Architectural Engineering: _THE LAST RESORT

2011-12-21T03:24:00.000-08:00

This is an impression of the interior public walkway along the land side of the pier. The shaded glass panels will filter the light and also visually separate the public area from the resort area behind it. Different sections of the main truss are exposed along the way.

The construction of the hotel rooms is inspired by sea containers. The rooms are like fortresses, protecting the visitors from the extreme wheather conditions at the sea side of the rotterdam harbour area.

1st floor: public space, 2nd floor: resort - hotel rooms, 3rd floor: resort: facilities

structure as been analysed in FEA software (Staad-Pro)

beam stresses in structure

beam stresses in structure, short section

Impression of building

Collage

2011-11-11T09:54:00.001-08:00

Progress....

2011-10-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my god what have I done?

2011-06-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Why did I stack the containers and not tie them? Why is it becoming such an agressive beast? I want it to become a fast and slender creature actually.. I'm working on it!

Some impressions May 23 2011 - some wrong choices?

2011-05-24T04:13:00.000-07:00

Prototype for Structure

2011-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Since the concept for the structure of the pier is to have all columns positioned in an angle of 45 degrees, I felt to test the stability by building a prototype. I can reconfigure the cables and remove columns in order to test this light structure. Some pics below.. (by coincidence, the prototype is able to serve as my dining table during research..)

New Impressions of Very Light Structure

2011-03-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

The images below are a reinterpretation of the rest of the design images from the previous chapters. The idea is to redesign the columns in such a way that the body of the building almost seems to float, balancing on only one large column. The fact that all colums are designed in an angle of 45 degrees amplifies this concept. The columns themselves should be as slender as possible and the trusses as transparant as possible. That would also cover my in depth research for the Building Technology part of my masters degree. To make the impossible possible by a smart design of the structure...

Interior Impressions

2011-03-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

Structural Analysis

2011-03-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

New Concept and Impressions

2011-03-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Proposal Entrance Area

2011-03-26T04:01:00.000-07:00

Artwork Europort

2010-12-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Maasvlakte & White Containers

2010-11-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

A view of the construction of the 2nd Maasvlakte. New land is created in order to extend the Rotterdam harbour. There is a sand storm right above the water surface.

A visit at the Maasvlakte. temperature: -6.3 ^C, wind chill of -15.4 ^C. Wind speed: 11 m/s (east).
Today I experienced the inhumane and uninviting character of the site at Maasvlakte again. Not even to the max I suppose. It didn't storm, it didn't even rain or snow. It was just very very cold as I walked a few miles around in order to get to the exact location of my project. My forehead was freezing and I needed to walk backwards to protect my eyes from the sand storm along the dike. I felt very vulnerable and small. The speed of me walking there seemed like a slow motion act. I shot this movie right before I reached my goal (about where the third lantern appears..)

Iterations and Diagrams

2010-11-19T05:32:00.001-08:00

Second model from above is my favourite design set-up. I am happy that it turned out to be the most rational version. Since my aim is to exploit rational structure in order to attain beauty. The structure must be as light and fine as possible. The horizontal elements let me reduce the thickness of the columns (buckling). The diagonal parts of the structure and the trusses in the pier itselves provide stability. The six vertical column groups are facilities for emergency escapes every 60 meters. In this way I try to develop a unique structural language for this building.

In this version, the main program is concentrated in the cylindrical shaped volumes, clearly separated from the hotel, is the pier itselves. I dismissed this option. I think there is a challenge for me to integrate all program in the constrained space of the pier itselves.

Levels of exposure to the elements experienced when strolling along the pier.

Rhythm Studies

2010-10-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

Studies of harbour systems

transport of chemicals/fluids

storage / oil terminal

petrochemical plant

trans-shipment area

single row of trans-shipment area

Structure/elevation/compostion studies

Or is reducing the colums and therefore getting back more balance the way to go.. this concept really opposes the left harbour side to the right sea side. It also gives the building a viewpoint in the middle. to confront the visitor with the border of the two areas. The structural issue is, of course, a new problem to solve.. the diagonal shape of the supports can accomodate escalators for entrances/exits.

This drawing is a sketch of the building supported by a scaffolding kind of spaceframe. The frame could be optimised when it comes to bar thicknesses and spaceframe patterns. The building drops down at several locations to provide emergency exits/docking stations for boats. I chose not to work this one out because the structure it selves could be more expressive.

Different pole thicknesses in proportion to the building volume. Original picture of Huntington Beach Pier.

Different densities of similar pole thicknesses according to building volume. Original picture of Pensacola Beach Pier.

Destilations of rhythms of harbour area near the site.

Strength Form & Programm - interactive?

2010-10-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Later more explaination..

Pictures of Physical Model of structure: scale 1:1000

2010-10-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Position of Building Volume in Location

2010-10-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

The volume of the building situated in the location. The building is 400 meter long with a section of 10x10meter. The slab below would be outside space, partly used for public strolling, supply and a terrace in the end.

