POST REVIEW

well had the lightest most relaxing weekend.
i rushed off after the presentation to catch a 5.30 train
i was hauling my backpack, a tent and bedroll
i was headin up to a friends from which a convoy of us where heading off to camp for the weekend.

had fun, got bruised from falls, burnt lip from fire while tasting marshmallowas but all in all a good time!!
better than the camping trips at the same time in previous 4 years.

final presentation

Pictures of final model:

oh so very tired.

we didnt end up seeing a reveiwer till 4.30 ish. and was rushed through our presentation as they ran out of time to see everybody.

i think i did okay. the only presentation comment i received was that the "sexy images" should be bigger as they are more evocative.

the comments on the design were few. Mark didnt question the ESD factors, which is good, means that there was no glaring ommissions!

he did like the use of elevations to show shadows but thought it could be done another way.

having problems uploading the posters so may have to redo them or something. not sure if its the net the deakin site, my files or what...

at least i to0k photos of them!

bamboo "vegetal steel"

okay i know it getting pushed by Velez as a replacement for timber and steel.

but with loads of a tonne at least, due to 20kg lights, yes i checked, theres nothing smaller than 15kgs, and fly system, i had to use steel for some beams to take the pressure off.
still used bamboo beams everywhere else though.

i worked out about 20 lights a bar and 12 bars along a beam. and what with the failure point of bamboo beams being underside of the beam, i didnt think it was safe to use a relatively unknown system to carry high loads over childrens heads.

but for those interested...
http://www.aol.com.au/lifestyle/story/Vegetal-steel-bamboo-as-eco-friendly-building-material/113171/index.html

http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/good_wood/bamboo.htm

http://www.bamboodirect.com.au/

http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/bamboo.htm

http://www.bamboocompetition.com/

solar studies - vernal equinox, hall between two structures

LAMINATED BAMBOO VENEER BEAMS

laminated bamboo beam profiles

www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/foundation/3114

Im looking at having all the lightweight cladding in bamboo for my design.

yes i may as well give up, i'm the 'bamboo lady':) no fighting it .

so seeing as thats the case, i thought i would use as much bamboo in the design as possible

including the beams for floors and roofs.

The roofs are splaying out from the lightwell, giving the building the look of a flower from above, but it also reduces the height of the building, the pedestrian bulk so to speak.which makes the scale of the buiolding more comfortable.

the angle odf the roofs is to maximise light and space in the north half and increaswe seating space in the auditorium.

MASTERCLASS

well that was moderatly helpful

the lecture from nick peirce was inspiring, i would have liked to talk longer with him or have him look at my project.

we had nobody come and sit with us at the tute sessions
i had to go find someone
and by that time Pete Wollard was free.
so instead of picking the brain of an engineer, like i needed.
we had Peter discuss the masterplan, and the others designs, saying they shouldnt have skillion roofs, and we need to limit our material palette, and looking at our form.
i'm happy with my form.

i'm up to trying to get more ESD in my design.

hooray for bruises!!!

i came 4th in the PanPAcific Brazilian Jiujitsu Championships.

it was on last saturday.
i was nervous all week
and almost fell asleep from adrenelin just before my first match.
after the first bout my stomach ached!
after the second i wanted to go again!

I may have been beaten by a victorian and a queenslander, but i acheived what i wanted to acheive.

and i'm still admring the bruise i got on my chest from my opponents fist.

marks for PODHIVE

well got a D for the assignment, so i'm chuffed.:):)

bearing in mind that we could have shown more, and they were considered, just not put in the video.
there was a comment about it being "good to see some bamboo in the design terri"

i'm wondering why its good for me? am i now the resident bamboophile, bamboo expert, or something?

While i ran off with the 1:1 and tried bamboo for 2 years with furniture design, and i like it still. i dont like being pigeonholed so early.

arrrrgh!!

Never thought work and computer graphics would make me so tired.

i seem to have lost track of my mp3 player.

i'm hoping i left it at work, otherwise......

i lost it on the tram. or someone stole it.

and it had all my data files on it too. For Uni.

i think i'll have to start multiple saving. a copy in transit, a copy at uni, a copy at home, a copy at work.... just in case.

from its reputation you wouldnt expect geelong to be safer, but...there you go...Melbourne, for all that i like it...sucks!!
or at least some people do.

