies.

In the grasshopper file, the splines and ribs can be modified to provide a variety of design options.

DIGITAL PROTOTYPES

Images

References

Configuration

The configuration of the bubbles is again based on functionality. Each function has specific needs for access. The bar and exhibition space will be very open and therefore have entrances on three sides. The conference and music centre only need one public entrance. In order for interaction to take place, this will be the configuration of the bubbles:

In this configuration, the most closed bubbles are in the middle with their entrances to the central plaza. The open bubbles are on each sides, opened towards the network plaza and the surrounding park, thus attracting people from every direction.

Structure & Construction

snake skeleton

The idea has always been to create four bubbles within one system. Now the time has come to develop the system. Words like ecosystem and ecology came to mind whilst looking for a structural language. The source of inspiration therefore comes from the natural world. The skeleton of the snake is very remarkable: the snake is extremely strong but also extremely flexible. Its body curves and bends in almost every direction. This idea fits the concept of the bubbles: one system, but each one slightly different.

From concept to Architecture - references

When thinking of bare bone and skeletons in architecture, the works of Calatrava come to mind. His work is very inspirational for this project. There's a lot of repetition but it never gets boring due to the artistic expression of the construction and the strong details.