Site

The site has diverse vegetation, a nice view of open space and surrounding buildings. However, the most disruptive influences are sound, and the very little activity.

Additional Information on Site Qualities

Concept

First and foremost architecture is the creation of a habitat for human living. Architect, Le Corbusier best describes remarkable spaces that he has experienced as ‘ineffable space’. He mentions that he is not a religious man, yet when entering certain spaces, a sense of spirituality is imbued in him. The ‘ineffable space’ that Le Corbusier speaks of has been lost and has been replaced by skin architecture. Advancements in technology have led to great achievements; the adaption of architecture into the digital age has been very sluggish. It is thus essential that the architect of today should attempt to move away from architecture as a visual stimulant, but rather go back to the roots of what architecture stands for - the creation of a healthy living environment for its users. Future architecture will be more dynamic.

The concept and drive for our design is the focus on architecture as an adaptable habitat, an architecture that fulfils the needs of its inhabitants. The design is dynamic, but that is not important. What is essential in the concept is that through a dynamic structure more functions are able to take place. This notion of changeable function creates the ultimate approach in architecture – the creation of space that allows for multiple and adaptable programme.

Design Challange Process

Making an intervention adaptable in such a way users will be tempted to use new age architecture. In order to do this, a bottom up design exercise is needed. An investigation of different party's will help attract viable funding to the project.

Design approach

Validators

Users are important elements of the design process. They need to be incorporated in the project at an early stage. In order to begin with a broad spectrum some different actors where approached and asked what their thoughts and interest are for the project. Positive feedback from possible clients insured us that we are heading in the right direction. The foresight of having a meeting space has been accepted as an essential requirement for the different parties.

Main Validator

Stylos was very interested in the project and and proposed to us that they would like to be closely incorporated in the project. They even mentioned they would be interested in taking on a supervisory role of the site in the future.

List of validators

Experimentation

1. User - object interaction

In this experiment we tried to see the interaction between an element and user. In the Orange Lecture hall we made several set ups which the users were able to adapt to the experiment to suite their demands. The set ups varried from comfortable to obstructive.

conclusions:

- People are willing to make a bigger effort to have a comfortable seat.

- It is nice to have a diverse arangement of spaces, caters for larger user group.

- People will sit close to their point of interest (lecture, other person, nearest bench on approach, etc).

- People will adapt their use to the given situation.

- People only change elements when it necessary.

- When a object seems heavy or when people feel exposed or embarrassed, they give up early in trying to adapt the seating arrangement.

2. GPRS Mapping

From Kevin Lynch’s empirical research on how individuals perceive and navigate through a site has led to research done using GPRS tracking devices for site analysis. His books explore the presence of how urban environments human perception of the physical form of cities and regions as the conceptual basis for good urban design.

We added a mesh between all the points and overlaid the different layers over each other to see the effect of how different activities are linked and intertwined.

From his theories we focussed our mapping on three activities:

1. Intimate space

2. Open Space

3. Views, nodes and pathways

Research Validation

3. Traditional anthropometrics

Traditional Anthropometrics are related to the human scale and objects we interact with. Once the shape and size of an object change, the dimensions governing the interaction between object and user will also have to change. Our design will then lead to new studies of anthropometrics to enable comfortable interaction for the user.

Neufert

Input output Actors

As a result of input from different actors on site, an active loop of information exchange and interactivity between building and actors will be generated in the design strategy - creating additional programmes.

Client

Funding will be provided by:

Stylos - Joris van Dijk

Art Galleries (Kadmium) - Linda van Ammerlaan

Science Centre - Michael van Meer

TNO (to confirm)

Specialisation

Strategies and solutions for customization of programme – via fabrication and experimentation.

Financing

Initial Building Cost - TU Delft, Stylos and Sponsors

Maintenance of site - Income from rentable space + Stylos

Experts

TU Delft Architecture Department - Susanna Komossa - Public realm Studio

Gallery Owner – Linda Ammerlaan

Ergonomics of Structure - Industrial Designer, Andre Taris

Software- Roxana Palfi (still to confirm) + Online Forums

Business Strategies- Yes Delft, Delft Design