Minimalism and Modernism Project (Catalyst)

During the Christmas holidays we have been given some researches to do on :
Modernism, Minimalism, Abstract, Digital and Conceptual.
I chose to focus on Modernism and Minimalism, which are luckily my favourite art/architecture/design movements.

On the first day after the break we've been to the V&A museum. I've been looking at some modernist and minimalist design. I went to the Architecture department (I found it amazing, with lots of complex and beautiful models) and found out that modernism rhymes with sustainability.
I discovered the BedZED complex in Croydon, London. It gave me the idea to work on a sustainable, simple, prefab house.

 

BedZED model at the V&A architecture department. 

BedZED in real life 

Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is an environmentally friendly housing development in Hackbridge,London, England. It is in the London Borough of Sutton, about 2 miles (3 km) east of the town of Sutton itself. It was designed by the architect Bill Dunster to support a more sustainable lifestyle. The project was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize in 2003.

                                                                                       The project is designed to use only energy from renewable sources generated on site. The houses face south to take advantage of solar gain, are triple glazed, and have high thermal insulation. Building materials were selected from renewable or recycled sources within 35 miles (56 km) of the site, to minimize the energy required for transportation.

Then I've done some researches on Minimalist painters and found the work of two amazings painters : 

Their paintings really looked like floor plans to me. So I decided to create some on my sketchbook. I selected one collage to be my house's actual floor plan. 

Final researches on Minimalism and Sustainability on sketchbook : 

I decided to build the house in California. I went to Los Angeles two years ago and Palos Verdes is for the moment my all time favourite place, the view is absolutely breath taking. If I had the chance one day to build a house I would choose this location. It is between sea and mountains and perfect for a sustainable house. 

I've been playing around with Sketch up to illustrate my final idea. 

Then to finish the project I've made a model with cardboard, clear plastic and fake grass/trees. It is the first 'real' architecture model I've done and I am pretty happy with the result. It was complicated to make the round part with the bay window so if I would have had more time I would have concentrate more on that, maybe use other materials, easier to twist. 

I had so much pleasure working on this project. It is my favourite of this year so far. I was glad to learn as much as possible on minimalism and sustainable architectures (it is what truly passionates me in this field) and it strengthened me with my idea of the kind of architect I would like to become. 

Home Olympics Games

For this two weeks projects we were given lots of options and I chose the "Everyday Olympics" one. We were supposed to create a structure that will host a new and different olympic game. The rules will have to be inspired by something you do in your house (ironing, cleaning, washing the dishes...) 

I found this project original and so different that is why I chose it. 

We went to Westfield Shopping Center in Stratford to find inspiration. It was the Christmas period so every shops were decorated with trees, snows, ginger bread... 

It is one of my favourite period, and what I like doing during this time is decorating my christmas tree! 

So the rules for my game will be a race between team to decorate a tree! 

The game will be played in the street, and the team will be people living in the neighborhood. I chose where I live in London (Island Road) to be the place where the event will be host. 

Sketchbook researches

I liked the sustainable Christmas tree by 1024 Architecture in Brussels. It is such a good idea not to cut down a tree but create one that will be as beautiful and even more original. 

I took the idea of dozen of boxes for my structure. 

I will design a climbing wall which will have a Christmas tree look. 

The people will decorate the trees that are already in the street, no need to cut and damage them. Once the game is finished the trees will still be there. 

Each teams will be given a kit of boxes to create themselves the climbing wall. Then they will have to clim on it and decorate the tree. The team that will be the fastest will win the contest. 

I once again choose the idea of sustainability for my project. I thought it will be no point to create plastic boxes only for the game. They need an actual purpose, they need to be used throughout the year. 

Something that is really annoying about my street is that we don't have recycle bins. So why not say that the plastic recycle bins will be the kit for the climbing wall! 

There will be 4 different sizes and they will be used for 4 different materials. Plastic, paper, glass and metal. 

So 1 day a year the bins will be used as bricks for the game, and 364 days a year they will be recycle bins. 

I've done a model of the street with the trees. 

climbing wall information on sketchbook 

Sketchup modelling

Final drawings