The final stage to the Transgression in Peace event was to produce a final slideshow containing an informative run through of our design process, from site analysis to final renders.

I created this visual of the site to provide the client with a clear interpretation of the sites final proposals and the emotions felt when occupying the space.

Both the Landscape Architecture students and the Architecture students collaborated and brainstormed design proposals for the central pavilion. Its objectives were to create a suitable yet complimentary pavilion for the designated space.

Alongside the decision making of the proposed layout for the site, the planting scheme was to be established in order to make a formative decision on the dynamics of the space. Our planting was to be of dense, full grasses creating an enclosed, solitude area for occupiers. Low maintenance plants were requested by the client, soil conditions were moist clay and so the decisions towards the planting were of some in-depth consideration to attend to these objectives.

On the ninth day we finalised the layout of the planting in CAD to create two accurate schemes, one which would use specimen grasses as low planting, and one which would use meadow grass seed planting to the same effect. These provided two options with a very similar aesthetic but different price to allow the client to choose whichever option was most suitable for the budget, and show that we were flexible in our schemes. Finally on the tenth day the whole of our work was presented to the client, who was very enthusiastic with our results, and to the events team.
Overall the project has been very rewarding, and we hope to continue to the completion and implementation of the design.

On the eighth day we looked in further detail at the species chosen to be part of the planting scheme, which was an essential part of the site to create the feeling of calm and peace that individuals would enjoy. We chose low maintenance species to coincide with the present two week maintenance schedule of the area, species that could tolerate damp clay soils and would add movement and texture to the site.

The sixth and seventh day focused on perfecting the chosen design and considering coinciding elements such as the materials of the circulation and the exact location of the quiet individual seating areas. The planting was also sketched to show how a feeling of privacy was created from the height of the planting, as well as clear views.

Events was concluded with a final presentation of the outcomes and process over the past two weeks. Presentations began on the penultimate day when ideas were presented to the client and a tutor for critical review. Following this, the presentation was amended and finalised, and work was collated and presented to tutors by a few members of the group

We carried out a mass amount of site analysis, which highly influenced the initial design process further providing assistance with the production of the general layout for the site. Its design was established with the intention to attend to the clients requirements; Planting scheme to be the primary focal point to the design with a labyrinth/maze like layout to complement it, water implementation, a pavilion and more.

We began our events by visiting the site to accumulate a sense of emotion for the space in its current setting. I produced various sketches which would further act as an aid into the reflection of the sites character when carrying out the design process.

Final stages of events consisted mainly of visualising the proposed changes in a way that was easy to understand and propose, as well as finalising technical detail with location of planting and its function within the landscape and the structural elements being implemented

With the knowledge that the client wanted vegetation to be a key aspect of the design, much time was spend deciding on a planting scheme for the site. Planting chosen was inspired by designer Piet Oudolf, and chosen based in variation in height and seasonal appearance, and a colour swatch of cool and calming tones. Having calculated cost, two options were reached with the second acting as a cheaper, back-up option replacing some of the grasses with a wildflower seed mix

Having decided on a basic site concept and layout, functionality and individual issues within the design were considered and identified, allowing collaboration with the architecture students who were then able to begin to implement structural ideas into the layout chosen and decide on final changes within the functionality and layout of the space

Following analysis, concepts for development were discussed and considered, with a final layout being chosen based on a geometric pattern that is fitting to the largely geometric surrounding structures. Different levels of interaction within the site, as well as group and individual usage, allowing for the implementation of seating and structures

First stages of the events programme consisted of site analysis and response. This included interpreting and sketching the site and its opportunities, diagramming circulation, movement, level change and assessing potential limitations for design, such as noise pollution and water logging

Concept ideas again!

More concepts sketches.

Concept sketches of the peace garden 1.

Render 3 of 3D model concepts for the fountain area. (Outdoor Lighting)

Render 2 of 3D model concepts for the fountain area. (Wireframe)

Render 1 of 3D model concepts for the fountain area.

Site perspective 2 - physical model

Site perspective - physical model

Site model I made

Final review

Feedback after the presentation

Interior perspective of the structure. Showing different level heights. The structure is quite simple one. two cantilevers facing each other providing shelter,protection and transparency. The pavilion I've designed has the purpose to serve as a place where people can rest and that is the concept of the project. By simplifying the structure, I've tried to create a low cost pavilion.

Developing design of an outdoor space. The render shows a top view from above capturing the whole scheme. This perspective demonstrates how architecture and landscape could work together, We, the architecture students collaborated with the landscape students for this project to create one peaceful outdoor space.

Site analysis. The site is actually a green unusable space which has a great potential. The idea of the client was to create a peaceful place for rest. At the moment the site is empty, people ignore it and our job was to bring it back to life as we redesign the landscape and create a flexible space for people to use.

Site analysis, sketching and diagramming. First day we had to explore the site and investigate the surroundings. The site is quite enclosed and it is exposed to the sun only from the east side. Also we had to diagram the circulation and the hierarchy in order to understand the site.