I want to make the columns part of the interior of the building. Since the volume is straight, people in the building cannot feel or see the structure otherwise.

In this case, the lower floor hangs under the building by making use of tension rods. Stability could be provided in connections from the floor to the main columns.

The building is positioned perpendicular to main wind direction, the wind will be controlled by the architecture of the building (exposure vs enclosure). In this way, the south side is the sunny side of the building and the north side provides a view of the shipping route of Rotterdam Harbour.

Developed Rithms at Rotterdam Harbour

2010-10-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

First sketch! And some more research on rhythm and program.

2010-09-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

The pier building will be modest in its shape. Some of the constraints I want to meet are: A straight structure, maximum width of 10 meters, maximum of two floors. The architectural value of the design will come from the (changing?) rhythm of the structure, different densities which bring about a certain pulsation in the experience of moving through the building. Visitors will feel a variation in the degree of enclosure and exposure of the site along the way to the end. The building will have a total length of about 300 meters.

The structure will rule the rhythm of the building. In these sketches I decided to chose a constant distribution of the pylons as a reference. I will experiment with different rhythms, by analysing pictures of the site of the Maasvlakte. You can take a look at 2 examples of this kind of visualisations below.The materialisation and detailing of the load bearing structure is a special topic to me which I will work out more extensively for my graduation in Building Technology degree next semester.

Two floors which need to cover for three different functions in my project. A public routing, a protected sauna center and a hotel, with 30 private rooms. At both ends of the building, will be located a restaurant and a conference center.

The structure will be varying constantly in configuration (unlike in this sketch).

Diagrams of sections of the building which point out what kind of enclosure and exposure will be experienced at the public routing through the pier building. This routing is disconnected from the other functional parts of the building, which is a hotel, a conference center and a welness center.

Visualisation of rhythm found at the site.

Programm studie, side view of cubic meters of space per function. (Total lenght +/- 300m)

Progress and research

2010-09-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is the estimated program in m2. the total lenght of the program laid out in this way, is over 200 meter long.
exposure-enclosure-exposure-enclosure-exposure-enclosure

View, orientation, sun light. The division between the 2 most pure skylines turn out to be exactly in north and south direction.

Strange enough, I like the 2nd one the most. The curve in the plan reveals the greatness of the location gradually. Every arrow means litterally exposure to the site, not only getting a nice view.

The dimensions of the dike are less imposant in relation the the scale of the site. But still.. the top of the dike is 15 meters above sea level. I need to go to the site again with stormy wheather. I will write down my experience in front of, on top of and behind this dike.

I made a movie of the wind flow over the profile of the dike.
source: http://chernyshenko.sesnet.soton.ac.uk/FlowIllustrator.aspx
This website is great! you can make a jpeg of the section of a specific situation and the website allows you to make an animation of the wind flow at your own unique location.

Previous sketches. As soon as I realized that the lenght (and height) of these structures would be at least 250meters long, I let go of the cantilever ambition. The height of a section would be at least 15 meters high. This becomes too big, and plump.. and agressive. The second sketch is about rythm and silence at the same moment. (better).

Concept - Themes

2010-09-16T03:04:00.001-07:00

Final Destination

Border Condition

Exposure - Enclosure

Building a Desert & other references

2010-09-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

a nice opinion about the location of my project is described in this blog:
http://www.eikongraphia.com/?p=2796

--------------------------------------

I started reading again, because I got scared of my own ideas this week...

And I've found this striking quote of Christopher Alexander

from: The perfection of Imperfection

"In our time, many of us have been taught to strive for an insane perfection that means nothing. To get wholeness, you must try instead to strive for this kind of perfection, where things that don't matter are left rough and unimportant, and the things that really matter are given deep attention. This is a perfection that seems imperfect. But it is a far deeper thing."

Sketch Idea's

2010-06-25T17:16:00.001-07:00

This is a first sketch of a pier building. I will have to finish my study of form first, but try to keep on sketching in the mean time, to keep myself aware of a final product, which should be a building :) In this case, tower and pier are literally connected in a structural challenging way.

Translations of Area 4: Maasvlakte

2010-06-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Formal Input of Port of Rotterdam

2010-06-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Area 1: Eem- & Waalhaven

Area 2: Botlek

Area 3: Europort

Area 4: Maasvlakte 1 + 2

Area 5: Project Area

The red is yet to be defined....
This area will be the climax of the formal story line, symbolized by my poject, a marquant pier building.

Strategy | Design Process

2010-06-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

This scheme describes my Intuitive design process with focus on form & strength. The Midterm P2 presentation was 15th of July 2010. The Final Design Presentation for my Architecture graduation will be January 2011. Not inculded in this planning: I will graduate on the Structural Design of this project for my Building Technology diploma in summer 2011.

This is a diagrammatic view of my approach when it comes to the interpretation and translation of the formal language of the Rotterdam harbour area's.

I will have to narrow down my focus in this study on form. This focus can still change during the process. In further stadia of the design I can zoom in to textures, use of colour and materials.

