Reflections on Week 2 task

Image 1.

 There were some issues I faced with my second sketchup draft. Firstly, I did not have a clear distinction between spaces above and on the datum. Secondly, I was not happy with my below datum structure. Image 1. is a proposal I have made to highlight the level change between Stradivari's workshop and the 'on-datum' gallery space. Tackling the notion of beauty, I thought the image of a great, gnarled oak-like tree that twists and wraps itself around each room, holding them up for support visualizes this idea. I envision great buttress roots, sinking away from the gallery space walls, questioning the distinct datum line, yet steadfastly supporting it too.

Image 2.

 Image 2. shows my concept for a structure below the datum, as well as a progression on my stair pairings. I have represented this sense of interconnectedness through tessellating honeycomb shapes, with one exterior walkway that wraps around the structure and leads from the top to the bottom. My inspiration comes from the strength and design of beehives, and the interwoven connection shaped by underground ant mounds.

Image 3.

 Image 3., and 4. are preliminary design renderings on sketchup for visualisation's sake. At the moment, the 'gnarled' wood looks a bit like a giant turd, or an ill-conceived swan, but the process is only to be refined.

Image 4.