Masterplanning

Dallas and myself met up for a masterplanning session. No idea where the other 2 got to. anyway, we powered through the plan, i think we tend to think along same lines, so we dont really argue over different ideas or clash. We debate, and bounce off each other, which is what you want in a group. Which is good:)

Looking at how the 10-12 area would fit in with the whole school, we developed a general idea of linking it to the 7-9 building and providing what the 7-9 building didn't have, while hijacking some of the existing services. This way we can maintain a better environmental balance, by not doubling up on services.

We noted that some subject and services are needed in high school, and some arnt needed all the way to year 12, so we tried to provide a bleeding of needs between the 7-9 building and the senior school. These we identified as a dedicated high school library, art, science and technology dedicated spaces. The seniors can hijack the existing sports areas, and as Home Ec. is more a VET subject, hijack the 7-9 cafe as a catering project, possibly incorporating a kitchen garden using water from the roofs, and cared for by the junior students as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

As for Cafe services, we thought the seniors would be better served with a kitchenette in their year level common rooms(rec rooms)

As the art, technology and science rooms require venting, sound and lighting controls, they remain rather artificial compared to the exterior environment, we didnt see them as adequately provided for in the 7-9 building. We also included the Hall/Gathering Area/Performance Space, as it fits in with the needs of the other spaces.

we decided to keep the existing admin building and, gut(internal partitions), re-clad (to match the rest of the new buildings) and extend it, to create the Admin and Library block, as we saw the needs of those areas blending well.

General classrooms, small tutorial spaces and the common rooms, toilet blocks, changerooms, PE workout rooms, and outdoor learning spaces, we decided to set out as communal area pods. As if the needs of the School change they can grow or disappear as needed, and the perminant buildings can become a community recreation centre.

looking at the video. i think we could have put in more detail. while we looked into all the environmental aspects, they weren't explained too well in the video. The arrows for the passive cooling and heating cant be seen, and the plan wasn't included for some reason, tho it was detailed heavily in CAD.

all good to watch for next time.

video-assignment one

well the video was put up, and upon looking at it, the details didnt show up too well, so i've decided to post the images here in the hopes it shows more.

capabilities of triangles.

after making the frames, i've tried to come up with different layouts of the pods, based on the hexagram, and honeycomb.

in our group meeting we decided on the third one, with an interstitial space in the middle of two pods that are each classrooms.
i like the first one with a few added pods. it allows for the frame work to be smaller, and easier for one or two people to manouver and build, rather than whole pod as classroom. to get the right size for that, the triangles have to be 1.2m on each side.








Other plans we came up with involved, having a secondary floor, where the top one- the pieces can be lifted up and you can sit with your legs hanging into the secondary floor. this allows for the space to be flexible in use, no chairs, and the children sit on cushions, the tables can be stacked in a corner and floor closed up at game time, story time, or activity time. the other advantage is for a removable cladding around the outside of that pace and the passive ventilation that can be user controlled. the air is pulled out through an openable window in the roof.


Rainwater is collected in gutters at he base of the building, in which sit potplants. These can be class projects, experiments or school landscaping. it also provides a filter against dust coming into the class and hot winds. Water is then fed through the gutters to nearby plant beds. this provides a windbreak against the structure.

schemeing - framework

Well we have decided to go on the modular idea, with the building breaking down into easy to transport parts. As we explored the triangle, we continued with this theme.
i came up with a design where a pole n sleeve connection allows the triangles to angle around till pinned in place. This frame can be used to hold any cladding material, so is quite versatile.

