Derek Jackson (Bwana Kahawa)

[Bwana Kahawa]

Wow, cheers for putting this together Ronen - looks like it took a lot of work!

Really looking forward to getting going.

Derek

[Bwana Kahawa]

Right, first thoughts on inspirational buildings. Bit of a mix of stuff, but a common theme is elements stacking on top of and around each other, each of a similar size - no one piece having a dominance.

(All credits to the original photographers!)

First off, the Tietgen Hall of Residence in Copenhagen by Lundgaard and Tranberg.

[Bwana Kahawa]

Next up, Herzog & de Meuron's Vitra Haus (think someone else has also referenced this). I love the shot of the central exterior space with all the various structures crossing overhead.

[Bwana Kahawa]

Huski Apartments by Elenberg Fraser Architecture

[Bwana Kahawa]

And a few other random single images:
Herzog & de Meuron's 56 Leonard Street
Will Alsop's Chips
Headcorn Minimalist House by Eldridge Smerin

Although I'm not sure what direction I'll go yet, something overlapping and criss-crossing will hopefully come into it somewhere...

[Dave Buckley]

nice references, some of these reminded me of the Manchester Civil Courts building that is about 5 minutes away from where I live

Check it out it's by Denton Corker Marshall, who appear to have a few nice 'hovering' pieces of architecture

[Bwana Kahawa]

Right, started exploring forms. I've taken one of the modules, placed several in line to create a 'tube' of modular pieces, then explored layering these tubes in geometric forms with a few random changes in length. Four possible options explored here - a hexagon, a kite, a spiral and a triangle.

From the ground level views, I'm inclined to rule out the spiral, but the others are interesting. My favourite would probably be option 4, with a little vertical expansion to give it some presence.

Some of the cantilevers are a little unrealistic so I may shorten them or put in some supporting columns, or maybe just leave them as they are.

Picturing these being highly timber clad with timber screens along the walkways.

Will develop them more at the weekend.

[eole]

Hi Derek,
I like the kapla-building idea.
I'm sure you'll find ways to make it look as nice in close shots as in far shots.
Good luck.
Eole.

[Bwana Kahawa]

nice references, some of these reminded me of the Manchester Civil Courts building that is about 5 minutes away from where I live

Check it out it's by Denton Corker Marshall, who appear to have a few nice 'hovering' pieces of architecture

Just had a look - very similar! (Can't say I like the blank facade to the side of it though - makes it quite ugly in some ways!). Cheers for the pointer.

[Bwana Kahawa]

Right, developed the concept a little more to be able to pick a form.

The structure will be a kind of plant research facility - timber clad offices on the lower floors, with rooftop greenhouses stretching the length of the building.

The timber will provide solar shading, but let interesting light formations pass through the slats, adding to the layers.

A terraced business park landscape is the most likely setting, although I'm open to ideas.

A very natural grey / yellow / green colour palette for this one.

I'll start modelling up the timber aspect next, to be able to replicate it along the office floors.

[borisbozic]

hm...

same concept as mine with same reference...
I was thiininking in the same direction...

[Bwana Kahawa]

Sorry! Guess great minds think alike, as they say... Mind you, with this concept, picking a different angle will create a completely different image anyway - I'm sure they'll end up very different!

Looking forward to seeing where yours goes.