brief I will design a structure aimed at the target audience of teenagers from the ages ranging from 13-18. the aim is to create a space that will appeal to teenagers and interest them to visit the space. The function of the space will show a range of activities, that people of any abilities can take part in. The space will also produce a positive environment, by creating a healthy and entertaining area for teenagers to express themselves.

specification Function- The space should provide a variety of equipment and activities for the users to use and take part in. The activities included should consist of : expressive arts such as music, drama, dance and art. Sports such as swimming, 5 a-side football, basketball and skateboarding. As well as a viewing tower to view the city. This means the centre needs to provide a studio to produce music, as well as a studio to dance and create drama. The space also needs to provide an indoor sporting area, which will have a swimming pool and an indoor area that will combine football and basketball. The outdoor activity area will be a skate park which will allow skateboarding. The space will also need an extended upper floor to cater or the viewing tower. The centre will have to be of a large scale to cater for all these activities, as the combination of all these activities will have to be spaced out to allow the space to feel comfortable.

The Users- The space should allow easy access to all areas and equipment. This will be provided by disabled access to areas through devices such as elevators and ramps to allow all users to have easy access. there will also be a climbing wall and a slide which is a fun alternative to access the viewing tower. There should be places to relax and socialise, which will be provided through areas such as a restaurant where food, drinks and toilets will be provided, which will allow the users to socialise as well as eat healthily through the healthy menu choice.

Ergonomics- Entrances should all have disabled access and ergonomics for comfort. Which will be allowed by automatic opening doors, ramps to elevated areas and chairs that provide comforts through being specially designed , as they are designed to the shape of the average persons back.

Materials- Wood to be used in the skate park as this is the best surface to skate on. Plastic in restaurant area for cleanliness, as it can be wiped clean quickly and easily. Metal as it is strong and can support areas such as the viewing tower, which is of a large scale and needs supports to be kept at an angle. Glass to allow natural lighting into the space to brighten up the area.

Canary wharf structural primary inspiration

This structure is the main building of the Bank of America in canary wharf. This structure creates the imagery of lettering, which is shown in the structure by the ‘H’ shape that connects the two towers either side. This has inspired me to research how lettering can be used in a structure.

In this image the focus for this inspiration, is the detail that is displayed in the middle of the two buildings either side of it. The diamond pattern that is shown on the outside of the structure, creates interesting view points and lighting into the space. This has inspired me to research into ways natural lighting can be used, to effect the interior of the space.

This structure inspires me to research into shape and detail. This is shown through the curved shape of the structure and the light coloured lines, going from the top to the bottom of the structure. This curved shape shown, is very unique for the area and has inspired me to research into other circular and curved buildings.

Canary wharf sculptures and details primary inspiration

In this image it shows the detail of a building, and how material has been combined with shape to create this outcome. Glass has been used to create a viewing perspective from the inside, as the curved shape creates a convex perspective, that allows the user to experience a larger view. This has inspired me to experiment with convex window ideas.

In this image it shows a sculpture in the centre. This provides decoration as well as a social area for the users. The use of metal creates interesting lighting when light is reflected off of it. This draws attention to it, and makes the space seem an appealing and interesting place to be. This has inspired me to use sculptures in my models, to draw attention and give them functions.

In this image it shows a large circular sculpture, that is used for decorative and seating purposes. This has also been used to draw attention and appeal to users, as the surrounding seating area faces towards the sculpture ,to create focus and fascination towards it. This has inspired me to use sculptures in my space, that are in and around the art studio areas and will b used to inspire the users.

Electric wire experiment with structure form

This experiment allowed me to generate ideas of possible shapes and forms of the structure. This helped to create a starting point for my youth centre, as these simple compositions allowed me to understand possible layouts and base forms.

The idea generated from these models was that the spaces in between the wires would be filled with a material such as metal or glass to create a sheltered structure. This led to me documenting the models to show how the wire enhanced shadow and lighting.

This has inspired me to work with other materials to develop this idea, and create more alterative structure forms.

