3. Introduction
This booklet consists of a semester of projects designed to
reinforce the notions of form, memory, ritual and mediation.
It also introduces the student to more explicit theories of ar-
chitecture. The knowledge of details, connectivity, site (rural
and urban), and design implications as a result of a more
practical approach to designing. Design studio iv provided
a more all round basis in which one can move forward in
appreciating how buildings are assembled and how spaces
can be created by structure and how materials are con-
nected and used to give a structure its aesthetic appeal.
The projects range from:
- An urban design which incorporates a master plan and
a small urban structure which emphasizes on material and
structure.
- A personal rural shelter which introduces sustainability as a
driving factor in design
- A precedent project which allows the student to analyse
works of architecture that possess the ideas to be conveyed
in the final project.
- A sustainable home set in an urban environment which will
allow the student to integrate all knowledge attained dur-
ing the course of the semester.
5. Phase 1 - Master Plan
The development of a scheme for a designated site locat-
ed on the campus of the University of Technology, Jamaica
formed the first of three phases this project underwent.
A high pedestrian traffic area situated between two build-
ings, both consisting of 3 storeys which belong to two facul-
ties of different nature. The site is mainly landscaped with
major and minor walkways linking corners of the site are the
only hard surfaces that exist.
The urban scheme is to accommodate the erection of two
student pavilions which are to serve as areas for a multitude
of activities but mainly for studying and relaxation. It should
incorporate landscaping, new or additional walkways, fa-
cade upgrades of the surrounding buildings and other fea-
tures all of which are designed around the existing trees.
project 01 - utech - phases 1-3
6. Analysis of the surrounding areas of the site as it pertains to context The location of proposed walkways was driven by wanting to have per-
was imperative to the design. Location of adjacent buildings and sons experience the landscape as well as use it as a respite area. A new
use, washrooms, existing landscape, sensory items and present use central walkway linking the main entry point on a straight path below
played an important role as well in determining a suitable design. a glazed canopy with lay by areas mid way. At these lay by areas,
The type of area created by the existing elements was critical as the one can sit and chat while the reflecting pool glistens in the sun and a
introduction of elements into this area would impact on the usage pavilion beyond creates interest with its unique design and aesthetic
and perception. appeal.
project 01 - utech - phases 1-3
7. Phase 2 - Detail
Like all things that exist in the world today there are connec-
tions that make most things unique in the way they operate
and function.
This phase introduced the student to traditional ways of con-
necting items together and encouraged research and de-
velopment of new ways in which this connection could be
Preliminary details based on previous designs made.
The detail was meant to be a part of the basis for the design
of the main structure. It required the student to ensure that
the connection of the materials and structure was resolved
before the pavilion design was completed.
It was the intention to create a detail that could express the
needs of the pavilion. With that in mind the marrying of the
main functions of the furniture (i.e. Area for sitting and work-
ing) seemed to be an appropriate route to take.
This single entity which had two purposes was fixed to the
edge of the slab along the south and west end of the pavil-
ion and created both peripheral seating at the upper area
and a desk along the lower. It utilizes a steel frame and lami-
nated glass or 3 form ecoresin as the finish. While the project
did not emphasize on sustainability it was the intention to
have it be nevertheless.
Bolted to the slab with expansion bolts and suspended via
stainless steel cables on the ends and centre the
“DESKSEAT” created usuable space all around.
“DESKSEAT” - detail of fixing and suspension
project 01 - utech - phases 1-3
8. Phase 3 - Structure
It was the intention to design a space that was conducive to
socializing and studying whether it be by group or individu-
ally. However, in creating such a space within the 50 sq.m.
limit to accommodate the number of persons required was
a task. To have a structure that related to the university rep-
resent the vernacular of the community made the manipu-
lation of forms an exercise that proved to be crucial in the
final product.
project 01 - utech - phases 1-3
9. Phase 3 - Structure
Despite its simplistic shape the pavilion facilitates more than
it was originally expected to in terms of number of users. With
the integration of the detail which accommodates approxi-
mately 14 persons on the lower level. The upper level of pe-
ripheral seating can hold up to 12 additional persons. The
group seating accommodates approximately 20 persons.
