PARAMETER MODELLING

Below are a few images from a 1:500model which I used to explore the structural constraints of the site. Following the notion of only using the existing piers to ground my proposal, I explored the geometry which was set up by these existing piers, whilst baring in mind the initial thoughts I have had on mass and programme. The main principles were to span between each pier whilst maintaining access beneath for passing traffic. Therefore, there is the inevitable contraction of geometry around the mid point of each span and the heightening of geometry above each pier. This  may turn out to be no more than a little exercise, but at least I have another model to photograph and the uni's laser worked!

MASSING SKETCHES

Following on from my parameter studies which were completed earlier this week, I have started to relate the investigation to massing. The sketch below is based on the idea that form/ programme will be concentrated around each set of piers, with a pedestrian link spanning between. The piers will provide the structure from which barges can dock and be tended to; with produce being transported vertically up to the pedestrian level where it can be sold to the general public. Each pier would have differing characteristics dependent on the produce which has been harvested at water level. Some could for instance, be charecterised by the servicing of the barges whilst others would revolve around the activity of trading produce.

Above is an initial sketch of one of these docking stations.

An updated infrastructure plan....

INTERIM CRIT

Below are a few images of the boards which were produced for yesterdays tutorial/ crit. The next day or so is to be spent storyboarding the activities of the barges, with facts and figures denoting how much they can actually produce and the population they can sustain. This needs to be done as quickly as possible so that I can really get into the design of the proposal so that it is a at a suitable stage for next week. So without further ado......

BARGE CALCULATIONS

The study looks at the area between Waterloo and Tower Bridge, a 3km stretch of the River Thames. The calculations are based on of each one of the floating structures (barges etc) that currently populate the river being converted to food production.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Below is a snap shot showing the initial design approach from the north bank of the River Thames. This is being developed through a combination of physical and digital models and driven by initial conceptions of a ramping public route from one side of the river to the other with a productive 'surface' above (shown in pink) housing  allotments. All of which is to sit within the framework provided by the existing piers. The size of each allotment plot is to be determined by the hours the individual has to spend each week; making it a far more manageable  and feasible activity for many of London's busy office workers. Cuba took a similar design approach, where the masterplanning of  productive plots were governed by what was deemed suitable for one person to cultivate as a full time occupation. 500m2 was the maximum area for one individual, and with this research in mind, I have abstracted the figure to an area able to be cultivated per hour per week. (12.5 m2 are able to be cultivated per hour based on 500m2 requiring 40 hours, or 1 working week).  This will enable me to design the size of plots based on the number of hours individuals intend spending 'on site'.

WIRING OF PARAMETERS

I returned to my infrastructure model this week, adding more detail as the proposal develops. The piers have been added which provide the structure for the form to evolve, with a 'wired' framework linking each of the piers. Initial design moves have been added, with pontoons represented by mesh at water level and a ramped landscape weaving its way between the piers.

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PHYSICAL MODEL

I have been mainly developing a digital model this week, whilst testing certain massing moves which arise through physical modelling. The massing model below was made earlier this week, in a bid to explore the concept of a ramped landscape and to test different ways of housing mass around each of the sets of piers.

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