Precious- Principles of Architectural Design

Project 3 - NSRI Information Unit

July 16, 2010

For this project we were required to design a N.S.R.I Information Unit in Kalk Bay, which is considered a historical precinct. For this project we could build anywhere near the waters edge and our designs had to add value to the site and its surroundings.
The design requirements were to design an information unit for the N.S.R.I- which would give visitors to the harbour a better understanding of what the N.S.R.I is all about. The building can also be used for exhibitions and conferences.
The main idea for this project was to design a building that allowed you become one with the environment and not to take away but to add a mordern touch to the somewhat Victorian styled buildings. The transparency of the building allows one to enjoy the various views and also to become part of the daily activities like fishermen arriving on deck to offload the fish and the fishermens wives selling the fish.
The building allows one to experience the site in all its entirety. The placement of the building on site allows visitors,passersby on the main road and people on the train to see the building from afar- therefore creating curiosity. Simple technology was used to achieve the main objectives for this project- the use of concrete for creating the strong horizontal and vertical planes and the use of glass to emphasise the importance of the surrounding environment.

Posted by Precious Neo Melamu.

Above diagram: This diagram shows the site analysis, the red square is where the PROPOSED building is located. The various arrows indicate where panoramic views can be found, wind direction and the dotted axis shows the different sun angles. A site analysis is very crucial in any project because you are able to design a building that responds well its surrounding environment.

Above picture: The two pictures below the site analysis show the precedent for this project. It is the Howard house, this house is situated along a river and takes its form from the small boats located in that area. This house also used rectangular forms, corrugated cladding on the building facade, large window openings to take advantage the surrounding environment.

Above diagram: The above diagram shows the floor plan of the proposed N.S.R.I building, the building is partially suspended on the edge of the concrete platform, that part of the building gives users the illusion that they are above water, while enjoying marvellous views of the ocean. The building has a service core which on the diagram is depicted as being vertical- this service core includes a kitchenette for staff, a staircase that leads to the buildings roof/balcony and ablutions for staff and visitors. The public and private areas are depicted on the diagram as being horizontal, the private area is the staff office and the public area is the reception area and the exhibition space.

Above pictures: The pictures show the various design informants found around the site, mainly they were horizontal and vertical elements

Above diagram: The sectional elevation shows the various spaces in the building and how the building functions. From this section, one can see the strong vertical and horizontal elements.The building is wrapped in a glass facade, so that the building takes advantage of its great location and splendid views.

Above diagram: The diagrams below the sectional elevation, shows the various concepts and ideas that were derived before I came to the final design decision.