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Mud puppies!

By xcastel | XL Urban Space Sculptor

Overview Instructions

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Courtesy Studio Gang Architects

State the design problem and situation: Studio Gang proposal for Northerly Island

Chicago needs a green space because certain creatures are becoming endangered. The pollution of the city is also a threat to the lives of inhabitant creatures. Finally, this green space should be a place where people can spend time and explore.

Collect Instructions

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Discuss what makes the landscape special

Document the walk (notes, sketches, photographs)

5 sites- specific ecosystem and related animal habitats

o wetland
o woodland
o prairie
o savannah
o reef

xcastel's work for the Collect Information step:

Summary
Information was collected by snapping photographs of the site and studying a site plan. In the proposed plan for the site, a pond will be created in the middle of the land.
This is the location of where the mud puppies structure will be located.
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A better view of the structure. A canopy-type will also be built on top of the roof garden.
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Courtesy of Google Images, this is a wide shot of the current Northerly Island.
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Again, courtesy of Google Images, this is the location of the site in Chicago.
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Brainstorm Instructions

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Courtesy Studio Gang Architects

Discussion options for nature centre and sign up for a program

Brainstorm large aerial photographs of the site to develop locate the program on the site

iRemix

xcastel's work for the Brainstorm Ideas step:

Summary
The first model I created I just glued pieces together, not even thinking about the structure yet. Then from there the piece was rotated and viewed in different perspectives.

Develop Instructions

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  • Construct a volume out of of a cardboard kit of parts.
  • Volumes introduce scale and space and is a tool for laying out the plan
  • Use Volumes to locate the programs decided (scale 1 cm=1m)
  • Each group has a clear Urban Plan for their site and each student is assigned a specific architectural program for that site

Artifacts:

  • Photograph the models (exterior / interior)
  • Add sketches for green innovations and environmentally friendly elements- use text to describe how sustainability is integrated into the design plan.
  • Collage: “feeling” that design will evoke- use text to describe the feeling that is evoked and how it is evoked through design
  • Sketches about how to use light- use text to describe the how light is used.
  • Write out the program requirements for their site creating a list and drawing
  • Draw and collage a sectional / elevation view of the site using models and photographs as a guide

Students will build a frame of their model

xcastel's work for the Develop Solutions step:

Summary
The first model where we just glued pieces together was one of the most difficult for me because I was trying to think too much about how a building could be made from it.
Building the canopy was not an easy task.
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Finally it is placed on the structure. The glass room might be a problem in seeing the interior.
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Another view of the structure. It also shows the drains on top of the green canopy-like piece....
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Final Instructions

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Courtesy Studio Gang Architects

  • Use study models to build a scale model of their designs
  • Use a scale photograph
  • Use the large scale model and group model site as a guide to make decisions and understand impact of the design- Write up analysis
  • Place the completed model on the group site and bring the pieces together
  • Highlight: pathways, lighting, benches, garbage bins, trees, roadways
  • Take photographs and write up the text to describe your site’s design and how it connects with the larger model
  • Reflect on the process and post URL and Reflection to iRemix site

xcastel's work for the Final Design step:

Summary
My final design is great, in my opinion. It is Eco friendly and people friendly. It is a place where people, plants, and creatures of all sorts can co-inhabit.
This is my final structure on its site.
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Stunning!
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This is a side view coming from the edge of the forest, looking out towards the lake.
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Finally, compare this first model to the finished piece. Great work, huh?
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