PROJECT 3: Design Decisions

I have mentioned why I chose this site in the analysis. The streets surrounding King St, the buildings and the corners under their awnings seemed to be very much full of life. It is a place that comes to life with the number of busy swarming population, constantly going from shop to shop and never stopping due to business of daily life.

Gallery Design
I thought to make them pause and come inside a gallery, I would have to design the place in such a way that they can see what goes on within its walls. This is why on ground floor of front facade I used clear glazing which would show the outside world the activities that go on within this building. I designed courtyards within the long site, one of which was shaded with a coffee shop. This would allow people to rest and relax and take in the surroundings. The coffee shop would also face a sculpture courtyard.

Beyond the Front and into the Heart of the Gallery
Then the spaces beyond the front facade would consist of the central galleries which would display paintings and sculpture by my 2 artists and myself. The workshop on level 2 of the second building would have ample space for both the artists and myself to collaborate and take part in the creative process. This workshop would be connected to my office on level 2 of the rear building with a bridge. The bridge going over a courtyard meant for throwing parties and conferences is quite interesting.

Interior and Spatial Organisation
The rear building can be accessed from the back of the site and opens up to the park. The look of this part of the design is very serene and peaceful. Interior detailing using bamboo and timber planks around the stairs for example create come fantastic light and shadow. This rear building has a glass walled kitchen which is connected to the courtyard.

Circulation
I have planned all the spaces with much thought so that circulation throughout the building is very easy. The stairs which connect levels can be seen through glass walls and to me stairs build up anticipaton: they make us think about and expect what lies beyond those floors or ceilings.

Division of Spaces
Site was divided into 3 to make maximum use of all the space available. The length and narrow-ness of the area were issues which had to be solved by separation of the interior spaces with courtayrds in between.

Multiple Courtyards
Through my research on art galleries and by looking at precedents I have found out that "museum fatigue" may result if visitors are trapped within mazes of never ending walls which go on forever with huge paintings and inanimate sculpted objects. Since wall space is so important, windows are very few. Therefore it is important to have grasslands or courtyard spaces in between to break confinement and to release the people out into the open surroundings. This way a connection would be created between the exterior and interior of the building.