A SLIGHT CHANGE IN DESIGN

I say slight, but I pretty much have to re-evaluate my design approach. As Glenda had mentioned to me previously, I had to sort out the program of the building to see if the form was efficient to house the facilities. After much research on the design of cargo terminals, all design approaches began with a rectangular form. This was due to this forms efficient nature with the outlaid program. I was very hesitant to fall into the mass produced rectangular and somewhat simple form. However, as a base, I am sure that I can work out a way to provide a unique and efficient design around a rectangular form. That will be my challenge! We’ll see how I can go, but opposed to the form that I was originally focused on, maybe this and other like building types cannot be built as an organic shape or form?

To reach this design shift, I had to step away from the computer generations and look at what was involved with my design, its users, and the program it needs to follow to provide maximum efficiency for the jobs that need to be undertaken within its walls.

I then worked on a design to accommodate an export and import zone, with access points and pick up points by trucks and train. As a primitive plan, it illuminated the areas within the form that were dead space, or not required. Further investigation into a larger scale of plan view showed that the form needed to be adjusted to provide a reasonable solution. At this stage, although I could still go ahead with the form, I want to be approaching this design as an actual project. Answers need to be provided to show that this design is adequate and built specifically for its purpose.

BACK TO MY ACTUAL DESIGN

I am quickly going to post a fraction of my process for today. I had a mini crit last week and from there I need to narrow my focus to the program of the building. I am playing around with the scale of the building at the moment as I have been researching leading cargo terminals around the work. At first I was reluctant about the sheer size of my building, however in all major cargo terminals massive space is needed to accommodate the increased freight volume, and the systems that allow them to run smoothly and efficiently. In my ‘pitch report’ the increase in freight volume was my number one goal. I wanted to provide Brisbane Airport with the countries largest international import and export centre, which would allow for maintained growth and a dramatic increase in traffic and finances.

I’ll have to work with the scaling to provide the right usable area. At the moment, I will be exploring the form, as I'll need to adjust it some way, more than likely I'll be playing with the width as height is pretty much at its maximum:

I spoke with my tutor (Glenda) and we discussed the users of the building. Initially I was going to incorporate a number of freight carries that already use the surrounding buildings. After researching this though, I decided to retreat from that idea, as I thought it didn’t really apply to my pitch analysis. To increase the freight volume drastically, I needed to provide an international hub. After researching the top cargo carriers, I have decided to provide a new freight and cargo terminal for Cathay Pacific which will link with another major terminal under construction in Hong Kong’s HKIA. This will allow for the growth of freight to Brisbane Airport, launching it as Australia’s central freight and cargo distribution centre, both internationally and nationally.

Cathay Pacific destinations with headquarters in Hong Kong:

Proposal of Brisbane Cathay Pacific hub:

I also need to look at the transport to and from the site, both private and public. As mentioned in my pith I really want to push for Freight Train access as well as water access via a man made canal from Brisbane River.

The orientation of the site and the buildings placement seems to be working in my favour. The form of the building will provide controlled sunlight penetration as well as optimal and controllable ventilation.

Ok, so now I’m going to look at the buildings program which will hopefully shed some light on the form changes that I need to make.

FABRICATING THE PHYSICAL MODEL OF THE GHERKIN

And here is the product of the laser cut model of the gherkin which I previously worked on. It was good to get these models done as it reintroduced me to the process of physical modelling. I am pleased of the outcome for this model, however if I were to do it again, I think i would have reversed the triangular structural system so that it was facing inward rather than outward. The reason I would do this is so I could add welding rods or something similar as the structural elements. I think that in doing this, it would have added an extra element to the model. Anyway, Here are the different stages of the model.

In the laser cutter:

The final model. I forgot to take process images, but it wasn’t really hard for this one. I had lined them up in such away that it was only layer building. I used super glue instead of wood glue. I found that the wood glue was taking too long to set, plus it wasn’t as strong as the super glue.

I like this image. It clearly shows the structural elements that protrude from the circular floor plates:

NOW FOR SOME FABRICATION

i decided to actually produce some physical models models some I could interpret the slight differences between the physical and virtual models. What I ended up envisioning as ‘slight differences’ turned out to be large differences with one of the model, but that was because I didn’t put it together correctly to start with, but its all a learning curve right?

I laser cut these 2 models (first model shown in this post) using 3mm MBF board. I think they turned out pretty well. I was able to adjust the first model to represent a standing form. Originally it was to be laid down. I wasn’t to fussed on the stuff up though, it was only a physical production of the curve exercise which I posted previously.

This is the laser cut curve exercise with masking tape to hold the individual elements in place on the board as I hadn’t numbered the pieces.

Half way through the compiling of pieces:

Extra layers start to provide a unique shape, clearly producing the 3 curves that the form was lofted from:

I then came to the position of making an alteration or two to the form. Because I had made an error to begin with, I knew the form couldn’t sit the way it was intended to, but I played around with what could be changed, and ended up standing the form upright, acting somewhat as a tower:

SOMETHING TO ASPIRE TO

In terms of grasshopper files and uses, this exhibition called FLUX: Architecture in a Parametric Landscape, by CCA Architecture/MEDIAlab, provides me with a destination to strive to. I want to be able to create monstrous files like this. There is a lot of effort involved here. Should keep me motivated for the next couple of days. Check out the exhibition here: http://matsysdesign.com/2009/06/25/flux-architecture-in-a-parametric-landscape/

Awesome!

INTO THE DESIGN

I now need to concentrate on the layout of the building itself. I’ve been researching freight terminals again, and there doesn’t really seem to be a prototype or precedent for the outlay. This is good, it will enable me to really break down the design to provide a unique internal as well as external spaces. I’m looking forward to doing this. I’m sure I'll run into issues but I need to push through it and tie my design basis into the fabrication process. I will update once I have some levels to play around with, and once I’ve worked out my internal spaces.

THE COMBINED FORM

Forgot to add this image to the last post. Its a primitive combination of the two forms.