2. Earthscraper concept drawing.3

3. Earthscraper concept model.4

My second choice was some-thing rather unconventional, a project designed by BNKR Ar-quitectura.2 Unlike other large scale projects, it is quite large, at 65 floors. Unlike other proj-ects, however, it is built into the ground, thus earning the title, the “Earthscraper”. As with my other choices, building into the ground is certainly not a new idea, as many buildings already have below ground floors, but to construct a 65 floor building

straight into the earth for public use, is something completely dif-ferent. Of course, with such an un-believable idea comes new issues, such as light and ventilation, as well as any difficulties that would arise in construction, such as en-suring stability of the surrounding ground and finding some way to actually dig and remove the earth from that deep, especially when it is such a massive amount. However, different issues arise at the start of any new paradigm, but as the con-cept develops, new ways of thinking develop with it which, historically speaking, allow the potentially new paradigm to become reality.

As requested, my first design journal entry will deal with buildings that, in my opinion, advance architectural discourse. At first, I found architectural discourse a difficult concept to understand. But after doing some backround reading, I’ve come to see it as being a philosophical but simi-lar concept to architectural innovation. Accordingly, the projects I’ve chosen are somewhat atypi-cal to the current architectural zeitgeist because I believe that they show a way of thinking that covers a step further than the current way, or they follow a completely new way of doing so.

1. Palm Islands satellite image.1

Advancement of ArchitecturalJournal Entry 1 DISCOURSE

The first project I have chosen is the Palm Islands, Dubai. This proj-ect is of great interest to me because I find the concept of creating a space, in this case, using reclaimed land, to be an idea which is very different to other building and planning practices. The Palm Islands are not the only area to use this idea, of course, with other examples being seen in Monaco, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. What sets the Palm Islands apart however, is the form that they’ve been cre-ated in. While I can’t subjectively say that the Palm Island are more aesthetically pleasing than other examples of land reclamation, it seems as if they have been designed with many fewer restrictions bearing on their outcome. By this, I mean that it seems like their was probably a much higher budget and a much larger space to work with, as well as more freedom to focus on the overall disgn of the space, rather than the efficiency with which that space was filled.

DEVELOPER:Nakheel Properties.

LOCATION:Dubai, UAE.

DATE CONSTRUCTED:2001 - present.

ARCHITECTS:BNKR Arquitectura.

LOCATION:Mexico City, Mexico (planned).

DATE CONSTRUCTED:Not yet constructed.

Lastly, a personal project that also deals with advancing architectural discourse. The project I have chosen is some-thing I produced in my first architectural design studio, which required that we design a discovery centre for Her-ring Island. The result of my work was something which did not focus on the spaces within those strustures, as my thoughts were that the outdoor spaces were the key area, and the the indoor space supported it. Accordingly, the idea of using the created space to support the natural space (it should also be noted the while this is not a new idea, it is not a particularly commonly used one) can be viewed as a potential direction for architectural discourse.

5. Rough site plan of Herring Island.

6. Rough concept image of Herring Island.

1. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Sztuczne_wyspy_w_Dubaju.png/617px-Sztuczne_wyspy_w_Dubaju.png2. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2048395/Earth-scraper-Architects-design-65-storey-building-300-metres-ground.html3. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/12/article-2048395-0E57066400000578-620_964x568.jpg4. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/12/article-2048395-0E5705F600000578-848_964x800.jpg

Computational techinques &Journal Entry 2 INNOVATIONContaining both creative and practical components, architecture remains on the cutting edge in both worlds. Architecture can vary and draw inspiration from art movements at the time, but it is also affected by modern building practices and advancements. In the modern age, the result of this is that any design that can be thought up and manipulated digitally canbe fabricated in real life.

One such example is Hangzhou Olymic Sports Center in China, designed by NBBJ Architects.1 It was inspired by the geometry of a nearby rever delta, and Grasshopper was used in order to rationalise the geometries into a workable form. It features a large number of petal-shaped truss modules which enclose the stadium. Many different variations were created in order to be able to evaluate and find the best possible architectural solution.

In terms of parametric modelling, howeverm it went beyond the fa-cade of the structure. Parametric modelling was also used in order to determine the seating layout in order to ensure the best possible view from each seat could be realistically achieved. The result of mod-elling both of these elements parametrically was the changing one would immediately cause the other to adjust to the new conditions.

ARCHITECTS:NBBJ Architects.

LOCATION:Hangzhou, The People’s Republic of China (planned).

DATE CONSTRUCTED:To be completed in 2013

2. Render of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre.3

1. Plan and elevation views of the parametrically designed shell of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre.2

Accordingly, it can quite clearly be seen the parametric modelling can push the boundaries of what is possible in design. It allows an entire new level of detail, as well as allowing the design process to become much more of a holistic one. This is a very important step forwards because it now allows designers of all types to see exactly how specific changes will affect their design without needing to redesign it themself. This ability for a model to be generated digitally as opposed to be need-ing to be drawn is quite powerful and is what allows designers to take on much more challenging forms, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry.

ARCHITECT:Frank Gehry.

LOCATION:Los ANgeles, U.S.

DATE CONSTRUCTED:1999-2003.

3. Walt Disney Concert Hall.4

Of course, it must be noted that these technologies haven’t come about solely to complement archi-tecture. These techniques and ways of designing can be used for virtually any kind of three dimen-sional object which is to be fabricated or constructed, such as that described in the Wyndham City Western Gateway Design Project. Accordingly, assuming parametric modelling is used as well as supporting fabrication techniques, this project has the potential to be a very influential structure. The level of detail provided by parametric modelling and fabrication techniques such as CNC mill-ing will allow, essentially, any solution that could possibly be digitally designed to be built as a real project, assuming it meets other basic building requirements such as structural stability. Limits on building design are now no longer imposed by viability of fabrication, which could mean a com-pletely new architectural paradigm.1. http://www.nbbj.com/#work/projects/hangzhou2. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cPhUnOPYCFE/S2tyn3agbLI/AAAAAAAAAa4/9WoV_sxtLao/s1600/Hangzhou_DD_Parametric_Con-cept.jpg3. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cPhUnOPYCFE/S2tyXw56kcI/AAAAAAAAAaw/XrQUBA-Q9xI/s1600/Hangzhou_DD_Rendering_Night%28C%29.jpg4. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Walt_Disney_Concert_Hall_Across_Grand.jpg