Folie Information

I have created my folie design in such a shape and with certain materials to represent not only the history of the Howard Smith Wharves, but also the greater Brisbane city in which our site resides. The current use of the site, and User movement throughout the site dictated what function my folie would have.

My folie provides a family seating area – marked by the number 1. A bike rest area – number 2. A study area or area for one person with a laptop or such – number 3. A general seating area – number 4, and finally a viewing platform, utilising the views down the river marked – number 5.

I incorporated not only the wharves into my design, but also Brisbane city. The curved seating arrangement represents the river which is such an instrumental part of the city. As you step up and around the design, the design opens up to a viewing point which replicates the bow tip of a ship, giving the best views of the area. The roofing also obtained it’s inspiration from the shipping trade, abstracting the sails that were instrumental to shipping. The frame that holds the roofing material in place is designed to represent the towering city which surrounds the site, as well as the monumental story bridge which passes over the site.  

I have abstracted the ships that frequented the wharves for the materials I used on my folie. The timbers predominately cover the entire design, with a timber railing fence around the higher areas for safety. This fence has thick wire cables spanning between the posts. The seats are constructed of a moulded plastic for a comfortable shape. The roof is made of thickened canvas, with copper edging rails. The copper will morph in colour over time. The roofing frame is of stainless steel, which cantilevers over the design, holding up the roof.  

Folie Final Design

Folie

"The bright red folies were meant as "activators of space", rather than sculptural objects. They became a sign for La Vallette. Much in a way that Giles Gilbert Scott's red telephone epitomized London, or Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau Metro stations provide a leitmotif for the city of Paris."

(Bure, 2008)

City Walk

          The City walk gave me a new understanding of how Users get to a destination through the city, and what they may experience on their journey. Natural and Man-Made Paths, Monuments, Landmarks, Boundaries and Edges all combine together to lead the User on a journey in which they have never experienced.

          Our site, located at the Howard Smith Wharves can in actual fact be accessed and experienced many different ways, some of which include walking, riding, and catching a bus or train. The site can also be viewed from many vantage points, as the Storey Bridge is a major landmark in the City of Brisbane.

City Walk

Site Analysis

Site Analysis is essential in design. Without prior knowledge of how a site is used, accessed, and seen, a design can never function to it's full potential. The areas around the site must be known as well, to gain a full insight to what you are dealing with.

Areas, Movement, Access, and Main Roads

Main Roads around the Site.

Pedestrian and Traffic Access

Flow Through Site, and Views.