Apparently tho(after speaking to tutor) i'll need to seal the gaps after it is clad, so it will have to be clad before transport, or a rubber seal that the glazing can slip in to.
the sleeve/pole is made from bamboo, as well as the flooring and cladding where possible, other than recycled timber from local areas. The rest of the group liked the idea of bamboo due to its physical properties, ease of manufacture and environmental credentials. I personally tried to persuade them otherwise, simply as i've been practically obsessed with bamboo since i was in second year, and while i know some stuff about bamboo and still like it, i was looking forward to exploring something new.

geodesic domes

http://www.ozarkdome.com/
PRINCIPLES OF THE GEODESIC DOME:I. The economy of the sphere. (1) the circle contains more area, for a given perimeter, than any other planar shape.Corollary: The circle exposes less perimeter, for a given area, than any other planar shape. (2) The sphere contains more volume, for a given surface area, than any other polyhedral shape.Corollary: The sphere exposes less surface area, for a given volume, than any other polyhedral shape.Corollary: For given volume and given amount of material, the sphere will form the thickest structure.II. The conservation of materials. (3) As the surface area of a structure rises, for a given volume, the amount of construction material generally rises, other things being equal.(4) The cost of a structure rises as the amount of material used in construction rises, other things being equal.III. The control of air temperature. (5) When brought together, two substances (or masses) of different temperatures will each change their temperature toward the other’s, until they are at the same temperature.(6) For a given mass, (such as the interior air-mass of a structure), as the amount of surface area it exposes to its surrounding environment increases, the faster it will change its temperature toward the temperature of the surrounding environment.Corollary: For a given mass, (such as the interior air-mass of a structure), as the amount of surface area it exposes to its environment decreases, the slower it will change its temperature toward the temperature of the surrounding environment. IV. The distribution ability of the sphere. (7) The more distributed (spread out) a force, the easier it is to resist (or stop).Corollary: The more concentrated a force, the harder it is to resist (or stop).(8) For a given force, a sphere will more evenly distribute that force than any other polyhedral shape. V. The nature of the lever. (9) The lever can be used to move things, or hold things in place.(10) A triangle is composed of interlocked levers which allow it to self-stabilize with a minimum of effort.VI. The firmness of the triangle. (11) The triangle is the only polygon that is inherently stable.(12) When interconnected triangles are closed into a spherical shape, the resulting structure is stable.(c) W. Lauritzen 1996

Kotsatsu

this is a traditional japanese hearth furniture, whereby a pit is cut in the floor, 40cms deep with the table sitting above, and a heater in the pit to warm cold feet!!
great for winter in classrooms!!!

it traps the warm air from below to use, while the rest of the room is drafty.

"Generally, a blanket is draped over the frame under the table-top. A person then sits on the floor with their legs (or most of their body if napping) under the table with the blanket draped over the lower body. Though this only heats up the lower body, it can keep one quite comfortable even in an unheated/under-heated room. In the summer, the blanket may be removed and the kotatsu can be used as a normal table.
Most Japanese housing is un- or under-insulated, and they rely primarily on space heating. Heat is expensive because of the lack of insulation, and the draftiness of housing. A kotatsu is a relatively inexpensive way to stay warm in the winter, as the futons trap the warm air.
The kotatsu was originally designed for people wearing Japanese style clothes, where the heat would enter through the bottom of the robes and exit around the neck, thus heating the entire body." - Wikipedia

Simon Velez

For inspiring designs and use of bamboo as a green and vernacular material, take a look at Simon velez from Colombia, which has its own native species of bamboo.
http://www.deboerarchitects.com/BambooThoughts.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3575/is_1279_213/ai_111105947
http://www.theotherlookofcolombia.com/images/simon_velez.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.theotherlookofcolombia.com/news.html&h=308&w=500&sz=278&hl=en&start=11&um=1&tbnid=RRg8YPUxu5k20M:&tbnh=80&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djoinery%2Bbamboo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4SUNA_enAU261AU264

laminaterd timber beams

apparently this has won awards...
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/study_proves_go.php
i thought it looked cool.

OH&S

well, the double floor idea has a flaw.

ran it by a nurse friend. "what about OH&S?" she said.


the cleaners are going to complain about cleaning the underfloor. and are the handholds to lift the floor panels going to be a trip hazard?

I think we need to rethink that idea, though it is cool and has potential.

maybe some kind of earth draw ventilation, vents outside bring it up through the floor hollows...

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

While looking at ESD principles in regards to the Module 5.
i also looked out for information on learning environments.