Discussing final presentation and design of the outdoor space. At the end we had several design options for the client. We thought that it is more sensible if we provide variety of options. However, the main scheme was creating a structure with water feature around it. In terms of landscape we all agreed with the planting, paths and water puddles.

Our presentation went incredibly well with Jane yesterday, they all were very enthusiastic about the design. It's very exciting that our design could actually be built. Brilliant two weeks meeting lots of new people and learning a new set of skills.

Bench design ideas. The integration of wood, plants and concrete to highlight the green space relationship with its urban environment.

Bench design ideas. Sculptural element to the space.

Photograph/observation
This demonstrates that a lot of the site is shielded by buildings, protecting it from the elements. There is less wind and sunlight that can access the site making it a more peaceful environment, suited to the project in hand.

Observation
The space isn't being utilise to its full potential. People aren't ingaging or integrating with the space, but rather walking around it following the pathways.

Day 1
Initial site sketches

precedent behind seating idea

diagramming program

Initial ideas to do with the site. I thought of how a water instillation could work on the blank wall. This can be peaceful and reduces noise form the car park on the other side. This also can be seen from different heights for people on the ground and inside the buildings.

Plan of existing site from the 2nd site visit to measure the heights. Shadows were also noted of.

Second to last day of Events and the designs are now being finalised in preparation for a crit to Revd Jayne Prestwood and Eddy Fox

Day 01 Site sketch

Day 1 Site sketch

seating concepts

quick sketch

Another render I made today and finished on photoshop. I think the lighting has proved very subtle and inviting.

initial sketches and diagrams of the structure. Creating an outdoor space, a pavilion which is flexible and serve different functions.

initial concept designs for the site

design options for proposed plan element

day 2 - went back to the site to survey building heights and topography

day 1 - initial site diagrams

sun and shade on site

day 1 - first site visit with the group. the site was set back from Oxford road so the site was reasonably quiet, with the only noise coming from a nearby construction, the site felt quite secluded, sitting in between 3 buildings, which makes it a good space for a peace garden.

peace concepts

site visit

A Quick concept design playing with curves

RESEARCH: Peace Quotations which can be used for scheme.

RESEARCH: Representations of Peace and Tranquility

RESEARCH: Representations of Peace and Tranquility

RESEARCH: Uses of light to set the mood and guide the people to a destination.

Today I have brought the idea of low cost, efficient LED lighting into the works. It's nice to see something I visualised in my head on paper. The LED lights will provide a warm feeling to the site and entice people to explore. I have had the idea to place these LED strips along the bottom of the cantilevering bricks, so they are hidden, but give the bricks a sense of levitating.

Landscape View of Site

Images used to measure the surrounding buildings.

Images used to measure height of the building.

Precedent behind seating idea - dangling egg shaped woven chairs that would dangle from structure

Sketch up model of structure and seating

20/05/15

Another quick (figuratively) roundtable meeting to discuss the tasks assigned yesterday. In a large group like this, communication is key to remaining on task and avoiding any surprises at the last minute when assembling all the material. Luckily our group are all sharp crayons when it comes to collaboration! Hurrah!

Joe

Lots of ideas and sketches being brainstormed. We have decided on the structure, types of plants and lighting so far. We have also thought about the typography of the site and how that may effect building costs.

19/05/15

The group assembled for a quick site visit under the grey Manchester skies to refresh our visions before we met Rev Jayne Prestwood to present our initial proposals. The meeting went down extremely well with all the designs received with enthusiasm by Jayne, after which we divided up some tasks between group members in order to ensure that the relevant work will be completed. Its been a great first week and Myself, Nat and Bry are really excited to see the work becoming one homogeneous project that has a very real chance of progressing into a built form. Top Stuff!

Joe

More discussions before meeting the chaplain to discuss the direction of the project.

Developing the concept with nice sketches and drawings

Task: Create a mood board to show different inspiration and ideas. I looked at different themes such as peace and reflection which were key ideas for the garden. From Monday's discussion, there were some ideas I looked into such as wanting to keep it related to the site (red brick path). I also looked at ideas to separate the areas whilst blending in with the landscape.

The fifth day, and over the weekend, was used to begin solidifying a layout for the circulation and planting of the site, as these would be the features that needed to be determined first before secondary features such as the central structure. A final strong layout with primary and secondary routes through the site was chosen, with group and individual seating areas, and naturalistic planting in contrast to the geometric shapes of the paths.

The third and fourth day was used to discuss which key elements the site needed as requested by Jayne (the Reverend), such as the circulation, planting, seating, sense of calm and water interaction. Several rough concepts were drawn up as part of this process.

The first two days consisted of viewing the site, taking in the area, how it felt, and producing some rough sketches and analysis to begin to determine what was needed for the site.

Site visit photo

Existing plan

Hand drawn perspective of the site and the surrounding buildings

My Site Model - Currently 2D