Friday 12 June 2009

Modeling units for studios






Here is a series of speculations about how the rest of the space could be used in the future, the space is grand and could easily accommodate a host of studio spaces. tbc

Thursday 11 June 2009

Subterranean possibilities









As pointed out by Nick, a subterranean structure would boast a whole series of benefits from insulation, to some soundproofing so here I have briefly explored this concept. Unfortunately in this case it is not suitable due to the level of ground removal that would be required.  

Initial space modeling







I have started modeling the first space, the potential exhibition, performance, concert space. These models are working rudimentary models used to explore the space in relation to the DLR bridge and the Birds Nest pub next door. The containers in the images consist of 40ft, 20ft and 10ft, the main area is composed of three containers sandwiched together.

Lets recycle windows



This are taken from superuse.org, they are an architectural collective that are seemingly recycling the world, any surplus or industrial remnant they find uses for and some quite amazing ones at that. In this vein, recycled UPVC windows will adorn the steel containers, they are of course double glazed and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Straight in there!






So there has been no messing around on this site, it has been quite essential to get the ball rolling and people in so we have revised the initial model to open up the space for a spaciousness the original model may have deprived. We have two containers recently situated in the space, £1,500 each, they are prefab inside and relatively spacious. The have been placed directly against the wall mainly to open up and fully allow as much of the space to shine as possible. The idea with these two initially is to clad and insulate the tops to form two more spaces, utilising the recycled windows as displayed with appropriate stairwells either side. These additional spaces will provide a second floor almost within the space to be used by either the container residents or additional ones. The third photo down portrays the alternative perspective the second floor affords. 

Another cheeky area!









Ok John ok, it seems... John has another space, equally as exciting as the first, he's held it back until now and what can I say about it? It's, well... fantastic, industrial, raw, with a robust character which emanates from its original use as a mechanics yard and the structure is just as left. It's a relatively simple space as the pictures illustrate. It sits exactly opposite the site of the first. Composed of huge faded red and yellow steel girders, a steel and plastic corrugated roof and two sets of steel doors dividing the space into thirds. At the very back of the space there's a huge red steel platform, almost a stage with a secure area underneath. The floor is concrete, slightly uneven in places and contributes positively to its flavor, light seeps in from the one meter gap between the space the building adjacent of whose huge bricked up and broken windows provide additional character, perfect cavities for a lighting installation of some kind, again this could be a project that I put forward to some people on the course or a group of children?  
This space as opposed to the other, is going to have to utilised relatively quickly due to its present stagnating. Immediate thoughts are to transform it minimally into a working studio area with a basic exhibition space with potential for market areas also, it could quite easily be divided into 3 generous spaces each boasting a plethora of floor space and of course accompanying complementary ceiling proportions.