DAB510-1- REFLECTION- The Poster.

Reflection on the Final Poster. 

All in all, i think the poster was fairly successful in terms of conveying the key aspects of the design proposal  however, due to the constraints of the task, i feel this could have been done more effectively. 

Restricting the poster to a single A1 page, meant that there was not quite enough space on the poster to effectively represent everything that i would have liked to. The landscape orientation also made this hard to do, limited the potential layout possibilities. However, i believe that i overcame these setbacks effectively and produced an effective poster. Anything that i could not fit onto the poster, i have hopefully remembered to talk about on the blog, so hopefully nothing will go unnoticed or without explanation. 

The presentation of the poster went quite well, and the informal manner in which it was conducted certainly made this task easier. I did find it a bit hard though, to effectively describe the various concepts and key aspects of the design, when not everyone who was listening could see what i was talking about as the posters were not pinned up. 

However, as a whole, i think that i completed the task effectively and efficiently and hopefully, i have satisfied all of the criteria. 

DAB510-1- REFLECTION- Poster Image Bibliography.

Reference List. 

1. Murray, Sue. 2013. "Hermitage Lodge Cooking Class". Reproduced by Hemisphere Hospitality. Sourced from: http://www.hemispheresolutions.com.au/latest-hotel-hospitality-news-views/visiting-media-enjoy-a-hermitage-lodge-cooking-class/ 
2. Nilgiris Restaurant. 2012. Sourced from: http://www.nilgiris.com.au/pages/special-events/cooking-classes/cooking-class-groups.html
3. Pakir, Sharon. 2011. "Multicultural Pot Luck". Sourced from: http://www.sharonpakir.com/2011/02/20/friendly-competition-my-culo/sony-dsc-151/
4. Vasquez, Elena. 2009. Sourced from: http://www.examiner.com/article/new-york-city-multicultural-food-tour-little-india
5. 2013. "Multicultural Fair". Sourced from: http://bellfork.nc.oce.schoolinsites.com/?PageName=LatestNews&Section=LatestNews&ItemID=243853&ISrc=School&Itype=News
6. Brisbane City Council. 2010. "Howard Smith Wharves Parkland Proposal". Sourced from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brisbanecitycouncil/4646811684/

*All items were accessed on 26/03/13.

DAB510-1- REFLECTION- The Design.

Reflection on the Design.

Overall, i think the project went fairly well. The only major sticking point was deciding on an activity, but once i did this, the rest of the project followed on fairly smoothly. The lecture content was very helpful, as were conversations with our tutors. 

I think the final design of the node, is very effective in terms of delivering the necessary equipment and spaces for the cooking school, as well as, in terms of the prefabrication aspect. The decision to use recycled materials and to reuse a shipping container as the base for the node, will make it not only cost effective, but easy to construct and transport. The nature of these materials also helps to tie the design back to the initial idea of a ramshackle, food cart like structure, while the steel frame, helps to successfully connect the structure to the site. The integration of solar panels into the design, helps to make the node more sustainable, and almost self sufficient. 

All in all, i think the final design satisfied all of the criteria and will help to generate an interest in the site and a greater sense of community engagement within Brisbane. 

DAB510-1- DESIGN- The Final Design

After developing the design, evaluating the effect it would have on the environment and how it would impact the community, a final design was resolved. This design and its key aspects are shown and explained below. 


THE HOWARD SMITH WHARVES SITE IS ICONIC WITHIN BRISBANE’S CBD AND INNER CITY AREA. THE PROPOSED INTERACTION NODE WITHIN THE SITE, IS A MULTICULTURAL COOKING SCHOOL, WHICH DOUBLES AS A FOOD STALL WHEN THERE ARE NO CLASSES TAKING PLACE. 

BRISBANE IS A CITY WITH AN EVER GROWING NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS WITH DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS. THE NODE WILL PROVIDE THESE COMMUNITIES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE SOME OF THEIR CULTURE AND CUISINE WITH THE BROADER POPULATION. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE VARIOUS CULTURES AND NATIONALITIES THAT NOW OCCUPY THE CITY AND ASSIST IN DEVELOPING A LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. THE NODE WILL OFFER INFORMAL COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROVIDE USERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO TASTE THE DELICACYS THAT ARE ON OFFER AT THE NODE. 

EACH WEEK THE SCHOOL WILL BE OCCUPIED BY AN INSTRUCTOR FROM A DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUND. THE CHEF WILL PROVIDE DEMONSTRATIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE DISHES FROM HIS HOMELAND, AS WELL AS PREPARE FOOD ITEMS THAT CAN BE SOLD. THE NODE CAN BE OPERATED BY A COMMUNITY GROUP, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE FOOD STALL TO ACT AS A FUND RAISING DEVICE AND ANY REVENUE CAN GO TOWARDS COMMUNITY PROJECTS.