Paper straw experiment with structure form

This was inspired by the wire models and is a developed experiment of other possible structure forms. These models create different more sharper shapes than the past models , which allows me to decide the preferred or most suited shape that is needed for the youth centre, as I have a choice of sharp or soft shapes. These sharp triangular shapes seem most suited for a youth centre, as this form can be associated with excitement. The rounded shapes however is usually represented to be soothing and calm, which does not relate to the users needs for a youth centre, as the space needs to be exciting and appealing for teenagers.

These models therefore have created the realisation of what shape and form the youth centre should be, as this will effect the users needs for the space and how they see it.

Paper straw development of structure form

These models are a development of the past paper straw models, and show how I experimented with a larger scale. This allowed me to realise the scale the youth centre, which will need to be large to cater for the many functions. This overall has allowed me to understand a suitable scale as well as relatable structure forms.

Dragon hall trust youth centre in London primary research

These images are primary images of a youth centre in Covent garden. This structure has used the theme of dragons and fire to appeal to the youth ,as this theme is exciting because of its mythology. The structure is also trying to relate its theme with the surrounding area, which is Chinatown, as dragons are associated with Chinese culture.

This association is shown through the colour of the building as the orange colour relates to the colour in fire. The design shown in the image on the left, also displays red triangular shapes running along the top of the fence, this creates the imagery of the scales that go from the dragons tail and up its spine.

The above image shows one of the functions the centre has, which is an outdoor sports court. This provides a space for multiple sports such as football, basketball, cricket and netball. This allowed me to understand how functions can be combined into one space, which creates further ideas and inspiration for my sports area.

Exterior CAD model experiment

This CAD model was designed in Sketch-up software which provided me with a starting point for the youth centre structure. The idea shown in the model is that each shape is a different section of the structure ,as well as having multiple stories within the space. The idea behind having many sections is to provide for the different functions the youth centre has, allowing a space for each unique function. This has overall allowed me to realise how the structure can be broken down into separate sections, without disconnecting each part and instead combining the m into one whole structure.

Plan view

View from below

Ground floor

Second floor First floor

Card exterior model experiment

This model was and experiment with card and with possible forms of the youth centre. The idea behind this structure is to create a space that provides an exciting design that allows multiple stories. This is explained in the drawing on the right, as the two triangular shapes are connected but are both separate floors.

The shapes used in this model were inspired by what was found in the wire experiments, which was that sharp pointed shapes are more relevant for the function. However I incorporated circular shapes into the structure to combine the two shapes to experiment and see if both shapes could be used.

Second floor

Ground floor

First floor

The drawing on the right shows a possible existing location in the city. This allows me to see how the space works with its surroundings and how it stands out in an urban environment. This has also allowed me to vision the space in a realistic environment, allowing me to realise the scale needed for this structure.

Foam board exterior model experiment

These two models are a developed experiment as I have experimented with a new material, but have also combined past ideas with the models. This is shown in the drawing below, as I have thought about placing the model in an urban location and have included my wire models in the drawing, to see how the two models worked with each other.

The model on the right however was found to have worked best with the multiple stories idea , as the upper section provides a second floor and a larger scale, which is needed to cater for the many functions of the centre.

The combination of the two foam board models and the drawing allowed me to realise how the wire models can be incorporated to and used as decoration in forms of sculptures, which was inspired by the idea gained from canary wharf research.

Foam board exterior developed model

This model on the left shows how I experimented with sharp edged rectangular shapes, instead of the triangular shapes I have already experimented with. This was to see how different shapes worked with the centre and the possibilities other shapes created.

The idea behind this model was to create overlapping sections, which allow access to each part as they are all connected. But the structure also displays the multiple stories idea, as the overlapping shapes provide height differences in the structure, which allows each shape to provide a different floor.

This model displays the sharp pointed shapes and also provides an open ground floor for the sports area function. This allows outdoor activities such as skateboarding an open area with shelter, to stop weather effecting the space. The space also provides three stories with a tower inspired second floor for allowing the users to view the cityscape.

