PROJECT 3
Designing with Architectural Intentions & Principles + Materiality + Context + User:
Mangrove Wildlife Observation Unit
The given site is at Kuala Selangor Nature Park, watchtower area, and the observation unit is located around the aviary, across the river. The choice of location is due to maximize of view and sound, and also to replace the broken bridge on the river, functioning as a bridge as well.
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Chosen location
Site Plan
Design inspiration and principles
As this project is interrelated to Project 2B, the design intention of bird nest concept is maintained, but the structure is extended into different ports, inspired by the bird's wings. In terms of the form of the structure of the main area, I was inspired by Kengo Kuma's Sunnyhills in Tokyo, when I visited the place during my holiday. The use of interlocking of timber is used in the main structure, which contrasts the "wings", the ports which is made of ETFE, which is transparent and semi-transparent, leading it to blend into the forest. The intention behind the use of contrast is also to make the main area as the focus point when the user pass by the structure and to spark curiosity of the users to explore the structure. Due to the interlocking of timber of facade, it forms shadows when light shines through, mimicking the idea of sunlight shining through the trees, giving "living in the nature" feeling to the users, thus, this explains the light and shadow principle. Furthermore, spatial hierarchy can also be seen in the structure where its from public space to private space as the user explore from the entrance. The observation/ activity area is around the entrance, where most activities are going on leading it to be a busy area; the resting and working area is next, it the main structure, where users will chill and have informal discussions which they require quieter space; lastly, the sleeping area and bathroom area is at the end, where users require private space.
Activity area
The activity area is divided into 3 ports, which has different heights which lead to different focus of view. As this observation unit focuses on casual and adventurous visitors, thus, different levels of platform allows the view seen to be maximized. The first platform floats on the river, which allows the user to have a close up view of the river, for instance, they are able to view mangrove swamp animals like crabs and mud skippers. The second platform is 1m high, located along the river which allows the user to view how the forest area blends into the river and also observe the uniqueness of mangrove tree roots acting on the river. The third platform is 5m high, located in between the trees, allowing the users to perform bird watching activity, especially milky stork, as their nests locate at around 6m high. Furthermore, as the abandoned aviary was used to breed milky stork years back, this causes the milky storks to live nearby the aviary till now, thus, as the platform is around the aviary, the users will have a higher chance in spotting milky storks.
Resting area
The resting area is located at the ground floor of the main structure, function as a place for informal gathering. In the resting area, there is a pantry area where the users can have their refreshments and meal. The built-in table faces the forest and the view is framed by the diamond shape formed due to the interlocking to timber of the facade, thus, the user is able to enjoy the scenery when having their meal. On the opposite side of the pantry area, there is a bar area where the users can chit chat while enjoy the scenery of the river. The users can also have their private time at the bar tables.
Working area
The working area is located at the first floor of the main structure as it is quieter, allowing the user to have informal meetings. As stated before, the target user is someone adventurous, the tables at the working area is made of hollow boxes which the users can move around according to their needs, which also allows them to sit or stand on the boxes or stack them up. The chairs are kept in the hollow space of the boxes, thus, there are more space for users to express their creativity. The working area uses the forest view as the background, and due to the location of the area, it is more exposed to sunlight compared to other area, thus, causing the light and shadow principle to be much obvious in the working area, giving a fun and chill vibe to the space.
Toilet & shared bathroom area
The toilet and shared bathroom is located in between the main structure and the sleeping ports. The area is semi-open, thus, allowing the users to be able to connect to nature in a comfortable manner. The bathrooms are designed to have rain shower heads, giving a sense of "bathing in the nature". There are also plants to be planted at the area to further enhance the feeling of being in the woods, while also function as a barrier to enclose the area for privacy purposes.
Sleeping area
The sleeping area is located at the very end of the structure as it will be quiet and more private. There are 2 different height of sleeping ports at the sleeping area which are made of net to further enhance the idea of bird's nest and adventurous structure. The shell like roof of the sleeping ports with simple pulley system, is movable whereby the users can open or close when required. In addition, the roof at the side of the ports are semi-transparent for privacy purposes but the roof in the middle is transparent as the intention was to capture the view of sunlight passing through the tree leaves and the view of stars in the night sky when the user lies down and rest.
Progress models
Presentation boards
REFLECTION
Through this project, I am able to learn interpret and analyse simple site context; interpret and analyse users' characteristics and needs in relation to the design of a small structure; and, design a simple building type that meets user requirements and respect site context that balances both internal (architectural spaces/ circulation) and external (aesthetics and format) design values. Thanks to my tutor, Ms Patma, who have been constantly giving feedback and advice, I am able to improve my design and presentation board layout skills.