Final Design....The Model City
Design Vision
Sense of Place
Design Visualisation
The Model City
Rotterdam Project....visualisation!
Section Elevations - taken from digital model and colour rendered using Photoshop. Helps to get an idea of how the site changes, and the scale of the design in comparison to its surroundings.
Rotterdam Project....sense of place!
Perspectives - taken from digital model and colour rendered using Photoshop. Helps to envision how it would be inside the model city. Idea is to create a place with different spaces and senses. People may be drawn here for interest, adventure, peace, relaxation, socialise (meeting point), etc. It aims to be a place people would remember and want to come back to.
Rotterdam Project...a sketch up!
Sketch up is a perfect software tool to use for this type project as it is easy to create the types of geometric form on such a large scale. Also is a perfect way to get the perspectives you need, and creating sections.
Here's some shots of my accomplished digital model. Enjoy...
Rotterdam Project....material matter!
Another design issue is the materials that the site is going to be made up of, which is again inspired from the surrounding city (sorry I didn't mention this earlier; it was in my mind but been to focused on the form). From experiencing the city, there is a huge range of materials used in its design which helps to create different textures, colours, contrasts and identities. Within some of the modern designs, materials have been inspired and continued from the city's history. This can be seen in West 8's design, Schouwburgplein. A public space within the heart of the city, inspired by the forms and materials of Rotterdam's past.
These are some of the materials which could be used in the design; they include different types of metals, woods, glass, stone, plastics.
Rotterdam Project....the design process!
The design process stage....some think it's boring....some think it's fun.....others think it's the most important part......I It is necessary!
First task is to tackle some of the design implications the site faces. Issues include:
- The site is very linear
- Bounded by roadways and a major roundabout
- The site is very passive, people use it as a cut through to reach other destinations
- Predominantly cut off from Het Park by a major roadway
- Access Points??
- Over shadowed by the Euromast
- The river sits along the west and south side of the site
- Crazy golf course
- Cycle and foot path circulation inter-connected
Design Principles formed from site analysis and functional diagrams...
1) Re-new current urban gateways, and establish new ones
2) Re-new and establish current and new access points; aiming to create a more welcoming and opening feel
3) Bridge the gap between proposed site and Het Park, connecting the both sites into one
4) Reduce the roadway systems have on the proposed site
5) Create a safe environment, with the varying speeds of travel in mind; aim to create respect for one another
6) Create new connections with the river
7) Create an internationally recognised location
8) To make the Euromast the central focus of the site, and Het Park. This is already a landmark which people may refer to, though the aim is to make necessary design decisions to direct people to this point
9) To create a new and innovative landscape which will attract people, to visit and dwell
Rotterdam Project....break through!
IDEA: The Model City!
'The Model City' - creating a miniaturised city. Not to necessarily replicate Rotterdam in miniature; but to take the use of geometry, line, light, and shadow to create form in a way that is captures the city's current state and use of these design aspects. Recognised buildings could be replicated within the design though this is something which I will avoid doing, as it may be a bit kitsch. The idea of 'The Model City' not only holds the idea of creating a physical mini city, but holds the meaning of Rotterdam actually being a model city in terms of it compared to other cities. From my experience of the city, I felt that Rotterdam is a city which other cities could look to as a prime example for many things including architecture and design. The way of life and the culture, I personally feel is so much more relaxed and calm than other cities. Rotterdam is definitely a place where I would like to live!!!
EUREKA...!
Rotterdam Project....the building blocks!
I made simple sketch models out of foam board, creating geometric shapes to test different shapes and forms. Again with the use of photography, I photographed the models against a white background to highlight line, light, and shadow.
Rotterdam....feeling inspired!
The inspiration and form is to be developed predominantly from the city's take on architecture and design, as my main priority is to help the overall design fit into its current context. Though my wonder and question was....what is the context?? As this city was so new and modern, that if you were to compare the pieces of architecture of some of the buildings, it was like the architects were trying to accomplish something new and different in contrast to other developments...as of the designer was always striving for something beyond what was the 'norm'. The aspects which connected these innovative pieces of architecture was geometrical form, clean and sharp lines, and the use of light and shadow. This helps me to focus my form towards something as simple, yet, as grand.
One of my main passions is photography. The city was a delight to photograph in black and white, and especially with the weather conditions we experienced as there was a constant mist which helped to create a fine contrast between light and dark, and which also created a nice backdrop for the main focus of the picture.Feel free to view some of these photos by following this link...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rthrus/sets/72157628885755187/
With the use of these pictures, I have outlined some of the forms and lines which I saw around the city.
The Rotterdam Project...
So......the new project was giving to us on our study trip to Rotterdam. The proposed site is to be redesigned in any way we feel necessary and there is no limit on what we can do (no budget!!). The site is located in the heart of Rotterdam, on the river side. It is part of Het Park, although it currently feels slightly disconnected from it due to the roadways. The site is very linear, with the Rotterdam Euromast sitting in the centre. The Euromast shadows the site, and can be seen from miles away bringing lots of people and tourism to the site. The site is also very passive, people pass through and around it at varying speeds (walking, cycling, car, tram, boat).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)