Second year is over and we are getting ready for our summer holidays. It seems ages ago when we first got our project brief and it also seems unreal that it's over as it pretty much took everybodies life up towards the end...
Below are my presentation sheets for this project and some text explaining the process of the design.
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| Research and development |
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| Final design |
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| Model and perspectives |
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Our task for this project was to up cycle an existing warehouse in Dundee and design an innovative and sustainable Urban Hub for SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency). For my research I looked at various designers and architects who consider the environment and design in order to improve it. The fact that the offices are to be designed in order to accommodate staff of SEPA who are responsible for protecting and improving Scotland’s environment meant that the building had to be as sustainable as possible but also flexible in case of an increase of staff members. Other than new technology like solar/ photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, rain water harvesting, ventilation systems and a lot more, I looked into reclaimed materials for the remodel of the building but also was very interested in reclaiming furniture for the interior spaces too. After a site visit I was able to consider the surrounding area and start developing ideas of how to use natural resources but also consider the noise from the busy street and football clubs and try and design a space suitable for offices.
In the final design, the layout and the shapes formed in the building are all taken from the shape of two triangles intersecting each other on the first floor. The purpose of these two triangles is to make the building’s interior more interesting by creating interesting shapes and openings where people can look up or down from. It also takes the hardness of the rectangular exterior away. Starting from ground floor, there is the reception and waiting area as you enter the building, two meeting rooms, Labs (accommodating 4 staff), shower room, cafeteria and restrooms. The first floor has the main work stations (accommodating 24 staff), 4 managers offices and restrooms. The maisonette has the CEO office and a library. The floors are supported with timber joists and structures which are salvaged from demolishing buildings in Dundee but also the walls and furniture are all salvaged too. The southwest facade of the building is covered with CASE glass, a concentrating solar system whereas the northeast facade has small wind turbines integrated in the wall, inspired by architect and designer Alexander Pincus.
