Working Out the Construction Details

I had the concept but have no idea how the structure could be constructed in real life. I researched underground tunnels and subway systems (a little different as there was a gap between the tunnel and my structure). 

Googling random words about "supporting pipes" finally got me to look at industrial pipes and then to "pipe saddles" used in water service and power stations that were also load bearing (made to stop unwanted movement, give insulation/dampening to prevent abrasive wear). Previously, I had deduced that a tunnel of that size wouldn't be able to carry it's own weight as well as the weight of people with just a clamp, so it needed some sort of base. "Pipe saddles" gave me a lot of ideas as to how my tunnel could be supported and even had dimensions for a tunnel that size/weight.

Just some pictures that started off my drawing process of working out details of construction:

I-clip used in-situ to support heavy pipe.

Pipe Saddle With Multiple Gussets.

Strong concrete base.

Possible way of securing the tunnel to wall.

The origin of my clamp idea. (I-clip on saddle)

Another way of holding pipe in place.

"Designed to provide support between the steel pipe and its supporting structure."
Used for electrical isolation and abrasion control of mains and by industry for load distribution, energy conservation, and electrical insulation protection.

 

 

 

Extended edges to prevent rolling.

New Project: SUSTENANCE

"Sustenance: A source of strength and nourishment" (Oxford Dictionary)

My interpretation of Sustenance: A network of relationships (friends and family) that one constantly relies on to gain their strength and nourishment.

After my "waking moment", the internet/phone is the first thing I access to re-connect to friends (through texting or checking for new messages). The internet/phone allows a user to connect to people tangibly through intangible/unseen pathways (wireless internet, signals, the ether) and sources its power from cables and electricity.

Using that concept, I've designed a meeting-place, where people can meet face-to-face or over distances through the internet/phone. It is a giant cable that winds through the city, through buildings and can also be found in segments sitting on sidewalks, on a building roof etc- it metaphorically translates the idea of relationship "networks" and encourages people to re-connect through the day. The long lengths of benches inside the tunnel draws on the idea that before social sites like Facebook, parks were (and still are) meeting places during breaks or used just generally as a social spot.

This idea is based on the importance of interpersonal relationships, whether through the older or newer ways of communication.

Finished Pavilion

Closer look at the mushrooms :)

Internal Space

Side View

Initial Structure

In the process of deciding where everything goes.

Add caption

THE MEANING OF LIFE

It is finally clear what our project is about.

We are working with a building form, based somewhere on site/terrain, that invokes a feeling or emotion of "waking", with specific emphasis on creating an "atmosphere"- using a restricted palatte and copious amounts of subtlety and restraint.

"Waking Dreams"

So before today, I was intending to use the idea of "waking dreams", (that drifting moment between sleeping and literally "waking up"... Between dreaming/reality, where things are malleable and possible before being fixed through waking, where reality and a dream are indistinguishable) to inform my virtual reality project ....

How does the mushroom come in, you ask?

With the juxtaposition/placement of a "dream" object (see popular culture "Alice in Wonderland", cartoon Mario and Magic Mushrooms) in "real" scenario (the section)- kind of a shock effect.

But apparently it's supposed to be architecture in the form of a building-

So back to Square One.

Difference between Architecture and an Object

Architecture...

Engages all the senses
Architecture supports human living
Improves the quality of life
Has a spatial quality (in, out, on, under, over, through, beyond, NOT "at")
Is the work of a "collective"
Is an every day event
Deals with both the corporeal and permanent- works with void
Is a process
Architecture has subtlety
Elements of environment: snow, wind, temperature, climate, terrain