The floating seats at the lower level along the west elevation
is covered by a 3m overhang which suspends from it a hori-
zontal louvre system to shade that area from the afternoon
sun.
project 01 - utech - phases 1-3
10. Exterior Rendered Perspective
Exterior Rendered Perspective
Images of the physical model Interior Rendered Perspective
project 01 - utech - phases 1-3
12. Project 02 - Shelter
In this project the requirements suggest that the student
should understand the purpose of detailing, synergy be-
tween structure and environment, the notion of dwelling
and sustainability.
The site is located in a river bed in the area of Gordon Town,
Jamaica. This river bed with its natural stream can be trans-
formed into a raging river during a downpour.
The main site is approximately 25.8m deep by 75m long and
in it sits an immediate site of 15 sq.m. in which the shelter is to
be placed. The site comprises of shrubbery, large boulders
and a vast expanse of trees all around and the streams flows
from east to west much like the prevailing winds.
project 02 - shelter
13. Process
The main concept was to metaphorically create a structure
that spoke of the site and its natural elements as well as be
creative and sustainable.
This entailed a rigorous exercise in shape and form altera-
tions in order to satisfy the required spatial needs. Designing
within the 9 sq.m. area was not a huge task but achieving
the proper circulation and order of processes was one of the
challenges faced.
project 02 - shelter
14. Final Design
Titled the “BREATHING SHELTER” the structure is a unique
design incorporating recycled corrugated sheets, reconsti-
tuted r.h.s. members and construction plywood as the main
structure.
Similar to the rib cage of a human during breathing the shel-
ter operates in the same manner. It is an abstraction of the
feeling when entering the site from the top at road level to
the descent down to the site. The sigh of relief is the begin-
ning of the journey around the site.
The shelter can be assembled as a kit of parts and is meant
to be a permanent structure. Each volume simply slides into
the main core (study area) and access to each space can-
not be attained unless it is slid out.
project 02 - shelter
15. Detail
Seeing that the basis of the design was a series of moveable
volumes the development of a detail which incorporated
the various elements of the shelter was not hard.
The created detail was the sliding mechanism and shows
how the parts of the structure are connected and how the
movement is achieved.
The drawing to the left shows all of the working parts of the
mechanism and incorporates off the shelf items as apart of
its sustainability.
The images below simply show the structure and how it is as-
sembled and how it moves to simulate the breathing factor.
project 02 - shelter
16. Exterior Rendered Perspective
Interior Rendered Perspective
Images of the physical model Exterior Rendered Perspective
project 02 - shelter
18. Double House - Architect Associates Tonoma
An elegant design created by the architect which responds
to a small site in a residential neighbourhood in Hyougo,
Japan.
Using form as the primary generator and climatic mediation
as the secondary the house is oriented to maximize space
requirements. The primarily rectilinear forms operate along
the east-west axis with the entry porch situated just off of the
road.
Surrounded by houses on three sides and a large expanse
of rice paddy field to the east this white structure blends well
with its surroundings.
SITE PLAN
Main Use: Private House
Location: Himeji Hyougo, Japan
Site Area: 155.74 sq/m
Building Area: 85.84 sq/m
Structure: Timber Structure
Building Skin: Galvalume Steel Sheets
project 03 - precedent - double house
19. PUBLIC vs PRIVATE SPACES Double House - Architect Associates Tonoma
The house is divided into public and private spaces, the
public being on the ground floor and the private on the up-
per. The both volumes are separated by a central courtyard
which acts as a green space.
Public Spaces Private Spaces
UTILITY / CIRCULATION vs. LIVING SPACES
As seen in the diagrams to the left, the living spaces take up
a major part of the area and the utility areas are all on the
ground floor.