ANYONE WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO USE THE NODE AND THE LOCATION OF THE SITE PROVIDES A WEALTH OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS FOR THE FOOD STALL. IT WILL PROVIDE A REFUGE AND AN ALTERNATE CHOICE OF LUNCH FOR OFFICE WORKERS AND A FOCUS POINT WITHIN THE PARKLAND FOR MORE GENERIC VISITORS OF THE SPACE. 

THE NODE WILL PROVIDE BASIC COOKING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING A STOVE AND A REFRIGERATOR  AS WELL AS COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF COUNTER AND PREPARATION SPACE. ALL ELEMENTS WILL BE BUILT INTO THE HUB OF THE NODE WHICH CONSISTS OF A RECYCLED AND REFURBISHED SHIPPING CONTAINER. THE CONTAINER CAN BE SEALED IN CASE OF A FLOOD IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND MINIMISE LOSSES. 

THE COOKING SCHOOL IS BUILT AROUND THE CENTRAL HUB OF THE SHIPPING CONTAINER AND PROVIDES TERRACED VIEWING SPACE ON ONE SIDE, FASHIONED FROM RECYCLED TIMBER. THE VIEWING SPACE ALSO EXTENDS INTO THE PARKLAND SPACE BEHIND THE NODE. THE STEEL FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE ROOF IS FASHIONED TO REPRESENT THE STORY BRIDGE, WHICH IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE SITE. THE SOLAR PANEL SHADING DEVICE IS ADJUSTABLE ACCORDING TO THE ANGLE OF THE SUN AND WILL PROVIDE THE NODE WITH ENERGY.    

Figure 1: Site plan. 

The site plan indicates the location of the node on the site, and within the proposed parkland space. It also provides its positions in relation to existing structures on the site and the site boundaries. As previously discussed, this was found to be an ideal location, for the node as it is easy to access and allows the node to integrate easily and effectively into the topog

The floor plan clearly displays the layout of the various spaces of the node. It highlights the shipping container as the central hub of the space and displays the two different spaces on either side. The viewing and teaching space is notable larger, as this is an area where people are intended to linger while, the food stall portion of the node, is very small and compact, and is reduced down to merely a serving counter where customers can order and collect their food items. The plan, displays the location of the stove top  which is central within the viewing space and will maximise the number of people who can partake in the cooking displays. The copious amounts of counter top and preparation space that surrounds the stove is another factor which can contribute to this. 

Figure 3: Section Through the Node.

A section through the proposed design highlights the various level changes as well as the integration of the node into the parkland space. The section clearly displays the varying heights of the viewing area as well as how the different counter tops relate to their functions. The teaching counter, is notable lower, which allows for easier viewing of what is taking place on it, while the serving and selling counter is significantly higher, as it is not intended to be used as a preparation or cooking surface. 

Figure 4: Detail of the roof structure

Figure 5: Detail of the roof structure

The two details shown above, are of the roof frame structure and they display and describe the join between the various parts that make this structure up.
The first drawing shows a side view of the joint, while a section through it is shown in the second image. Both drawings clearly display, the various parts that make up the structure; the steel support frame, the central support beam, the rotating roof support joints, the aluminium roof panel frame and the solar panels which sit within these frames. 

Figure 6: Photomontage of the node in the proposed parkland

The photmontage above clearly shows the integration of the node into the parkland. It shows how the sloping landscape can be used as an additional viewing space, or simply a place for customers to sit back and enjoy their meals. 

Various Perspectives of the node are shown above. 

The string of images above provide a great feeling for the structure and the nature of the space created within the node. They display the solar panels in various positions, and at varying angles to highlight the versatility they provide and the flexibility of the structure. 

EXPLODED VIEWS:

Various exploded views that illustrate how the node is assembled are shown below, along with a short video, which shows how these components come together. 

THE FINAL POSTER:

DAB510-1- DESIGN- Developing the Idea.

Further Design Development.

Following on from previous posts on the progression of the design, I took the opportunity to model a rough proposal on Autodesk Inventor. I chose to use this program, even though it is not strictly architectural, as it is more adapt to creating industrial type products and that is more similar to what was required for this design. The initial virtual model, although fairly rough and unrefined, provided a great base for the design to progress from. It also provided me with scaled drawings of the node, from which to work off and adapt the design.

A series of design progression drawings are shown below. 

Shown above are images of the virtual model that was created. These images were used to inform further design progressions. 

