Wednesday, 10 November 2010

Structure


By far the central draw of the space is the large ovular area. Above demonstrates the architect's clever way in highlighting the area within the whole paved space by raising the oval and having a step up towards the end. Also noticing the change in texture from linear lines to a far smoother exterior.


This image of the other side shows how it becomes further raised with more steps, increasing the defination of the space.

(Due to construction works it was not possible to take our own clear images to illustrate this point. Instead these are taken from http://www.esi.info/detail.cfm/Hardscape-Products-Ltd/Natural-stone-materials-for-Worlds-End-Place-London/_/R-201.2401#)

Above you can see how the large ovular benched area interacts with the rest of the area. One of the main things to highlight is how the oval is angled in the general direction of the space so that it works with the space rather than oposing and disrupting it. From above you can also see how different paved slabs are use in the space, shown below as well. I think these help to define the space as they are used through out.


Looking at material connectivity, the elements making up the bench to be combined consist: of granite blocks as the main structure of the benches; wooden slats that make up the seat section; and stainless steel blocks acting as seating dividers.We firstly looked at how the wood had been connected to the stone. As you can see in the image below each wooden slat is initially joined to two thin lengths of stainless steel, one each side of the bench. When looking closley at this section it was difficult to see any sign of how they had been joined, and as we couldn't even see any evidence of screw heads, we have therefore made an educated guess as to how they are connected; counter sunk screws, into threaded holes.

The stainless steel lengths are then attatched to the main body of the benches; the stone blocks. Looking closely the use of a nut was evident, but again with no obvious exit hole, we have to make an estimated guess, this time suggesting the use of a threaded length screwed into the stone base, through the bolt, and then up through the stainless steel. Lastly the join between the blocks themselves and the ground is done by a clearly evident use of cement.

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