A DISAPPOINTING RESULT

Here is a collaged image representing what i wanted my skyscraper to look like. Unfortunately I was unable to present this concept well, and although i put significant work into developing the design, I feel I was unable to communicate my ideas in an understandable matter, and am overall very disappointed with it. Below are some revit models which did not turn out well at all. I am still experimenting with this program, and unfortunately failed in producing what i wanted to.

After the disappointment of what i eventually produced, I am seriously considering starting again. If this is the case I will have to quickly switch in order to not be behind anymore than I already am. I will try a couple of idea over the next couple of days an see what i come up with. If all else fails, I can then easily resort to this concept, but work on it further to cement a working design.

EVEN MORE CONCEPT WORK

This design is much like a previous one shown. The difference is I have maximised the built space, and have added 2 levels at the base (levels 2 & 3) which gradually arc around the tower. These would be casino and restaurant levels, whilst the rest of the tower would consist of hotel usage. I have also utilised an area at the front of the site which would act as a destination point and an attraction. Much like the Bellagio, I was thinking of maybe a fountain or something like that. Again, this space interacts with Wickham Street and is a little more open to Gipps Street also.

I think that its important to have an entrance and exit on the same street rather than using 2 different streets. This is the issue that has been plaguing me since developing any ideas.

Obviously, these models only took a couple of minutes to mock up, and although it looks nothing like what i want to produce, it does show the layering idea at the base. A lot more work needs to be done once I have decided which design to go with, but the idea and floor layouts are already there.

CONCEPT WORK

This is the idea i have had stuck in my head all week. I want to use an elliptical base which gradually forms a circle, to then go into a twisting offset square a the peak. I was imagining that an organic skin would envelop the base of the tower, up to around mid point, fading out as reflective or coloured window glass emerged from the tower. This will provide an extremely unique building, providing a beacon an possible icon to the area.

This was another idea that i sketched up which relates more to the entrance, also providing the symmetrical element.

This one was the north facing building, with the positioning enabling plenty of room on the north side of the tower which could be utilised for a pool and spa area. The only issues i have with this is the entrance to the site. It covers two roads as a pass through. However, overall i believe it works. After completing the site analysis though, i believe that Wickham Street is the street to which this site must address. A more front on design to this street may be beneficial. The corner however can work, as it is almost an invitation to the Valley from the Brisbane side.

The design below caters for everything i wanted to accomplish, however it almost turns its back on the surrounding areas. This has been done before however (Jupiters on the Gold Coast), but this site is close to a train station, as well as the city, so the need for local traffic accommodation isn't as strong. In one way, coming from the train station side of the site, the tower would be overlooking this area (front of tower), but coming from Brisbane it would almost look like the tower was shunning that side. It also fails to interact with Wickham Street. I think movement in this plan would need work.

This design below was influenced by Vegas Casinos (or some of them at least). I looked at the Bellagio mainly, as well as influences from treasure island and mirage. I wanted to incorporate a symmetrical design, and also give some of the space back to the public. This was a tricky one to work out in terms of where things should go. I ended up putting the recreational / pool space one level below the entrance level, accessible by going underneath the car entrance outside the front doors of the tower. This provides interest for walkers passing the site. It also engages with Wickham Street and enables the rest of the site to be built on. Even though the tower will dominate the space, on ground level it is almost 50/50 with built form and natural environment.

CONCEPT WORK

Ok, for the last week i have been doing a fair bit of research regarding to both casinos and skyscrapers. I have produced a number of concpet ideas, but what is holding me up is the site itself. Because i am utilising the entire area (demolishing the existing buildings on the corner of Wickham St and Gipps St). Anyway, I have done the concepts on paper, as i found the 3d progarms were limiting me as i wasn't familiar with them, in regards to what exactly i wanted to produce.

So, Here are my initial thoughts on what to produce.

Concept 1.

These were just some sketches which directly related to a casino. I abstracted a portion of a roulette wheel, as well as a chip stack and die.