Above is a developing floor plan that was developed off the virtual model. The model provided a space that was to scale and this allowed mechanical equipment and counter tops to be fitted into the space. 

An elevation of the design allowed the framing device to be adjusted and reworked, until an adequate solution was found. (Apologies for the image being on its side, Blogger won't let me rotate it and automatically puts it that way). From this image, and the virtual model it became evident that the initial frame structure was too high and create a space that was out of proportion with itself. The developed frame design also provided a better representation of the Story Bridge and this was evident by the fact that a peer immediately recognised the connection when viewing the drawing. 

The above sketch is another progression of the frame structure, which addresses the ineffective height of the original design. The sketch shows a reworked join between the frame and the roof panels as as a result, the roof appears to be more connected to the structure and not as isolated as before. 

A section through the space gives an indication of the scale and how it may be used. This section highlighted the need for the viewing blocks to be effectively designed as well as the huge potential that there is to utilise the parkland space as additional space from which the instructor can be viewed. 

One final change that was made to the design was to relocate it to the far western corner of the site. This was done after considering the city council proposal for the parkland space and evaluating where the node would best integrate into the parkland and best enhance the space. This area, was developed into an artificial slope, and would allow the node to use the sloped space as additional viewing space. It is also very close to the proposed access area to the site which would make it easy to visit for people using the new elevator of stairs that are proposed. Placing the node in this area, will also provide visitors accessing the site from the existing access point, with a focal point at the far end of the parkland and provide them with a reason to make use of all of the space and not remain down at the Eastern end. 

With all of the new design developments, a design for the node was finalised and the details of this are shown in a later post. 

DAB510-1- FABRICATION- The Different Parts.

OVERVIEW

The proposed design for the interaction node is made up of 5 main components, the concrete foundation slab, the shipping container, the recycled timber viewing space, the steel roof frame and the solar panel roofing.
Each of these elements, their construction, fabrication and transport requirements, are discussed below. 

1- CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION

This is the only element of the design which cannot be fabricated off site and will need to be constructed at the wharves. It is a standard 150mm thick, reinforced concrete slab, with a small set down where the shipping container sits on it.

It will provide a solid base for the rest of the node and help to elevate the structure off the ground, to assist in preventing flood damage. Although, it will need to be constructed on site, this should not be a problem, as there is sufficient access for trucks and enough space around the site, for construction equipment.Footings and reinforcing will obviously need to be applied and constructed in the necessary locations around the node. 

An example of the proposed concrete slab.
Sourced from: http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/demosites/series10/10_01/content/
bcgbc4010a/10_floor_systems/05_concrete_slab_types_ofconstruction/images/page_003b.gif 

2- REFURBISHED SHIPPING CONTAINER

The main element of the design is the refurbished shipping container. Three major modifications need to happen to the container, in order for it to work in the prescribed manner.

The first major change is that the length of the container needs to be shortened, in order for it to fit into the 5m bounding box that the node is constrained to. Standard shipping containers are 20 feet long, which equates to around about 6.1 metres. It is proposed that the container be shortened at one end, and the total length reduced to 4.5 metres, as this would leave adequate room on either side of it for any other structural features of the node. The end that will be shortened, will be refitted with the corner support columns, and the standard doors will be replaced by a single roller door, to allow easier access to the node. The other side of the node will remain untouched, and the standard doors will be sealed closed.

The interior of the container will be fitted out with various counter tops and cooking and mechanical equipment. These include a built in fridge and cooktop. The counter tops and storage spaces underneath will be constructed from stainless steel, to ensure they are robust and durable. This also allows them to be welded onto the shipping container and allows for a solid and sturdy construction.

Finally, the various fenestrations on either side of the container will need to be fabricated. This is a fairly simple process and consists of cutting out the openings, reinforcing the edges and connecting the cut-out pieces back to the container via hinges. All the openings will be sealed with a water tight join and in the case of a flood, the container can be sealed, and the internal equipment and furnishings preserved.

An example of the type of shipping container that will be used.
Sourced from: http://www.royalwolf.com.au/images/zoom/2ndhand2.jpg

An example of how the container will get to the site.
Sourced from: http://www.transportplanning.com/images/small/04_20ft_CONTAINER_TILT_BODY_TRUCK.gif

One final aspect of this element is the transportation to the site. The use of a shipping container means nearly any flatbed truck of an adequate size can be used to transport the container to the site and once of the site, all that is required is for the container to be placed on the concrete slab and bolted down. This ensures a fast and easy construction process and will help to minimise costs.



