Based on relating this project to the folie design 'Rain Box' and incorporating natural processes that can be utilised into biomimicry design investigation into natural elements and organisms has been connected and cross referenced to the water filtration focus of the folie. In the initial stages of design exploration was made into the form and function of sea squirts and how their water filtration qualities can be incorporated into an educational design for the benefit of human use. Sea squirts are an underwater organism that filtrate water by sucking water in through one opening of their tubular form, sending it into a filtration 'basket' where it is filtered with organic matter left behind for other organism to feed on whilst the filtered water is then pushed out the other opening. The idea of this filtration basket and remaining organic matter is the inspiration for my design aiming to develop an 'Interactive Centre of Biomimicry' as an educational institute for academics, students, children and the general public.
Above is a sketch incorporating the idea of entering in one tubular opening and extending down into the 'filtration' are with educational learning points along the way then releasing from the form out the other opening where you are enlightened with a new outlook on Brisbane's waterways and appreciation for natural processes and how they can be incorporated into design.
Extending on this idea educational projection screens have been incorporated where biomimicry imagery and information will be presented. A left allows users to then experience an observation deck and reflect on what they have learnt and how it can be applied to the world we live in assisting humanity and working with the environment rather than against it for temporary human benefit.
The tubular forms have emerged from the river to create a more visual impact on the site in order to attract people from further away. It will be seen from more of the CBD, Brisbane river, Kangaroo Point and around the cliffs. Entry to this design is via a platform from Howard Smith Wharves and another platform is provide for exiting to adhere to the sea squirts fuction where entry and expelling of water occurs through different components. This creates a directional journey clear to users along their educational pathway where they will experience a similar filtration and projection learning system as in the earlier concepts as well as a viewing/reflecting deck.
Expanding on the educational focus experienced by users additional cinema/lecture theater has been incorporated with space for toilets, an office and first aid as well as an early learning. This illustration also shows natural elements being taken into consideration
Determining rough measurements for the design
The sketch shows the design in a more structural light with its built form submerged into the riverbed for both natural cooling and stability. To ensure natural light and ventilation reaches the lower areas of the design this section also protrudes above the surface and can be sealed in flooding above high tide.
Users of the early learning centre and office area will be able to view above the surface of the water into the natural world with natural light entering between and around the boardwalk overhead. clear filtered water may in some areas drape over the this glass roof surface and flow down the sides not disturbing sections for ventilation. This gentle filtered water draping above will enlighten sensory delight with dappling patterns of light and flowing water.
Natural ventilation along with the cool atmosphere of the river and water flowing over the filtration chamber is illustrated above points of circulation. Transparent tubes are evidently pumping water from the river and filtrating it before releasing the clean water over the chamber. This collection and filtration system is part of the visual learning development of the user assisting their understanding of this process as it mimics that which happens in nature and specifically in sea squirts.
Above is two initial sketches of a movable pod system that allows the user to experience the building envelope in an interactive and educational manner. The educational journey of the interactive pods begins at the center of the filtration chamber symbolising the nutrient organic matter sea squirts filter from the oceans water in their 'filtration basket' for the benefit of other organisms. Winding around the building envelope users experience the tubular system in a new light as they engage with the natural processes of sea squirts whilst digitally learning of other biomimicry examples and teachings.
In the two sketches above this pod system extrudes from the building envelope releasing users out into the natural elements for greater awareness and interaction with nature enhancing user experience. The second sketch also illustrated exploration of relocating the early learning centre protruding from the cliff face. This provides users ease of access and comfort due to risks of children in an environment predominantly submerged in the river whilst solving issues of natural ventilation and lighting that would arise in the earlier design stage.
This sketch is an illustration of the comfort within the intimate learning pods which provide the user with choice and direction of their interactive experience. The user is able to determine their experience based on individual interest rather than on a larger scale that may not have personal relevance. Individualising design elements such as this allows the user to take ownership over their experience and hence the space they are in feeling a sense of connection to the place.
This initial sketch floor plan of the underwater cinema and early learning centre positions the early learning centre behind the cinema with toilets in between and an office and first aid room either side of the projection room above.
These three layouts show circulation possibilities for the level of the filtration chamber from the boardwalk entering the foyer through to the exiting boardwalk. Movable chairs are provided with a gallery of biomimicry studies projected on the interior of the building envelope.
Filtered water flowing over the outside of this chamber provides a natural and interesting backdrop to projections of biomimicry studies luring the users interest further into the structure. These projections are non specific and purely to develop curiosity into discovering more as the user moves into their chosen educational path inside an intimate learning pod. Users of the space are then able to continue up through the levels above or exit via the boardwalk.
The first row of sketches is of the lower platform housing a community garden at the level of the top of the filtration chamber for energy efficient pumping of the filtration system. This top row illustrate organisational patterns of the gardens whilst maintaining maximum vantage points for viewing the city, river and cliffs.
This circulation diagram of the base level from an aerial view shows the entrance of the boardwalk and exit being located right next to each other so that the user is not inconvenienced from their original stand point to that of which they are when they exit.
These two circulation diagrams of the boardwalk show an alternative to the above start and end point where the user experiences a journey along the river and has the option to continue or return to Howard Smith Wharves at an earlier point. Personally I believe this is a more appropriate design responding to the user attaining the best possible experience as they will undertake more of the site with the opportunity to interact further with nature.
Above is a sketch determining access to the structure via the top of the cliff maximising accessibility and drawing people into the site.
This initial layout of access and pathways incorporating details such as lifts and stairs opposes the organic form of the structure taking away from the naturalistic impact is presents onto the site and loses its biomimicry focus.
Above is an access diagram more appropriate to the organic representations in the design.
This access diagram illustrates a ramp/stair system as well as a lift providing access to the early learning system whilst continuing down to ground level.
The sketch above shows the early learning centre in a more detailed view with glass panels for natural light and louvers for natural ventilation. Part of the building is emerged into the cliff face strategically to ensure maximum thermal mass effects cooling the building in summer and warming it in winter. A roof top garden not only enhances the comfort of the living space inside the building with its cooling implications, however, also provides another hands on learning experience for visitors and students of the early learning centre.
Each floor plan illustrated above plays with the positioning of a kitchen, first aid room, toilets, cinema/ digital presentation room, library and play area. Each of these spaces are required by the needs of the users and the third providing this in the best possible outcome.
This image is more clear representation of the way in which the early learning centre will be accessed and depicts the incorporation of solar strips for collection of solar energy assisting in self sufficient design. These solar strips also break up the monotonous glass panels adding interest and educational learning opportunity into the design relating to natural processes and how they can benefit society and the effects of human designs on the natural environment.
Above is a final access diagram illustrating key access points, directional flow of pedestrian traffic and levels of access and departure from the design. I believe, at this stage in design development this is the best possible accessibility I can provide for its users incorporating more pathways and decision points as well as a ferry terminal.