Themes | Inspirations

2010-06-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

1| Structural Challenge & Visualizing Structural Tension

(anvari.org)

(Photo: Jacob Sutton)

Stuctural Concepts for Pavilion Design (see previous posts on this blog)

2| Complex Geometry & Computational Design

(image: Gage Clemenceau Architects)

Render of Contemporary Gothic Inspired Facade (check my other blog)

Design proposal for pavilion (see previous posts on this blog)

3| Illusion of Infinity: Symmetry, Depth, Rithm

New Brighton Pier

Boscombe Pier (without lantarn lights)

Bridge in Millau, Calatrava

4| Visual Power of Water: Reflections, Movements, and Views

Art Installation: Eliasson, New York

New Brighton Pier

Southport Pier

The Program - Entrance Symbol of Port of Rotterdam

2010-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

#01 | the series of form translations | Maasvlakte Rotterdam

The image of the building will be a grande guesture, marking the entrance of the Port of Rotterdam. It will have an industrial character, inspired by the formal language of the harbour area's. The building will be an artistic and architectural translation of the industrial qualities of the harbour area's. The formal language will be defined based on an extensive study of graphic and spacial forms in the 4 different harbour areas of the Port of Rotterdam. The building design will symbolize the climax of the formal evolution of the Port of Rotterdam. This formal evolution will be studied and visualised starting from the Harbour area's closest to the Rotterdam city center, via Botlek and via Europort to the Maasvlakte.

The program of the building

1 | Public Viewpoint
2 | Public Pier
3 | High end Hotel
4 | Restaurant with 360 view
5 | Meeting room

Urban design

1 | Transport route connecting the Rotterdam city center to the Maasvlakte. This transport route can be a visual experience through all different harbour area's.
2 | This experience can be enhanced by adding small pavilions along the way.

The Location - Maasvlakte - Poetry

2010-06-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

MAASVLAKTE

Waar zee was
heerst land
Water verdronken
in zand

Langs uiterste rand
serene rust van
tankopslag

Door draden kracht
centrale knetterend
boomloze verte
in knalt

brandt Eeuwige Vlam
boven buitenaards
landschap

Van god verlaten
Helicopter-
Plat

by: Jules Deelder

"[...] Te veel licht, te veel lucht, te veel leegte [...]"

"[...] To much light, too much air, too much emtyness [...] "

"[...] een skyline van pijpen buizen en staal, waarin de uitstoot van de schoorstenen, de wolken diep ultra violet kleurt en de harde lijn van de horizon verzacht door duizende dansende deeltjes fijnstof [...]"

"[...] a skyline of pipes, tubes and steel, of which the exhausts colour the cloudy sky deep ultra violet and soften the rigid line of the horizon by thousends of dancing crill particles [...]"

by: Carry ( http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/284 )

Site - On top of the dikes of Maasvlakte - Exposure, contrast & Climax [1]

Site - On top of the dikes of Maasvlakte - Exposure, contrast & Climax [2]

The Location - Maasvlakte - Port of Rotterdam

2010-06-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Port of Rotterdam is the largest of Europe (src: www.portofrotterdam.com).

It is located in the province Zuid-Holland, facing the North Sea.

Currently the Port of Rotterdam is expanding by establishing Maasvlakte 2 in the North Sea. (more info: www.maasvlakte2.com).

The Port of Rotterdam consists of four main areas; FLTR Maasvlakte, Europort, Botlek, Eem-Waal haven.

The conceptual set-up of my project will be situated near the entrance of the Port area, where the situation of industry mixing with urban landscape comes to a climax.

The actual site of my project will be on top of a dike, facing the ocean sky line on the one side and the industrial landscape of the Port of Rotterdam on the other side.

ZOOM

2010-05-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

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GRADUATION EXCERCISE | PAVILION
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Impression of Pavilion in Rotterdam City Harbours area.

Like a rough gemstone?

Coffee bar & access bridge to the terrace.

Pavilion opening up in direction of terrace.

DESIGN ITERATIONS

2010-05-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

STRENGTH & FORM CONCEPTS

2010-05-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Tension & compression

Bending moment curve & Minimal dimension of lower 2 beams

TRANSFORMATION

2010-05-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

CONCEPT | Pavilion

2010-05-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Why..?

2010-05-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Structural challenge

anvari.org

+
Interests in formal language

+
Fascination for pier structures

Brighton Pier after the fire

FORM

2010-05-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

TEXTURE

2010-05-30T11:29:00.001-07:00

From left to right column: steelish, woodish, meshes, natural, concrete, bricks

COLOUR

2010-05-30T11:28:00.001-07:00

Abstract Color Palet

Picture Color Palet

SITE

2010-04-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

RDM Campus, Rotterdam Waalhaven, Heiplaat

Crane boats, tensile structures

Degrading materials, rust, color shades

Cranes, trusses large cantilevers

Large hangars

West Horizon: Cranes, hangars, containers.

Floating bridges to connect ferry to the docks.

Collage of site pics