3- RECYCLED TIMBER BLOCKS

The recycled timber blocks from the viewing space of the node and are a key element in the teaching process. The blocks are built up in heights of 10mm, and stacked in an interesting and varying manner.They are all regularly shaped, and can be easily manufactured off site. Once on the site, all that is required is for them to be placed in their positions and secured down, either to the concrete slab or to each other. 

An example of the type of material that can be used to fabricate the viewing blocks.
Sourced from: http://static.coco.sensis.com.au/20120717t134748n00f0033/Using%20recycled%
20timber%20for%20your%20interior%20design_300x300.jpg 

4- STEEL ROOF SUPPORT FRAME

The roof structure is one of the only elements of the node that does not make use of recycled materials, however, it can also be fabricated off site and easily transported to the site.

The structure is designed to be as abstract representation of the Story Bridge and is constructed from cast steel. The entire frame consists of 3 main components, the supports on either end, the centre beam which connects them and the 5 pivots that sit on it and support the roof panels.

An example of a cast steel beam.
Sourced from: http://images.wisegeek.com/steel-i-beam.jpg

The size and nature of the frame, means that it is easy to transport, and this can be done with each component separate from one another. Once on site, the frame can be constructed around the sipping container and connected to the concrete foundation.


5- SOLAR PANEL SHADING DEVICE

The solar panel roofing is another element of the design which can be easily fabricated off site, transported to the site and attached to the node once it reaches the site.

The shading device consists of 5 panels, each one includes a solar panel that is housed in an aluminium frame. Once fabricated the 5 panels can be flat packed to create a package that is no more than 5 metres long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high.

Once on the site, all that is required is for the panels to be secured to the frame structure and the required electrical circuit set up, to allow them to supply power to the interior of the shipping container.

Adjustable solar panels.
Sourced from: http://api.ning.com/files/xcM-8YrOacalSjzYMQbYAUu1uQMjpJDpTNc4ncHNkwSEjqnaxeNJi6-TZDjdZYh6dAnB5guwGKeu7EYoo3cMoJ5xzcg-C0ha/SolarPanel.JPG

DAB510-1- FABRICATION- Recycling and Re-using.

Prefabrication and Recycling Old Materials. 

With this project, there is a huge potential to recycle old materials and to prefabricate the structure off site. Using a shipping container as a key element achieves both of these goals and allows for easy transportation to the site. 

Prefabrication-

The shipping container will need to be fabricated to suit the needs and this will include cutting down the length of it, so that it fits within the 5 meter bounding box of the node. The internal spaces will need to be fitted out to suit the needs of the users and this would mean installing cooking stations, electrical and plumbing connections, as well as suitable fenestrations. Ideally, the container would have the potential to be sealed and watertight, in the case of a flood situation. 

The remaining elements of the structure can also be fabricated off site. The timber viewing space can be built in modular units and joined together on site. roof panels can also be fabricated in a similar manner, as can the various portions of the roof framing structure. 

A rough mock up of a preliminary design is shown below, along with the various parts that make it up.

Above are various views of a very rough preliminary design of the interaction node. The images show the nature of the structure, and how it is fairly open to the elements. 

They also show how the shipping container somewhat dominates the node and is the central element within it. The framing structure on either side was intended to mimic the structure of the Story Bridge, and does so to a reasonable level. 

The model is made up of a number of parts and these are shown below. 

Shown above is an example of the side framing structure which is used on either side of the shipping container to support the shading device. 

The roof frame is shown above. This is attached to the framing structure shown above and connects the roof panels to the rest of the node. 

The roof panels are shown above. These will be constructed individually and connected to the node independently, which will allow them to be adjusted as required. 

The base of the node is shown above, along with the shipping container and viewing spaces. Although, they are all separate components, showing them in this manner indicates that they are the key elements of the node and the predominant physical structures. 

As shown in the various images above, the node makes full use of prefabrication methods of construction and will allow for various portions of the proposal to be built off site and simply joined together when on the site. 

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 2

Following on from the previous post which mentioned a possible use of recycled materials and a shipping container, I began to experiment with various layouts of the interaction node, the use of a shipping container as a central hub and a potential shading device. 

The use of a shipping container is a positive factor in a number of ways. Not only does it provide the rustic and ramshackle aesthetic that is desirable  but it would also assist in the fabrication of the node. The container could be recycled, fitted with the necessary equipment, sealed and simply transported onto the site, with the other components being joined together once on the site. The use of the shipping container also simplifies the structure and allows for the mechanical equipment of the cooking station to be easily and securely locked away when the node is not in use. It also provides a flood proofing element with the possibility of sealing the container and preserving key elements of the node if the site were to flood again, as it did in 2011. 

