more out of sketch book and into SketchUP

Above are some more site images, as I bring my sketches to the 3d world of SketchUP, comments and suggestions welcomed!  Note: there is an existing building located on the right that is not shown, that is why there is a lack of landscaping around that area, I plan to add a bit more on that side to work around the existing building.

entrance development

above are images showing the development of the main entrance into the building.  I have a few questions pertaining to the design of the front planters.  1) Do they two planters to the left need to be raised for seating, or should I keep them at ground level and put granite rocks for seating as on the right? 2) Should I introduce more landscaping to the left of the site, or should I leave this space open?  There is also an entrance from McCormick to the parking areas, which is not shown here ( there will be landscaping around this areas as well, and there will be Green Screen located at the ground level parking deck)  Please feel free to leave me some comments for the questions I have above, or any other suggestions.

paths

materials model

Medians + Sidewalks

Things to consider for re-design of site:

- Medians

- Bike lanes

- Sidewalks

- Pedestrian crossings

Above are some images I found useful when developing the site

a few thoughts

While I sit here and work on my geography paper, my mind wonders into other thoughts.  One of these thoughts pertaining to materials used in the studio project.  I was thinking that Luccon (translucent concrete) could be used for vertical circulation in the building.  It would be cool to see shadow figures traveling from floor to floor, with possibly a few breaks in the translucent concrete to where the shadowy figures could be seen in a glimpse and then to somewhat disappear again behind the concrete.  Also, another thought was for parking.  We have talked about not having parking, however, the more I think about it I believe it is a must.  This parking located under the architecture studios could serve as visiting guest speakers, for lectures, special events (like held at the Weatherspoon Art Museum), handicap spots, and for people taking the train that do not attend UNCG.  Just thought I would jot these thoughts down before I forget and get swallowed back into the world of geography, edge cities, to be exact.

and again

Below are some other images I came across that intrigued me.  The first is another view of the Capital Hill Residence by Zaha Hadid.  I like this image because of how the building seems to have these separate units, however, it is indeed all connected as one.  Which reminds me of my groups "pods", and this can aid us in how to join these or at least make them seem as if they are one.

The one below is another example of how we could form our roof surface, and a way to allow for exterior spaces.  It is a project done by Graft, who has some awesome projects worth taking a look at!

in search of a new roof form

I came across this particular image, and thought that we could use this as an example for translating our roof form into a more simple and streamlined form.  This particular building is by Zaha Hadid - "Capital Hill Residence"

The sweeping form brings to mind motion, which is exactly what our building needs.  To represent the train when it is not passing through, to have this constant state of motion to the building.

review thoughts

After my groups review today we have decided to make some major changes.  Among these changes the main one would be to decrease the square footage!  Which I had been questioning every time we met as a group, I would always ask why we needed all this extra square footage, and I do recall saying that I thought our building should not be over 150,000 square feet, but it got lost in the process.  Partially this is my fault for not voicing my opinion more often (which I will be working on for the remainder of the semester).  But hopefully now we can take this estimate as a realistic goal for the little time we have left of the semester.  I will be working on sketches tonight and meeting with my group in the AM.  I feel that the review today was a reality check for the project and also a recap from our last review.  Maybe this time it will sink into our heads, and we can come up with a positive solution that we can move forward with, instead of running circles chasing our own tails.  

Landscape inspiration