Fibonacci Sequence and Space Area

For the area floorspace distribution between different spaces, I used the ''Metric Handbook", which has a wealth of information handy for any designer. Having researched the area needed for each different space, I discovered that they matched almost identically with that of the Fibonacci mathematical sequence as well, except with a, extra decimal place, so 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21 became 10,10,20,30,50,80,130,210. From this discovery I was able to further link my design back to my concept not only by the cure created by this sequence, but with the sequence itself.

Spatial Planning

After completing the technical side of my module design, I began to look at spatial awareness, and how the modules would come together to create the space I want. It would not be good enough for the modules to work individually well, but on a grander scale break down into uselessness.

I began my research by re-researching spatial adjacencies, and bubble diagrams, focusing on what rooms my design would need to function well.

Going off these spatial diagrams, I can begin to formulate an idea aout how and where the spaces will fit together.

Walls & Benches/Seats

The sliding walls and benches are an integral function for the adaptability of my module. Both work on a similar roller wheel and rail system, and both are fitted with clamp brakes, so the benches will stay up, and the walls can be locked at night.

Given the seat will need to be able to resist the force of several people sitting on it, four heavy duty rollers have been used at each end, and these roll on a steel rail, which is prefabricated onto the outer casing of the column.

As the walls will not have the same weight applied to them as the benches, it will suffice to only have two rollers at each end. These also run on similar prefabricated steel rails.

Manouverable Roof, Soft & Hard Top

This was possiby the hardest technically to solve on the module. For the hard roof, if the columns were going to change height, the roof would have to be able to follow accordingly, whilst the distance between columns would increase. I solved this by having a ball joint on the top of the column, and the underside of the roof, with a universal in the middle, so when the columns were changed, the roof would adapt accordingly. Material wise, the roof is made of faux timber, a biodegradable material researched earlier in the semester (see earlier blog post) which is strapped together with stainless steel bars on the outside, for added strength, and looks.

The hard roof is designed to accommodate the wall partitions, and the modules with the hard roof are used on the outside, so the building can be completely shut down when necessary. 

The soft roof was a little bit easier, where a canvas with a stretch factor was tied between the columns. the outer edges of the canvas were tied with an aluminium band, so as to keep the shape of the floor. Using a stretchy canvas enable the module to take on some pretty crazy shapes when the columns were changed.



Solving Sub-Floor Technical

For my design to work, the I-Beam columns will have to be extremely well supported and fixed at the base, as there can be no bracing anywhere else due to the multiple moving parts. I have decided to have each column bolted to an auger pile. these are driven into the ground, then each module is attached.

The sub-floor framing is a typical housing sub-floor, and is as follows. The columns are joined by square hollow tubing bearers. these are welded and plate bolted to the column I-Beams. Timber joists are then bolted onto the bearers, at 600mm centres. Finally the floor is nailed or screwed to the joists. A lightweight timber shell is constructed, and attached to the outside, so as to hide all of the construction underneath.

Column Sliding Technical

An integral part of my design was to master a way of making the four outer columns be able to slide, so the roof can be shaped in any crazy way according the the height of each column.
What I have devised is haveing a central I Beam, which is bolted to the sub-floor, then have an aluminium square outer casing, which runs on rollers on the I Beam. This allows for the outer casing to slide up and down.

The space provided by the outer casing leaves enough room for a hydraulic ram. In my design this can be powered mechanically, via a remote control motor, so the module can be adapted with ease. If the modules were being sold seperately, The ram can be run with a hand powered crank which folds into the column.

This gives the module adaptability to to work in a business style place with the ability to run mechanically, and for the public, in public places to run powered by hand.

The Site as an Extension of Esplanade & Valley

I want the site to be an extension of the Riverside esplanade and the Valley, combining the dining cafe areas, and the nightlife to create a site that has multiple uses day and night, and serves the needs of all people around.

Module Shape according to Fibonacci

As previously investigated, Fibonacci curves, based on Fibonacci's formular, are considered aesthetically perfect, and also to be functionally perfect. My module design was shaped using this formular and curves, so as to create an aesthetically pleasing shape, but also so that the functionality of the module would be enhanced.

All edges are curved following the outer Fibonacci curve. This not only creates a good basis for a tesellating shape, but also builds four unique ways of interaction between people within the module. The module addapts for how you stand, where you stand, where you want to sit, how big a group you are in, how much privacy you want, and whether you want social interaction or a private conversation. This is all achieved by curved spaces, sliding benches/seats and sliding walls. 

Revisiting Sit Analysis

To kickstart the third assignment, I wanted to revisit some site analysis, and get back to some basics, to gain further insight into the what, when, where and why of the Howard Smith Wharves. I zoned the suburbs surounding the site, and noted what impact these would have, and how the site links to them.

 There are four predominant areas around HSW, these being the CBD in orange, the Fortitude Valley in purple, the Residential in green, and the esplanade in blue. All are very different style zones, and I feel my design should accommodate each of them in some way. My restaurant/bar style design works with these zones well for being able to cater for business people and families during the day and afternoon via the restaurant, as an extension of the esplanade and the CBD, but then also become an extension of the Valley at night with with the bar.

Also for the area to become a favourable place to visit, the site cannot just be home to my design, there should be a few building to create choice, and inturn create a favourable location which will draw people in from all directions. The way the site is laid out, with the CBD being on the left hand side, and the Valley on the right hand side, the buildings should correspond with this and mirror or replicate the wider context on a smaller scale, with cafes and restaurants to the left, and pubs, clubs, and bars to the right. I have situated my design in the middle, as it incorporates all context.

Modular Design

Each edge of the module works on a sliding mechanism, and come out of the floor to create benches and seats as required.

These images show the adaptability of the module, predominantly the base being able to slide up and down up to 400mm, and the wall partitions sliding down from the roof, 500mm in height.



These four modules show the wall partitions in different sequences. The modules can be joined together to any number of ways and shapes to create unique spaces. Each partition has a separate slide rail, so they can slide past each-other and create any barrier desired.