Sketches

The design I have of my architectural firm will most likely change after I see the tutors on Monday, but this is what I have so far. So as our topic is 'gathering'- I tried to combine ideas about the gathering of people in my firm (architect, architectural historian, draughtsman, landscaper and photographer), my past projects (waking and sustenance) and the piece of architecture from the matrix (Middleton Inn).
From the begining I chose to stick with my 1:100 site model site, so immediately just began to sketch out ideas of how my firm might be placed, whether it was hung, across 2 buildings, on top of a building etc. I remembered what Ghazel had told me about trying to find similar ideas my previous projects and found it was "protection" and "security". Also my 1:100 was kind of the same - showing external noise.
So I placed it beside my 1:100 building in the corner- and came up with a design that in a way blends with the surrounding buildings but also doesnt..
My building has rounded corners that contrast with sharp angles and curvaceous lines intersect straight ones. The undulating exterior surface is made from cement and wood, and both materials are moulded to create sinuous curves. My three main materials are concrete, wood and glass. - By using concrete I hope to link it visually with my 1:100 builiding.
When I went back to my site I really wanted to utilize the existing walkway. Therefore I designed my firm, so that the public can walk through part of the firm to get up the walkway but at the same time get an opportunity to see the work of the firms photographer- photographs of current project and research photos.
As one of my firm members has a thing for doors, I thought deeper into how I could integrate it with my idea of "security"- therefore the entrance is hidden. To the public it looks like another exterior feature. A threshold an be seen as a "the starting point of an experience, event, or venture" - so it starts in this long area which has a feeling of 'a gathering of people. - there is a big table for group discussions with clients, a table to sit, talk and eat.