ASSIGNMENT 1 - ... SPATIAL DESIGN

 Assignment 1 - Part A 

1st October 2024 

We were assigned to choose an architect or interior designer and identify key influences and inspirations shaping their design approach. From the designer's portfolio, we were asked to choose one project from the designer's one project that resonates with our interests. 

Architect chosen: Jurgen Mayer 

The architect that I had chosen was Jurgen Mayer, an influential architect born in Stuttgart, Germany 1965. Gaining his educational background in the spans of the US and Europe. This inspired a unique perspective in design that infuses Germann precision with bold, experimental American architectural thinking. Heavily influenced by digital technology, communication, and data protection. He established his own architecture firm, J.Mayer H. Architekten, in Berlin in 1996. His work emphasizes a strong sculptural quality Focusing on creating spaces that provoke interaction and engagement within their surroundings. He was inspired by the architect Zara Hadid (fluid like design) some say it's a 'blob’design.

He was fascinated by encryption patterns during his early days. This can be seen through one of his experimental exhibition, RAPPORT, in Berlin, Germany. 

RAPPORT, Berlin Germany.

He had always wanted to create a piece or structure of art that is able to engage with the environment and users in a more dynamic way. 

Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain.

Intrigued by flowing, non-linear forms that creates a sense of fluidity in architecture. How his architecture could influence and encourage social interaction. 

Dupli Casa, Ludwigsburg, Germany.

 Focuses on clean line executions and functional designs. Recently, he has taken an interest to include sustainability in his designs. 

ZIPPER RKM 740 TOWER

The RKM 740 Tower is positioned at the 466th mile, or 740th kilometer, of the course of the Rhine River, where it runs through the Düsseldorf-Heerdt neighborhood. 

DESIGN CONCEPT: 

- Residential high- rised building completed in 2017. (19 stories) 

- Mayer’s signature style, sleek, modern aesthetics and an emphasis on geometric forms.

- Zipper-like facade, where the staggered balconies and alternating glass and solid panels creates a ‘zipper’ effect. 

- Built using a reinforced concrete core and steel frame system to ensure structural stability and support the height.

- Deep foundation system supporting the high-rise structure, ensuring stability in an urban environment.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

1. Horizontal lines: Horizontal lines are introduced by the staggered balconies, adding         

    rhythm and visual balance.

2. Color : Neutral color palette (modern, minimalist look)

3. Texture: smooth glass and the contrasting zipper effect (creates layered texture and depth)

STRUCTURE & MATERIALS 

- The main components used to build the building is reinforced concrete and steel frame system to provide strength and support the building’s vertical load.

- Ensures structural integrity.

- Cutting and curving of facade elements.

- Mirrors the ripples of the Rhine creating a sense of movement. 

- Received an award in 2021 German Metal Construction Prize in the Window, Facade, Conservatory category.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS 

- First 6 levels : Medical residences.

- Level 7-8 : Hotel. 

- Level 9 - 17 : Residences (with different types of rooms). 

- Level 18 & 19 : Penthouse. 

- Level 20 : Rooftop.

INTERIOR SPACE: 

Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light, providing panoramic views while maintaining the building's structural integrity. Integrated with sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient systems for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

CHARACTERISTICS: 

Organic, flowing shapes influence the dynamic, layered façade, reflecting movement and fluidity. Natural light and ventilation. Functional medical spaces. (till the 6th floor) Barrier free and wheelchair accessible apartments.

ASSIGNMENT 1 - PART B 

We were assigned to select an installation project/exhibition for case study that resonates with our interests. The exhibition that I had chosen was the FUTURE WORLD: WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE located in the ArtScience Museum, Singapore. 

ABOUT THE ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM: 

- Iconic structure located at Marina Bay Sands. 

- Blends art, science, design and technology.

- A lotus inspired design with an outstretched 'hand’ symbolizing welcome and peace. 

- The circular opening at the roof channels the rainwater creating a water-fall like feature in the museum. (integrates sustainability into the architecture. 

- Design Principle: Rhythm - different length of the outstretched hands of the petal-like structure.

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVES: 

- ‘The Welcoming Hand of Singapore’. 

- Base : Surrounded by water and a giant lily pond.

- 3 level of galleries , with total area of 6000 square meters. 

- Supported by 10 columns.

- Main galleries located at Basement 2 .

FUTURE WORLD: WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE

What is it about? 

- Digital interactive experience developed in collaboration with teamLab.

- The artworks displayed respond to touch, movement and presence.

- Majorly driven by a collaboration between 2 major entities : teamLab (Japanese Art Collective) and The ArtScience Museum.

- The founder of teamLab ,Toshiyuki Inoko's vision for the collective has always been to explore the interaction between humans, nature and technology by using digital mediums.

Key Features: 

AR (AUGUMENTED REALITY) DISPLAYS 

- Interactive screens that responds to touch and movement.

- Live demonstration of 3D printing artworks, combining digital designs with physical form. - Real time projections onto walls, floors or sculptures that change based on visitor movements.

- Large touchscreens or interactive walls where multiple visitors can create art simultaneously, blending science concepts with visual design.

- By using a device provided, you're able to control your art on the projected screen. 

- Interactive spaces throughout the exhibition.

- Art installations powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or kinetic energy from visitors' movements.