Fabric exterior model experiment

These fabric models created interesting forms when modelled, as the materials created interesting shadows and lighting, which I have captured in my drawings. This allowed me to realise that natural lighting can be manipulated into adding to the structures appeal, as the form of the structure plays a large role in how light reacts with the space. These drawings also provide a more exaggerated expression of tone, as the shading displays the most extreme example of the possible tone, which I experimented with by using different lighting.

Card exterior model development

This shows a development of what has been learnt form the past experiments. The model displays the pointed shapes to relate to the users of the structure, as it is associated with excitement and youthfulness. The structure also shows how rounded circular shapes have been incorporated into the space to relate to the experiment which included both these shapes, this creates a contrast of shapes and a balance between sharp and soft shapes. This model has allowed me to vision and think of the layout of the youth centre, and helped me realise which functions can be combined and which cannot.

This plan view of the structure shows where each function would exist within the space, such as the skate park area which has been found to work in an open but sheltered space in my past models. The expressive arts studio will be the largest, as it needs to provide a theatre for drama and dance, as well as an art gallery to exhibit wok. The indoor sports area will combine football and basketball as they can be combined by using their similar court markings, and placing the basketball net above the football goal without interfering with each other. The swimming pool area has been designed on its own, as if it was combined with other function it could cause a risk of slipping.

Skate park shelter

Expressive arts studio

Indoor swimming pool

Indoor sports area

Archicad interior and exterior of ground & 1st floor

Skate park

Expressive arts studio

Indoor sports area

Swimming pool

This CAD model demonstrates the plans and elevations of the past model. This displays the exterior and interior of the space and how the ground and 1st floor, would look and work. The furniture, entrances and windows all create a sense of scale which allow me to understand that the space would have to be large to hold all the functions. Each function has been shown on the plan drawing which created the idea that these functions will be on the ground floor, as this will provide more space for the 1st and 2nd which will hold the function of the viewing tower and dining hall.

Card exterior model outcome

These drawings above allowed me to interpret the model into existing London locations. The first drawing is in the location of the Southbank, which is close to the tourist attraction the London Eye meaning that the space would be passed frequently by masses of people. This generated the idea that the space would need to stand out rather than blend in, as the space needs to be noticed in order to gain users. This is why the scale of the structure is larger than its surroundings, the space is also located near a highly visited skate park, which could also attract the target audience, as the space is designed to appeal to the youth using the skate park. The drawing below is an aerial view of the structure and how the space would be seen from above, which allows an understanding of the structures surroundings and the scale difference.

This model is the outcome for the youth centre space, and displays all the concepts and ideas learnt from the past model. The models form was inspired by the Xiqu centre, as the space uses a combination of circular and triangular shapes similar to the concept of this model. The space also uses bright reflective materials to stand out in its location, which is an issue explained in the past annotation. The structure overall allowed me to include all concepts learnt and how the space would work in its location.

Bing Thom architect’s Xiqu centre

Tom Wright’s Burj al-Arab, Dubai inspiration

This structure research was inspired by my viewing tower idea, as this structure has created an obscure function. The hotel provides a tennis court function with an outstanding view, this has inspired me to think of designing a viewing tower with a further function and not just a view. This research has allowed me to realise how functions can be combined so that less space is used .The towers design itself takes up less floor space, as it makes use of space above ground, which creates further use of space.

The underground hotel rooms have also inspired me to make use of space, as this hotel has used the space underground which allows there to be more space above. This also creates a view of the ocean which is very unique, as the sea has been associated with calming people which shows that this outstanding view also provides another function. This research overall has allowed me to realise the possibilities that manipulation of space can provide.

HGP Greentree & Allchurch Evans’ Spinnaker tower Portsmouth, England primary inspiration

This primary research was a starting point for my viewing tower idea. This created the realisation of scale and how high the tower wold have to be, to see a large amount of the city, this created a decision that I needed to make which was if I wanted to see a vast amount of London or just the key sections.

Research into this structure was influenced by the Burj al-arab research and inspired me to research into similar shaped structures. This led to me visiting Portsmouth to see and document the structure. This structure formed the idea of access to the viewing tower, to cater for the disabled as well as able bodied teenagers, which created the idea to have a few ways to access the area. This overall has inspired me to research into ways of access, and possible scales of the tower.

