Thursday 24 March 2011
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Monday 14 March 2011
Research Part A
Zentrum Paul Klee, Renzo Piano
The Zentrum Paul Klee museum was built in 2005, by Italian architect, Renzo piano. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of artist Paul Klee (1879 - 1940). The Zentrum Paul Klee is located in Bern, Swizterland.
With the Alps serving as the backdrop, the Zentrum Paul Klee blends into its natural surroundings. This is what makes its aesthetic qualities so significant. The simplistic curved and flowing design makes it look like an artificial hill that sits around the natural landscape.
The design uses minimal but strong materials. The structure is formed by 4.2kms of parallel steel arches. Because of the wave-like geometry the steel arches were manually welded together. Steel was used because it was the only material found that could respond adequately to the need and variations of plate thicknesses and different stresses to heat. Ties rods are used to ensure the stability of the steel arches. Glass is used for the glazed facades. Wood was used as a mould for the structuring of the arched roof, while oak is used in the flooring.
Renzo Piano designed the building with the intention of sustainability. Environmental impact studies were conducted on each material used in construction. The materials used ensure that the building has excellent insulation. The double glazing on the glass panels guarantees the lowest energy loss in winter and air conditioning in summer.
TGV Station, Santiago Calatrava
The TGV Station was built in 1994, by Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. The railway station hall is built adjacent from Lyon airport. The TGV station is a connection point for both TGV and airplanes into the regional road and rail system.
Although sitting structurally still, the building is expressive of movement and flight. There is an aero-dynamic feel to the building, which is representative of a bird. Calatrava’s design plan was to link the urban area and the less residential landscape with this building.
The focal point of the structure is it two converging steel arches. The building is a steel covered cement structure. The glass panels on the roof allow for transparency and natural light to enter the building
TWA Terminal building, Eero Saarinen
The TWA Terminal Building was built in 1962, by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen. It is located in JFK International Airport in New York.
The building was designed with the intention of giving the feeling of movement and transition. Eero Saarinen aimed at ‘creating dynamic space, a dramatic environment with associations to the excitement of travel’. There is an aero-dynamic feel to this design, with flowing movement that suits its setting as an airport terminal.
The structure is made of concrete and steel. Based within the concrete construction of the walls and arches, is reinforced steel.
The TWA Building ‘consists of four interacting vaulted domes supported on four Y-shaped columns. Together, the domes form a vast, umbrella-like shell curving over the passenger areas, fifty feet high and 315 feet long.’
Friday 11 March 2011
Poul Kjaerholm
Poul Kjaerholm was born in Oster Vra, Denmark. (1929-1980). He was a trained carpenter, and studied at the School of Arts & Crafts in Copenhagen. Poul Kjaerholm is best known for his furniture designs, such as the PK0 chair, PK24 chaise lounge, Hammock Chair, PK9 chair and PK61 table.
Poul Kjaerholm is considered one of the best furniture designers involved with Danish Modernism. He was one of the most prominent post-war Scandinavian designers. His furniture designs are the ultimate in uncompromising modern furniture. He had a particular interest in construction materials such as metal and steel, with these elements heavily referred to in his furniture pieces. He also used other natural materials such as wood and cane. Poul Kjaerholm favoured these materials because of their natural qualities and also for their surface finish. He heavily used steel in his furniture peices because of the elegance and class it added. The use of wood and steel seemed to complement each other in a way.
(image references - http://davidreport.com/200703/pk1-chair-by-poul-kjaerholm/http://www.express-furniture.co.uk/item--Poul+Kjaerholm+Inspired+PK24+Hammock+Chaise+Longue--EFW-L022.html)
The Hammock Chaise 24 1965
The Hammock chaise is made from woven cane, stainless steel and leather. The cane mattress rests on a stainless steel support frame, giving the look and feeling of being suspended or floating in space. The benefits of using steel, is that it is strong and lightweight, and its surface finish adds elegance to the design.
Thursday 10 March 2011
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