The Memorial Diamond Factory, Model 1:50

(Polystyrene sheet, mount board, white card)
(Scale 1:50)

Here are a few pictures of the model I have been working on for the last four days. Hopefully this will pass as my final proposal, as I managed to get pretty good feedback from my tutorial in London, and overall it was a success I feel. The model is 95% complete in terms of structure, I will soon be spraying the entire thing and adding wax to certain areas. The model opens up to reveal interior spaces, I just didn't have time/ couldn't be bothered to take photos yet! WATCH THIS SPACE!

The Memorial Diamond Factory - London Tutorial Section

(ArchiCad, Photoshop Finish)

My first proposal

The Memorial Diamond Factory - ArchiCAD Model 1

(Lightworks Rendering)

ArchiCAD Experiments 3...

(Lightworks rendering Of CAD Model)

ArchiCAD Experiments 2...

(Perspective views)

ArchiCAD Experiments 1...

(Fill experimentation)

Sketch Model 3 - The Memorial Diamond Factory

(Wax with paper former)

(Scale 1:100)

For my next model, I decided to play with the levels in my design. I decided to move the chapel of rest beneath street level into a more intimate environment. I believe with the correct lighting creating a warm alabaster glow, I can create an ideal environment for loved ones to say their last goodbyes in a none depressing environment. I want to achieve a spiritual, omnipotent atmosphere, one where a life can be celebrated, and the mourning process is triggered on a high note. I believe the key to this is light.

Another idea I was playing with was the connection to nature and the outdoors. I have included a courtyard and sun porch, an area the family of the deceased can relax before and after the ceremony. I have included light tunnels to control the lighting above entrances and exits of this area to give it a spiritual feel.

Another feature I have considered is that of the functional features, including hearst entrance ergonomically designed to that of the hearst's turning circle. The coffin can then be easily removed away from the street in a spiritual, sheltered environment, before being placed to rest inside the building. 

I have been careful to keep the facade to the street similar, with the hope I can also give something back to the street with my design in later models. My current design is a section through time of the existing buildings constructed in different time periods. The hurst entrance will cut into the facade of the street, therefore the architecture immerses you into a private environment, away from the public eye.

Sketch Model 2 - The Memorial Diamond Factory

(Wax  with paper former)

(Scale 1:100)

After reflecting on my initial model, I reshuffled the layout in order to communicate a few key concepts and ideas. As my concept of memorial signifies the stimulation of memory, the mind need not so much be controlled, but nurtured through influence.

I begun to think about aspects such as my clients recent histories, and what trauma's they may have gone through after the passing of a loved one. Aspects may include prolonged time spent in hospital whilst visiting ill relatives. One of the main features of a hospital is it's corridors, and the harsh, clinical nature of the artificial lights. I wanted to move away from these memory triggers, by not including them in my design.

I started to think about using rooms in series graced with natural light, taking advantage of its healing capabilities. I also considered the materials I wanted to use, and how to represent these in a model. I have looked into the use of alabaster as a prominant material in both the chapel of rest, and the communal areas leading towards the crematorium. I used wax to illustrate the lighting qualities, as it portrays a more delicate, spiritual aesthetic, as well as giving the model a solid presence. A lasting presence.

ArchiCAD... mmmmm

So I've been working through some ArchiCAD Tutorials I downloaded from Graphisoft. I have a couple more to do until I'm finished, but heres an idea of what I've managed to produce so far.

I'm hoping to produce my Cad drawings for the final project using this software.

P.S
I'll be uploading pictures of my two most recent sketch models tomorrow. I need to take photographs of them before that happens!

Sketch Model 1 - The Memorial Diamond Factory

(Foam core, acetate, aluminium)

My initial model was basically a form finding exercise. space was created or implied where needed, and initial thoughts on the project were tried and tested in order to see how they gelled. Whilst producing this model, many issues were realised. The main issue was the material. I think I will revert back to a former modelling technique perfected during my concept model production.

Easter week 1...

Its been a busy one! I'm exhausted to be quite honest! I kicked off my holiday with the completion of my History of Architecture 3 essay (wow calm down ay!). The essay is entitled:


 "Through an investigation of the work of one of its exponents, chart the key characteristics of the Art Nouveau style, and assess its significance in the wider shift to Modernism."


Guimard and Le Corbusier where the subject of conversation, and it gave me a good opportunity to discuss some of the sites I recently studied during my trip to Paris.


The following 5 days have been spent refining my entire first project, presenting to portfolio standard which will save me a job when I get back! I intend to get my second project up to the same presentation standard before I return to Nottingham as I'm sure the final push will be a complete tour de force with the Final project hand in looming.


I spent today initially by completing a few ArchiCAD tutorials, before shifting my focus back to my new project. With tutorial dates set for the 20th in London, my priorities lie in producing several sketch models along with plans and sections for the meeting with our tutors. This will certainly be my focus for the next week... I'll keep you posted!


Easter week 1... DONE!

The Ruins of Detroit...

(http://www.marchandmeffre.com)

I have just been recommended the website above by Owen Pritchard of Blueprint magazine. 

The Ruins of Detroit, published by Stiedl (out later in the year) features the work of photographers Yves and Marchand. I've had a look and I'm a big fan, their photography is stunning! Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers Owen much appreciated.