P04: CIVIC INSTITUTION Design a community integrated institution

Year 2: Local scale
Year 3: London scale both including key building + public realm proposal

Introduction
Project 4 is the final building design project of the year in which you will design a civic institute, drawing on the themes you investigated through P01, P02 and P03. We will return to West Kensington with the unique background research developed in P02 and with an outside perspective gained through our Portugal trip and P03. Use this project to architecturally question the notion of civic in this changing part of the city. What can we do architecturally to activate the area and contribute to existing and new neighborhoods?

Design argument
Draw together the work of semester 1 and distil a design thesis/ brief for the final project. Use site analysis, technology and precedent studies to articulate a drawn ‘Civic’ design argument. Position your argument in relation to the Earl’s Court development time line and express how your proposal contributes to the neighbourhood while the development is underway. What is important about that? What does it activate/trigger/contribute to? Can it link old & new neighbourhoods? Also position your argument in relation to the use of stone waste materials and exploring new material (re-)uses. Research your position architecturally.

Design method
Develop a creative iterative process, which explores and tests ideas in sketch models, sketches & 1:1. Use film, photography and perspective frames/views as critical design tools. Use them for abstract qualities as well as literal spaces and sequences. Continue to develop your building component prototypes and material tests as an integral part of your design process and test their spatial applications. Engage with people, places & local culture relevant to your site and proposal and let it inform your design development.

Architectural design resolution
Develop a full set of architectural drawings well resolved externally and internally, which express a complete proposal including all elevations, floors, key spaces, interior and exterior details & context in 2d & 3d. Develop a distinct and competent representation language that highlights key design qualities and ideas through out. Describe your design argument and design response in context in a 3min film. Alongside your portfolio make books of your photographs, stills from films, sketches, technology, research and give them each a purpose related to aspects of your design development.
Present portfolio and books graphically as a collection and refer to your books in your portfolio pages.


Reference projects:
Casa Del Musica, Porto,
Gulbenkien Foundation, Lisbon
Casa de historias, Cascai
National Theatre, London
The Museum of Art, Sao Paolo,
Petrol Station, Skovshoved Arne Jacobsen Havnebadet, Sluseholmen