Project03: Precedent Study (Parti Analysis)

Kimbell Art Museum, Louis Kahn

Project02: Stage Design

In our stage design, we wanted to incorporate the juxtaposition of the 'old' and the 'new' to represent Parramatta's historical context and symbolise the conflict of the Sharks and the Jets in 'West Side Story'.

The 'runway-like' entrance that gradually opens up to the main stage, imitates the laneways created by Parramatta's old and new architecture, as well as caters for the street fight scenes between the two gangs that play out numerous times throughout the musical. The false perspective and the subtle descent to the main stage from the 'runway' brings focus to the stage centre and introduces more dynamism to the set design.

The undulating roof shape was incorporated to improve acoustics as well as create a sense of grandeur and theatricality within the architecture itself. The design was influenced by the Parramatta River.

Concept model 1

Concept model 2

Concept model 3

Final stage plan and section

Old and New stage design

Final stage design

ARCH1202 Design Studio 4

Project01: A Concertina of Paramatta

Location Plan

Figure-ground density map

Historical buildings along major pedestrian procession to site

All buildings along major pedestrian procession  to site

With the dominant imposition of 'new' architecture over the 'old', the deep historical context of Parramatta has become oblivious to the public.
The new Riverside Theatre design should aim to mend the site's present historical conflict with a design that speaks both of the past as well as to the future.

Figure-ground of lane ways between the 'old and new'

Perspectives of lane ways between the 'old and new'

Grass and water landscapes around site

The built environment of central Parramatta is divided by the Parramatta River and surrounded by large parklands. However, the current architecture of the Riverside Theatre does not interact with any of the neighbouring natural elements. 

The new Riverside Theatre should aim to take advantage of these adjoining opportunities for better public access, exposure and overall architectural experience. 

Parramatta River section labels in plan

Changing density along Parramatta River

Pedestrian disconnection

The disconnection that currently exists in the pedestrian access alongside the Parramatta River and the poor execution of the current architecture's attempt to introduce new urban links create isolated and unused spaces.
The new Riverside Theatre should aim to mend this missed opportunity by directing circulation through a weaving of required and leisure spaces spread throughout the site to maximise activity around the entire site. This will also create new and more efficient urban links between along and across the river.

Project03: Double House & Garden

Client: An art collector who is looking for a double residential unit for himself and an apprentice artist. The art collector intends to be a permanent resident whilst the resident in the second 'house' will continually change according to the client's collaborative projects. Finally, the art collector wishes to include gallery spaces that are accessible to the public as well as create a 'porous' work of architecture that integrates the exterior into the interior.

Concept model- Street Facade

Concept model- Back Facade

Site Streetscape

South Street Facade

North Facade

East Longitudinal Section

Detail Model- Second Gallery Space 1

Detail Model- Second Gallery Space 2

Project02: Analytical Study

Villa Muller, Adolf Loos

Circulation Strategy

1. Spatial Sequence

Highlights Loos’ major circulation plan that acts to enhance the architectural experience through the continued dramatic changes of spatial enclosure as one walks through the predefined circuit of movement.

1. Private Vs. Public

Explores the two circulation plans separated according to function- circulation sequence defined by surrounding spaces, whereby the public circulation plan is enveloped by larger, more dominant public spaces (blue) and the private, service circulation plan is separately enclosed, adjacent to the major service area in the southeast corner (red).

3. Lighting Study

Solar study exploring light and shadow in living room space and northeast facade.

Psychological Relationship

1. Spatial Experience

Explores Loos’ master section plan in a sequential manner, demonstrating the dynamism of the overall spatial experience constructed through the continued vertical compression and enlargement of spaces.

2. Visual Connection

Shows the visual connection between the interior and exterior, as well as the level of visual connectivity between major interior spaces, defined by various sized internal windows.

Also gives an insight into the true line of sight from any chosen location on the relevant floor plan level.

3. Public Vs. Private Vs. Service

Simplified massing model highlighting the distribution of the three specified functions.

Material Study

1. Furniture and Fixtures

Mapping diagram locating the major materials of furnishing and fixture elements.

2. Interior Walls

Mapping diagram locating the major wall finishes and textures. The richness of materials and textures shown in photo montage of unfolded interior circulation model.

3. Exterior Walls

Unfolded elevation model, seen in contrast to the interior circulation model, emphasises the extremely plain external facade, completely naked from adornment- other than the natural surroundings that integrates the urban context into the architecture.

Project01: Precedent Study

Villa Muller, Adolf Loos

2-dimensional study: The Drawings

3-dimensional study: The Model

Main Entrance

External View

External View

Section View
This view demonstrates the interlocking of spaces with varying ceiling heights, floor thicknesses and level of elevation, a key concept in the Muller House design. 

Ground Floor and Living Room Sectional Elevation
This view highlights Loos' interior focused design with strong visual connections between various spatial compartments, achieved through the use of internal windows.  

Back Balcony