WEEK 5

Architects:

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  Santiago Calatrava:

Calatrava is very interesting to me as he originally came from an engineering background (like me) and moved into architecture as his career progressed, many of his designs come from studies of nature and the human body. His works often incorporate moving parts that completely transform the feeling of the structure.

Images available online at: http://www.calatrava.com/

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  Glenn Murcutt:

The style of Glenn Murcutt is truly Australian and this is at the core why I like is architecture. He specialises in simple vernacular architecture that is truly respectful to its surrounds. He designs to the site conditions and pays particular attention to passive heating and cooling.

Image available online at: http://www.theage.com.au/news/house-home/murcutt-the-heavyweight/2006/12/05/1165080945902.html?page=fullpage

• Zaha Hadid:

I like Zaha Hadid's architecture as I believe it is truly unique and although many of the amazing works are conceptual no one has successfully emulated her works. Here creativity is only limited by the construction technologies available.

Images Available online at: http://desmena.com/?p=387

Site Analysis

Views: The best position for views have been highlighted above, The area on the western side of the bridge has the best potential for visually connecting the design to the CBD.

Site Movements: This figure outlines that there is large amounts of vehicular movement all around the site, but very little within it. The only existing users of the site are people exercising or commuting to work via foot or Bicycle.

Site Section: This diagram is describing the influence of noise to the site, with the majority of noise produced from above through the traffic on the Story Bridge. Secondary Noise is generated from the river movement and also the traffic (boats) on it.

 

The Site:

The site can be divided into four destinct categouries.

• Steep Area: This area is situated to the north of the site and is made up of a steep cliff face that rises up approx. 20 to 25 metres.
• Flat Area: This is the area at the base of the cliffs and is a flat area approx. 40m wide that is currently used as a thoroughfare for people commuting to and from work.
• Heritage Area: Is the location of the Howard Smith Wharves, this area is to remain in its original state and cannot be altered. The Wharves are historically significant to Brisbane and do posses an architectural beauty. The challenge is to create something that is sympathetic to these structures and feeds from the history.
• River: The river section is an area that could be utilised in an interesting and innovative way. The river seems like the most efficient way to provide access to the wider community.

Access:

• The existing site access is limited, which poses some logistical issues in relation to providing sufficient facilities for people to visit the the site via public modes of transport. The site although within the city is relatively disconnected from it inner city location. Currently the only way to visit the site is by your own means of transport be it Walking, Riding or Running. 

Location:

• The site is located in an area that is predominantly fringed by residential dwellings and apartment buildings. It is an underutilised space within the city, that with careful planning can activate the city rather than detract from it and provide a key area for social interaction within the greater Brisbane community.