PROGRESS MODEL/DIAGRAMS
FOR MY 3D MODEL I TRIED TO APPLY ALL THREE OF MY IDEAS THE MANTA RAY, WAVE, AND EDGE. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO COME UP WITH THE FIRST FLOOR PLAN WHICH I POSTED I DID HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE LAYOUT I WILL BE REVISING THE LAYOUT SOON WITH THE REST OF MY PLANS. AN ISSUE I RAN INTO WHILE DOING THIS WAS MAINLY CIRCULATION AND HOW TO CONNECT THE FRONT AND BACK OF MY MODEL TOGETHER.
The first thing I checked was flow of spaces. An aquarium is just like a museum. you want it to flow without getting lost. You need to move from one exhibit to the next without asking the question "where do I go from now on?"
ReplyDeleteThere should be a connection from the beginning to the end.
It is always a big jump from pure collage/parti study to 3-D model without some diagramming and sketching in between. If you are more comfortable in digital evolution (although your physical modeling skills are quite keen), think simpler at first. Block out and extrude volumes to represent your programmatic elements. Play with them in the computer to test arrangements and relationships. Never forget the sectional relationships in addition to the planometric moves.
ReplyDeleteLia is right, an aquarium is a curated somewhat narrative and completely proscribed path. The HOW (you get there) is as important as the Where (you end up) and all are trumped by the WHY (it matters). Take a step back and look at several aquarium precedents again for their organizational approach. Notable promenades through such spaces are the Boston (New England) Aquarium by Cambridge Seven, the Baltimore (National) Aquarium by I.M.Pei and the Atlanta (Georgia) Aquarium by Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets Inc. and of course, the Monterey Bay Aquarium by Esherick Homsey Dodge & Davis. THese all have unique circulatory paths and systems which are worth taking a look at. Also, run downtown and have a fresh look at the Guggenheim. I think the gallery spaces need no introduction.
From my point of view the issues are not only in the inner space of the building but also the landscape around the shell. I don’t understand how you connect the uses of spaces internally with possible uses externally. For buildings like museums, aquariums and cultural centers the landscape / open area around the building is a valuable and very important part of the overall visitor’s experience. Please try to define the uses of the landscape around the building (ex. You have defined the entrance you have to define a “mirror” welcome open area…. Etc) Try to answer questions like: the visitor is able to go out of the building during his tour in exhibitions areas? etc
ReplyDeleteRegarding the floor plan: I agree with Lia about the issues in the overall circulation. For example the elevator (vertical circulation) needs to have better relation with the lobby. The exhibition and Fish Tunnel need to promote visit without dead-end routes or “dead” areas (meaning areas that visitors are difficult to find or to use) Try to define the exhibition areas, think about possible subjects that can be exhibited there.
Try to simulate with sketches the visitors’ circulation (Horizontal by level and vertical). Make scenarios for different visitors’ profiles (school class, family, individuals, group of adults, group of handicaps etc) in this way you will be able to assess your floor plan and to make necessary changes. Try to answer questions about the location of different uses like restaurant (should be in an upper level? Where the restaurant located in different aquariums, museums? Restaurant can work independently (out of the working hours of exhibitions)? Etc) The entrance is used as exit too. How the two side ticket booths operate?
Take a step back and try to answer some of the questions. Continue the hard work.