This glass floor on the observation deck, also creates inspiration of other possible viewing perspectives. This is because this tower shows a view downwards as well as straight ahead, which provides a more overwhelming view and understanding of its scale.

Drawings of viewing tower idea with development

These drawings show the development of the viewing tower idea and the possible ways to access the viewing area. These access points include a climbing wall, a slide and an elevator. This provides a fun alternative to access the area as well as disability access.

Card Viewing tower experiment

These models are a starting point and are my base experiment, which I will use to build onto and develop. I have also shown the scale of the structures will have to be, to relate to the viewing tower function.

These structures have also allowed me to realise how the main building will be connected to the tower, and creates a starting idea for how the two spaces can be combined.

Research into Renzo Piano’s the shard scale

The shard is the largest structure in London and is a space created for viewing the London skyline. This relates to my idea as my structure has the same function and idea. The observation deck on the left shows the large scale of the structure, compared to London and shows the controversial design by Renzo Piano, which creates the imagery of being unfinished. This displays a unique design and inspires me to use obscure designs for my structure.

This diagram shows iconic structures in London, and allows me to realise the possible scales a viewing tower should be. This shows that the tower does not have to be as large as the shard, and can be as tall as the London Eye, as that also has the function of viewing London.

Card Viewing tower development

These models were inspired by my shard research, and how the structure is designed. This shows the development of the viewing tower idea, and how I have considered a more vertical design relating to the function of the space, and the shapes needed to give a good view of the skyline. This has inspired me to work with other materials and develop the long vertical shape further, as it works best when considering a viewing tower, but does not restrict my design.

Explanation of viewing tower development process

The drawing on the right explains the development of the viewing tower idea. This also shows the details of the different floors of the building. and its access points. This drawing allows me to understand the process of creating the models, and creates understanding of how I got to the third developed stage.

Foam board viewing tower experiment

The drawing of the model development process allowed me to move on and develop the viewing tower using what I had learnt. This design shows a different use of material, which creates a more three-dimensional perspective. I have also used a vertical design to relate to the function, which I had learnt from experimenting with my past models. However I developed this further and added a larger space at the top, which was inspired by my past model shown on the left, which is used to create the observation deck area.

Foam board and copper wire viewing tower development

This drawing shows tone, and the lighting and shading that will be shown on the exterior of the structure. The drawing was also combined with collage, and shows ideas for possible decoration surrounding the structure such as grass, trees and lighting. This allows a contrast to the urban environment the space is set in, as it provides nature. This overall allows me to understand possible decorations that compliment the structure, which create a positive environment

This models shows development of the past models, as I have experimented with different materials and composition. The copper wire creates obscure eye catching decoration, but also provides support for the structure as it holds it in place. The past model was altered and re- arranged to create this model, and shows how the viewing tower can be singular and on its own, rather than connected to the main building as shown in past models.

Foam board and copper wire viewing tower development

This model shows a different structure form using the last model, as the tower has now been made more vertical making it higher. This shows the further development of the viewing tower, as an existing model has been altered to work better with the function, as this design gives a better view because of its height. This has allowed me to understand that vertical shapes work best for this function, as scale is easier to create because less space is used on the surface and is instead making use of space above ground level. The copper wire also creates the idea of the slide access from the tower, as the spiralling wire shows the direction of slide and how it would spiral from the top to the bottom.

The slide access idea shown in the model

Zero carbon elevator by MatthewLloyd architects in London

This solar powered elevator provides an eco- friendly alternative lift. This relates to my design specification, as this creates an idea for access to the viewing tower area. This will encourage users to use this, as it is good for the environment.

The elevator also caters for the disabled and provides a ramp for wheelchair users to access the elevator. This has also allowed me to realise what is needed for the disabled to access areas.

the drawing above is my rendition of the solar powered elevator. I used the research from the zero carbon elevator to inspire this design, as I have adapted the solar powered concept into my own design. I have also used the form of metal bars weaving throughout the elevator similar to the design in the research. The circular form was chosen instead of the rectangular shape, as it relates to the contrast the youth centre structure has ,which is triangular and circular shapes. This shape worked best, as the soft edges can be associated with a calming emotion, which is relevant when using this elevator to access the viewing tower, as the user will not feel at risk.

