hannaspatialdesignstudio

[hannaspatialdesignstudio]

I really enjoyed this project this semester. I really enjoyed exploring the concept of water. I believe I could have pushed myself further with my ideas, however I am happy with my final outcome. 

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FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATION

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detail. 

boulder connects to the ceiling of the space. The netting is able to hold it up with a heavy duty hook skrew. 

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quick sketches while thinking about the layout of the space 

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practice section

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When making my model I realised that I wanted the windows to be longer and narrow rather than wider. This is mainly just because of the shadow that is being cast from the shape. The shadow that would be created from longer, narrow windows would look more like this:

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A few quick sketches of a proposal for an arch way when people enter or exit the space. The archway would go near the windows. This would just create an inviting area which will separate the higher levels which are not being developed. It will distinguish and almost disguise the more run down design above. 

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A few quick sketches of my ideas for ways to have the baths. These are different ways people could interact with them. 

Large bath that is open where multiple people can interact with the one space. 

A few smaller baths were people could interact with smaller groups in the same bath with people you may know. 

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CARLO SCARPA

In a week 5 lecture on what we have decided for our design so far and how will people interact with our space, we were shown an example of Carlo Scarpa’s Querini stampalia. This is a set of stairs that he has developed over a long time after examining the patterns of the environment in Venice. Taking advantage of the canals and tide changes that occur, He has used water as a material in the design. This an interesting example of using the environment, and thinking about how it can interact with the space in a different way. 

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HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP + CAVE

I had a sudden thought about himalayan salt lamps as I have many in my, at home, working environment. They preserve their natural crystal, rocky shape which has this organic feel to it. Himalayan salt is known to have many health benefits including improving respiratory conditions, allergies, removing toxins from the body, and having a therapeutic effect on people. This concept has already lead people to the idea of a salt cave. This is almost like a bath house or a spa, without the pool or massage therapy. The existing benefits of the salt is meant to leave people feeling refreshed physically, and emotionally. This is especially relevant for Auckland’s current health situation. Coronavirus is a respiratory disease which means people would be interested to have a space where they could potentially boost their respiratory system. 

This could be an interesting idea for me to develop for my design especially for the mental benefits for the students. I could bring a new idea to a bath house, and instead of rock, maybe it could be himalayan salt. 

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WAITOMO CAVES

Waitomo caves is another example of rocks and water. I have visited these caves and it was an astonishing experience. The caves are using a different kind of natural light. The cave is completely lit up by glow worms which creates an illusion of blue artificial light. 

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SUBTERRANEAN LAKE

This is an example of rocks, again, interacting with water. I have been looking at different kinds of these examples. I find that they all involve natural light and these wonderful organic colours. The subterranean lakes often involve naturally greeny-blue colours. There are three kinds of these lakes; Subterranean lake/river which evolve underground over rock and other natural material, a subglacial lake, which evolves under an ice sheet and over the earths rock, and a subterranean waterfall which forms through erosion of the earth in a vertical direction, creating a waterfall. The Subglacial lake, I imagine would have that temperature threshold of cold to hot. I am guessing that due to it being under the cold, icy, environment it would be warmer. 

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Gaston Bachelard’s essay on the imagination of water, is written in an interesting way. He explains in his view on the element that people are the most entertained by water rather than the other elements. Water is the one that you can see, touch, smell, and interact with as a human. It has depth and beauty. He mentions how water never stops flowing. He says, “one cannot bathe twice in the same river.” This is because it is infinity, it never stops moving, like a river. He talks about water like its got a soul or personality. Water can be both healing and violent. I understand and recognise these qualities in water, from the concept of a fast moving river or current in a wave to a slow stream. 

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From a week 5 workshop we had to write a short creative writing piece about an experience with water. This was mine: 

Spitting cold drops of it’s essence. it falls around the creaking planks leaving behind a trail. Darkening as it rushes down the drive, building on each other, it’s free. The sharp rocks fall away at it’s passing, it flows like time. It never stays here long enough to make a home, yet it’s a part of this place. 

When this place stops breathing, the rain is sweet. It falls on me, in my hair, on my skin, it is cold but I feel safe. Even when I am protected by the warmth, I am still reminded of it’s presence. 

When we had a personal review of the work we have collected so far, I noted the 

verb - flowing

the adjectives - cold, dark, calm, rough

the nouns - environment, water, climate.

what I noticed in my work so far was a common theme of the environment/ nature and natural factors. 

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I took a bath to figure out my own process of a bathing experience. I but in the bath; lavender oil for a relaxing smell, candles, and bath salts. These are for physical and mental health. I usually find I have baths when I am feeling overwhelmed or stressed and it helps. What I found was that the water in the bath was very hot and hard to sit in at first. Even after sitting in the water for a while I had to get out to cool down. This made me think about these conditions in my bath house. Everyone will be different when it comes to what temperature they are comfortable in. The beams in the space could come at good use in the instance. For example a few will go into the pool which means I could create a seating space in the bath which goes around the pole. This will create a threshold for people who