Sacred Space

Posted by Melissa De Freitas | Posted in | Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010

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I'm back, with a new design on hand. Probably one of the most interesting ones of the year thus far. The brief was to create a sacred space within the dense urban environment in Port Elizabeth central, Parliment Street.

My approach was to create a space that one can feel at peace, welcome, wanted and leave feeling completely fulfilled. To create a garden space within the dense urban environment where people, not only can visit for sacred reasons, but also a space where one can detach oneself from the urban lifestyle and be completely fulfilled within a green landscape that hides behind strong vertical planes.

Here is one of my final renderings. The use of pure geometry, allows the building to detach itself from nature but integrate itself through the use of natural materials in their pure state. The feeling within the structure is one that is ever changing, it is intierly dependable on the sun and the casting shadows of the natural drappings. It is highly unlikely that one will experience the same feeling twice, once entering this space, due to the fact that it is ever changing. An irrigation system has been incorporated into the steel braces to spray the green drappings three times a day, It may not be visible to the eye, but the glass box has been assembled at a slight angle to allow the water to run off it. Automatic louvers have been place both at the bottom and the top glass panes to allow for natural ventilation of the space.

Form and space

Posted by Melissa De Freitas | Posted in | Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010

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For those of you whom have been following my blogs since the start, you should be familiar with my
"Form and Space" design. As mentioned, a few adjustments needed to be made from my first attemp. That said, here are the final designs/renderings.

UK Pavilion: Shanghai Expo 2010

Posted by Melissa De Freitas | Posted in | Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010

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The UK Pavilion has to be one of my favourites at the Expo 2010. To me, it signifies impossibility through inspiration. Developed by UK’s leading creative talents, Thomas Heatherwick, the centrepiece of the UK pavilion is a six storey high object formed from some 60,000 slender transparent rods that act like fibre-optic filaments, and quiver in the breeze.



Have a look at the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq_GVcApKDQ&feature=player_embedded#!

Old vs New

Posted by Melissa De Freitas | Posted in | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010

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For  those still dealing with precedence study for the Library extension in Goven Mbeki, this will certainly be an interesting building to analyse.

The Royal Ontario Museum by Daniel Libeskind , provides a wonderful opportunity for dramatic new architecture and the creation of a great public attraction. The centrality of the site intensifies the profound relationship between history and the new, between tradition and innovation.

The historical buildings, complemented by forward-looking and bold architecture, form an ensemble which regenerates the urban significance of the Museum, solves the complex functional issues, and dramatically improves exhibitions, facilities, programming and amenities. transforming the entire museum complex into a world-class destination. The expansion and renovation project is known as Renaissance Rom.

Follow the link bellow for a complete analysis
http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/projects/show-all/royal-ontario-museum/


Radical expression of Architecture

Posted by Melissa De Freitas | Posted in | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010

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Those wanting to get behind the mind of Daniel Libeskind, take a few minutes and have a look at the link below. His profound passion for architecture is truly remarkable and it is a vivid expression throughout his designs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8w4UQL6aI0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q18yrrGNas&feature=related

Expo Shanghai 2010 takes off

Posted by Melissa De Freitas | Posted in | Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2010

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For the next 184 days, the most expensive exhibition in the world FINALLY takes off. The Expo opened to the public this morning and is expected to draw 70 million people over six months to the national pavilions, designed to reflect the urban sustainability theme of "Better City, Better Life." . The world unites for an Architectural show down in China.



For a complete view of all the exhibits, see the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t02giLzaj4w&feature=related