Design for the elevator access to the observation deck

Foam board viewing tower outcome

This model shows the outcome stage when using foam board material. This model shows what was discovered during the experiment and development stages, which was using a vertical structure to work best for the viewing function. This is shown in the model, as the first model created in this process has been used as the base, but after experimenting the observation deck has been added to create to highlight a vertical shape.

Observation deck

Solar powered Elevator access to the observation

deck.

The solar powered elevator I have researched has also inspired me to use a similar approach to access the tower, as it caters for the disabled and relates to my specification. This has overall allowed me to create an outcome using the foam board material and I can now experiment with other materials.

Found objects viewing tower experiment models

These models display the continuation of the viewing tower structure. This shows the experimental stage when using found objects, which creates a starting point that show interesting shapes and structures when combining together.

The vertical shape that has been discovered in the past models, has also been formed here to relate to the research I found, that relates to what works best for this function.

The use of the computer sections creates obscure detailed designs within the model, which allow a further understanding of possible shapes that the structure could display.

Found objects viewing tower developed outcome

Eric Bedford’s BT tower, London

This is an outcome which I have confined to just the computer sections as they created the most interesting shapes. This was inspired by the BT tower in London, as the long vertical shape is similar to the black section in this model. The white section of the model shown on the right allows support for the tower which fixes the problem encountered in the last model, as well as providing access to the observation deck, through the solar powered elevator design. This creates further understanding of what is possible with this material.

The model on the left was the first developed stage of this process and shows how the tower section was placed on top, which creates a larger view from its height. This allows the function of this section to display the largest view of the city possible. This model however was not balanced, and created a structure that was too top heavy.

Observation deck

Elevator access

Viewing tower CAD experiment

This shows the experiment with Sketch-up software, which allowed me to create elevations for the viewing tower idea. These shapes were inspired by the detailed forms from the computer parts and are inspired by mechanical parts. The idea was to create a larger observation deck that can be supported By the most minimalistic form as possible. This idea creates the concept of a gravity-defying look, which makes the structure look to heavy to be supported by its lower section.

These images above show the views from above and below to demonstrate how the structure that looks unbalanced is actually balanced. As the bottom section is relatively even with the observation deck.

Viewing tower CAD outcome

This CAD model designed on Sketch-up software is an alternative to the foam board outcome and displays more intricate shapes. These shapes were inspired by shapes that I cut out of an aerial view of London, which are displayed in the image by the white sections on the map. The diagram on the right also demonstrates how the first floor and the observation deck would be combined with the main youth centre structure.

Observation deck/ 2nd floor

1st floor

Observation deck/ second floor

Main youth centre building/Ground floor

The use of CAD software allowed me to create accurate lines that allow me to create a more realistic land related design. This overall has allowed me to create an outcome that relates to the spaces location by using London map sections. As well as an understanding of how the viewing tower would be combined with the main building, and how the space would actually look visually.

London map shapes that inspired the form

Edge Design Institute’s “The Cascade project”, Hong Kong inspiration

These designers have turned an ordinary unnoticed stairway, into a publicly engaged area. This is because the attracting design of the various triangular and rectangular shapes draw the attention of the public to use the space as a seating and social area. The contrast of urban furniture with nature also creates an interesting combination as they both work together. This is because the Bauhinia trees provide shelter from the sunlight, allowing users to use this space comfortably as they will not be distracted by the sunlight. This space overall inspires me to create a design that includes this concept so that the function of the space, creates a positive attracting environment for the users.

The above image displays the space at night, which still provides an inviting atmosphere, as the dark stairway is light by the seating area attracting users to the space. This demonstrates how the space is in use during both the day and night.

