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.
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