STUDIO WORK EXERCISE 2

1. Amphitheater & Recreation space.

2. My Main Architectural idea was to create a synthesis of a static form and an organic form. See Picture 1.

The Amphitheater /Recreational space had to be transparent & connect to its surroundings, while still complimenting and uplifting it surrounding environment. My Amphitheater designs is not meant only to suit one specific site, but rather to serve the purpose a modular prototype for any site, whether it be in the mountains, beach , forest, park or city.

3. My approach or attitude was to create a spatial feeling of an

amphitheater. However I wanted the user to have a feeling of being sheltered within a space, yet still have a sense of feeling of being entirely outdoors. For this reason I decide not entirely enclose the space but to create a intriguing, fun and simply a space which free flowing in its circulation, partially sheltered. I achieved this by using, low walls, colonnades, screens, and a radial roof structure which opens up to the sky.

4. Form can be defined by planes which can be manipulated to define a

space & give meaning to it. The Function or meaning of a space provides a guide or an introduction to most logical form one can use. A harmonious relationship between function & form needs to be obtained to create a beautiful & intriguing space which serves it purpose well.

5. My Approach was to create a means where one could construct the amphitheater in the easiest & most economical way possible. I looked at the properties of timber, & how the timber could be shaped, joined together, as well as taken apart to be rejoined again. For walls and seating area I’ve looked at gabions and adobe brick construction. These construction methods would be appropriate as it would be eco – friendly, economically easy and less labor intensive to build. The use of my materials and technology where also influenced by maintenance of the building. These are factors that have influenced my approach to the technology being used.

6. Structure The primary skeletal structure of the theater is two gum poles which converge outwards from the stage area towards the organic shaped seating area. See Picture 2.

A secondary skeletal structure juxtaposes the primary structure which it rest on. The secondary skeletal structure is a feature element, because of it’s dominate scale & more so because of it intriguing linear radial form. The structure creates a transparent roof plane which helps define the spatial feeling of an amphitheater. See Picture 3 The Roof structure is held up by a colonnade which hugs the organic form of the seating area. The colonnade also helps me bring a sense of order to my design. See Picture 5

The structure helped me determine a scale for amphitheater and helped me resolve other design challenges. A structure needs to be known & understood as one would design and add elements around and onto the structure. In essence the structure helps determine and define the form & design whether it’s a solid, skeletal or surface structure type structure. See Picture 6

Natural light & orientation. My amphitheater hasn’t been placed and orientate according to a specific site. If I had to choose a specific orientation I would orientate the amphitheater to expose most building towards the north as this would provide it with the best possible sunlight. See Picture 7 I’ve allowed ample natural light to enter & play within the theater space. Even where I’ve sheltered the audience & stage area, I’ve allowed natural light to filter through into the sheltered spaces. I feel this would make it a pleasant space & contribute in connecting the space with the outdoors. See Picture 8

Massing (spatial organization) The organization of my space was simply resolved. First I looked at the hierarchy of space and how the spaces related to one another. The amphitheater contained two main spaces. 1. Stage area 2. Audience seating area See Picture 9 These two spaces where equally important as they are both interacted & are dependant on each other. The seating area wraps around the stage area for maximum viewing & interaction between performances and audiences.

Circulation When approaching the amphitheater there are four point of access into the space. See Picture 11

The staircases entrance follows though into the seating area. This allows the audience to get convenient access into the theater. See Picture 12

There is also a ramp to help get the disabled onto the seating platform if need be. See Picture 13 I’ve kept the circulation very free flowing throughout the theater. This allows freedom of movement and gives a feel of playfulness and fun, similar to a park or playground area. See Picture 14

Unique elements The unique element is the radial liner form of the roof structure. It adds an intriguing element to the theater in its entirety. See Picture 15 The other unique element is the organic form of the seating area. This form is mimicked at the steps of the stage. This is only clearly seen in plan view. See Picture 16

In terms of composition, these two elements fit together well as both forms suggest different types of movement but still manage to compliment & celebrate each other, even though the roof seems to be the dominate unique element.

Symmetry & balance The theater is asymmetrical, but the primary structure along with the staircases brings a hint of symmetry to the theater.

Additive & subtractive elements Elements which I’ve added on to complete the theaters design See Pictures 17

Major ordering ideas The major ordering idea was the amplification of the acoustic of the performer. This gave shape to the outward converging form of the stage area. The other major ordering idea was the placement of the

Audience so they can hear the performance, aswell as having clear visual contact with them. See Pictures 18

FINAL MODEL PHOTO’S