Steiner or Waldorf schools follow an educational and child development belief in Anthrosophy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldorf_education
http://www.skylarkbooks.co.uk/Shop/media/Architecture_Steiner.htm
http://www.rudolfsteinerweb.com/Rudolf_Steiner_and_Architecture.php
The architecture of steiner schools is interesting as it follows on fromn the educational philosophy .

another thing to look at is engaging the child and class in a range of activities in order to provide laerning opportunities. this is one such program. tho not appropriate for the Module 5, i thought i'd keep it in mind for the later projects.
http://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/

VOX POP - secondary and special needs teacher

Climate Control.
Sun-shade for windows.
Storage area - some portables are used regularly by the one teacher / class.
Data ports / Overhead Projector & Projector screen.
Communications - Most portables are stuck out in the far reaches of the school and have the most troublesome classes allocated to them.

VOX POP - primary school teacher

"Depends on the function of the classroom. Secondary classrooms are the least restrictive. ideally, a whiteboard spanning the width of the front wall, a doorway not at the front of the class so it does not obstruct the teacher. passive lighting and large eaves to prevent glare from direct sunlight, particularly off the whiteboard.
Room to allow 26 students to spread out for a test, about 15 tables separated so 2 students can sit on the ends, a room about 6m deep does this. noise insulation is an oft neglected bonus. specialty classrooms must be able to fit equipment/machinery, particualrly wood and metal workrooms. safety also demads adequatespace to move and work.easily cleaned surfaces, especially in art rooms is recommended.
For primaryschool, they havezones. storage is paramount. The class needs to be able to be seated at their desks. 3desk clusters, 6 students per cluster, 4-5 clusters. a carpeted area where students can sit on the floor for group reading, discussions, showntell etc. In this areais a low comfy chair for the teacher and a small whiteboard on a easle contraption, with draw n storage at the back. a wet area with vinyl or rubber flooring for painting etc. exposed beams or scaffolding is almost essential to hang lines to display work. A wall with about 6 computers along it is common. The walls should be able to handle displays being pinned or taped up and removed frequently.
Also, it is useful to pair up classrooms with a small room between. This room commonly has a big table, a whiteboard, and a few more computers. This roomalso serves as shared storage. This roomshould have the capacity to be observed from either of the classrooms. Concerins doors allow this and also permit the two classes to be opened up to one big room for combined activities and minor assemblies.
Lighting is not as important in primary rooms. Primary rooms should have a large whiteboard too.That is all i can think of."

VOX POP - grade 5 girl 11yo

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN YOUR DREAM CLASSROOM?
"garden
computer area
smartboard
trophy case
calender
world time on analogue clocks
aquarium near wet area
wet area
book area
bean bag corner
pot plants
digital clock
teacher desk
newspaper area
storeroom
info pin up wall
bag room (anteroom)
own desk per student with locker drawer underneath

VOX POP - grade 3 girl 8yo

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN YOUR DREAM CLASSROOM?
"fairy dolls
aquarium
yoga teacher
high school style desks
couches
trophy case
dress ups
tv area
lunch area
playhouse
cupboards
art area
books area
teacher desk
green house"

VOX POP - grade 1 girl 6yo

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN YOUR DREAM CLASSROOM??
"smartboard
pethouse
dvd area/tv
dolls
aquarium
couches
dress up area
computers
pin up frames
pilows
desk for each student
trophy case
lunch area in each classroom, free canteen
reading area"

Not all portables or demountables are boxes!!

This is a place called
"The Tin Shed" in St Albans
It is a Community Youth Centre like a YMCA
It was origianally a munitions store for the army, BACK IN THE 40'S/50'S.






As you can see its had some additions over the years.

First Day Esquise

ONE TRIANGLE...

BECOMES TWO ...

BECOMES 3...

BECOMES 4...

BECOMES 5...

...BECOMES ANARCHY!!

UNFOLDING TRIANGLES

The Esquisse task was to create the largest and dynamic interesting space with the minimum of materials.

Playing with straws at lunch, i made the most stable of structures, a triangle. We then explored the idea of repetition and how far we could take the form.

While we ended up with a stable egg form, it seeded the idea of many other shapes and ideas. We explored notions of material, connection, form...

i would have liked to see how a membrane of these shapes went in forming shape and space, but the straws was a quick quirky way to play with ideas.