Discussion Forum: Ornament or Crime?

This discussion forum is centered around ornament: what it is, how it can be used, how it is often an after-thought, and what its role is in contemporary architecture. We were asked to consider Vitruvius' Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas breakdown of architecture, as well as read Adolf Loos' infamous Ornament and Crime essay, where he argues … Continue reading Discussion Forum: Ornament or Crime? →

Development of Moments: Collection of Sketches

Individual Drama Rehearsal Pods: Surrounding Conditions and Configurations An idea I am interested in exploring is bringing drama and dance storage out of its often-'hidden' position, with a more open configuration which would allow students to interact with items usually reserved only for final performances. This concept is paired with the idea of 'boredom' and … Continue reading Development of Moments: Collection of Sketches →

Discussion Forum: Blind Leading the Blind

It’s less about the sight I’ve lost, but the realisation of how much of the environmental experience that I wasn’t designing, that I was leaving to chance, leaving to possible failure because I wasn’t designing for itChris Downey This discussion forum is centered around the haptic experience of architecture: how this can be more carefully … Continue reading Discussion Forum: Blind Leading the Blind →

Next Round of Massing Models

First attempt We first decided to execute our original idea of positioning the different functions within the Unitary Plan-defined L-shape, as 'arms' that open out to the site. The amphitheatre would nestle in between, creating an open performance space along the main circulation route. We worked out volume sizes for the dance and drama rooms … Continue reading Next Round of Massing Models →

Development of Moments: Models and Photoshopping

The following models and photoshop work were a way for me to develop the individual drama rehearsal pods. While I originally was interested in experimenting with dark-coloured materials, my group members were interested in me exploring a lighter palette (which, indeed, would automatically make the space feel less enclosed). We also talked about including diffused … Continue reading Development of Moments: Models and Photoshopping →

A Moment: Individual Rehearsal Spaces

After coming together as a group following the Mid-Semester Crit and collectively reflecting on the feedback we were given, we began independently designing key 'moments' within our project. I was interested in exploring the individual rehearsal spaces, as these are often not considered in Performing Arts Centres for disciplines other than music. This concept is … Continue reading A Moment: Individual Rehearsal Spaces →

Mid-Semester Crit [Feedback and Reflection]

Following on from our Mid-Semester Crit Scheme presentation... Feedback, Discussion and Reflection Introductory notes During Djordje and Iman's presentation of their scheme, the critics made some comments that are applicable to our group's overall approach to creating 'anxiety'. An integral part of theatre in itself is the act of ‘witnessing’ it (as in, the presence … Continue reading Mid-Semester Crit [Feedback and Reflection] →

Mid-Semester Crit [Presented Scheme]

A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre.Peter Brook Introduction Our brief poses the question: can boredom and ‘optimal’ anxiety be effectively harnessed within a learning space for physical expression? With the amount of stimulus in present day … Continue reading Mid-Semester Crit [Presented Scheme] →

Sectional Primer

As an introduction to sectional drawing for this course, we were asked to bring in some existing sections which sparked our interest. We then discussed the information communicated in different drawings, and how section drawing style differs for conceptual and resolved designs. The purpose of a section strongly impacts the style chosen for the drawing: … Continue reading Sectional Primer →