SITE ANALYSIS

> APROACH TO SITE ANALYSIS

As in project 1- 'Minimal' dwelling, the approach to site analysis is a similar in Minima whereby I have chosen to look at some of the same aspects and employ the same methods for recording + communicating these observations.

For the 'Minima' site I have been specifically been looking at the following aspects and considering how these elements can be integrated into the building design

1) CIRCULATION PATHS

2) VIEWS

3) JUNCTION BETWEEN OLD & NEW BUILDING ELEMENTS.

'Chrystalis'- Form Follows Function

key design ideas
> wrapping
> functional
> form
> enclosure

"chrystalis" definition-
n. pl. prounced 'chry- sal- li- des'

1. A pupa, especially of a moth or butterfly enclosed in a firm case or cocoon.

2. Protected stage of development.


The image above support the suitability of using a chrystalis concept as an ideal form for 'Minima.'

Here the process of the caterpillar creating it's own enclosure, demonstrates how the caterpillar arrived at the final form of 'the chrystalis' and what dictated the outward appearance of the form; shape, size, volume + colour.


The outward appearance of cocoons vary upon the species & size of a caterpillar, as well as it's habitat.

The chrystalis, otherwise known as a cocoon, is a 'Minima' in it's own right. A rationalised representation of a caterpillar's required functions.
Those functions being-

1. An economical means of protection from the weather & predators. Built out of a hard outter surface and coloured to blend in with the surrounds.
Note- 'economical' meaning, minimal energy & time used to create it's enclosure.

2. A place to undergo the transformation process.

A case where of form follows function.

AC thoughts> the outward form of my Minima could be a 3 dimensional representation of the required functions translated combined rationalised volumnes. I coudl also possibly look at integrating the surrounding environment of our selected site, however I'm not sure whether I should do this as this Minima is suppose to be a demountable, relocatable design.
What may suit this site may not suit another site. Perhaps there are implications of making a site specific Minima.

Anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this?? Agree or disagree??

Two Paths...

>Two paths.
Path 1 > Compressed dark space and volume... with a narrow light at the end.
Path 1 > Ascending up to the sky or down to the earth with a panoramic view.

Devices of Experiential Architecture

Change in floor levels, wall heights, framing of views, use of daylight and shadows creating two very different experiences.

Devices of Experiential Architecture Tadao Ando

Chikatsu- Asuka Historical Museum
Architect- Tadao Ando

Reference- Colours of Light,
Tadao Ando
Aurthor: Richard Pare
Pages: 163,164 -165, 167
_____________________________________________________________

Images from Chikatsu - Asuka Historical Museum, are fine examples of pure, minimal & experiential architecture, which I find very influential- especially these images + the following images.

Here it is possible to see Ando's key design elements; use of minimal materials (concrete), manipulation of wall heights in contrast to the floor, change in floor level, compression of space, release of space, framing of views of landscape and consideration of light and shadow.

Perhaps I can use these design elements as devices for examining the site and producing my own interpretation of 'experiential' architecture.
Look at: framing views, space; volume (compressed or released?) & natural light + shadows.

Inhabitable Scupltures

More great ideas from Poratble Architecture

Portable Architecture

Minimal living - homeless vehicle project. The vehicle fills their needs for a means of transport and shelter - sleeping - washing - cooking

Here are my anthropomorphic sketches for minimal space. I did these as research into how much space is needed to undergo certain activities

Hello there! here is an idea for a light form of framing which is has potential to be very portable, especially if it is combined with a nylon or canvas.

Project 1-Minimal

This project required me to think about minimal space for study/sleep function. The enclosure, designed for the atrium of the Waterfront Campus at Deakin University in Geelong was to accomodate one person and was to investigate the concept of 'minimal'. Because time spent overseas (third world) lately had taught me how many people cope with minimal resources to sleep, bathe, sit, eat, drink etc I tried to adapt some postures that the very poor adopt in order to perform these activites as such a posture makes use of minimal accessory.

TOILET RESEARCH FOR MIMIMA - SELF CONTAINED LIVING POD

Hi, here is some info on a super small space saving and composting toilet that I have found. Wonders never cease with how small these things can get. Especially considering there is no outlet for the waste!
http://www.poolproducts.com/-i-OPP-SNM-SPACESAVER-FNM
-96.htm#GEN5=NEXTAG, or perhaps you might like the look (& dimensions) of this 'hatbox loo' by Kohler, which I think is particularly savvy for a minimum toilet!
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?
item=9676302&prod_num=3492&module=Suites%20&%20
Collections

Minimal Space

I approached this project from a very technical perspective. I began by looking at my dimensions, looking at how much space I would need to sleep, sit up, study and with little consideration to circulation space. I found this gave me a good base from which to begin designing a Minimal space.

I took a very practical approach to reviewing the materials available so that I could then understand how big the enclosure could be. I think I let this get in my way of being creative and came up with a very practical enclosure.

MOSMAN 3 BLOG - ARCHITECTURE 2A