CAD swimming pool model experiment

This CAD model was an experiment with the Sketch-up software, as I experimented with textures to create a more visually realistic model. The drawing on the left demonstrates how the swimming pool function works by explaining the concept and direction of an infinity pool. The drawing also explains how the two sections of the pool will be accessed by ladder. This overall has allowed me to create a realistic starting point which I can develop, as I now have a better understanding of how the infinity pool works best, as the two sections use water to flow from each section into the other.

Rocket restaurant, Canary Wharf primary inspiration for this model

Plastic, wood, metal and paper straw swimming pool model development process

These models above show how I experimented with mixed materials. The first image was the first model and displays the circular shape that I had used in my past CAD model. The infinity pool concept has also been developed into a more noticeable design, as the metal wire is the pump which transfers the water from the top to the bottom. The second model displays shows how I added wood at the bottom of the structure, to give the pool a more three-dimensional look to create a more realistic idea of what the space looks visually.

Water pump

The model above demonstrates how the past model has been developed. This is shown through the new water pump design which is explained in the drawing on the left. This design creates a function that interacts with the space, as the water pipes spray out and into the bottom pool which creates a fountain like design. This interacts with the space as this gives the users the feel of being in a water park, and provides a fun interaction which also regulates the water flow.

This process overall allowed me to generate further ideas for the infinity pool, as the design now provides an interaction with the user as the water is pumped around the pool and transferred from the top to bottom in a spraying motion.

Card, paper straw and wood swimming pool outcome

Simon Velez & Marco Zanini’s observation deck, Isla Simca

This collage combined with drawing shown on the left demonstrates a new idea. This was inspired by the research above of an 360 observation deck, which influenced the idea of having a space in the middle of the pool. The circular area between the top and bottom sections, will provide a social area made from glass, which will create the idea of being under water as the space will be surrounded by the bottom pool section.

Enclosed social area

Enclosed social area

This model is the outcome for the swimming pool space and is a model which combines all the ideas learnt from past experiments. The infinity pool water pumps/pipes idea is displayed through the white paper straw section, which was inspired by the past experiment, as I used the same approach and central layout as the past model. However the pipe regulation design that surrounded the past model has been replaced by the yellow section. This is because similar to the past model this space is interactive, as the yellow section creates decoration as well as functioning as water tanks which collect water for the infinity pool .

Water tanks

Water pipes

This outcome overall displays a carefully considered concept for an infinity pool, which regards the users engagement and emotions towards the space.

“tiny peoples big adventures in a world of food” by William Kass research

This artist has created a concept which uses food and model people to create structural form, that the audience can interpret into existing spaces. The artist also creates spaces which I am designing such as a skate park, climbing wall, swimming pool and football pitch. This research broadens my possibilities for these spaces, as the artist has re-appropriated food to give it another function.

This concept is similar to what I have been experimenting with, as I have also used model people to re-appropriate materials such in my found object models. This research overall inspires me to use non artist research to inspire forms of structures to create more interesting spaces.

Foam board skate park experiment process

The model above shows the first experiment with foam board. The model was inspired by the William Kass research, which uses scale people to re-appropriate a space. This is demonstrated by the scale people in the model placed on a model, which were inspired by the leaf images shown on the left and right. The drawing above displays the model in a colourful alternative which allowed me to consider what the space would look like in colour.

The model above was the next model created during the experimental stage. This model demonstrates the solving of the problem found in the last model, which was spacing and layout. This is because the past model was too close together and did not provide much room for the function ,which needs space in order to perform skating tricks. This has been solved as the skate ramps have been placed further apart.

Leaves which inspired these models

Wood and copper skate park outcome model

Tinted orange glass

Grinding rail

This model is the outcome for the skate park space. The model provides the knowledge learnt from the past models which were spacing and colour. The colour is shown through the orange tinted glass, which will create interesting lighting in the space, as the tinted glass will react with the natural lighting to produce reflective orange shading and lighting. The addition to the skate park idea was a grinding rail, where I have used copper to form a vital part of a skating area, that allows further tricks.

This outcome overall creates a user considered space, which provides various skating facilities that allow the user to perform desired tricks. The space also provides an interaction with natural lighting which will create reflective shading and lighting.