PASCALE ROBERTS ARCH1201

Sunday, June 13, 2010

I was drawn to this large warehouse like space as I think it is quite simplistically beautiful, allowing for the artworks that could be exhibited in this space to be the main focus. It is also a very flexible space allowing for different exhibitions, and would not restrict what types of artworks are able to be exhibited.

The way the skylight is placed on an angle is an intriguing solution to the issue of direct sunlight being damaging to artworks. It allows natural light into the space, but diffuses it by entering at an angle.

The length of these stairs captivate me and as Site One is such a long, narrow site, I think having the main circulation of the building off to one side is suitable and reflective of the very nature of the site.

I like the concept of guiding visitors through the gallery through a 'path' reflected in the different treatment of floors. This would guide visitors through the space with a sense of going on a journey but not be restrictive so that it was possible for the viewer to circulate the space in any way they wanted.

I think that a courtyard filled with succulents and cacti would be more suitable for a sculptural courtyard as not only are these types of vegetation sculptural in their own right but as they are relatively low lying they would provide a backdrop that was not too distracting.

SITE IMAGES

Site One is sandwiched in between two buildings. It is important to take into account the continuous line formed by each building aligning with each other. The adjoining buildings also have flat roofs and are roughly two storeys high.

Site One becomes narrower at the rear of the site. Half of the site also opens up onto a carpark. This needs to be addressed as there is the possibility for side access as well as rear access.

Site One has a park located to its rear. This open green space is rare in Newtown so therefore needs to be taken into account when landscaping the courtyard and where it could be positioned in the site.

PROJECT THREE - ART GALLERY/SHOP/HOUSE

AIM

Design a dealer's art gallery that specializes in contemporary and experimental art. The dealer chooses to work and live in one place; therefore, part of the gallery is also the dealer's house. The main interior spaces, and the exterior courtyard at the back of the site, are to serve as areas for displaying and experiencing works of art. Service spaces are also required for administrative, storage and workshop purposes. A small apartment for the gallery owner is to be provided.

SITE

Site One, King Street, Newtown, Sydney. What makes the site particularly suitable for the gallery space is its public location, the possibility of forming high interior and exterior spaces for larger paintings, sculptural pieces and installations.

REQUIREMENTS

The depth of the building cannot exceed 30m. A rear lane access is necessary, and the sculptural courtyard should be sunny. A large room capable of displaying paintings, sculptures and relatively large installations is necessary as well as smaller rooms for displaying items such as photographs, watercolours, prints and small sculptures. An office, 10 square metres, workshop, 20 square metres, and stockroom, 20 square metres. A small apartment with bathroom is also necessary along with a function space with kitchen facilities.

SUBMISSION

- site plan showing the art gallery and its relationship with adjacent buildings and the street, 1:500

- floor plans and sections, 1:100

- one room in plan and section rendered to show the quality of light, 1:50

- sectional architectural model, 1:100

- interior perspective vignettes show the main sequence of spaces