Project Overview:
Within groups we surveyed different areas within the university, our group surveyed the Ravensbourne cafe, and drew up perspectives, elevations and plans of the space. Through this we went our separate ways to come up with our own design ideas based on three themes. DJ Booth, contemplating nature and 24 hour convenience store. The survey was the base of our design ideas as it was the space where our designs were to be placed in. I went for contemplating nature as studying the university environment I noticed there was a gap for this particular design.
Cafe Survey Link: http://www.behance.net/gallery/RavensbouCafe Survey Link-
-I was responsable for the cafe till elevation-
Initial Design ideas for the contemplating nature design
a collection of perspectives, axonometrics, plans and elevations.
a collection of perspectives, axonometrics, plans and elevations.
Final Design Overview
Based on the idea ofcontemplating nature, my main inspiration came from the architect Marcel Breuerwho worked a lot with concrete but had the elements of creating it in such a wayas being soft and delicate, I took this approach through my design ideas. Mydesigns consists of materials such as glass as well as concrete, but I wanted toadapt the aspect of nature within the space so I added textured elements within the interiortaking inspiration from St. John's Abbey Church, a buildingdesigned by Breuer, one aspect that stood out for me was being able to take aheavy, bold, material such as concrete and making it almost organic and an imitationof wooden texture, this is shown through the interior of the building as well as withinmy designs.
I wanted to take the idea of nature in a unique style and focused on detailedelements rather than the whole aspect of nature. taking it from its lateral observation and going beyond its typical meaning. One way of doing this was bringing in light, as this would play a vital role in my design in order to create that peaceful calm element. This is typically used through windows,which adds to bringing in views from the exterior. I took typical method which would be to add views alongthe side of the building, but the function of the design proved that it neededa sense of privacy and less distractions from its surroundings. So Iincorporated a glass roof with a metal frame, which allows natural light toflood the interior as well as providing beautiful views of the sky. The linkbetween the sky and the space is vital as it creates an atmosphere of calmnessand being able to connect with the exterior in a personal level. It frames thesky and is the main feature of the build, as it will generate differentatmospheres, and moods due to the changing weather. The light will create delicate shadowscreating life within the building as well as pattern, this adds a layeringeffect which links with the aspect of nature as there is a constant theme oflayers within the natural environment. The element of privacy is vital as it gives asense of escape from the surrounding hectic environment and provides adifferent atmosphere, which is key in the design.
As the function is a multifaith prayer space, using glass would not help its function as to being private andpersonal, so frosted glass was something I added to the design. It separatesthe existing structure from the space but at the same time provides a link. It alsocontrasts with the glass ceiling, and helps to reflect the light casting delicate shadows amongst the tiled floors.
Research and Ideas Process
Marcel Breuer becameknown as one of the leading practitioners of Brutilism , with an increasingly curvy, sculptural, personal idiom.Windows were often set in soft, pillowy depressions rather than sharp, angularrecesses. Many architects remarked at his ability to make concrete appear"soft". He was ableto make the concrete appear soft using textural elements, which makes it, lookorganic and delicate rather than heavy and bold. I took this as my basis of my design ideas and was my main inspiration.
Final Design
Final Model