Living Utility Circulation
project 03 - precedent - double house
20. Double House - Architect Associates Tonoma
Due to the restrictions imposed on the site by the neighbouring
houses the architect devised methods in order to capture as
much natural light as possible and to attract as much of the wind
from the rice fields as possible to naturally ventilate the house.
project 03 - precedent - double house
21. The central garden is reminiscent of a traditional zen garden, incorporating elements like rocks and small trees to act as a
green space between the two houses.
project 03 - precedent - double house
23. Sustainable House
Located on Kingsway Avenue Kingston Jamaica, the site
measures 40m deep by 44.4m wide and is situated between
two gated communities.
The house is to accommodate three generations of a fam-
ily. Apart from the living spaces there is to be a space for
rehearsal and teaching as both parents are musicians, one
of which is a teacher and the other an active member of the
church choir.
Approach
In order to capitalize on the prevailing day-time winds from
the south east and night-time from the north the building
was oriented with its front elevation facing due north. Also,
because of the site’s geographical position the southern
end of receives a fair amount of sun and approximately 5m
from the boundary is in shade for most of the year.
project 03 - sustainable house
24. Floor Plan
Unlike traditional houses, the public spaces are located
on the upper level with the exception of the studio. This
allowed the public area to be able to use the terrace
areas on either side.
Access to the ground floor private spaces is via a sliding
door that blends in with the wall. The harsh entry beyond
the portico ushers visitors to the public spaces omitting
the need to venture elsewhere. The private spaces exist
as a self contained element. The floor to floor height is
3.6m and the ceiling to the rooms are 3.0m, This 600mm
space above the bedroom create an air pocket where
the cross ventilation can take place.
Seeing that one of the criteria was the grand-parents
wanted to be close to the family but still have their own
space, separating the spaces by a courtyard allowed
the sitting area of the main house to open up to the liv-
ing area of the grandparents space.
The studio operated independently of the house, de-
spite being incorporated into the same footprint. It is
accessed via large warehouse type doors on either
end and has its own washroom facilities.
As one enters the public space on the first floor, you
are greeted with a terrace on the eastern side and a
mobile dining room which like the bedrooms is an in-
dependent structure within the large building. This mo-
bile dining room is placed on steel casters and can be
wheeled out onto the terrace and rotated according
to the mood and time of day. With its two opened fac-
es and two closed faces it can be use to create a pri-
vacy barrier or just simply be a space to look through.
project 03 - sustainable house
25. The main concept of the two main functions of the
house was always meant to be treated in independ-
ently as they both relate to activities of different nature.
The form of the house as a whole was to be two recti-
linear forms that intersect at a point. This point can be
referred to as the mediation point. Here, the staircase
was used as this tool as it mediates between public and
private and culminates at a point where interaction is
at its highest. It is meant to act as a pivotal point where
the basis of family stems and the whole notion of to-
getherness.
Whilst it was the intention to have an open plan for the
living spaces initial sketches and plans which placed
them on the ground floor begged the question of its
relevance at that level. With much research and inves-
tigation it was deliberately placed on the first floor not
only for the views and space but to create a simple flow
in and out of the house. The last place you are before
leaving the house is your bedroom and the first place
you go when you return home is your bedroom. Thus the
concept of the reversal of the spaces.
project 03 - sustainable house
26. Sustainability
Creating a home that is sustainable is not only using re-
cycled products or just reusing water. It is a state of
mind that calls for awareness and a need to be envi-
ronmentally friendly.
The main sustainable items in this project consist of re-
constituted structural steel members for the main struc-
ture, Isowalls (low gauge sheet metal wall panels with
Styrofoam insulation), rainwater storage, passive cool-
ing and solar water heaters.
As shown on the image to the left, a simple and eco-
nomical system for use in toilets whereby the rain wa-
ter from the roof of the upper floor is collected via a
r.w.d.p. which flows into a catchment area which has
a maximum capacity of 9500 gal. This water is piped
to the pump room located by the powder room on
the ground floor and is distributed to the washrooms
throughout the house.
project 03 - sustainable house
27. View from road
Interior of model - First floor
View from south west corner of site project 03 - sustainable house
28. Exterior perspective - Solar panels and rain water collection Interior perspective - Mobile Dining Room
Exterior perspective - View from road and context
project 03 - sustainable house
