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MASS MODELLING EXPERIMENTATION

MASS MODEL ITERATIONS:

After deciding on the programme of the building I began experimenting with the orientation and positioning of programme on site through the means of a physical model. Using foam blocks at a 1:200 scale on a site model I began to understand how successful and unsuccessful interations were. I began to layout blocks with reference to historical maps of the site. Using the positioning of historical buildings such as the public baths and buildings which had formerly had a presence on the site I began connecting the old to the new. As I layed out new iterations I learnt from the existing, making reference to site analysis and acknowledging key factors such as ciruclation, sun path, entry points as well as key aspects of my design proposal such as, privacy for the shelter, public space, making sure the site does not become introverted. The film above shows a quick preview of how I arranged and rearranged the blocks. All iterations are described below.

OVERLAYING HISTORICAL MAPS

REALISING THE ANCHOR

When organising where programme would be arranged on site I looked for anchor points within the context and contextual history of Leaf St. For part of my iteration experimentation I overlayed historical maps of Hulme from different era's thus relating the organisation and positioning to that of previous buildings. Below some of the iterations which have been inspired by the historical maps are shown with the overlay, showing the postioning and formation related to the buildings of the relevant era.

From exploring the above iterations with historical mapping, I found the connection as well as the design opportunities a successful anchor point for my scheme. The size of the public baths has changed over the years with the demolition of surrounding buildings, therefore I took the 1970's plan and used the positioning of the building as anchor point for the training centre. The function of both the public baths and the training centre have similarities. Both are points of community interaction. They invite the community to come into one place and learn together.

ANALYSING THE MODEL

3D MODELLING: PLAYING WITH FORM

Through the means of 3D software I began to explore how the form of the building related to context. Firstly, I began exploring the layout of form in relation to the physical mass models made. This became the platform to begin experimenting how the bridge system would bridge different elements together. Through three seperation iterations I began to understand the shapes and form. This developed as programme became more detailed within the process. 

 

This software was also used to explore the preliminary ideas for form of the homeless shelter. Experimenting with pitched roofs on the back of site and how that adapts to context.

The exploration of the nine iterations lead to the final more informed iteration below. Learning from the previous iterations, the big draw and site analysis this model was developed. Although still very much preliminary the model allowed for the exploration of spatiality and begin to envision how detailed programme sits within the greater scheme. I began to play with a bridge system, adding card to bridge one building to another. Diagramming below the model key site strageties allowed for the design to become more informed, to allow the strategy inform the programme and vice versa.

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