Throughout the following design development, I have retained the idea of having the food cart and cooking school aspects of the node on separate sides of the cooking station and having the cooking school side back up onto a small slope or hill in the parkland, to create a larger viewing area and a natural amphitheater. 

The idea of having an adjustable shading device over the shipping container and the teaching space, was also explored. Having a secondary structure provides more shelter from the elements, and allows for openings in the shipping container, as they do not have to account for the weather. It would also provide refuge for students and visitors of the node. The adjustable aspect of the shading device was developed as a response to the different uses and the varying angles of sunlight throughout the day. If the roof angle could be adjusted throughout the day, it would provide a better level of shading that a static structure. The above sketch also explores the use of various materials in the roof, in an attempt to create the rustic aesthetic, connect the structure to the site and create an interesting space beneath it. 

Viewing spaces and further modifications to the shipping container were also investigated. It was determined that the students should have a clear view of the cooking surface and work space in order to maximise their learning experience, A play on the levels of the floors would help this, as would a series of different viewing levels in the learning space. 

Vents to release hot air and cooking fumes were noticed as an important element in the functionality of the node. Various ideas in regards to the viewing space were also experimented with as was the integration of solar panels into the roofing structure. A possible framework to support the roof was also developed using the structure of the Story Bridge as inspiration, and there were various pros and cons about this. The structure would create an interesting aesthetic. however, it does reduce some of the adaptability of the roof, in the fact that the entire structure would need to be fixed as one panel, rather than a series of individual panels that could be adjusted independently. 

This roofing system allows for more flexibility and the use of a translucent material between the panels would create an interesting effect when the roof panels are not aligned with one another. Having the panels hinged centrally and connected to a point on either side of the shipping container would allow for an easy adjustment of each panel. An integration of strips if translucent fiberglass into corrugated iron panels would create an interesting play of light within the shelter.  

The above sketch, further explored the previously talked about options in terms of the roofing structure. This structure is almost "awning" like and helps to tie the node to the nature of many existing food carts. The top sketch illustrates how the roof panels may look when they are not aligned and how the translucent material would keep the structure waterproof. It also indicates the relationship to the ground plane of the potential viewing space and how the slope would follow on behind them to provide additional viewing space around the node. This parkland space could also be tactically planted in order to maximise shade and create an effective public space that invites people to dwell within it. 

The viewing space of the node is a critical aspect that needs to be effectively designed if the node is to function effectively. A series of level increases would be the optimum solution, however the nature of these could vary and there are numerous possibilities. Using old wooden palates is a potential solution  however, these were found to be too large in area, and not large enough in height to suit the space. Wooden shipping crates would be a better solution, as these are more volumetric and can be cut and modified to suit the required space. Alternately, the levels could be fabricated using recycled wood and custom built to suit the needs and the landscape. 

The best possible solution is a series of boxes at varying levels, joined together to form one structure and backing up onto the slope of the parkland. This would provide ample viewing space for students and passers-by and again, further amplify the rustic and "thrown together" aesthetic. 

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT


Various elements of the design have been explored. The minimal requirements of the space, possible uses and spatial allocations as well as a potential position within the site have been investigated. 

Diagram showing key spaces and spatial allocations. 

The above diagram illustrates the key spaces required for the cooking school and food stall to operate effectively. Key factors within these spaces include some sort of lock up area that can be closed at night or when the node is not being used, to secure mechanical equipment. Some sort of shading device to shelter the students from the elements as well as a counter top to teach from and one from which food can be ordered and sold. 

Diagram showing a potential layout of the node. 

One possible solution is to separate the two functions of the node, by a central, cooking station which can be secured and closed. the teaching portion of the node could ideally, back up onto a small hill, or a sloped embankment within the parkland and use this as extra space from which the instructor could be viewed. If deciduous trees are planted here and this space is on the north of the node, it will provide an effective relief from the sun in summer and an effective warming effect in winter months. The other side of the node will be more of a food stall and contain only a small counter top from which food can be ordered at one end and sold at another. 

Diagram showing possible locations of the node. 

The above diagram shows two potential locations for the node within the site. The first location is under the story bridge and would provide the node with a great opportunity to communicate with the existing buildings on the site in an architectural manner. The second position is located further in the site and allows for a better integration of the node into the parkland. It also allows for a more eye catching design that would be visible from a long way away. 

AESTHETICS.

This has been a particularly challenging part of the design process. Many different styles have been investigated  but none seem to fit the site or the activity well enough. 

Replicating a ramshackle food cart, my have some merit to it, and would allow for the use of recycled materials such as driftwood and shipping containers, both of which are relevant to the Wharves.