OUR FIRST MEETING

During our first visit to TASC we were taken on a tour of the site by Catherine, Dan, and Tam who highlighted the various aspects of the existing studio that were in need of intervention. As we became more familiar with the building and the immediate context, TASC explained to us what their particular intentions were for the project, before asking us if we had any initial ideas. We proceeded to discuss these in more detail from inside the studio, which resulted in a fast-paced and exciting exchange of creative thoughts.

We then collectively recalled all of the key points that were raised throughout the tour, and also made notes of the possible solutions in preparation for the production of a detailed design brief. Among a number of much-needed architectural solutions, it quickly became clear that achieving a high level of flexibility is considered a fundamental requirement for the project. This led to the discussion of integrating flexibility and adaptability into some of the internal interventions, such as furniture and workstations. Stay tuned for our next blog update, which will document the site analysis of the TASC studio!

OUR SECOND MEETING

During our second meeting, we presented our session plan and preliminary design brief to Catherine, Dan, and Tam. We then proceeded to discuss both elements in further detail, as well as the roles of the undergraduate students for the project. Following from this, the conversation moved to the major aspects of the design brief including the flexible furniture solutions. All the while, we made sure that we compared the details of the design brief and our overall planning with TASC's specific aspirations for the project, to ensure that we get the best results as possible!

TASC then spoke a bit more about the work that they have done in the past as well as show us their physical portfolios. This was very useful as it enabled us to further familiarise ourselves with the kind of work they have produced, and the values that they advocate through their collaborations.

In addition to this, we also agreed on a suitable date for the next meeting, during which the undergraduates would be able to see the site and meet TASC. Catherine, Dan, and Tam responded very positively to the progress we made in terms of the planning for the event. Indeed, great enthusiasm remains at the centre of the project!

DESIGN BRIEF

After receiving confirmation from TASC regarding the possible design solutions for the renovation of their studio, we produced a final brief to work with.

In addition to the key points outlined in the post displayed above, we identified a number of important factors to consider, which are as follows;

- As part of the design process, it is proposed that 1:2 concept models should be produced in order to quickly and efficiently test ideas related to flexible furniture and working areas. It is intended that these interventions should encourage immersive and creative learning upon completion of the project.

- There is an opportunity to open up the ceiling and extend upwards in order to gain additional floor area and internal volume. This would be an effective way of creating a space with an increased ceiling height in order to provide a space tall enough for large installations and art pieces. TASC was also enthusiastic about the addition of a mezzanine floor which could provide alternative viewpoints for exhibitions, as well as adding an experiential element to the concept.

- A maximum of 30 children will use the space at any one time. Community groups will also use the space, therefore, achieving a free open-plan space with a high degree of flexibility is of critical importance.

- Considerations should also be made regarding the possibility of leaving elements of the building fabric exposed where possible (major structural components) to provide a real and tangible form of architectural education to both children and adults.

FINAL OUTCOME: PRESENTATION MODEL

As stated previously, one of the primary outputs for the project is a presentation model, which will be used to showcase the final design for the flexible furniture unit. This will be made to a very high standard using a range of machineries such as drills, bandsaws, vacuum forms and sanding equipment.

The model will be constructed by a small group of three; one master’s student and two undergraduate students, and this will be completed in the university workshop. Particular students for this role will be confirmed at a later date after the concept workshop has been completed and the chosen design for the flexible furniture unit has been developed.

Sustainable and locally sourced materials will be used during the manufacturing process and great effort will be made to ensure that the flexibility enabling mechanisms integrated into the design work as the real product would.

The presentation model will be produced to a scale of 1:2 to ensure that the design is accurately represented to a high level of detail, but also to ensure that the model is a small enough size to be easily transported to multiple locations for future exhibitions and meetings.

PRECEDENT STUDIES

A study on the flexible box by Studio Precht was used to aid the discussion on solutions that address the issue of space-saving and storage space. While we do intend to design a flexible furniture concept that could be integrated within the TASC studio, we also intend to apply space-saving techniques to other areas of the interior. The box by Studio Precht contains a working desk, a sliding drawer for artwork and a seating area and has been designed so that its elements can be pulled out and pushed back in according to the desires of the user.

The precedent study on Robson Square was used to highlight effective design moves that create welcoming and accessible external spaces. As prescribed by the design brief for the renovation of the TASC studio, it is important for us to consider the importance of the immediate external landscaping. A key requirement is to improve the entrance to the studio, which is currently accessed via a narrow ramp and leads to a door with steps on the interior side, ultimately resulting with a problematic entry point for disabled people. It was decided that successful projects such as the Robson Square should stand as inspiration when designing the key external areas of the TASC studio renovation.