studio AIR

architectural design studio 2012

progress journal

tim nguyen

tutor: marcus fajl

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page 4 BEIJING NATIONAL AQUATIC CENTER

page 5 NITEROI CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

page 6 STUDLEY PARK BOATHOUSE

The ‘Water Cube’ is a design cre-ated by the Australian architect firm PTW, along with assistance from engineering and construction de-sign companies. This contemporary design takes into consideration the natural landscape and conditions, and makes use of modern materials and construction techniques.

It takes into consideration the im-portance of environmental sustain-ability, a major concern in modern architecture. The polymer, ‘ETFE’, used for the molecular skin, is a ‘light-weight glass’. The glass-like qualities allow solar heating, and the light weight of the material re-duces the need for as many load bearing materials, reducing em-bedded energy. Also considered is the seismic conditions of the area. The molecular skin, based on the formation of bubbles in soap lather is unique in that whilst appearing complex and random from the ex-terior, is actually formed with many uniformly shaped bubbles, allowing efficiency in its production.

It seems random, however, the de-sign is actually very repetitive and adheres to a set of rules which al-low it to be completed correctly and efficiently. Even with the para-metric nature of the building, it still has been derived from an original human generated concept.

Located at the Boa Viagem view-point in the city of Niteroi, this sau-cer shaped structure emerges from the rock face and blooms outward like a flower. It was a design cre-ated from the revolutionary figure of a double curvature. It overlooks the bay like a lighthouse, and can appear to be suspended in the air. There is a layer of water underneath the structure where lights are locat-ed, illuminating the structure and providing a feeling of lightness to the building.

Niemayer’s concepts for this design are by no means groundbreaking. He was able to discover a new way to achieve those concepts in this design. This design is very literal in its representation of concept. Should this become a new direction of ar-chitecture? The cost of this project suggests it is perhaps not practical. However, it certainly is a passage which could be taken in architec-tural development.

Niemayer seeks to achieve a beau-ty in his architecture. He does not govern himself by rules or by restric-tions. He designs his buildings based on concepts he would define as beautiful. The Niteroi Comemporary Art Museum is no different.

Beijing National Aquatic Center

PTW ARCHITECTS

Niterói Contempo-rary Art MuseumOSCAR NIEMAYER

“It appears random and playful like a natural system, yet is mathematically very rigorous and repetitious.”

- Andrew Frost, Director, PTW Architects

“My work is not about ‘form follows function,’ but ‘form follows beauty’ or, even better, ‘form follows feminine.’”

- Oscar Niemayer

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My first ever design for an archi-tecture oriented studio. A design based on the ideas and style of Mario Botta, it was an implemen-tation of his ideas into a design which was of my own creation. Botta was a source of inspiration for this design, but it was not so much because of the appreciation of his style. At this stage, it was about learning the processes of a Master, and through following those pro-cesses and understanding his ideas that I was able to continually learn about the architectural process.

On reflection, I am able to ac-cept that; the final product may not stand out on a grander scale, its proposed materials might not have considered all the available options, and the plans generated may not be perfect. Yet it still re-mains beautiful on a personal level. It is truly impossible to achieve a perfect design. However, improve-ment will come with experience. It represents a personal transition to the start of a new stage in my architectural journey, and presents the idea that architecture is about individual just as much as commu-nity.

Perhaps, it is not the opinion of the professional that is the most impor-tant. The untrained have the purest and most uninfluenced view.

Studley Park Boathouse

TIM NGUYEN

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