EXP3: Final Submission 5

 EXP3: Final Submission

The actual submission for the model had to be broken down into 5 posts due to technical problems being unable to upload into one big post.

Dropbox links:

Sketchup Model:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/se9jzjc27sonmw5/Sketchup%20Model%20%28excluding%20wheel%20and%20lift%29.skb
https://www.dropbox.com/s/92a3oe0g1mob9q9/Sketchup%20Model%20%28excluding%20wheel%20and%20lift%29.skp

Lumion:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/syzq5t4zz3l93rv/Lumion%20Valley.spr
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wdjhrfxzaisll27/Lumion%20Valley.sva

Sketchup Link:

The model is uploaded in the Sketchup 3D Warehouse with the name "EXP3: Jiuzhaigou School" with the tags: EXP3, ARCH1101, Harold XW, Jiuzhaigou School.

Folly:

Since the school was built above a valley floor of water, the folly was designed to protrude upwards from the water yet still act as a meeting space for the Dean and his students. Thus, by applying Wright's idea of organic architecture to my theory and putting theory to practice, the lotus flower style of folly became 'an approach to design problems'. Moreover, the lotus flower (which traditionally elevates itself just above the water's surface) is another Chinese motif which I wished to instill in the minds of the students so they can be reminded of the origins of their school, their surroundings, and thereby themselves.

Moving Elements:

Lift:
The lift comes straight from the Dean's Office (located at the bottom of the school) and reaches towards the lotus flower folly. The downward extension allowing the lift platform to slide has the 'grow' texture (to emphasise its function as a growing extension) and forms the lowest stroke of the 学 or "school" symbol. Like a majority of the school, its surface is a light wood to complement the surrounding environment. A simple open lift was chosen so that the people using it can have a more intimate relationship with nature, reflecting 'the Chinese [architectural] understanding that the heavens, the earth and human beings are intimately and innately connected'. In particular, the lift symbolises this connection between the earth/nature (valley floor/folly) and the heavens (the school to which we can look up to).

Water Wheel:
Being a school of not only architecture, but also computing and engineering, I wanted to create a moving element that would remind the students of the importance of engineering principles. Thus, I decided to implement a water wheel which would also act as an alternative hydroelectric power source for the school. The thought process for the water wheel happened naturally since there was the reminder that the school was situated over a valley river. More importantly, the use of the water wheel and our reliance on its power symbolises our 'need to connect to nature' - that without nature, we cannot support ourselves.