DESIGN STUDIO 2

Hopefully this is more clear than what has been posted on ning. From now on everything will be posted here.

Bathhouse idea:

My design was inspired by Peter Zumthor’s ‘Thermal baths’. I have used the rectangular symmetry that he is seen to use in his baths, and have structured it such that bathing is viewed as a ritual and an experience. Initially upon entry to the bathhouse, individuals are able to hear the flow of water from the ground floor. Stairs lead them up to the change rooms/shower. The stairs are used as a means of controlling one’s pace such that they are given time to anticipate and imagine the physical appearance of the flowing water that they are able to hear. The individual’s journey upon stepping out of the change room is directed by a hallway which strives to lead them into each of the baths in a particular order. The first approaching bath is the warm bath and is quaint in size. However even from inside this room can the individuals hear the even louder sound of water that is originating from the other room. The other room resides a hotter bath, with an increase in wall thickness to absorb the heat and to keep the heat within the parameters of this room. The ceiling in this hotter bath is higher (resulting in the louder sound), and since hot baths in many cultures are believed to purify the body, the high in altitude ceiling appealing to the sky, helps the individual feel spiritual connection to this bath. There is also steam arising from this hot bath. Both baths are have an array of light coming  in from the gap between the ceiling and the four enclosed walls shining on the water itself, so that the bath itself is more aesthetically appealing. I have replicated Peter Zumthor’s use of the gap created by walls/ceilings to pass through light, as seen further through gaps created by enclosing walls and floors.

From this station, the individual is led to go outside (on top of the retaining wall), where they are given the option to sunbath or to swim in the in ground pool on the first floor where the pool is a colder temperature. This design is somewhat similar to that of Peter Zumthor, who also incorporates an in ground pool into his bathhouse (with a surrounding rising wall).

It should be noted that the hallway connecting the warm bath to the hot bath and the outside sun bathing area almost acts as a central ‘atrium’ as similar to Louis Khan’s Trenton bathhouse design.

PROJECT 3

Project 3

I was very much inspired by the idea behind Siza's swimming pool. As the public drives on the main road, they are able to view both the sky and the swimming pool. However as they park their car, they are taken through built in underground change rooms and several hallways/ramps where only the sky is present. As the individual progresses through the walkway, they are slowly revealed to the swimming pool/beach, getting a view of the entire landscape. It is this idea in which I attempted to incorporate into my design of the bakery, in which from the street itself, one is able to see inside the bakery right into the  lit up kitchen. This will allow the individuals to understand the process of baking, and the warm and friendly baking environment. Hence they are lured to go inside. Once they enter the bakery, the individuals are taken through a hallway in which they are able to closely monitor the process of baking and socialise with others not just in the queue, but with workers as well. This forces individuals to become apart of the baking process. If the queue becomes too long, customers can wait in the shaded area provided at the front. Furthermore the hallway comprises of windows which gradually increase in size which slowly reveal individuals to the outside sitting area, with the effect to induce customers to want to go outside and sit down. Behind the kitchen is a thin wall forming a hallway like space for employees to step outside and relax. These hallways ensures a sense of flow and movement.

Individuals have a choice of either going up the stairs to the internal eating area or sitting outside. The internal eating area also features a play area that is covered. This play area may be accessed by the general public who are not customers of the bakery. A ramp is included to access the top part of the retaining wall, which functions much like a terrace, giving direct access to the public to the remainder of zone C. The play area is included to consider the children's sense of movement. Siza in his swimming pool had facilities for both children and adults side by side. Conveniently, the play area is next to the internal eating area such that adults can both enjoy their meal and simultaneously look over their children via the window.

It should be noted that the ramp is a means of linking zone C and zone D. However, it also ensures that the two purposes of each of the zones are also kept separated to some extent.

Much like Siza's work where the walls seemed to be protruding out of the roofs, my work includes this same repeating notion. I further frame transitions from one area to another by a U like shapes just as Siza did. My design plays with light and sound with its use of windows of different sizes and openings, as well as enclosed spaces to generate sound.

I have utilized the slope of the landscape, and have practically given the illusion that the structure is built underground. 

PROJECT 1