D402 DESIGN STUDIO

Project 6: Topography
Contextual space: An architectural exploration of atmosphere and organising the wider context
Stern House - Sketches by Louis Kahn

D402 Design Studio

B Arch (Hons) Architecture

Terms 3

core module

level one 2014-15

project 6

Project 6: Topography
Contextual space: An architectural exploration of atmosphere and organising the wider context

Part 1 Client Research and Graphical Explorations

Contextual space: An architectural exploration of atmosphere and organising the wider context
For the first part of this project you will undertake a number of exercises to explore the clients you have been
given to work with for Project 6. The clients will have been assigned to you by the module leader and you are to
work and respond to the requirements of the client brief over the Easter period.
On returning from the Easter holiday, you will have readily prepared research and the completed set of tasks
which will then form the basis for your design proposals for Project 6 Part 2.
Project 6 introduces you to issues of context, through site analysis, research and observation; how people use
spaces, and how different interventions can change use and the perception of a given space; and provides
opportunities to develop the skills introduced to you in previous projects and teaching sessions. The final project
synthesises all you have learned through Projects 1 to 4 and builds upon the principles and practices employed
and learning in Project 5 in particular.
Upon completion of Part 1 of this project you will have a body of work which will be presented on the first day back
from the Easter break. This will help give you feedback and direction for Part 2.

Part 2 Site Analysis and Design Development

Introduction
'What should a new building say to a national park? 'I humbly and respectfully beg permission to take my place at
your royal and ancient court. I will follow your customs and obey the existing laws and procedures of your
establishment. So far from making an intrusion, my constant endeavour will be to melt into the background.'
'What should a new building say to a medieval town? [...] 'I love your colours, I love your proportions and I love
most of your materials. But I am young at heart and would like to have more light and glitter. My heart will be of
oak, my sides will be colour-washed daub, my roof will be of red-bronze glass.' '
Tom Turner, City as Landscape: a post-postmodern view of design and planning 1996
Project 6 introduces you to issues of context, through complex site analysis, research and observation; how
people use spaces, and how different interventions can change use and perception of a given space; and
provides opportunities to develop the skills introduced to you in previous projects and teaching sessions. Your
research and blog from your study trips will become useful throughout this project as you begin to make
connections between your site and the wider context.

D402 Design Studio 2014-15

Project 6

D402 Design Studio

B Arch (Hons) Architecture

Terms 3

core module

level one 2014-15

project 6

ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGE
The architectural challenge is to design a research hub and learning centre to be located on the site provided to
you (see site brief for details). Contrubuting to this, you will also provide overnight accomodation for the
inhabitants (your clients) who visit the site for research/study and work on short stay trips. Your client will use the
building(s) as a base for their collections, investigations and experiments but will also use it as a place where they
can connect with the public and the public can learn about their area of expertise. The building will therefore
accomodate for small school or family groups who may visit the centre to learn about the type of nature study your
client focuses on in their research.
The building must act as an environmental filter and create atmosphere for its visitors. It should be expressive and
meaningful. It should respond to its immediate site and wider context.
You are asked to design 3 individual units; (research hub/learning centre, overnight accomodation for short-stay
residents, supplementary buildings which may be needed by this typology in order to function). The units must be
varied in their interaction with the landscape and therefore you should concentrate on specifying each building to
one specific and appropriate location on site.

One embedded in the landscape

One situated on the landscape
One elevated above the landscape

Each unit should be connected to each other either physically or using pathways, walkways and external stairs.
You should consider how people move to, through and from the accommodation.
Your design scheme should respond to the site, demonstrating a strong visual and spatial connection to the
landscape, the topography and surroundings (i.e. the existing ruins). You must consider how each unit connects
with the ground and use your site analysis to justify placement / orientation and form in a meaningful way.
Think about what the current experiences of the site are. How can they be made different eg. more focused,
intense, mysterious etc? What might you want to frame / reveal / conceal? How could you manipulate different
perspectives and views (up, down, under, through etc) and scales (small and/or large). Can you involve all the
senses, including kinaesthetic.
The preceding projects objectives should not be forgotten here, every architectural project has component of
meaningful creative interpretation, structural logic, symbolic representation and spatial design.
As part of this project you will undertake research into the areas above and will look for Architectural precedence
studies to help inform your design process. The topic of Mannerism, Mystery and Journeys through nature will be
important to explore and you should use your knowledge from your modules in cultural context to help to research
and to document your research on your online blog Project 6. Your background studies will be considered when
assessing your project finally.
You will then present your findings alongside your individual designs at the review for this project on 15 th May 2015.
Further details of the review will be provided at a later date.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Demonstrate the principles of site analysis

Formulate design ideas that respond to a wider environment and context
Employ structural principles
Explore the appropriate use of materials
Combine various design skills and express them in drawings and a model
Manage a creative design project involving: organising time and priorities, information gathering, research,
creation, reflection, revision, modification, production of drawings and model

PROCEDURE
On receiving your brief, visit the site with your tutor and decide on a suitable location for the project. Take note of
the site conditions, cardinal orientation, frontage, access and terrain. Discuss the requirements of the project with
your tutor.

