RESEARCH

Individual Preparation for Collaboration:

Research on small projects, my initial interest was in solar panels and how they might be effectively used in the small scale of a folie. Solar panels could be easily attached to the LEARNING aspect of the brief, through the sustainability aspect.

The project below is a conceptual work by Michael Janntzen. The form is 'a representation of the micro energetic interaction between photons of sunlight and the release of electrons with photovoltaic cells'. The black rectangles are in fact solar panels that would generate energy for the surrounding community.

(Photo courtesy of michaeljantzen.com)

I was also interested in more general, more pragmatic spaces that primarily function as a learning space. The project below by Burd Haward Architects, is a outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is interesting as it allows users to maintain a strong connection with nature. I also like the simple functional form, and the minimalist use of materials. Construction is also simple, once the pieces are pre-cut in a factory, on-site construction time is extremely quick.

(Photos courtesy of http://www.burdhaward.com/content/projects/proto/outcls.htm)

Below is South Pond Pavilion by Studio Gang. It is also an outdoor classroom space with a specific emphasis Yoga. The form of the building and the wooden members are simple in themselves, however the intersection of the wooden beams creates a complex membrane form, that lights up brilliantly at night.

(photos courtesy of archdaily.com)