D402 Design Studio 2014-15

Project 6

D402 Design Studio

B Arch (Hons) Architecture

Terms 3

core module

level one 2014-15

project 6

Group discussion questions:

What level of comfort is necessary for short term-inhabitation?
How do the spaces relate to each other?
How do they relate and respond to the ruined buildings?
How do the units respond to the topography and landscape, (waterfall, rock face etc.)?
Discuss your design work programme with your tutor and prepare your sketch designs in time for tutorials.
Prepare your design and bear in mind the ergonomics of the interior, the relationship between in and out,
'sheltered' and 'un-sheltered'. Each project has varying degrees of enclosure. The un-enclosed areas allow for
public participation.

D402 Design Studio 2014-15

Project 6

D402 Design Studio

B Arch (Hons) Architecture

Terms 3

core module

level one 2014-15

project 6

FINAL PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum submission requirements:

1:200 massing model ~ evidenced with photographed and placed on large group contour model
(constructed 24th and 28th April 2015)
1:100/1:200 site plan showing your design scheme in context
1:50 plans of all levels in context
1:50 cross section in context
1:50 long section in context
1:50 or 1.20 building model
One internal visualisation and one external visualisation using photoshop to dress up your renders
A3 journal showing your process through the following:

Site Analysis
- Site strategy (ie. how you will use the information from the site analysis / research (including
your and others observations) to inform the siting, footprint, height & other elements of your
pavilion;
- Design idea or concept
- Precedent research (this can be wide ranging and might include small spaces, repeated units,
examples of contextually informed design etc etc)
Please note that number of orthographic drawings always depends on your design and how best they
express your ideas. You are encouraged to use render your drawings and use alternative materials to
explore representing context.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Tuesday

24 March

Project 6

Part 1 brief introduction

Tuesday

21 April

Project 6

Part 2 brief introduction + Client Pin up

Friday

24 April

Project 6

Site Visit

Concept & initial Design Ideas

Tuesday

28 April

Project 6

Task

Proposals

Friday

1 May

Project 6

Tutorials

Tuesday

5 May

Project 6

Task

8 May

Project 6

Tutorials

12 May

Project 6

Task

Project 6

Final Review

Friday
Tuesday
Friday

15 May

ASSESSMENT
Assessment criteria include the general aims listed in the Programme guide as well as the learning
objectives detailed in the Project Description. The grading scale and procedures for late submissions are
also described in the Module guide.
Criteria

1. Design excellence - meaning, representation, space, atmosphere

2. Design excellence contextual response
3.
4.
5.

Structural sense
Creative/Appropriate Material Usage
Drawing & Craft skills

D402 Design Studio 2014-15

Project 6

D402 Design Studio

B Arch (Hons) Architecture

Terms 3

core module

level one 2014-15

project 6

6. Understanding of Environmental filter

7. Understanding of site analysis, site strategy and concept
8.

Critical Engagement With Project's Issues

D402 Design Studio 2014-15

Project 6

D402 Design Studio

B Arch (Hons) Architecture

Terms 3

core module

level one 2014-15

project 6

SUGGESTED REFERENCES:
A decade of RIBA student competitions

Glusber, J

Academy Editions, London

1992

Berlin Night

Hejduk, John

Nai Utigevers, Rotterdam

1993

Collapse of Time

Hejduk, John

AA, London

1986

Deconstructivist Architecture

Johnson, P & Wigley, M MOMA, New York

1988

New Spirit in Architecture

Cook, P

New York : Rizzoli

1990

Osaka Follies

Isozaki, Arata et al

AA, London

1991

Shelter

Shelter Publications

Shelter Publications

1973

The Lancaster/Hanover Masque

Hejduk, John

AA, London

1992

Park Guell

Kent, Conrad

Princeton Architectural Press

1993

Flesh : architectural probes

Diller + Scofidio.

Princeton Architectural Press

1994

Window room furniture

Williams, T

New York : Cooper Union : Rizzoli

1981

Ken Yeang : rethinking the environmental filter

Powell, Robert

Singapore : Landmark Books, 1989.

1989

Room in the City pp.28-31

Robertson, Donna (et.al.) Assemblage 16

Seville, Spain's Expo '92

The Inside and the Outside pp.7087
Complexity and Contradiction in architecture

June 1992 v190

D402 Design Studio 2014-15

Project 6

Venturi, Robert

The Architectural Review

1992
1966